No Starbucks, No Small Talk: US Tourist Shares Montenegro Culture Shocks

News18

12-05-2025

Last Updated:
The vlogger also observed that people in Montenegro generally do not engage with smiles or greetings from strangers.
Montenegro, a captivating Balkan nation renowned for its majestic mountains, historic medieval towns and the stunning Adriatic Sea, attracts millions of tourists annually. However, beneath its picturesque places, this country in southeastern Europe has a few cultural nuances that might surprise the average American tourist. Wondering why? Travel vlogger Helene Sula, who visited this European gem nearly 3 months ago, shared her insights about Montenegro that amazed her.
The travel vlogger highlighted six 'culture shocks' that Americans will experience if they travel to Montenegro. Her engaging Instagram video, titled 'Things in Montenegro that would send an American into a coma," sheds light on the distinct ways of life in this southeastern European country compared to the United States.
The first and perhaps most shocking difference for Helene was the local morning ritual of people in Montenegro. She said that people start their day with a shot of strong liquor, most commonly rakia. It is a type of fruit brandy popular throughout the Balkan nations. Believe it or not, but the woman revealed that people consume it before breakfast.
Another notable culture shock for the vlogger was the prevalence of smoking. Unlike the increasingly stringent regulations in the US, smoking remains common in Montenegro and surprisingly, it is permitted indoors in many places.
Next, Helene pointed out the absence of ubiquitous American fast-food and coffee chains – Starbucks or McDonald's. 'If you're craving a Big Mac or a Pumpkin Spice Latte, too bad. There are no McDonald's or Starbucks chains here. And there are no Apple stores either, not even in the capital, Podgorica," she revealed.
A peculiar belief regarding air conditioning also surprised Helene. She noted that people in Montenegro believed that air conditioning could make them sick. 'I've had so many people tell me they got sick from their air conditioning when they went to the USA," she said in her post.
The vlogger also observed that people in Montenegro generally do not engage with smiles or greetings from strangers. She clarified, however, that 'It's not rude, it's just the Balkan way."
Lastly, Helene expressed her shock at the country's driving culture. In the video, she revealed that one has to navigate narrow, winding cliffside roads without guardrails and the Montenegrians drive at what she described as 'Fast and Furious' speeds, a particularly jarring experience.
Despite these cultural differences, Helene concluded her post with a heartfelt appreciation for Montenegro's 'insane beauty," acknowledging the country's undeniable natural allure. 'Despite being about the size of Connecticut, Montenegro is full of insane beauty. Mountains, beaches, lakes and so much more."
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