Kotor, Montenegro

• Kotor sits at the end of the Bay of Kotor, sometimes called Europe's southernmost fjord. The medieval Old Town (Stari Grad) is small - five minutes to walk end to end - with narrow cobblestone streets, stone churches, and cafes. Most tourist-facing staff speak English since the town depends heavily on tourism. The level of English drops off quickly outside the Old Town walls.
• The town has low crime rates and violent crime is rare. You'll see families on the waterfront promenade late in the evening, and the Old Town stays busy until past midnight in summer. That said, pickpocketing does happen during cruise ship days when thousands of day-trippers pack the narrow streets.
• Montenegro uses the Euro despite not being in the EU. The time zone is Central European Time (CET/GMT+1, CEST/GMT+2 in summer). Emergency number is 112 for all services - operators usually speak English in tourist areas. Tap water is safe to drink along the coast.
• The geography means narrow, winding coastal roads, and local drivers tend to speed. Most people stick to buses, taxis, or walking. The Blue Line buses connect towns around the bay cheaply (€1-2), though they get crowded in peak summer. The Old Town itself is entirely pedestrian.

Montenegrin is the official language, though Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian are also spoken. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in Kotor. Emergency services (112) usually have English-speaking operators, especially during tourist season.

• Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches and monasteries. Locals tend to dress well even for casual outings, so you'll fit in better if you make some effort with your appearance. Don't wear swimwear in town restaurants or shops.
• Standard greeting is a firm handshake with direct eye contact for both men and women. Use titles and last names until people invite you to use first names. Speaking loudly or making scenes in public doesn't go over well.
• Tipping isn't mandatory but 10% at restaurants is standard and appreciated. If someone invites you to their home, bring flowers or wine. Wait for your host to start eating before you dig in.
• Offer your seat on public transport to elderly people, pregnant women, or those with disabilities. Many businesses close or run reduced hours during religious holidays. Ethnic politics and the conflicts of the '90s are sensitive topics - avoid unless locals bring it up first.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. General Emergency (EU standard): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The Old Town is entirely pedestrian and you can walk everywhere within the historic walls in minutes. The cobblestones can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you're climbing the fortress walls.
• Blue Line buses run regularly around the bay connecting Kotor to Dobrota, Perast, and Herceg Novi. Fares are cheap (around €1-2) but buses get very crowded during peak summer season. Always carry small Euro denominations as drivers may not have change.
• Taxis are reliable and affordable at roughly €0.80-1 per kilometer plus €2 boarding fee. Red Taxi is recommended and can be booked via WhatsApp. Uber does not operate in Montenegro. During cruise ship days in summer, taxis can be harder to find.
• Water taxis and tourist boats depart from Kotor's port offering scenic transfers to spots like Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks island. These are more expensive than buses but provide beautiful bay views and skip the winding coastal road entirely.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Kotor with local guides and curated experiences.