Herceg Novi in Montenegro: living like a local

Herceg Novi in Montenegro: living like a local, is not as easy as it sounds. Reading labels, catching taxis and what are you actually ordering.

Herceg Novi is a town within the Municipality of Herceg Novi, Montenegro. There are other towns within this municipality, such as Prevlaka, Igalo, Herceg Novi, Baošići, Đenovići, Meljine, Zelenika, Sutorina, and Bijela and it shares its border with Croatia.

Where is the Municipality of Herceg Novi?

So when writing, I am speaking more about the Municipality of Herceg Novi. It is at the entrance to the Boka Kotorska and at the foot of Mount Orjen. When I say Boka Kotorska, it means the entrance to the Bay of Kotor from the Adriatic Sea. Herceg Novi is called “Sun City” due to the fact that it receives the largest number of sunny days all year round.

To find out more about the country Montenegro, read up on the article Montenegro – Crna Gora – “Black Mountain”. Is there dangerous wildlife? Another great article to read Wildlife of Montenegro: who would guess.

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Need a Little Help from a Friend in Herceg Novi (Treba mi mala pomoć prijatelja iz Herceg Novog)

On my initial visit to Montenegro, I came as a tourist for 10 days, mostly ate out, did the touristy thing, and was in a touristy area, therefore most people I dealt with spoke English. This time we have moved here. The experience is very different as I have found it an incredible, implausible adventure, feel like a local, and love every minute BUT my husband has found it rather difficult to adapt and has needed more time, understanding, and patience.

Even before coming over, contact ex-pats groups in Montenegro and Herceg Novi. This will allow you to start asking questions and finding out other problems and solutions people are having, whether you are in Herceg Novi for a short or long period. There is also a Montenegro Expat Forum and a very helpful Montenegro Guide which will assist in more complex matters.

On our arrival in the first 3 weeks, we joined ex-pats for a Curry Evening, a Social get-together! This was wonderful chatting with everyone who made similar decisions to us by coming over but from such contrasting backgrounds. Most importantly, the ones who had been here longer gave us some valuable advice. You start building an advantageous and supportive group that works both ways.

A big tip! When you withdraw cash in Herceg Novi, withdraw uneven amounts so you don’t just have “pineapple” money (Euro 50s). If you need a taxi, bottle of water, ice cream, or whatever small you require, you need that small change.

I would suggest reading my article on Montenegro – Crna Gora – “Black Mountain”, to get a further understanding of the country as a whole.

How do I find Accommodation (Smeštaj) in Herceg Novi?

Organize your accommodation before arriving, including a Letter of Invitation from the owner of the place you are renting from for visas and any other documentation you will need to provide.

Remember in season, which is in the summer months of July and August, accommodation is more expensive than in the months out of season.

Standard Accommodation

Hotels, even though they are far more cost-effective than anywhere else in Europe, will still be more expensive than staying in an Airbnb or rented accommodation. Going through booking.com is also advisable. Once you are here and plan to stay on a longer or long-term basis, you can look for more permanent accommodation, by going through social media, going into estate agents that handle rentals, or just through word of mouth.

Estate Agent

AMM Realty I highly recommend them. Liezl and her co-workers, Anthony, Simone Bonnett, and Nicole Coetzer, who are ex-pats and deal with other ex-pats, are familiar with the issues of moving from one country to another and finding the correct accommodation. AMM Realty has kindly offered some tips if you are looking to rent or purchase.

Motorhomes or Caravans

The hiring of motorhomes and caravans is another fabulous option. I have seen numerous motorhomes in Herceg Novi, and have spoken to owners and people who are renting them. What an adventure they are having! It gives them flexibility and the option to move about and pick new spots and the best locations. One of the companies to look at is Balkan Adventure, Camper Van Rental. The Winter months have their disadvantages in a motorhome with the rain and cold.

How steep is that hill

Don’t be fooled! If you hate climbing stairs or hills when you are told that your accommodation is only 500 m from the waterfront, how steep is that hill getting from the waterfront to your home or do you need to climb “millions” of stairs to get home? If you have health issues, this can be an issue, but if you are just unfit, get over it! You will be thankful for the exercise in 3 months’ time. When you book anywhere, make sure you understand this or in your specs to a realtor, that they understand this too.

Best Location (Lokacija) Tips for your Accommodation in Herceg Novi

Remember, Montenegro is 70% mountains and the majority of the population lives in the coastal areas. If you are not one to constantly hike daily up mountains, or drive uphill into the mountains, rather look at getting accommodation closer to the coast.

What to do on arrival (dolazak) at Podgorica International Airport

1. The first thing you do is purchase a tourist sim card, so carry a sewing pin to open your phone to change your sim card. Make sure on the instructions while installing the new pin, you KEEP YOUR OLD NUMBER. This allows you to continue receiving WhatsApp and Viber messages from the country you have come from. Download the VIBER app. Most Montenegrins communicate on VIBER.
2. Download Google Translate onto your phone. This app you will be constantly using. Montenegrin is virtually the same as Serbian, so the translated language type is Serbian.
3. Decide on your mode of transport from Podgorica airport to Herceg Novi prior to leaving where you came from. Whether it is a car rental or taxi. I have heard very good reports about Delta Car.
4. Don’t just arrive and catch a taxi. Some of the taxis can be extremely expensive especially if they know you are a tourist. Their minimum fee can be very high. We chose a highly recommended transport company, which is a family-run business, called Orahovac Taxi. Knowing what you are going to pay before arrival helps. When we arrived, the driver had a printed card with my name on it as I came through customs. They organized an airconditioned Airport transfer to our rented home. Vesko Ljuca is the owner. The lovely lady we communicate with is Jelena who always goes out of her way to help us. (Orahovac can also assist with car rentals and organized tours). We have used them on numerous occasions. Their prices are value for money!
5. Buy some water at the airport for your trip down the Herceg Novi. It does take a few hours.
6. Withdraw some cash, cash, if you do not have it with you. Often you will need to pay for taxis or other amenities in euros – physical money.

Where can you Purchase (kupovina) Groceries in Herceg Novi?

You need to be able to consume with enthusiasm the food you buy and appreciate your shopping (kupovina) experience. Initially, we had to do some exploring and experimenting in relation to our weekly shopping. Which are the best shops to buy from that accommodate our shopping needs? Numerous brands are totally different from what we are accustomed to and several foods we cannot get, but that did not deter us, I just had to change my menu planning and experiment with new recipes.

Don’t forget the Markets (Tržišta)

As you drive along, everywhere, you will see fruit (voće) and veggie (povrće) stalls. Some of them are excellent! I have never tasted tomatoes (paradajz) as I have had here. They are simply the best, and large! Supporting smaller businesses to me is very worthwhile!

At the Herceg Novi Old Town on a Sunday morning, they have a veggie and fruit market. Get there early and buy fresh produce. I love being able to assist the local farmers and pay excellent prices.

There are 3 different supermarkets (samousluga) that I use in Herceg Novi

1. HDL Novi Mall Hipermarket in Igalo

This has now become my favorite. It is in a mall, and although the mall is smaller than what we have been familiar with but often smaller has proved better. You will become acquainted with what is in the different isles, the prices and even the friendly staff who work there. Very importantly, prior to shopping, we go for our cappuccino and sometimes breakfast at the restaurant up the escalators called Perla Gastronomy Art, Restaurant & Café! Great service, great grub! I appreciate making my shopping experience an outing.

Fruit and Vegetables

The fruit and vegetables I find are better quality than the other two supermarkets (it could be the result of going in on the incorrect days) and Wednesdays seem to be fresher than other days of the week. You will purchase what is in season.

Meat, chicken and fish

The meat (meso) I am still getting used to as I still have not been able to explain the different cuts I would like in Montenegran, as they cut it for you right there and then, but I am working on this. Lamb and beef are far more pricer than what we are used to paying, but the chicken and pork are cheaper. Fish, can you understand it, is expensive! Herceg Novi is right next to the water! This baffles my mind!

Inside HDL Novi Mall, one struggles to link to your data. You need to often go outside to book your taxi.

2. Voli Supermarkets

There are several Voli supermarkets all over Herceg Novi. These are very convenient to just pop in and get your daily bread and milk and other basic essentials you require. In the large Hipermarket, (hypermarket in Montenegrin) which is close to HDL Novi Mall in Igalo, I do pop in sometimes as you can find items that are not available in HDL or Idea, but the fruit and vegetable I am not too partial. Every Voli market in the Herceg Novi municipality has a different appeal. You will need to discover which one you prefer.

3. iDEA Prodavnica (Supermarket)

Know the words (reči) before you shop in Herceg Novi

Certain words you need to know before you shop! As mentioned previously make sure you have downloaded Google Translate App on your phone. What I love about this app is that you can save the Serbian words you search for so you can use them over and over rather quickly. Also, it has a camera that when you hold it over a packet or label, translates into English and you know what you are buying. A lifesaver! You can also push the audio button and it tells you how to pronounce the word. Compile your own list of items you want to buy, and save them on the app, with less stress. Be prepared, be ready!

hello	zdravo	cheddar cheese	čedar sir
good day	dobar dan	ham	šunka
thank you	hvala vam	coffee	kafa
meat	meso	bread	hleba

The best dictionary ever! Words, but yes, pictures that relate to the words!

8 Tips on How to Get Around (Kako Zaobići) in Herceg Novi

There are numerous different modes of transport in Herceg Novi, but these types will depend on where you need to go and why. Initially when you arrive, buying your own vehicle will not be on your day one agenda, and unless you have driven your own vehicle from another European destination, other means of transport are a priority.

1. Walking (Hodanje)

“You will do as the Romans do”, as the saying goes and you will do a great deal of walking in Herceg Novi. This municipality is regarded as a town on 100 001 steps. No excuse not to be fit and take care of your health by not exercising. Whether you are walking along the promenade, popping to the pharmacy, doing shopping or even going up and down stairs in your house or apartment, you will be walking. Within a few days, your body adapts and it gets easier and easier. TIP: Listen to a story on Audible, while walking. This way you do not feel the distance you are covering. Super distraction!

Take up hiking! Hiking in Herceg Novi, Montenegro offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Not only will you get to explore the stunning mountain scenery and breathtaking views, but you’ll also get to experience the vibrant culture, friendly locals, and delicious traditional cuisine. The trails offer a variety of difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. There are also plenty of hidden gems to discover, such as hidden villages and ancient ruins, that you can’t find anywhere else. With its unique nature and culture, Herceg Novi is the perfect place for a hiking adventure.

Walking Shoes to walk the 100 001 steps

Your walking shoes and how they feel are very important. I would suggest you purchase them prior to arriving in Montenegro. I did buy two very good pairs of “hiking” shoes. Shoes that are sturdy, so you do not slip, and with great traction. My ankle also needs support due to an old injury and I cannot risk hurting that again.

My suggestions are:

• Columbia Women’s Redmond Iii Waterproof Hiking Shoe
• Propet womens Peak – I suggest ordering 6.5 or 7.5. The extra half-size on these.
• Salomon Women’s X Reveal Gore-tex Hiking Shoes

2. Bus (Bus)

I love the bus in Herceg Novi. Also, I cannot believe how reasonable it is! Euro 1 for any trip around town via Blue Line buses. Number 2 bus is the one to catch, as it goes from one side of the municipality to the other.

Shopping and the bus

If you have a small amount of shopping the bus is perfect, but if you do a big shop, it is not practical. We live currently up a mountain, and the bus does not venture up to where we stay, so we only use the bus moving along the coast of Herceg Novi.

Catching the bus

To catch a bus you will need to go to a bus stop. They are all over. Look for the bus sign!

3. Taxis (Taksi)

Coming from South Africa, we never used to catch taxis. I had caught Uber, but they do not have Uber in Montenegro, so here, taxis were a new experience for us. We were warned, not to catch non-registered taxis, (registered taxis have BIG numbers on their cars) nor stand on the side of the road and hail a cab. Rather download two recommended taxi services on your Viber (an application where you can call or text other Viber users for free) and use those.

Take note of the taxi ID (it will start with 19…and so on and is big) in case you leave something in the taxi. When you climb in you will see the meter and there is also a meter on the rearview mirror. As you start moving the meter starts running. The minimum charge is Euro 1 for these two taxis, but some other taxis are more. If by any remote chance, the taxi driver harasses you or overcharges you, contact the police on 122. You don’t have to, but we always round the charge up so the driver can get something extra.

Two Recommended Taxi Services

When we arrived, we did not have a motor vehicle and lived higher up the mountain, so needed to use taxis regularly. There are two taxi services that have been reliable and pleasant and I suggest you use them too. Look at the picture above for what the two service taxis look like.

During Busy Tourist Season

If it is the tourist hectic season, the one taxi service may not be able to assist you at that moment, so call the other one. One will be able to respond for collection. Some drivers speak English, others do not so quite wise to practice pronouncing where you will be going before you get into the taxi.

• Taximore (we just love) – number +382 67 019730
• Maestro – number +382 68 019530 or +382 69 019530

Example of what message to send via Viber

Good day, please could I have a taxi from “the collection address” to the “destination address“. English speaking. I will send the location pin. Send a message then send the collection pin. They will respond in Serbian, but you will see how many minutes the taxi will take. If they are too busy, and there is no time allocated written on their reply message. Hold down the message and you will see different options pop up. Press ‘Translate”, then “Continue”. The English reply will come up. You will then see if they cannot come at that moment, so you can then call a taxi from the other company.

4. Trains (Vozovi)

Don’t consider this option. It is not an option. There is no train transport available within Herceg Novi.

5. Boat Trip (Izlet Brodićem)

If you need to get to other towns along the coast, visit newfound friends, and go exploring it is marvelous by boat. Visiting restaurants, Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Budva, and even Kotor. This is the most convenient and best way to see the coastline of the country framing the enormous mountains in the background.

Recommended Boat Trip

My son and daughter-in-law took us by boat, Bokaholic Boats to a very special restaurant called Verige65. You must venture to this restaurant by boat. What an enchanting escapade!

Bokaholic’s number is +38267722006 and you can see them on Instagram bokaholic.boats Thanks, guys, it was special! Being a coastal paradise, there are numerous speed boat tours you can go on, but pick out one that is affordable to your pocket and recommended. View Tours and Tickets by Montenegro Speedboat And Submarine

6. Car Rental (Iznajmljivanje Automobila)

Renting a car gives you immense freedom while you are getting onto your feet in Herceg Novi. It allows you to do the tourist thing, travel the country, and go where your heart desires. Like us, if you have come from a country that drives on the left-hand side of the road to a country that drives on the right-hand side, can take a bit of getting used to, but you soon get familiar with the new “feel”.

Roads and Rules

The roads in certain areas are rather narrow and you need to gauge passing an oncoming vehicle. The speed limits are low, 80 km on the open roads and 50 km within the built-up areas, but more often than not you will be traveling in the towns at 40 km, which does make life a great deal easier. If there is a vehicle coming down a hill and there is space only for one vehicle, pull over to the side and stop, allowing the vehicle to pass. Everyone is so polite and will hoot at you to say thank you.

Car Rental Companies

Have a look at the different rental companies but one company I do recommend is Respecta. Not only are the cars in excellent condition, but the service is outstanding. Another one is Maestro – number +382 68 019530 or +382 69 019530

7. Buying a Car (Kupovina Automobila)

Having your own car tops it all, but also poses its own problems. Delightful to drive to the shops, or drive around the whole country, (you can do this in a few days as the country is only 13,812 km²) seeing other towns or driving up the mountains, but there are some negatives too.

Parking

When you go down to the promenade, you need to pay for parking (tight parallel parking) or paid parking areas. During the tourist season, there are so many cars and getting a parking spot can be a problem. If you are parallel parking, you need to be on a phone contract so you message in your parking time.

Where to Purchase a Vehicle

You can either buy new or second-hand and the best place to go to choose the car that fits your budget is in Cetinje, which is on the way from Budva to Podgorica. There is a selection of different dealerships to choose from.

We purchased our car, second-hand from the Inter Car Co at HDL Novi. The owner is Zeljko, he can speak English, and is beyond helpful! As he says, Herceg Novi is a small town, therefore he must do things properly, charge good prices and assist where he can. His reputation depends on it! He did everything for us and I will most certainly go back to him for any future car purchases we may need.

Paying for your Car

Buying a car will require cash, as getting a car loan is not common for foreigners. Understand what your limit is and whether that fits purchasing a new or used vehicle. Of course, there are certain legalities to actually buying the car, so read the article in Montenegro Digital Nomad Agency

8. Scooter & Bicycle (skuter i bicikl) Rental

Let us be a bit different. To avoid the traffic and parking fees, why not consider another 3 different options.

• Electric scooters are everywhere in Herceg Novi. Easy to get around the promenade, free parking, and not hard to steer or ride. You can either rent or buy. If you are looking to buy, purchase from Tehnomax Herceg Novi. Advisable to wear a helmet.
• Scooters are very popular. Avoid the traffic, park easily, and go do that shopping that doesn’t require a boot to bring home. Rent a Scooter is a good option
• Bicycles assist with convenience but require a bit more of a fitness level. You can hire an electric bicycle which does help going up the hills. Rent a Bike has a super selection.

Other Shops you should Know About

1. Okov

Essentially Okov is a shop where you can purchase all your hardware needs, including power tools. It began in 1994 and today has over 15 stores spread throughout Montenegro. Other product items can also be found, such as sheets, mops, brooms, plates, and much more. A very practical and handy store!

2. Tehnomax

Tehnomax offers more practical household or office items, such as washing machines, fridges, stoves, heating equipment, gaming, Apple devices, electric scooters, electric bicycles, drones, computers and printers, and even cameras. The selection is vast. Go through the Tehnomax website to see if they have what you are looking for.

3. Clothes (kupovina odeće) Shopping

Back we go to HDL Novi Mall! I really enjoy New Yorker and LC Waikiki, positively I think their male, female, and kids’ clothing are fabulous. There is also a sports shop at HDL Novi Mall, a pharmacy, a stationery shop, and more of a cosmetics shop. I withdraw cash from the ATM and there is also a little bank outlet.

4. Worth a Mention: best cakes around

By chance, we were driving back past Zelenika (which is part of the Herceg Novi municipality) and decided to stop at this arb Bakery and Cake Shop, named Zdravo. Our intention was just to have a cappuccino, but when we walked in, a divine quaint interior greeted us, with the most amazing selection of cakes! Well, we couldn’t resist. The quality and taste met the picture of delight, and I highly recommend you pay this cafe, bakery, and cake shop a visit!

Emergency numbers (Brojevi za hitne slučajeve) for your contacts:

Useful Contacts to Have in Herceg Novi

Legal Advice (Pravni Saveti)

If you are moving to Herceg Novi on a more permanent basis, either purchasing property, working for a business, or starting your own business, there are numerous things you have to do and obtain to get the process correct.

What not to Rely on

Do not rely on the information from internet sites or Facebook to give you all the correct answers. I highly recommend that you contact a reliable, honest company that will work with you through the whole process and will assist you moving forward.

There are a few different companies that “promise” to do this and charge next to nothing. DO NOT just use anybody. You will land yourself in trouble.

Who to Rely on

Ekonomik Accountants are most certainly the company to choose. Dusan Magdelinic, the Court and legal manager, whom we deal with, has been beyond helpful and professional.

Physical Well-Being (Fizičko blagostanje)

As we started a new life in a new country, an exciting new chapter, I decided to get my body and wellness up to speed with my ambitious future. I had no inkling to go to the “gym” in South Africa. My son and daughter-in-law were going to Body by Jeli in Herceg Novi and I must admit I was skeptical at first. How can you go to the “gym” without all that heavy equipment and where you push yourself physically in each session and take days thereafter to recover? She focuses on: (and has piles of qualifications)

• Strength Training
• Weight Management
• Injury Prevention
• Body-weight Training

Appraisal of Jelena

Well, oh my gosh, Jelena is incredible, so patient and using methods to conquer areas of your body that you have not used for years and are proving to be a hindrance to your well-being. She sees exactly which part of your body needs you to work on, and the methodology that she uses is totally unique but logical. After each session, at her “gym” or online, I feel the results.

Jelena’s Contact Details

My ambition is to once again feel like a spring chicken and you know what? With her assistance, I may just get there! If you want to feel like this once again contact Jelena at +382 68 452 653 via Whatsapp. After being in the USA she is now based in Herceg Novi.

“Here under the azure dome of the sky everything blossoms and ripens in the sunshine. the poet might say; here one lives from sunshine, because of sunshine, for sunshine; that is why i came and stayed in this town.” – Zulfikar Dzumhur

If you would like to add some challenges and successes you had while living like a local in Herceg Novi, please add them to the comments section below. All information to help the transition easier for the new ex-pats is valuable.