Budva Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information

Budva, Montenegro 🇲🇪
#1077 42.288565, 18.84195

Nomad Score: 66%

Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City	Budva is a coastal town located in Montenegro known for its beautiful Adriatic beaches and a vibrant nightlife.
👥 Population	Approximately 18,000 residents, peaking during tourist season.
💻 Internet Speed	Average download speed is around 25 Mbps with a robust 4G LTE network.
💸 Currency & Banking	Currency is the Euro (1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD) with many banks available like Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka and Hipotekarna Banka.
🚰 Tap Water	Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is preferred in some areas.
🔌 Power	230V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets common in households.
📶 SIM Card	Providers include Telenor and m:tel, offering various prepaid plans.
💳 Banking for Expats	International cards accepted widely, with banks like Raiffeisen and OTP providing services for expatriates.
🛌 Accommodation	Options range from luxury hotels like Slovenska Plaza to budget options like Montenegro Hostel.
💳 Cashless Friendly	Yes, many establishments accept credit/debit cards.
🏠 Short Term Rentals	Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation	Hostel Budva and B&Bs provide affordable lodging for backpackers.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space	The Space is a popular coworking venue with high-speed internet and a creative environment.
☕ Best Cafe for Work	Caffe Pivo provides a relaxing atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events	Check out local meetups on platforms like Meetup.com for networking opportunities.
🥂 Social Events for Expats	Join the 'Expats in Montenegro' group on Facebook for social events and gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App	Bolt operates in Budva for ride-hailing services.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental	Local companies like Rent a Bike offer affordable bike rentals.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby	Mogren Beach is the most popular and easily accessible beach close to the city center.
✈️ Top Regional Airline	Montenegro Airlines services regional flights.
✈️ Top International Airline	Air Montenegro and Wizz Air frequently connect to various European destinations.
🛣️ Highway Access	Budva is connected to the Adriatic Highway, making travel to major cities like Kotor and Podgorica convenient.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub	The local Bus Station is the transit hub for intercity and regional travel.
🚍 Public Transport Passes	Single journey bus tickets cost around €1.20; monthly passes are available as well.
✈️ Regional Travel	Buses frequently connect Budva with nearby cities such as Kotor and Tivat.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital	The General Hospital Budva provides comprehensive health services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers	Budva Yoga Center offers classes and wellness programs.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers	Gym Budva and Fitness Studio Aura are popular fitness centers.
🧺 Laundry Services	Laundry services like 'Pranjestvo' provide washing and ironing services.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App	Wolt and Glovo are popular food delivery options in Budva.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try	Try 'Kačamak', a traditional dish of cornmeal and potato.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options	Restaurant 'Plant Based' offers great vegan and vegetarian options.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots	Sladoledara offers a delicious variety of ice creams and desserts.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots	The local market in Budva offers fresh vegetables and local products at reasonable prices.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store	Local e-commerce sites like Tehnomax offer electronics and appliances.
🛒 Grocery Delivery	Supermarket delivery services like Idea allow easy online shopping.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area	Budva Old Town is famous for its vibrant nightlife and numerous bars.
🍻 Local Brewery	Montenegrin breweries like Trebjesa in Nikšić offer tours and tastings.
🍷 Wine Bars	Wine Bar Gurmana showcases local wines and delicacies.
🍲 Street Food Stalls	Several stalls in the Old Town offer tasty local snacks like 'burek'.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine	Restaurants like 'Jadran' serve Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks	Visit the Citadel in the Old Town for stunning views and rich history.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues	The Maritime Museum showcases Montenegro's naval history.
🏰 Historical Sites	Visit the Church of St. John and the Orthodox Church of St. Mary.
🕍 Religious Sites	The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of the notable churches in Budva.
🎉 Annual Events	Budva Summer Festival features concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions every summer.
🎨 Cultural Districts	Budva's Old Town is known for its cultural significance and historic buildings.
🎭 Theater Venues	The Budva City Theater hosts various theatrical performances throughout the summer.
🛍️ Local Markets	The daily market in Budva is an ideal spot for fresh produce and local goods.
🎼 Music Scene	Kotor's many bars host live music events, offering a mix of local and international acts.
🎨 Street Art	Explore graffiti and street art around the Old Town area.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes	Cooking classes at restaurants like 'Konoba Stari grad' teach traditional Montenegrin cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries	Galerija Dvor offers a selection of local artworks and exhibitions.
🕰️ Historic Buildings	The Church of St. Sava and the remains of the Roman villa on the coast are historical highlights.
🏴 Local Heritage	Budva is rich in local traditions and folklore, celebrated through various cultural events.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes	Explore the stunning beaches of Sveti Stefan and the nearby nature reserves.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby	Durmitor National Park is approximately a 2-hour drive away.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths	There are coastal paths leading from Budva to surrounding villages perfect for cycling and walking.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints	The viewpoint near the old fortress offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations	The wetlands near Skadar Lake are a popular spot for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots	Local beaches allow bonfires in designated areas, ideal for evening gatherings.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service	DHL and Post of Montenegro provide reliable parcel delivery services.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services	Shops like Tehnoimpex offer device repair and accessories.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots	Local parks often have tables available for public use.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes	Language schools in Budva offer courses in Montenegrin, English, and other languages.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots	The local library provides a quiet space for studying and reading.
🏘️ Community Centers	Local community centers often host cultural events and workshops.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges	Arcade Budva is a local gaming lounge offering various games and social events.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls	Casino Royale provides multiple gaming options and entertainment.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center)	Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €135,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)	Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €110,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)	Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)	Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)	Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)	Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000)
💼 Corporate Tax	9% corporate tax rate.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax	9% on dividend distributions.
🏦 Tax System	Flat tax system with a simplified tax regime for small businesses.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket	Personal income tax is 9% across all income ranges.
🧾 VAT	The standard VAT rate is 21%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules	Yes, Montenegro has CFC regulations in place.
🏠 Property Tax	Annual property tax is based on property value, typically around 0.1%.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax	3% standard rate on property purchases.