Utilities & Internet
How to pay bills, get fiber internet, and understand the "Cheap Tariff" for electricity.
Electricity: The "Cheap Tariff" Secret
Montenegro's electricity provider (EPCG) has two tariff zones. Locals save massive amounts of money by running washing machines, dryers, and water heaters during the Cheap Tariff (Jeftina tarifa).
How to Pay Bills
You will receive separate paper bills for Electricity (Struja), Water (Voda), and Garbage (Čistoća) in your mailbox. Here's how to pay them:
Banking App (Easiest)
Most local banking apps (CKB, Hipotekarna) have a "Utilities" section. You just scan the QR code on the bill or enter the "Pretplatnički broj" (Account Number).
Post Office (Pošta)
Bring all your paper bills to any Post Office. You pay in cash. Expect queues around the 15th of the month. Commission is ~€0.40 per bill.
EPCG Website
For electricity specifically, you can pay directly on the EPCG website using a foreign or local card without logging in.
Tabacco Shops
Some kiosks (Tobacco S Press) allow you to pay electricity bills quickly if you have the paper bill with you.
Internet & Fiber
Montenegro has surprisingly good internet speeds, especially in Podgorica and coastal cities where Fiber (Optika) is standard.
Telekom (Crnogorski Telekom)
The biggest provider (ex-state owned). Best fiber coverage in cities. Reliable but can be pricey.
One (formerly Telenor)
Excellent mobile network (often fastest 4G/5G). Home internet is usually via 4G routers, not cable.
M:tel
Great value cable TV + Internet combos. Very popular for TV packages. Good coverage on coast.
Water (Vodovod)
Tap Water is Drinkable*
In Podgorica and most coastal towns, tap water is safe and delicious (mountain spring water).
*Exception: After heavy rains, the water company may issue a "boil water" advisory (bacteriologically safe but slightly cloudy).
Garbage (Čistoća)
- Communal Bins: You throw your trash in the large metal dumpsters on the street corner. Individual house bins are rare.
- Recycling: Limited. You might see specific bins for "Paper/Plastic" but separation culture is still developing.
Internet Speed?
Ping is usually very low (<10ms) within the region.