Trying to plan ahead so any one know if card payments are common at hostels in Montenegro or cash is king?
Was traveling solo across Montenegro last month and found it pretty mixed. In Podgorica I stayed at Hostel Q and paid by card no problem. But in Perast and Herceg Novi, I had to pay cash at both places I stayed. Some hostels had signs saying they accepted card, but then gave some excuse at checkout. I’d say bring enough euros to cover your stay just in case. Card is more reliable in cities but don’t count on it for hostels in more remote or beachy towns.
I stayed at a few hostels in Bar and Žabljak in May. Some like Namaste Hostel accepted card but only Visa, not Mastercard. Another one told me they’d accept card if the total was over 30 euros. It really depends, but smaller family-run places usually expect cash. NLB and CKB Bank ATMs are everywhere though, and I never had trouble finding one even in smaller towns. I used my Revolut and never got charged by the ATM itself.
Just got back from Ulcinj and stayed at Hostel Pirate which was awesome but strictly cash only. I asked if I could use my Wise card and they just laughed. Most hostels I checked in the area listed card payment as “possible” but in reality, they heavily prefer cash or will say their POS terminal is down. You’ll be fine using card at bigger hotels and restaurants in places like Podgorica or Tivat, but for budget hostels it’s better to have euros in hand.
I was in Kotor and Budva in early June and stayed at Montenegro Hostel and Freedom Hostel. Both said they accepted cards on their website, but when I got there, they asked for cash. Apparently their card machine was “not working” which seems to be a recurring theme in the Balkans. Had to run to a nearby Hipotekarna ATM in Kotor Old Town and withdraw euros. Since then I’ve just assumed cash is the safer option for hostels here.