01Personal safety in the city
Personal safety in the city
When walking near Topolica and along King Nikola Promenade or relaxing on the beach, take extra care of your belongings in crowded places. It is easier to lose sight of your bag or phone in a crowd, so the main concern is the possibility of petty theft.
If something is stolen, report it to the police by calling 122. If a payment card was taken with your wallet, contact your bank to block it. The bank stops further use of the card, while the police take the theft report and investigate what happened.
02Going out at night and travelling alone
Going out at night and travelling alone
Bar is suitable for solo visits and evenings out with the usual personal precautions. If you are staying by the sea, bear in mind that Stari Bar, the old town, is 4 km from the coast, and plan how you will return to your accommodation.
If you return by taxi, choose an official licensed service so you know who the operator is and whom to contact about the ride. You can find service contacts in the practical information for Bar.
03Problems with tourist services
Problems with tourist services
If a tourist service differs from what was agreed or you are charged for something you did not use, you have grounds to ask for an explanation and make a complaint. A disagreement like this is not in itself evidence of fraud. The relevant inspection authority handles service irregularities, while suspected criminal offences should be reported to the police.
Taxis and unlicensed transport
For rides in Bar, choose an official licensed taxi service with an identifiable operator. You can find service contacts in the practical information for Bar.
If you disagree with the fare charged, first clarify it with the operator. Bar Municipality's Municipal Police and Inspection Service oversees taxi transport within the municipality. You can report a problem by calling +382 60 000 800 or emailing [email protected]. The vehicle's registration number and the place and time of the ride connect your report to the specific event. Include a receipt if you have one.
Accommodation and dining services
If you have a problem with your accommodation or a restaurant service, your complaint should explain the difference between what was agreed and what you received. A receipt, booking confirmation, or correspondence can show that difference, so first complain to the establishment with the documents you have. You can report irregularities in accommodation or dining services to the tourism inspection authority at [email protected].
Reporting suspected fraud
The police handle suspected criminal fraud, theft, or threats. You can make a report by calling 122 or at a police station. Payment confirmation, correspondence, and any details you have about the service provider help explain what happened. A police report is used to establish whether a criminal offence may have occurred, but it does not in itself mean that your money will be returned.
04Hiring a vehicle
Hiring a vehicle
The deposit you leave when hiring a car is separate from the hire price and is a normal part of the contract. A problem arises if the agency does not explain why it is withholding the deposit or charges you for damage you dispute. These disputes should be clarified using the agreed terms and the car's condition at collection and return.
A registered agency and hire terms
Hire only from an agency with a registered car hire business and approval to operate, or through the Hire And Travel platform, which brings together offers from such agencies. The contract should clearly identify the agency and state the hire price and deposit terms. These details tell you who is responsible under the contract and whom to contact with a complaint.
Deposits and damage charges
Depending on the contract, the deposit may be a hold on your card or a payment. If you are charged for damage when returning the car, the condition report and photos from collection and return allow you to compare the vehicle's condition. They help clarify which damage is being charged for and whether it was already there. Ask the agency for a written breakdown and the basis of any damage charge or extra fee you dispute.
If the deposit was held on your card, releasing it does not mean the funds are immediately available in your account. If the agency has released the hold but the money is not yet available, check with your bank whether processing is complete. This is different from the agency withholding the deposit. Suspected criminal fraud should be reported to the police on 122.
Comparing offers and getting booking support
Through the Hire And Travel platform, you can compare offers from verified, legal car hire agencies in Bar for your dates. Alongside the hire price, the deposit and insurance terms show the obligations you accept with the chosen vehicle. If a dispute arises over a booking made through the platform, send your complaint to the agency and the platform's support team with the booking confirmation and payment documents.
05Road safety
Road safety
Roads from Bar lead towards Ulcinj or through Sutomore towards Virpazar. Traffic on coastal roads increases during the summer tourist season, which can make journeys longer. If you are collecting or returning a hire car outside the city, allow for a potentially longer journey to the agreed location.
Traffic on main roads outside built-up areas moves faster than on city streets, and crashes at higher speeds have more serious consequences. When moving from slower city traffic onto a main road, adjust your speed to the stretch of road you are driving on.
06Health and weather
Health and weather
Very hot weather puts strain on the body, especially during a long walk along King Nikola Promenade or time on Topolica and Zukotrlica beaches. Children, older people, and travellers with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable. Choose a cooler part of the day for a walk and rest somewhere cool to limit your exposure to the hottest conditions.
07Safety outdoors
Safety outdoors
Topolica and Zukotrlica are beaches in Bar where you can spend time by the sea and swim. Base your decision to enter the water on that day's conditions, along with the warnings and instructions for the particular beach.
Beach signs and swimming areas
If warning flags are displayed at the beach, follow them. Green means swimming is permitted, yellow means swimming is restricted and may be dangerous, and red means swimming is prohibited or warns that the lifeguard is not on duty. Follow other posted warnings too, and the lifeguard's instructions where one is present.
Boats and other vessels operate along Montenegro's coast, especially in summer. Stay aware of nearby vessels while swimming, and use the designated swimming area where one exists.
08Local rules and documents
Local rules and documents
Foreign visitors in Montenegro should carry a valid identification document and show it to an authorised official when asked. Which document is acceptable depends on the basis of your stay and the document that permits entry. A photograph or copy of the original can help establish your details, but it does not replace valid identification.
If you lose a document, report the loss without delay to the relevant police service or your country's diplomatic representation. Keeping the document number or a copy can make the process of obtaining a new document easier.
09Emergencies and assistance
Emergencies and assistance
In an emergency, you can call 112, the general number that connects you with the appropriate service. It is particularly useful if you are unsure whether you need the police, fire service, or emergency medical services. You can also call each of these services directly using the numbers listed below.
Roadside assistance and hire vehicles
If your vehicle breaks down, AMSCG roadside assistance is available on 19807. If the car is hired, notify the agency too, because the hire terms determine how assistance is arranged and what happens to the vehicle. After an accident, the documentation required by the agency also matters, including a police report when needed for the particular case.
The cost of assistance depends on the vehicle, contract, and scope of the service. AMSCG assistance is not free for every vehicle, so for a hire car the cost should also be clarified under the hire terms.
