Yugoslavia-Montenegro Reports
P.S. No 1 - Contributed June 1997 by : Anon
QUOTE :
"Montenegro is one of the two republics comprising present-day Yugoslavia. The scenery in the mountains and through the old cities on the coast is lovely.
The major fuel types are available (diesel, unleaded gasoline, higher octane gasoline). Diesel is less expensive than gasoline (3.00 dinars/liter vs 3.50 dinars/liter 1 dinar = approximately 5.50 USD. Often one can see individuals selling fuel along the side of roads, but buying such fuel can be risky as you never know the quality.
Roads are generally in poor condition. All the main roads are paved but many roads to and through villages are unpaved. Most of the main highways, even the ones connecting Montenegro with neighboring countries and Serbia are two lane. Often, you will find yourself behind a big heavily laden truck traveling very slowly, at such times it is nice to have a car with good acceleration for passing.
One must drive defensively at all times as other drivers often break the law and are reckless. One must be careful of cars crossing onto the wrong side of the highway and thus coming towards you while passing from the opposite direction. One must especially be careful of pedestrians who cross against don't walk signs. Many of these pedestrains wear dark clothes and most streets do not have lighting, thus one must be even more careful at night.
There are no new car dealers at all. Car repair facilities are dismal!!! Car repairmen are known to steal parts off of cars brought to them. Spare parts are very limited.
The climate is somewhat similar to the Pacific Northwest. Snow can be a problem in the North and at higher elevations.
Parking regulations are hard to figure out, if the police are towing, they will choose to tow nicer cars.
Car theft is a problem. It is good to have an anti theft system that disables the car during attempted theft.
Maps are difficult to obtain. Restrooms are few and far between and are in horrific condition.
Though insurance is mandatory, it is very difficult to obtain payment in the case of an accident from Yugoslav insurance companies.
I trust this gives you a basic idea of driving here."
UNQUOTE
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