Local tips to know before going to Croatia

With its glittering Adriatic shoreline, 1244 islands, endlessly fascinating cities and terribly dramatic landscapes, Croatia has been steadily making its method up individuals’s must-go record. 

Naturally, vacationers are drawn to these stunning Adriatic seashores that simply maintain their very own towards their Mediterranean rivals. However inland Croatia is simply as charming, from the hilltop villages of Istria to the elegantly buzzing capital, Zagreb. Earlier than you go, take a look at these journey tricks to take advantage of out of your Croatia journey.

Planning your journey to Croatia

Make sure you will have the correct foreign money

Though Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, it gained’t be becoming a member of the eurozone till 1 January 2023. Within the meantime, keep it up utilizing the Croatian kuna, which you should buy upfront outdoors the nation in addition to from the banks and ATMs when you arrive. Some retailers and eating places will settle for euros, however you’ll get your change in kuna, and never at a really enticing fee.

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Don’t overstretch your self when planning an itinerary

It may be tempting to squeeze in as many locations as doable into one journey, however you gained’t be doing your self any favors until you’re staying for at the very least two weeks. In the event you’re planning to go to multiple Adriatic island, assume realistically about how a lot time you’ll be able to spend in every place and the way you can be getting round. Get to know the schedule of the nationwide ferry operator, Jadrolinija, in the event you intend to do some island-hopping. Croatia has an in depth bus community, however consider some lengthy journey instances in the event you’re touring alongside the Adriatic coast.

How a lot do you tip?

Croatia’s tipping tradition is extra laid again than in different international locations. Having stated that, it’s customary to go away at the very least 10% in eating places and for magnificence and spa therapies. In bars and cafés, simply spherical up the invoice. Tour guides admire just a few kuna on the finish of a tour, and taxi drivers don’t anticipate a tip, however, once more, if you wish to spherical up a fare from, say, 22 kuna (US$3.15) to 25 kuna (US$3.57), it’s appreciated. In the event you’re filling up your automotive and see just a few college students cleansing automotive windscreens, give them just a few kuna, as they’re working for suggestions solely.

How secure is it to journey in Croatia?

Croatia is a comparatively secure nation, with low ranges of violent crime. Probably the most prevalent subject for vacationers is pickpocketing, however even that’s on a a lot decrease scale than in different European international locations. Feminine solo vacationers ought to really feel secure on their very own, though it’s clever to get some data from lodging suppliers on areas to keep away from, if any. When utilizing taxis, all vacationers ought to make sure they’re utilizing a licensed automotive both from an official taxi rank or ordered out of your lodge.

What’s Croatia like for LGBTQI+ vacationers?

On this comparatively conservative nation, homosexuality is tolerated however LGBTQI+ vacationers ought to be discreet. Public shows of affection might elevate just a few eyebrows, and a few vacationers have skilled hostile reactions. Zagreb’s homosexual scene is rising, nonetheless, and each Zagreb and Split maintain Homosexual Satisfaction festivals each June.

Purchase some swimming sneakers

Most of Croatia’s seashores are pebbly or rocky and may be arduous to get pleasure from in naked ft. Simply choose up a pair of these neoprene or plastic swimming sneakers you see in all of the resorts and also you’ll even be defending your ft from sea urchins that lurk beneath rocks and pebbles.

Be ready for plenty of naked flesh

Naturist seashores are in style in Croatia, and generally you gained’t know you’re on one till individuals begin stripping off. Most are marked with FKK – the German phrase “Frei-Körper-Kultur” that means free physique tradition – not surprisingly, as Germans make up a number of the largest numbers of vacationers in Croatia. Away from the FKK seashores, topless bathing is sort of widespread.

Are you able to keep away from the crowds in Dubrovnik?

Though the variety of cruise ships docking in Dubrovnik isn’t at pre-pandemic ranges, there might nonetheless be instances when as much as 8000 individuals would possibly descend in at some point. That’s the cue to keep away from the Outdated City till the cruise passengers go away within the late afternoon. Control the Dubrovnik Port Authority’s website for cruise arrivals.

Can I exploit my cell phone in Croatia?

Croatia is a part of EU roaming, which is helpful when you’ve got a contract that lets you use your knowledge overseas. It’s simple to search out Wi-Fi in cafes and bars: simply ask the server for the password (šifra).

Etiquette in Croatia

Make an effort to decorate appropriately

In the event you’re visiting church buildings and different sacred websites, hold your shoulders lined and, in the event you can, keep away from naked thighs. In the event you’re carrying a hat, take it off while you’re in a church. Regardless that gown codes are relaxed on the coast, Cut up, Dubrovnik and Hvar have handed legal guidelines towards strolling across the metropolis in swimwear or bare-chested. Croatians like to decorate neatly and take nice pleasure of their look, so that you don’t need to look too scruffy in the event you may also help it.

Don’t get drunk in public

After years of putting up with hordes of drunken vacationers, the mayor of Hvar City had had sufficient. In 2017, the vacation spot began to subject fines to individuals behaving badly – public drunkenness isn’t solely frowned upon, but additionally topic to a advantageous of as much as €700 (US$755). Similar goes in the event you move out and go to sleep in a public place comparable to a park bench. 

Get to know the Croatian character

Croatians may be fairly reserved individuals, generally showing brusque. It’s nothing private, particularly while you get to know them higher and the preliminary reserve melts to disclose a heat and pleasant facet.

Be tactful when speaking about Croatia’s battle of independence

The Nineteen Nineties battle that splintered the previous Yugoslavia is a subject that wants cautious dealing with. If individuals present a willingness to speak about it, then by all means ask wise questions. However don’t be intrusive, and keep in mind that Croatians gained’t take too kindly to being referred to as both Yugoslav or Balkan. Equally, on this predominantly Catholic nation, be conscious of constructing loud statements towards faith. 

Well being and security in Croatia

Are you able to drink the faucet water?

Faucet water in Croatia is completely secure and really drinkable. 

What about earthquakes?

Croatia has a historical past of earthquakes going again centuries, however two latest ones in 2020 precipitated important injury. The quake that shook Zagreb broken hundreds of buildings, many within the outdated city together with the cathedral. Quickly after, the town of Petrinja, about an hour’s drive south of Zagreb, was severely broken in a quake whose aftershocks rippled all through the area.

Are there any security considerations to remember?

There are nonetheless components of the nation within the hinterlands of Northern Dalmatia and Lika the place landmines stay from the Nineteen Nineties battle, however these shall be signposted with a cranium and crossbones image. Don’t be remotely tempted to go close to them.

What’s the very best contact for an emergency?

Dial 112 for basic emergencies, 192 for police, and 194 for an ambulance. In the event you fall ailing in Croatia and also you’re an EU citizen with a European Well being Insurance coverage Card (EHIC) or a UK citizen with a World Well being Insurance coverage Card, you’re entitled to vastly diminished well being care – for instance, a health care provider’s appointment is simply 10 kuna (US$1.50). However even with this cowl, you must nonetheless take out journey insurance coverage.

Any particular driving legal guidelines to find out about?

In the event you’re driving in Croatia from November to April, it’s obligatory to have your lights on throughout daylight in addition to at night time.