Using Offline Google Maps in Albania & Montenegro: What You Need to Know
- Bec Luck-Baker
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
When you’re road-tripping through the Balkans, having reliable navigation is everything. But here’s the thing—don’t count on live Apple or Google Maps working the way you're used to. Especially in Montenegro, where even with mobile data is completely non-existent.
We learned this the hard way: confidently setting off on a scenic drive, only to realise our map had stopped loading just as we reached a critical turn. Lesson learned.
Why Offline Maps Are a Must (Especially in Montenegro)
While Albania has its connectivity quirks, we could mostly still get some kind of live map connection using mobile data but it obviously DRAINED our allowance and ultimately cost us a small fortune on eSim data which we just wouldn't recommend. But Montenegro was a different story. Even with roaming data enabled, there was no map access at all, we remembered a petrol garage we had stopped at the day before had WiFi so we found that and managed to get on and download the maps we needed - we had no idea we wouldn't be able to get on maps before we got there and set off on our day trip.
The solution? Download offline maps before you go. You’ll need to be connected to WiFi to do it, so we recommend downloading the areas you need as soon as you arrive at your accommodation or while you still have a strong connection.
How to Download Offline Google Maps
If you’ve never used this feature before, here’s how to do it:
Open the Google Maps app (make sure you’re logged in).
Type in the location you want to download (e.g. Kotor or Montenegro).
Tap the location name or address at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the three dots in the top-right corner > Download offline map.
Adjust the box to cover the area you need and hit Download.
The app will save this area to your phone and keep it for 1 year unless you update or delete it.
What Works (and What Doesn’t) with Offline Maps
✅ What works offline:
Turn-by-turn navigation (driving directions only)
Estimated time of arrival
Most road names and major landmarks
Ability to search for places like petrol stations or restaurants within the downloaded area
❌ What doesn’t work offline:
Live traffic updates
Public transport routes
Real-time re-routing if you go off-course
Walking or cycling routes (can be hit-and-miss)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Relying on mobile data – Montenegro especially is notorious for poor signal in rural and mountainous areas.
🚫 Waiting too long to download – Don’t assume you can do it on the go. You’ll need WiFi to download maps.
🚫 Downloading too small an area – Always zoom out and download a bigger region than you think you’ll need. Detours are common!
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to drive around Montenegro or Albania, offline Google Maps are an absolute must. While Albania might offer you enough signal, Montenegro’s will leave you high and dry if you haven’t prepared.
Take five minutes to download your maps before heading out and save yourself a whole lot of stress. It’s such a small step, but it makes a huge difference—especially when you're navigating twisty coastal roads or trying to find that hidden beach with kids in the back asking, “Are we there yet?” You can also do the same with Apple Maps
Enjoyed this post? If you'd like to support our travels (and possibly fund Jax’s next double-scoop detour), you can Buy Us an Ice Cream. We appreciate it more than you know!
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