Is There Uber in Montenegro? A Guide to Taxis, Transfers, and Car Rentals in Montenegro
When traveling to Montenegro for the first time, one of the first questions that might pop into your mind is, “Is there Uber in Montenegro?”.
Uber and other ride-sharing apps have made traveling to countries where you do not speak the language, let alone understand taxi prices, protocol, culture, safety, or etiquette, so much easier.
Before Uber, travelers like ourselves had to be very cautious about grabbing a taxi from the airport or around a city. Cab drivers have unfortunately developed a reputation for employing underhanded tactics to separate unwary travelers from their newly acquired foreign currency.
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Uber and other ridesharing apps like Lyft and Bolt removed the need for learning taxi prices, currency exchange rates, and how to catch a cab, all before setting foot in a new country.
However, not everyone has been excited about Uber setting up shop. Taxi companies and unions, in particular, see Uber as a direct threat to their business model and have strongly opposed Uber and other ridesharing apps all over the globe. In fact, Uber has been forced out of the market in many countries.
So… is there Uber in Montenegro? What about other ridesharing apps like Bolt in Montenegro? How about Uber in Kotor, Montenegro’s most popular tourist destination? What other taxi apps are available? And if I can’t use Uber, how the heck can I get around? Read on to find out!
Is There Uber in Montenegro?
No. Unfortunately, due to Montenegran law, Uber is not allowed to operate in Montenegro. You won’t find any of the other common ride-sharing apps in Montenegro either such as Lyft, Bolt, Didi, or Careem.
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Are There Taxi Apps in Montenegro?
Yes and no.
If you are in Podgorica, you can download the TeslaGoApp rides in Montenegro which is similar to Uber in Podgorica. The TelsaGoApp is the first and only electric car taxi service in Montenegro. You can expect to pay a bit more using this app, but you will be riding in style. Another added benefit is that you can pay by card when using TelsaGoApp., a rarity in Montenegro.
You need an active phone number to download the app. If you are using a tourist SIM card in Montenegro, it is best to download the app before you get to Montenegro, as the tourist SIM card is data only. The app does, however, take a VoIP phone number.
This taxi app in Montenegro is only available in Podgorica.
Another taxi app in Montenegro is YesTaxi; however, we were not able to download this app as the app was not available in our region (USA).
Taxis in Montenegro
Ok, so Uber and Bolt are out, but you still need to get around in Montenegro. Thankfully, taxis are cheap and plentiful.
There are several reputable taxi companies in Montenegro, depending on where you are located. The best way to reach any taxi service in Montenegro is through WhatsApp or Viber.
Red Taxi Kotor / Red Taxi Tivat / Red Taxi Podgorica
This Montenegro taxi service services Kotor, Tivat, and Podgorica. Taxi rides can be arranged via call or text as well as through reservations for airport transfers.
MB Taxi Tivat
While Red Taxi Tivat is our first choice, if you are in a bind, then MB Taxi Tivat is another option.
VIP Taxi Budva
If you are holidaying in Budva and looking for a taxi option, then look no further than VIP Taxi Budva. VIP Taxi Budva offers taxi, limo, and bus services to suit any number of travelers. They also are known for their clean vehicles and English-speaking operators and drivers.
Sany Budva
While VIP Taxi Budva is our first choice, Sany Budva also provides taxi services. There are mixed reviews using Sany Budva, but definitely an alternative available while in Budva.
Taxi Service Montenegro (Bar)
Taxi Service Montenegro is the best taxi in Bar. Dino goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are well taken care of, and if you don’t believe me check out his reviews on Google!
Taxi in Montenegro (Podgorica)
Taxi in Montenegro is the best taxi in Podgorica if you want to use a traditional taxi service. As with many taxi companies in Montenegro, you can arrange for a traditional taxi, bus, or limo service. Reservations can be made online for airport transfers and for other private transfers throughout Montenegro.
Private Transfers in Montenegro
In addition to taxis in Montenegro, you can arrange private transfer services as well. While many of the taxis in Montenegro offer both taxi services as well as transfer services, there are also other providers that can transfer you from the airport to your accommodation or between cities within Montenegro and neighboring countries such as Croatia or Albania.
If you would like to arrange a private transfer as opposed to a taxi, we have included a few options below, depending on your location.
Concord Limousine (Herzeg Novi)
Serving Montenegro and Croatia, Concord Limousine offers friendly, comfortable services in Mercedes Benz vehicles. The team at Concord Limousine is known for excellent service and great communication.
You can also book different airport transfers from airports within the area with Concord Limousine directly online via Tripadvisor by using the link below.
Boka Travel (Tivat and Kotor)
If you are traveling in the Tivat and Kotor area, then Boka Travel is your best option when it comes to private transfers. Competitive pricing, comfortable cars, and reliable service are what you can expect from Boka Travel. Boka Travel includes a price listing on its website for reference. Prices double for parties of four or more as a larger vehicle is required for the transfer.
My Transfer (Podgorica)
My Transfer (aka Taxi Montenegro – Airport Transfers on Google) is the best of the best when flying into Podgorica. Comfortable cars, free Wifi, timely, and friendly drivers are just a few of the reasons to choose My Transfer. They also have a price list already included on their website, so no surprise fees there which is an added bonus!
My Transfer also provides transfer services to nearby countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
How Much Is an Airport Transfer in Montenegro?
Many of the airport transfer companies in Montenegro have price lists available online for popular and frequent transfer destinations, so there should be no surprises when it comes to the tariff for airport transfers. Based on our research, you should expect to pay fees similar to those shown in the table below.
| Airport | Budva | Kotor | Herceg Novi | Porto Montenegro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podgorica | €50 | €80 | €140 | €80 |
| Tivat | €35 | €25 | €70 | €25 |
| Dubrovnik (Croatia) | €150 | €120 | €50 | €120 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Taxis in Montenegro
Before you order a taxi in Montenegro, you may have a few questions that you want answered, like “Are taxis cheap in Montenegro?” or “Are taxis safe in Montenegro?”. We hope to answer all of the burning questions about taking a taxi in Montenegro, but let us know if we missed one!
Are Taxis in Montenegro Expensive?
No.
Compared to many places throughout the world, taxis in Montenegro are cheap. You can expect to pay approximately €1 start fee plus €1 per kilometer. Be careful to avoid illegal taxi services in Montenegro, which can charge 30% – 50% more for a taxi ride for tourists.
Can You Pay for Taxis in Montenegro by Credit Card?
Unfortunately, most of the taxis in Montenegro are cash only. The only card payment company we are aware of is the TeslaGoApp in Podgorica.
Are Taxis Safe in Montenegro?
Generally, yes.
Taxis in Montenegro are generally safe, however, we have included some tips to avoid taxi scams in Montenegro below.
How to Avoid Taxi Scams in Montenegro
Let’s face it, taxi scams are one of the most common ways travelers can be quickly parted from their cash. It is an easy way for unscrupulous people to take travelers for a ride when they are at their most vulnerable.
To avoid taxi scams in Montenegro, here are some useful tips that will help you to save more of your pennies when hailing a taxi in Montenegro.
Book with a Reputable Taxi Agency
Illegal taxi operators are inevitable. It only takes a vehicle and a little bit of confidence or desperation to get an illegal taxi business up and running. When hailing a taxi, whether you are at the airport or in a city, it is important to book with a reputable taxi agency.
There are a few ways to know whether the taxi in Montenegro is legit or not. For starters, the license plate should include “TX” in the number. For example, if you are arriving at the Podgorica airport, the taxi number will look like this: “PG-TX-457,” and if you are arriving at the Tivat airport, like this, “TV-TX-453”.
Additionally, the taxi should be branded and have a taxi number printed on multiple sides of the vehicle.
Book in Advance If Possible
It isn’t always possible to book in advance, especially if you are traveling to and from destinations within a city. But when possible, it is recommended to book in advance. Calling one of the reputable agencies listed above or using one of the taxi apps in Montenegro can save you a lot of hassle and haggling.
Almost all reputable taxis in Montenegro are contactable via WhatsApp or Viber.
Copy Cat Taxis
One common scam, especially during the high season, is copycat taxis, whereby devious individuals put large numbers on the side of their vehicle to copy the legal requirements of registered taxis. As a foreigner, it may be difficult to tell which taxis are registered taxis versus those that are illegitimate.
Be on the lookout for key requirements such as the ‘TX’ in the license plate as well as visibility of pricing and tariffs.
No Taxi Meter
All registered taxis in Montenegro use taxi meters. If a taxi in Montenegro tells you they don’t have a meter or the meter is broken, it is likely a scam. Make sure you only ride in taxis where there is a working taxi meter, and keep an eye on the meter to make sure it is operating throughout the entirety of the journey.
No posted price list
All taxis in Montenegro are required to have the tariffs or price list displayed and visible to the customer. If you don’t see it, don’t get in!
Rental Cars in Montenegro
Without Uber in Montenegro, you may decide you want to rent a car. Montenegro is not a large country, so it is possible to explore many areas of Montenegro with only a short drive.
For a quick and simple selection, we recommend using Discover Cars. Discover Cars allows you to shop prices from a range of vendors who are on their platform and is a reliable and reputable company.
If you choose to use a local provider, you can contact one of the companies below for pricing. You can expect to pay somewhere between €30 – €80 per day.
Montenegro Car
One of the most reliable car rental companies in Montenegro, Montenegro Car prides itself on its dependable service and offers some of the best car rental prices around.
Well-maintained vehicles, clear and prompt communication, no hidden fees, and friendly services are just a few of the reasons to choose Montenegro Car. Reservations can be made using their online form or via contact through one of the numbers listed below, with pick-up available in most towns throughout Montenegro.
Rent a Car Kotor Exotic
If you are in Kotor and looking for a rental car to explore the stunning Montenegro, then you may want to consider Kotor Exotic. One of the benefits of Kotor Exotic is the free wifi in every vehicle which many renters have found extremely helpful when visiting some of the remote destinations such as Durmitor National Park.
Fees and pricing are not available online for Kotor Exotic, but from our experience, the team here is friendly, helpful, and highly rated.
Elite Rent a Car
Renting a car in Budva? Head over to Elite Rent a Car. Elite Rent a Car offers prompt service with competitive pricing. An added bonus of Elite Rent a Car is that you don’t need to pony up a huge deposit to rent the car, and you can pay by credit card. You must, however, be 22 to rent a car from Elite Rent a Car.
As with many other rental car companies, you can fill out the online form to get a quote or contact them on WhatsApp/Viber.
Bar Rent a Car Montenegro
Of the many car rental companies in Bar, Bar Rent a Car Montenegro is our choice for car rental when in Bar. One of the reasons is the quality of the vehicles which is definitely required for traversing the mountainous regions behind Bar.
Outside of having well-maintained vehicles, Bar Rent a Car Montenegro also offers affordable pricing ranging between €27 and €50.
MTL Rent a Car Montenegro
MTL Rent a Car Montenegro is a great option when starting your journey in Podgorica. Flexible, friendly, and punctual are just a few of the reasons to choose MTL Rent a Car Montenegro.
Prices here start at €30.
Even without Uber in Montenegro, there are plenty of affordable options to get around and explore this dynamic country. If you have any other questions about how to get around Montenegro that we may have missed, drop us a comment below.
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Looking for more Uber and transport guides in more destinations? Check out isthereuberin.com