Making calls in Montenegro: How to use your cell phone on vacation
Montenegro, a small country on the Adriatic coast, is known for its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural treasures and hospitable people. During your trip through this beautiful country, you will certainly want to be reachable at all times and have the opportunity to connect with family and friends. However, Montenegro is outside the EU, which means that using your German cell phone contract here can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are inexpensive alternatives so that you can also make calls and surf the Internet in Montenegro without any problems. In this blog article you will find out how to use your phone in Montenegro and learn about two different ways to stay mobile at low cost: buying a prepaid SIM card and using a mobile router.
Option 1: Buy a prepaid SIM card
What is a prepaid SIM card?
A prepaid SIM card is a prepaid phone card that you can insert into your cell phone. It allows you to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data without having to sign a long-term contract. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available in Montenegro and can be easily purchased at petrol stations, kiosks or mobile phone stores.
Advantages of the prepaid SIM card
- Cost-effective:
Prepaid SIM cards offer flexible tariffs and are often cheaper than international roaming charges. - Easy handling:
You can simply insert the card into your cell phone and use it immediately. - No contract:
There are no long-term commitments or monthly bills.
Disadvantages of the prepaid SIM card
- Local number:
You will receive a local telephone number, which can lead to confusion for incoming calls from abroad. - Limited amount of data:
Some tariffs only offer limited data volumes, which can be used up quickly with intensive use.
Providers and costs
There are several providers of prepaid SIM cards in Montenegro. Here is an updated overview of the tourist prepaid SIM cards:
| Provider | Costs (starter package) | Data volume | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crnogorski Telekom | 10 EUR | 500 GB | 7 days |
| Crnogorski Telekom | 15 EUR | 500 GB | 15 days |
| Crnogorski Telekom | 20 EUR | 500 GB | 30 days |
| One Montenegro (Telenor) | 5 EUR | 1-2 GB | 7 days |
| One Montenegro (Telenor) | 10 EUR | 10 GB | 30 days |
| One Montenegro (Telenor) | 15 EUR | 20 GB | 30 days |
| m:tel
|
10 EUR | 500 GB | 15 days |
| m:tel
|
15 EUR | 500 GB | 30 days |
Variant 2: Mobile router with prepaid SIM card
What is a mobile router?
A mobile router is a small device that uses a SIM card to generate a WLAN signal. This signal can be used by several devices at the same time, so you can connect not only your cell phone but also your tablet or laptop to the Internet.
Advantages of the mobile router
- Multiple devices:
You can connect several devices at the same time, which is particularly practical for families or groups of friends. This saves money, as not everyone needs their own prepaid SIM card. - Better connectivity:
Mobile routers often offer a stronger and more stable Internet connection than directly in the cell phone. - Flexibility:
You can use the router in Montenegro as well as in other countries by simply exchanging the SIM card.
Disadvantages of the mobile router
- Additional costs:
The purchase of a mobile router is associated with additional costs. - Additional device:
You must carry and charge another device with you. - Furnishings:
Setting it up can be a little more complicated than with a prepaid SIM card in your cell phone.
Example of the cost of a mobile router
The cost of a mobile router varies depending on the model and retailer. Here is an example:
- In Germany:
A simple mobile router costs around 40-60 EUR. Popular models such as the Huawei E5576 or the TP-Link M7350 offer reliable connections and simple operation. - In Montenegro:
Mobile routers are also available and cost around EUR 50-70, depending on the model and dealer. It is advisable to compare prices and possibly purchase a router before traveling.
Change settings in the cell phone
When crossing the border into Montenegro, it is important to check and adjust the settings on your cell phone. Deactivate data roaming to avoid high costs and only activate it if you are using a local SIM card or a mobile router with a local SIM card. Make sure that your phone is unlocked so that it is compatible with a new SIM card. Some steps you should follow:
- Deactivate data roaming:
Go to your cell phone settings and switch off data roaming to avoid high roaming charges. - Select network manually:
Manually select the network of your new provider to ensure that you have the best possible connection. - Customize APN settings:
Update the APN settings according to the new provider’s specifications so that you can use mobile data.
Conclusion
Both variants offer advantages and disadvantages, depending on your individual needs. If you only use your cell phone and don’t want to carry any additional devices with you, the prepaid SIM card is a simple and cost-effective solution. However, if you want to connect several devices at the same time or travel regularly, a mobile router might be the better choice.
