Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Snake Bites
To avoid getting bitten by snakes, do not walk barefoot or stick your hands into holes or cracks. Half of those bitten by
venomous snakes are not actually injected with poison (envenomed). If bitten by a snake, do not panic. Immobilise the
bitten limb with a splint (eg a stick) and apply a bandage over the site firmly, similar to a bandage over a sprain. Do not
apply a tourniquet, or cut or suck the bite. Get medical help as soon as possible so that antivenom can be administered
if necessary.
Tap Water
As a general rule, tap water is drinkable in Montenegro but there can be problems. For instance it's advisable not to
drink the water in Herceg Novi in May as they close off and the clean the pipes from the main reservoir (in Croatia)
and revert to a local reservoir. Bottled water is cheap and readily available.
Insurance
A watertight travel insurance policy covering theft, loss and medical problems is recommended. While theft isn't a
huge problem, rental cars are sometimes targeted by opportunists and Montenegro's roads aren't the world's safest.
There are plenty of policies to choose from - compare the fine print and shop around.
If you're an EU citizen, you will be covered for most emergency medical care except for emergency repatriation
home. Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between
their country and Montenegro. Strongly consider a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an
accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly
to providers or if it will reimburse you later for any overseas health expenditures. The former option is generally
preferable, especially if your finances are limited.
Some policies specifically exclude designated 'dangerous activities' such as scuba-diving, parasailing, paragliding,
white-water rafting, skiing and even hiking. If you plan on doing any of these things (a distinct possibility in
Montenegro), make sure the policy you choose covers you fully and includes ambulances and emergency medical
evacuation.
If you need to make a claim, ensure you obtain and keep all relevant documentation. This may involve a police re-
port in case of theft and invoices for medical expenses incurred. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to
a centre in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services
.
You can buy, extend and claim
online any time - even if you're already on the road.
Internet Access
Most accommodation providers (excluding private accommodation) now offer free wireless connections, although they
often don't penetrate to every part of the building and may be limited to the reception area. Many bars and cafes also
offer wireless. One of the sweeteners of the Porto Montenegro project for residents of Tivat is free wireless access
throughout the town. Most towns also have an internet cafe; hourly rates start from around 50c.
