Prepaid Montenegro SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

Montenegro SIM cards offer a quick and easy way to stay engaged during your trip, giving you access to local data and calls at affordable rates.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Montenegro SIM cards – from where to buy them and their pricing to the types of SIMs available and activation tips. Whether you’re deciding if you need a SIM card or looking into eSIM options, this article covers all the essentials to keep you online while exploring Montenegro.

I. What are the Best Montenegro SIM Cards for Tourists?

If you’re traveling to Montenegro, the top SIM card options for tourists are Telenor, Crnogorski Telekom (Telekom Montenegro), and m. Below are the available options:

1. Telenor

• 10 EUR: 200 GB of data, 3 GB in Western Balkans, 500 on-net minutes & 500 off-net minutes for 15 days.
• 9.99 EUR: Data-only SIM with 100 GB for 15 days.

2. Telekom Montenegro (Crnogorski Telekom)

• 10 EUR: 500 GB of data for 15 days. Activation code: T15.
• 15 EUR: 500 GB of data for 30 days. Activation code: T30.

3. m

• 10 EUR: 400 GB of data, 1.11 GB in Western Balkans, 500 local minutes, and 500 local SMS for 15 days (VRH Prepaid).
• 10 EUR: 500 GB of data for 15 days.
• 15 EUR: 500 GB of data for 30 days.

As you see, Crnogorski Telekom and m offer great plans for the best data value, particularly the 500 GB for 15 EUR options. However, if you need extra local call and SMS benefits, m’s VRH Prepaid provides the most rounded plan with data, minutes, and texts. Telenor offers flexible airport options, making it convenient for travelers arriving in Montenegro.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Montenegro for Tourists?

If you’re traveling to Montenegro and want to stay connected, here are the 3 best options for buying SIM cards:

1. Buy Montenegro SIM Card Online

• Location: Official mobile web or third-party providers. 
• How: Buy a physical SIM online and have it ready when you land. This method is ideal for travelers who want to avoid finding a store upon arrival.
• Pros:
  • Convenient, no need to queue or visit a store.
  • Immediate access to mobile data when you land.
  • eSIM options are available, no physical card needed.
• Cons:
  • Slightly more expensive than buying locally.
  • Limited plans compared to in-country options.

2. Buy SIM Card at Montenegro Airports

• Location: Podgorica Airport (TGD) and Tivat Airport (TIV), typically available at newsstands and mobile operator kiosks.
• Procedure: You may need to present your passport and provide personal information, sometimes requiring a portrait photo for registration. This can be a bit complicated and time-consuming. 
• Pros:
  • Convenient for travelers who need connectivity right after landing.
  • Quick setup by airport staff.
• Cons:
  • Higher prices compared to buying in the city.
  • More limited plan choices at the airport. 

3. Buy SIM Card in Montenegro’s Cities

• Location: From official stores of. These stores are located in major cities like Podgorica and Tivat. 
• Procedure: Visit the store and choose a plan. The staff will help with setup. Always bring your passport for registration.
• Pros:
  • More affordable than airport options.
  • A wide range of plans to choose from.
• Cons:
  • You may need to travel to the city center to find an official store

III. How Much is a Tourist Montenegro SIM Card?

Tourist SIM cards in Montenegro typically range between €10 and €15, depending on the provider and the plan. For €10, you can get 500 GB of data, valid for 15 days, while €15 will get you the same amount for 30 days. 

For example, Crnogorski Telekom offers fast and reliable coverage across Montenegro, with SIM cards sold at their stores, airports, and kiosks. Meanwhile, m offers similar data plans, and first-time users can even receive a bonus of 500 GB on their initial top-up. 

IV. What types of Montenegro SIM cards are available for tourists?

Tourists visiting Montenegro have two main types of SIM card options to choose from:

• Montenegro Prepaid SIM Card
• Montenegro eSIM

Here’s a comparison of key features to help you decide:

Feature	Montenegro Prepaid SIM Card	Montenegro eSIM
Convenience	– Available at airports, retail stores, and kiosks.	– Completely digital, no physical SIM required.
	– Ready for use upon arrival.	– Purchase and activate online before arriving.
	– Best for travelers who prefer traditional SIM cards.	– Ideal for tech-savvy travelers or those in a rush.
Compatibility	– Works with most phones that have a SIM card slot.	– Requires an eSIM-compatible phone (most newer smartphones).
How to Use	– Insert the physical SIM into your phone and activate.	– Scan a QR code to activate the eSIM instantly.
Plans	– Various plans with large data allowances (500 GB).	– Similar plans available digitally through eSIM providers.

▶ Recommendation: The eSIM is a convenient option for travelers who want to set up their connection before arriving, while the prepaid SIM card is a solid choice for those who prefer to handle things in person at the airport or a local shop. I lean a bit towards an eSIM. 

V. Do I need a SIM card to travel to Montenegro?

YES, you should get a SIM card when traveling to Montenegro. A SIM card offers reliable and affordable mobile data, especially compared to expensive international roaming options. Public Wi-Fi is often unreliable, making a SIM card essential for staying connected. 

Additionally, if your phone supports eSIM, it’s even more convenient and secure since you can activate it digitally without needing a physical SIM, reducing the risk of loss or damage.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Montenegro?

To buy a SIM card in Montenegro, travelers must provide a passport and local address, including your hotel or apartment details.

What you need:

• Valid passport or ID card
• Address where you’re staying in Montenegro
• Your phone (make sure it’s unlocked)
• Cash in euros (most carriers prefer cash)
• Your eSIM-capable phone, if choosing eSIM to skip registration

More things to know:

• Many small shops close between 3-5 PM for afternoon breaks
• Tourist SIMs are usually valid for 15-30 days only
• Summer tourist spots often have special “beach kiosks” selling SIM cards
• Some carriers offer “Border Zone” packages that work in both Montenegro and neighboring countries

VII. Montenegro eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM cards

eSIMs are a smart choice for tourists visiting Montenegro. You won’t need to fuss with switching out physical SIM cards; instead, you can easily activate a digital SIM by scanning a QR code, saving time and effort.

Here, I highly recommend Gigago to you. For Montenegro, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 3 days with $16.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Montenegro eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $16.50 – $66.60 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you have or how long your trip to Montenegro is. Gigago always has an option for you.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Montenegro?

Tourist SIM cards in Montenegro typically last for 7, 15, or 30 days, depending on your chosen provider and plan. Crnogorski Telekom, One (formerly Telenor), and m all offer options with durations of 15 days or 30 days, with prices ranging from €10 to €20​.

IX. How to activate a Montenegro SIM card?

Step 1: Insert SIM Card: Place the SIM into your phone’s slot. Ensure the phone is unlocked.

Step 2: Complete SIM Registration: Visit a provider store. Bring your passport and possibly proof of address for registration.

Step 3: Activate SIM: Follow the provider’s instructions. This often involves dialing a USSD code or using the provider’s app.

Step 4: Top-Up & Choose a Plan: Add credit at a local shop or via the app. Then, select the plan that meets your data or call needs.

X. FAQs

XI. Conclusion

I hope you found this post helpful in understanding Montenegro SIM cards and how to stay connected during your trip. Whether you’re looking for a prepaid SIM or an eSIM’s convenience, plenty of options are available at affordable rates. No matter how long your stay is or how much data you need, Montenegro has a SIM card that fits your travel needs.