What Currency Does Montenegro Use?

What Currency Does Montenegro Use? (UK Traveller’s Guide)

If you're planning a trip to Montenegro from the UK—whether you're exploring the Bay of Kotor, relaxing on the Adriatic coast, or hiking in Durmitor National Park—it's useful to know what currency is accepted. While Montenegro is not a member of the European Union or Eurozone, it does use the euro in a unique way. This guide explains what currency Montenegro uses, how it works in practice, and what UK travellers need to know to spend smartly while abroad.

What Is the Official Currency of Montenegro?

The official currency used in Montenegro is the euro (EUR).

• Currency name: Euro

• Currency symbol: €

• ISO code: EUR

• Subunit: 1 euro = 100 cents

Interestingly, Montenegro is not a member of the Eurozone, and the euro is not its official currency by law—but the country has unilaterally adopted it since 2002 after dropping the Yugoslav dinar.

Despite this technicality, the euro is the sole legal tender and used for all transactions across the country.

How Currency Works in Practice

• All shops, hotels, restaurants and transport systems price in EUR

• UK debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted

• Contactless and chip-and-PIN payment is supported in most places

• ATMs are widely available and dispense euros

No currency exchange is needed if you already have euros. If you travel with British pounds, you'll need to exchange them on arrival.

Benefits and Considerations for UK Travellers

Benefits:

• The euro is a familiar and stable currency for UK visitors who’ve travelled in Europe

• Most travel cards and bank cards offer competitive exchange rates

• ATMs are easy to use and offer straightforward access to cash in euros

Considerations:

• GBP is not accepted—you must pay in euros

• Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when using cards—always pay in EUR

• Some smaller towns or family-run businesses may prefer cash over card

Currency Tips for Montenegro

• Use a fee-free travel card (e.g. Chase, Starling, Monzo, Wise) to avoid foreign transaction fees

• Bring euros in cash if visiting rural areas, hiking trails or local markets

• Exchange GBP for euros before you go or withdraw from ATMs locally

• Carry small denominations—some businesses may struggle to give change for large notes

FAQs

Is Montenegro in the Eurozone?
No. Montenegro is not officially in the Eurozone but uses the euro unilaterally as its de facto currency.

Can I use pounds or dollars in Montenegro?
No. Only euros are accepted. GBP and USD will need to be exchanged.

Do I need to carry cash in Montenegro?
Yes—while cards are widely accepted, it's helpful to carry some cash for local transport, tips or rural shops.