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

1. Cost-effective:
   Prepaid SIM cards offer flexible plans and are often cheaper than international roaming charges.
   
   
2. Easy to use:
   Simply insert the card into your cell phone and start using it right away.
   
   
3. No contract:
   There are no long-term commitments or monthly bills.

Disadvantages of the prepaid SIM card

1. Local number:
   You will be assigned a local phone number, which may cause confusion for callers from abroad.
   
   
2. Limited Data Allowance:
   Some plans offer only limited data allowances, which can be used up quickly with heavy usage.

Providers and costs

There are several providers of prepaid SIM cards in Montenegro. Here is an updated overview of the tourist prepaid SIM cards:

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

1. Multiple Devices:
   You can connect multiple devices at the same time, which is especially convenient for families or groups of friends. This saves money, since not everyone needs their own prepaid SIM card.
   
   
2. Better Connectivity:
   Mobile routers often provide a stronger and more stable Internet connection than a smartphone’s built-in connection.
3. Flexibility:
   You can use the router both in Montenegro and in other countries by simply swapping out the SIM card.

Disadvantages of the mobile router

1. Additional Costs:
   Purchasing a mobile router involves additional costs.
   
   
2. Additional device:
   You’ll need to carry and charge another device.
   
   
3. Setup:
   The setup process may be a little more complicated than with a prepaid SIM card in a 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 basic mobile router costs about 40–60 EUR. Popular models such as the Huawei E5576 or the TP-Link M7350 offer reliable connections and are easy to use.
  
  
• In Montenegro:
  Mobile routers are also available and cost about 50–70 EUR, depending on the model and retailer. It’s a good idea to compare prices and possibly purchase a router before your trip.

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:

1. Turn off data roaming:
   Go to your phone’s settings and turn off data roaming to avoid high roaming charges.
   
   
2. Select the network manually:
   Manually select your new provider’s network to ensure you have the best possible connection.
   
   
3. Adjust APN settings:
   Update the APN settings according to your new provider’s instructions so 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.