Internet in Montenegro – Montenegro has become a truly appealing travel destination, whether for business trips or leisure holidays. And it's no wonder – this is a stunningly scenic country where you can explore the Durmitor Mountains, the Tara River Canyon, the iconic bridge over the canyon, Lovcen National Park, and so much more. Before you arrive, however, it's worth thinking carefully about how the internet works in this region and which of the available options to choose so you don't overpay. Montenegro is not yet a member of the European Union, which means that roaming charges there can be painfully high. It's far more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card – or even better and more convenient – an eSIM. Of course, free Wi-Fi is available in many public places, including hotels, but in most cases it's neither fast nor secure. In this article, you'll learn what each available option involves and how to choose the solution that best fits your needs – so you can enjoy internet access in Montenegro stress-free without spending a fortune.
How Much Does Internet Cost in Montenegro?
One of the options mentioned above is roaming – and unfortunately, the cost of 1 MB of data can exceed 8 EUR! This might be acceptable for genuine emergencies, but it's absolutely not a solution for an entire trip. Just stop and imagine watching a movie under those conditions – paying a small fortune for two hours of entertainment is far from relaxing. The reason is that roaming relies on your home carrier's network, and while EU member states enjoy very low roaming costs, Montenegro and other non-EU countries can bring some very unpleasant surprises.
You can, of course, purchase an international data roaming package before you leave – most major carriers offer them:
- Orange offers roaming packages GO 150, GO 500, and GO 1 GB, which reduce data transfer costs. Priced at various tiers, these can be activated easily via the mobile app, SMS, or a special code.
- Play offers data packages of 150 MB, 300 MB, 1 GB, and 5 GB at different price points. These can also be activated via the app, SMS, or a special code.
- T-Mobile offers a 1 GB internet package for Montenegro and other selected countries, activatable by SMS.
- Plus has a wide range of options, with packages from 10 MB up to 500 MB – but these small volumes are rarely sufficient for most travellers, and the prices are quite steep. This might work for someone who barely uses the internet, but it won't hold up if you're spending time on social media, streaming video, using Google Maps, or searching for nearby attractions.
As you can see, these options still aren't very attractive. Let's move on to the next option: a local SIM card. In Montenegro, one of the available networks is ONE (formerly Telenor). Their tourist packages include: 500 GB for 10 Euros (7 days), 500 GB for 15 Euros (15 days), and 1 TB for 20 Euros (30 days).
The Telekom (T-Mobile) network offers the same packages as ONE: 500 GB for 7 days, 500 GB for 15 days, and 1 TB for 30 days at prices of 10, 15, and 20 euros respectively.
Another popular Montenegro operator is m:tel, which offers: 500 GB for 10 euros (15 days) and 500 GB for 15 euros (30 days).
While this option is significantly cheaper, it's still not ideal. To freely use a SIM card in Montenegro, you need to register it there in person, which means visiting a designated location with your documents – a waste of time that could be spent exploring the country's beautiful corners. Dealing with such formalities in a foreign country can also add unnecessary stress, which you should be leaving behind the moment you land.
As for Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, and public places, free access is fairly standard – Montenegro has good coverage in most places, but keep in mind that logging into your bank account or email on a public network carries real risks of data theft. What's more, the more people connected to a single network, the slower it gets. Public Wi-Fi is a stopgap, not a solution for your whole trip, so it's worth having a better plan in place.
Another option worth considering is a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. These can be purchased on international shopping platforms, with initial costs varying by device. They require a Wi-Fi-capable device, a charge, and some basic configuration. For example, according to information found online, the RoamWiFi 4G LTE mobile hotspot provides 10 GB in the US and 1 GB in 160 countries, including Montenegro. Is it worth it? Probably not for a short trip of a week or two. For a month or longer (remember, to stay in Montenegro for more than 90 days you'll need a passport!), it could be a reasonable option – provided you're comfortable managing the device. One advantage is being able to connect multiple devices simultaneously. So if you're travelling to Montenegro for business, you can have your phone, laptop, and smartwatch all connected to one secure network.
The smartest option is to get a virtual eSIM card with internet access in Montenegro – it's safe, convenient, and cheaper, especially for shorter trips (up to two weeks), as you'll see in the next section. No stress, no registration in a foreign country, and you can set it all up before you even board your flight.
What is an eSIM? Plenty of Benefits, Very Few Drawbacks.
An eSIM is a data carrier that keeps you connected to the world. It's essentially the same as a SIM card, but without the physical version – a step beyond micro and nano SIM cards. A virtual eSIM separates the data carrier from any physical form. More and more mid-range phones now support this technology, and in a few years it will likely be available on the vast majority of smartphones. eSIM can also be used on other devices like tablets and smartwatches. With an eSIM, you save a huge amount of time – no need to visit a carrier store, the entire process can be done online, and installation is simple enough for anyone to manage. There's also no risk of losing the card – it's always right where it should be. Another major advantage of eSIM cards is the ability to use a single phone number across more than one device. eSIM is the ideal solution for international travel, whether for leisure or business – it lets you connect at a fraction of the cost in countries outside the European Union. In the following section, you'll find details about our specific offer for internet in Montenegro and discover why eSIM5 is the right choice.
eSIM Montenegro – How Does Our Montenegro eSIM Offer Work?
It's best to purchase and install your eSIM before your flight. This way, you'll be able to use internet in Montenegro right after landing, without worrying about finding a physical SIM card in Montenegro.
But what exactly is an eSIM card? It's a non-physical variant of the SIM card that is completely secure – and in the event of theft or loss of your phone, no one can remove it from the device, which makes it easier to locate. It can be used as a dual SIM on phones that support this feature.
Before purchasing, check on our website which smartphone models support eSIM – you can do so here. After purchasing your eSIM for Montenegro and receiving it at your email address, you can easily install it on your phone. Simply scan the QR code sent to you and your phone will walk you through the installation steps. You can find a full step-by-step guide in this installation guide.
Our current offer includes, among others:
- 3 GB for 30 days
- 5 GB for 30 days
- 10 GB for 7 days
We support the following networks: Crnogorski Telekom Montenegro and MTEL Montenegro, ensuring a strong connection and secure data transmission with your own personal internet.
How to Purchase and Install an eSIM at eSIM5.com?
Before purchasing, as mentioned in the previous section, check whether your phone supports eSIM (menu headings in settings may vary slightly depending on your phone model):
- Purchase the data package that suits you from our offer.
- Go to your phone's Settings -> Mobile Networks -> SIM Cards.
- Tap "Add eSIM".
- Select "Use QR Code". Important: You need a stable Wi-Fi connection for this process. Also note that you cannot interrupt the eSIM installation once started – doing so will result in losing the eSIM and all its data. The installer will guide you through each step, including adding a label to your installed eSIM.
- In the eSIM settings, remember to enable data roaming – otherwise the card won't work correctly.
- Before travelling to Montenegro, switch your primary SIM card to the eSIM to avoid unnecessary charges. Simply disable your primary SIM and enable the freshly installed eSIM.
- Remember not to enable "Cellular Data Switching" – this will protect you from additional charges from your home carrier. Some carriers control this automatically, but it's always worth checking yourself.
Remember, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our experienced team – we'll be happy to explain how the eSIM card works and address any doubts you may have about the process.
Is Using an eSIM in Montenegro Safe?
Yes – an eSIM card is a very secure option, regardless of your location. You can freely switch between active eSIM cards by changing your selection in Settings. This can be particularly handy if you travel to the same destinations regularly.
And that's not all – on many phone models you can have two eSIM cards active simultaneously – one for your trip and one for regular use at home.
With an eSIM you don't need to buy, carry, or swap physical SIM cards (which can also get lost), and you don't need to wait for them to arrive by post. It's also an eco-friendly choice – you're saving not only a piece of unnecessary plastic but also the fuel consumed when a card is delivered by courier.
Remember: an eSIM is safer than a physical SIM card, because it cannot be removed from your device in the event of loss or theft.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in Montenegro
How can I use the internet in Montenegro?
Among the available options you have: a) roaming – purchasing an international roaming package from your home carrier, b) a local Montenegro SIM card, c) free Wi-Fi in public places, d) and the most cost-effective option – an eSIM card.
Does roaming apply in Montenegro?
Montenegro falls in roaming zone 2, which means it's best not to enable data transfer on your Polish SIM card. If you do, you could end up paying astronomical prices for even a brief connection!
How much does internet cost on a Montenegro SIM card?
For a SIM card purchased and registered in Montenegro, the cost of internet is: – 500 GB for 7 days for 10 euros, – 500 GB for 15 days for 15 euros, – and 1 TB for 30 days for 20 euros. These prices were valid at the time this article was written.
Is using an eSIM in Montenegro safe?
Yes – an eSIM card is a very secure option regardless of location. You can freely switch between active eSIM cards through your Settings. This is particularly useful if you travel regularly.
How much does 1 MB of data cost with roaming active in Montenegro?
1 MB of data in Montenegro can cost more than 8 EUR! This means that watching a 2-3 hour film could cost you an enormous sum. You'll typically only find out the damage when the bill arrives after you return home. It's best to avoid this option entirely and only use roaming for genuine emergencies!
What is an eSIM card?
An eSIM card is a virtual SIM card. You can use it exactly like a regular SIM card – but without the need to insert or remove a physical piece of plastic. It's incredibly convenient and secure, especially for frequent travellers!
Is it worth switching to eSIM in Montenegro?
Yes – an eSIM card is safer than a physical SIM card because it cannot be removed in the event of loss or theft. Not having to physically handle the card is also a convenience for the user.
Do I need a visa to visit Montenegro?
Citizens of most EU countries can enter Montenegro with a valid national ID card or passport for stays of up to 30 days. For stays between 30 and 90 days, a valid passport is required. For stays exceeding 90 days, a visa is required. Always check the latest entry requirements with your country's foreign affairs ministry before travelling.
