Communism
The communist era was a dark age for many countries in Europe, but many older people in Montenegro fondly tell stories of how good it was when called each other comrade (druže) and lived in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a country with something to say on the world stage. But apart from some statues and buildings, the visible communist legacy is disappearing fast. Even Tito had his boulevard renamed after a saint.

Disabled travellers
Public transport is not equipped for disabled travellers yet, but most pedestrian crossings in town now have sloped kerbs, and the main crossings in the centre have sound signalling systems for the blind. Many restaurants and cafés are unfortunately still inaccessible for wheelchair users. Hotels with facilities for the disabled are marked with the wheelchair symbol in this guide.

Driving
Getting around the country by car is fast and efficient, though driving can be manic; beware for dare-devils overtaking in bends. Montenegro's roads are generally well-kept and easy to navigate, though a good map is handy if you're headed to remote destinations. The maximum speed in Montenegro is 50km/hr in towns and villages, 80km/hr on other roads unless indicated otherwise. There are no highways in Montenegro. Headlights must be switched on at all times. Unleaded petrol and diesel cost about €1,40 and €1,35 per litre respectively. Parking your car in Podgorica is perfectly safe (if you can find a spot). There are several guarded car parks, the best ones are close to the city centre along Stanka Dragojevica (€0.20-0.50 per hour).

Eco-tax
In a marvellous scheme to milk foreigners, all vehicles entering Montenegro are subject to a so-called eco-tax. Passenger vehicles are charged €10 at the border, and receive a sticker valid for one year. Motorbikes are exempt. Funds raised are used for reforestation, protecting the environment and related things like building sports grounds and lining people’s pockets. For more information see www.ecotax-montenegro.gov.me. Insist on getting a receipt to make sure the funds actually reach the state.

Electricity
Montenegrin domestic electricity is 220V AC, 50 Hertz, supplied through standard European two-pin sockets.

Gay & Lesbian
The Balkan paternalistic macho culture is strong in Montenegro, with men expected to be chunky and manly, and women to be elegant and dependent. Public displays of homosexuality are not tolerated and gay visitors should be careful to avoid hostile reactions. Even in big-city Podgorica there's little tolerance, and there are as yet no gay bars or clubs.

Money
Montenegro's official currency is the euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents. Euro bills come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 euros. Coins come in denominations of €2, €1, €0.50, €0.20, €0.10, €0.05 and €0.01. Montenegro unilaterally decided to switch from the Yugoslav dinar to the German mark in 1999 for fear of economic destabilisation by Serbia. It adopted the euro when the currency was introduced in 2002. Although Montenegro doesn’t have a monetary agreement with the European Central Bank and does not have issuing rights, the EU recognises the stabilising influence of the currency, and does not object to Montenegro using it. Euros are best obtained from ATMs where EU account holders should be charged the same transaction fees as in their home country. Alternatively, change at a bank (ID required).

National holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day
January 7 Orthodox Christmas
April 22 (2011) Good Friday
April 24-26 (2011) Easter
May 1 Labour Day
May 21    Independence Day
July 13 Statehood Day

Registration
Foreigners spending the night in Montenegro officially need to be registered. Most hotels take care of this for you, but people staying at hostels, guesthouses and with locals may need to register themselves to avoid trouble when leaving the country. You can buy a registration card (Prijava boravišta stranaca) at the Tourist Information Office or at any office supply shop for €0.50. Your host needs to fill this in.

Religion
The major religion in Montenegro is Orthodox Christianity. Other important religious communities are Islam, especially in the Albanian-inhabited area around Ulcinj, and Catholicism.

Safety
Podgorica is a peaceful place and visitors should take no more precautions than for other European cities. With a prevalent and youthful café culture, coffee poisoning and falling in love with a local are currently the biggest threats to foreigners.

Smoking
Visitors to restaurants and bars will see plenty of no-smoking signs and a number of non-smoking areas, but unfortunately the locals' rebellious spirit and tobacco addictions mean that these are widely ignored. We've indicated which places have (nominal) no-smoking areas in this guide.

Toilets
There are few public toilets in Podgorica. One can be found in the park by the Crna Gora hotel. In case of emergency, most bars and restaurants will let you use theirs if you ask nicely.

Visas
For stays of up to 90 days, visas are not required for citizens of the EU, Western and many other countries. All others need a visa, although those with valid Schengen (EU) visas or US visas may stay visa-free for up to seven days.

Water
Tap water can safely be consumed in Podgorica. Bottled water is widely available, and you can support the local economy by buying good Montenegrin brands like  include Aqua Bianca, Aqua Monta and Suza.

Vice
Prostitution and drug use are illegal in Montenegro. Plain-clothes police will have no second thoughts about arresting and charging foreigners.