How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Montenegro?

Planning a trip to Montenegro? As you’re packing and organising the final details, don’t forget to think about how you’ll get around and stay connected during your trip.

To make the most of your holiday and avoid expensive roaming charges, consider swapping your UK SIM for a Montenegro SIM card. This will let you use various useful apps without relying on Wi-Fi, such as translation apps and maps.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Montenegro and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Montenegro from the UK?

A Montenegro SIM card is a great way to save money, especially since most UK plans don’t include international calls or data. Rather than paying extra fees to your provider for using your phone abroad, it’s much more cost-effective to buy a local SIM.

Not only will you stay connected with friends and family, but you’ll also enjoy better coverage and be able to stay online throughout the day without relying on Wi-Fi. Plus, having a local SIM gives you access to handy travel tools like translation apps and maps.

If you're still unsure about getting a local SIM card, you could rely on international roaming instead. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that include Montenegro. Others, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Montenegro?

Most providers offer similar SIM plans for tourists. At One Montenegro, you can get a 15-day Montenegro SIM card with 500 GB of data for just £15, or choose a plan with unlimited data for £25.

For eSIMs, there are also unlimited data options available. Holafly’s Montenegro eSIM costs £32, but the price decreases if you select a longer plan.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Montenegro?

You can purchase a Montenegro SIM card at official provider stores or at the airport. During the summer months, you might even find beach kiosks offering tourist SIM cards. Alternatively, if you prefer online shopping, you can order a prepaid SIM card online and have it delivered to your address.¹

To register your SIM card, you'll need to provide your passport and your Montenegro accommodation address. If your phone is unlocked, you can start using your new SIM right away. While most stores prefer cash, it's a good idea to check in advance if they accept credit cards or debit cards.¹

Where can you buy a SIM card for Montenegro in the UK?

You can order a Montenegro SIM card before leaving the UK, so you're covered as soon as you arrive. However, your options may be limited and you could end up paying more than necessary.

One option is SimCorner. While they don’t offer a specific Montenegro plan, they do have an international data SIM you might like. For £29, you get 6 GB of data valid for 15 days. In addition to Montenegro, this SIM works in over 100 countries.²

Can you buy a Montenegro SIM card at the airport?

You can buy a Montenegro SIM card at both Podgorica and Tivat airports. They’re typically available at newsstands and official mobile operator kiosks.¹

However, keep in mind that airport stores in general tend to be pricier. If it’s not urgent, it’s a better idea to wait and buy a SIM card when you arrive in the city.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Montenegro

Here are the best SIM card options for your vacation in Montenegro.

Crnogorski Telekom

Crnogorski Telekom offers two SIM card options for visitors to Montenegro: a 15-day plan and a 30-day plan.

The first plan, priced at €15, provides 500 GB of data along with an additional 7 GB for use in other Balkan countries. If you're staying longer or need more data, the €20 plan offers 1 TB of data for 30 days. For those planning a Balkan tour, the €20 plan also includes an extra 10 GB of data specifically for use across the Balkan region.³

If you find you need even more data or a longer coverage period, you can purchase Crnogorski Telekom's tourist add-ons. The pricing is the same as their standard SIM cards - €15 for 500 GB or €20 for 1 TB of data.³

You could also opt for one of their regular Montenegro SIM cards, which aren’t specifically designed for tourists. Their 10-day prepaid plan offers 500 GB of data, 500 minutes and 500 SMS for just €10.⁴

One Montenegro

One Montenegro offers two plans similar to those of Crnogorski Telekom: One Tourist 15 and One Tourist 20. These plans provide 500 GB and 1 TB of data, respectively, and are priced at €15 and €20. They also offer data add-ons ranging from 1 day to 30 days. However, if you want to avoid running out of internet, you might consider their unlimited data SIM plan.⁴

The One Tourist 25 Montenegro SIM is priced at €25 and is valid for 30 days. In addition to the data for use within Montenegro, it also includes 11 GB of data for use across the Balkan region.⁵

Best e-SIM cards for Montenegro

While physical SIM cards are a solid option, eSIMs are the most convenient way to avoid roaming charges. You can buy one before leaving the UK and activate it as soon as you arrive in Montenegro.

If your phone supports eSIM, here are some of the best options for Montenegro.

Mtel

Mtel offers two eSIM plans for tourists, both of which provide great value.

The first plan costs €15 and is valid for 15 days. It includes 500 GB of data, and you can get an additional 500 GB with your first top-up. The second plan, priced at €20, is valid for 30 days and offers twice the data of the first plan. It also comes with the same 1 TB bonus available after your first top-up.⁶

Crnogorski Telekom

Crnogorski Telekom offers eSIM versions of their Montenegro SIM cards. For €15, you can get 500 GB of data, and for €20, their eSIM plan provides 1 TB of data. The activation process is straightforward and quick, so you'll be online in no time.⁷

Airalo

At Airalo, you can choose from six different Montenegro eSIM plans, all branded under the name Jezero. Prices start at £4 for a 7-day plan with 1 GB of data. The next option is the £7 plan, which lasts for 15 days and includes 2 GB of data. For longer stays, their 30-day plans range from £9 to £33.50, depending on the data amount.⁸

If you’re planning to visit several European countries, consider Airalo’s Europe eSIM. The plans range from £4.50 for one day to £154.50 for 180 days of coverage. ⁹

Holafly

Holafly’s eSIM plans have unlimited data with a fast and reliable connection. The price depends on the number of days you need. The more days you select, the better the value.

Getting a 1-day Holafly eSIM for Montenegro will cost you £7, while 10 days costs £32. If you get 30 days of unlimited data, the price will drop to £2.80 a day or £84 in total.¹⁰

If you’re traveling with a group, you can share your Holafly data via hotspot. While hotspot use is limited to 500 MB, it’s still a great way to save money and split the cost.¹⁰

Spend like a local in Montenegro with Wise

While you’re picking a Montenegro SIM card for your trip, you may also want to explore options for holiday spending.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Montenegro and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 20-Jan-2025