Welcome to Croatia 😊

Quick Facts About Croatia

Money and Finances

The currency in Croatia is the Croatian kuna (HRK). Coins denominations are in 1, 2, 5 and 50 lipas and 1, 2, 5 and 25 kunas. Notes comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 kunas.

ATM Network

ATMs in Croatia are widely available in cities and popular tourist regions, but it may be more challenging to find one in rural areas. ATMs usually accept major credit and debit cards, but it's recommended to check with your bank regarding international fees and charges.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Croatia, especially in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are more frequently accepted than AMEX. Smaller shops and restaurants may only accept cash, so be sure to have enough kunas on hand as well.

Internet and Phones

In Croatia, the average download speed is 70 Mbps and the average upload speed is 50 Mbps. There are no reported cases of government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Croatia has three major telco companies: Hrvatski Telekom, Tele2, and A1. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around HRK 150 ($24) per month. There may be compatibility issues with non-European sim cards.

Dialling to Croatia

To call Croatia from another country, dial +385. Within Croatia, dial the area code (e.g. 01 for Zagreb) followed by the local number.

Transport Around Croatia

Air Travel

Croatia has nine airports, with the largest and busiest being the Zagreb International Airport in the capital. Some other major airports include Split Airport, Dubrovnik Airport, and Zadar Airport.

Train Travel

Croatia has an inter-city train network that connects major cities such as Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek. The journey times and ticket prices vary, but an example is the journey from Zagreb to Split, which takes around 5-6 hours and costs approximately 160 HRK.

Metro / Local Trains

Croatia does not have a metro system in any of its major cities.

Buses

Croatia has a well-developed bus network, with many companies offering routes throughout the country. An example journey is from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, which takes around 12 hours and costs approximately 240 HRK.

Rideshare

Uber and Bolt are two popular rideshare companies operating in Croatia. The average cost for a 10km journey is around 40-50 HRK.

Driving by Car

Driving in Croatia is relatively easy, with good roads and signage. The speed limits are 50km/h within cities, 90km/h on country roads, and 130km/h on highways. Croatia drives on the right side of the road.

Local Customs

In Croatia, tipping is common and expected in restaurants and cafes, with 10% being a typical amount. Croatians greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks, depending on the level of familiarity. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to address them formally using 'gospodin' for Mr. and 'gospođa' for Mrs./Ms. Men and women usually address each other with the equivalent of 'sir' and 'madam.'

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health care system in Croatia is generally good, with both public and private options available. Public health insurance is required for all residents. The cost of a visit to a doctor in Croatia can range from approximately 100 to 300 kuna (approximately 15 to 45 USD).

COVID Situation

Croatia implemented strict measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and has seen a relatively low number of cases and deaths compared to other European countries. As of September 2021, the vaccination rate in Croatia is around 46% and the number of new cases is decreasing.

Common Health Risks

The main health risks in Croatia are related to food and water safety. Tourists should be cautious when consuming tap water and should avoid consuming undercooked or raw meat. There is also a risk of tick-borne diseases, particularly in rural areas, so it is advised to take precautions when spending time outdoors. Finally, sunburn and heatstroke can be concerns during the summer months.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Croatia, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is allowed to be consumed and sold in licensed premises, including bars and restaurants. However, it is illegal to drink in public spaces such as parks and beaches. The blood alcohol content limit for drivers is 0.05%. There are no specific laws banning alcohol consumption, but public intoxication can result in fines or even imprisonment in extreme cases.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use and possession is strictly prohibited in Croatia. Possession of small amounts of soft drugs like cannabis can result in fines or a short prison sentence. The use, production, sale or distribution of hard drugs like heroin or cocaine, even in small quantities, is considered a serious criminal offense. The penalty for such offenses can be long-term imprisonment or even life imprisonment in extreme cases.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Croatia is a conservative country when it comes to relationships outside of marriage. It is generally frowned upon to have intimate relationships before marriage. However, it is not illegal to do so and the law does not impose any specific regulations on such relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is legal in Croatia, and same-sex relationships have been legally recognized since 2014. However, the country remains divided on issues of LGBTQ rights, and conservative attitudes towards homosexuality are common. Anti-discrimination laws have been enacted, but discrimination against LGBTQ individuals still exists in areas such as employment and housing.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms regulations in Croatia are strict, with purchasing and owning guns being heavily regulated. Fully automatic firearms and certain types of semi-automatic firearms are completely forbidden. To legally own a firearm in Croatia, one must be a licensed gun owner, have a valid reason for ownership, such as hunting or sport shooting, and pass a medical and psychiatric evaluation. There's also a strict vetting process which often takes around six months to complete.

Regions in Croatia

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Croatia, browse through each to see what to visit.

120 Popular Travel Destinations in Croatia