Best Tourist Sim Cards in Montenegro in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Montenegro across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro, having a reliable means of staying connected is essential. The internet is especially useful for navigating unfamiliar cities, discovering great restaurants, finding your accommodation, hailing a taxi, and sharing your travel experiences with loved ones.
While roaming is a possibility, the fees can quickly add up, so we recommend considering an eSIM or a local SIM card to benefit from local phone rates. Fortunately, obtaining either option in Montenegro is incredibly easy.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to know about purchasing a SIM card in Montenegro, including current pricing details and the best SIM card option for your needs.
The best sim card in Montenegro is the prepaid tourist sim card offered by Crnogorski Telekom. All three network operators offer identical prepaid packages to tourists, however, Crnogorski Telekom have the most extensive coverage in Montenegro which is why I recommend it ahead of the others.
One also have very extensive coverage, so if it’s more convenient to reach a One store then this sim card will also be perfectly fine.
Most travellers to Montenegro will only be visiting for a few days, in which case the 10 EUR tourist package is perfect as it includes 500GB of data valid for 7 days. There are also 15 EUR and 20 EUR packages valid for 15 and 30 days respectively.
I also want to point out that if you are visiting other countries in the Western Balkans then it is a good idea to look for sim cards that work across the entire region. If you are starting in Montenegro, then One offers 3GB across the Western Balkans as part of their package making it a good option.
If you are starting in other countries then it is a good idea to ask in the stores as they all can vary. I can confirm that I have personally tested Vodafone Albania’s sim card in Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia and it worked in all 3 countries, so if you are visiting Albania I recommend buying this card instead.
If you are only visiting Montenegro for a couple of days (and don’t require roaming in the Western Balkans) then I’d recommend an Airalo Montenegro eSim over the local sim cards. You can get 1GB of data for 6 EUR ($6.5 USD) which isn’t much but it is cheaper and more convenient than visiting a store. If you use wifi then 1GB will be enough for a short stay in Kotor.
A Tourist Sim Card in Montenegro costs 10 EUR in September 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Montenegro will cost between $6.50 USD and $17.50 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Montenegro which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $17.50 USD.
Montenegro, a picturesque Balkan country, is home to several prominent sim card providers catering to locals and tourists alike. One such provider is Crnogorski Telekom, which offers reliable services under the brand name Telenor. Telenor ensures wide network coverage across Montenegro, including remote and rural areas. Additionally, their sim cards provide high-speed data, affordable calling rates, and various internet packages.
Another major player in the Montenegrin market is m:tel, which provides both pre-paid and post-paid sim card options. With their extensive network infrastructure, m:tel offers excellent coverage throughout the country, even in mountainous regions. Their sim cards are known for their exceptional data speeds and affordable international roaming packages.
Overall, these main sim card providers in Montenegro, Crnogorski Telekom – Telenor and m:tel, strive to meet the diverse communication needs of residents and visitors, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and top-notch services.
Crnogorski Telekom is a prominent telecommunication company in Montenegro that offers tourist sim cards catering to visitors’ communication needs. Their sim cards provide reliable network coverage across the country, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for tourists throughout their stay. With affordable data and call packages, tourists can easily access the internet, make calls, and share their experiences with friends and family. Crnogorski Telekom’s tourist sim cards play a crucial role in enhancing the overall travel experience in Montenegro.
The price of a Crnogorski Telekom tourist sim card in Montenegro is 10 EUR.
The plan offered by Crnogorski Telekom stores includes 500GB data valid for 7 days.
One (Telenor) is a well-known telecom company in Montenegro. They offer tourist sim cards that cater specifically to the needs of travelers. These sim cards provide affordable international calling rates, high-speed data, and extensive coverage across Montenegro. One (Telenor) also offers easy top-up options and excellent customer support to ensure a seamless experience for tourists. With their tourist sim cards, visitors can stay connected and navigate effortlessly while exploring the beauty of Montenegro.
The price of a One (Telenor) tourist sim card in Montenegro is 10 EUR.
The plan offered by One (Telenor) stores offers 500GB data valid for 7 days.
m:tel is a leading telecommunications company in Montenegro offering convenient tourist sim cards. With extensive coverage and reliable network, m:tel ensures seamless connectivity for tourists visiting Montenegro. Their sim cards provide competitive international calling rates, high-speed data, and unlimited local calls and texts. Additionally, m:tel offers affordable packages tailored to tourists’ needs, making it an excellent choice to stay connected and explore the mesmerizing beauty of Montenegro hassle-free.
The price of a m:tel tourist sim card in Montenegro is 10 EUR.
The plan offered by m:tel stores includes 500GB data valid for 7 days.
Identify mobile providers: Crnogorski Telekom, One (Telenor) and m:tel are your best options in Montenegro.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Montenegro at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Montenegro then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Montenegro have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Crnogorski Telekom, One (Telenor) and m:tel. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Montenegro are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Montenegro with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Montenegro. The Airalo Montenegro eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $17.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Montenegro without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Montenegro is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Montenegro and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Montenegro eSim uses the ONE network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the ONE networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Montenegro.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Montenegro eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $6.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $15 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $17.50 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $17.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Montenegro eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Montenegro eSim uses the Telenornetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Montenegro
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Montenegro eSim:
6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built directly into a device, like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, there is no need to physically insert or remove a card with an eSIM.
Instead, the eSIM is already incorporated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This means that users can easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, especially for frequent travelers or individuals who change mobile networks frequently or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it much easier to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. After activation, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a traditional SIM card.
There are several reasons why using an eSIM can be beneficial. First, it offers convenience as you don’t need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching between mobile networks or plans. This is especially useful for frequent travelers who may need to switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.
Second, eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality on your device, meaning you can have two active mobile numbers on the same device. This is useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
Third, eSIMs are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot. This saves space within the device, allowing manufacturers to make smaller devices or use the extra space for other components.
Fourth, eSIMs enable remote provisioning, meaning activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card or visiting a store, providing greater flexibility and convenience in managing your mobile connectivity.
Lastly, by using an eSIM-compatible device, you ensure future-proofing as more mobile networks and service providers offer support for eSIMs. This allows you to take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.
In conclusion, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it a compelling choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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