Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style, round, two-pin plugs are standard.

Language

The official language is Croatian.

Money

The official unit of currency is the euro, which was introduced on 1 January 2023. ATMs are plentiful throughout the country and banks, authorised bureaux de change, post offices and most hotels exchange foreign currency. Banks open Monday to Saturday and some banks also open on Sundays in the main cities. Major credit cards are widely accepted at the main hotels and restaurants, and may be used to draw cash from ATMs, which are widely available throughout the country.

Tipping

A tip of 10 percent will be appreciated in tourist or upmarket restaurants, though it's common to simply round up the bill if the service has been good in other establishments. Tour guides expect to be tipped.

Health

The medical facilities and care in Croatia are fairly good, with free emergency medical care available to EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Non-EU nationals are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance, and those who need particular medications should take the supply needed for the duration of their stay with them, plus a doctor's letter to get the items through customs.

Safety

Most visits to Croatia are trouble free. Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare but, as petty theft occurs in busy tourist areas, it's worth keeping a careful eye on valuables. Visitors should be vigilant when attending soccer matches and sports rallies, which sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents. Croatia is a popular party destination but partying carries safety, legal and financial risks. Nightclub fires, balcony collapses, and crowd crushes can occur; accidents resulting in serious injuries have taken place on party boats.

Local customs

It's prohibited or considered inappropriate to walk around cities and some town centres shirtless or in swimming costumes. In some places, such as parts of Dubrovnik, there is signage indicating that people are required to cover up and that fines will be imposed on those who don't comply. Even when there is no such signage, travellers are advised to be sensitive to local conventions and sensibilities.

Doing business

Business in Croatia tends to be quite formal. Punctuality is key, dress should be smart and handshakes are the preferred form of greeting. Titles and surnames are usually used unless otherwise indicated and business cards are often exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. English and German are widely spoken but any attempt at speaking some Croatian will be appreciated. Women frequently hold high positions in business and are well respected.

Building a good working relationship is important and it's useful to work with a reliable local partner. Although Croatia appears typically European in its dealings, business can take some time to conclude. Business hours are usually 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Non-EU travellers to Croatia can enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits and up to 16 litres of beer; and other goods up to the value of HRK 3,200 if arriving by air or HRK 2,200 if arriving by other means of transport.

Communications

The international access code for Croatia is +385 and WiFi availability is good.

Passport & Visa

All foreign passengers to Croatia must hold return or onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as well as proof of sufficient funds (at least EUR 70 per day of stay, at least EUR 30 per day of stay if holding a confirmed invitation or a tourist voucher). It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must present a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, and visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don't need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.

UK nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a visa is not required for up to 90 days. Visitors don't need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don't need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don't need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.

South African nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia and a visa is required, unless travellers already hold a multiple-entry Schengen C visa. Visitors don't need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.

Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required. Visitors don't need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don't need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.

Useful contacts

Croatian National Tourist Board, Zagreb: +385 (0)1 469 9333 or www.croatia.hr

112 (General Emergency Helpline)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Croatia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 588 5899.

Embassy of Croatia, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7387 2022.

Embassy of Croatia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 7820.

Embassy of Croatia, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 6988.

Embassy of Croatia, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 1206.

Embassy of Croatia, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 476 7181

Consulate of Croatia, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 274 998850.

Embassies / consulates in Croatia

United States Embassy, Zagreb: +385 (0)1 661 2200.

British Embassy, Zagreb: +385 (0)1 600 9100.

Canadian Embassy, Zagreb: +385 (0)1 488 1200.

Australian Embassy, Zagreb: +385 (0)1 489 1200.

South African Embassy, Budapest (also responsible for Croatia): +36 1 392 0999

Embassy of Ireland, Zagreb: +385 (0)1 627 8920.

New Zealand Consulate, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Croatia): +39 06 853 7501.