Croatia
Last checked:
- Capital
- Zagreb
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Croatian
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Dubrovnik Old Town and City Walls · Dubrovnik
Walled medieval city on the sea; walk the walls early or late to avoid crowds and heat.
- Diocletian's Palace · Split
Roman emperor's palace that forms the living heart of Split's old town.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park · Plitvice
Terraced turquoise lakes and waterfalls linked by boardwalks; book tickets ahead in summer.
- Hvar · Hvar Town / Stari Grad
Island with lavender fields, beaches and a lively harbour town.
- Zagreb Upper Town · Zagreb
Historic centre with St. Mark's Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships and cafe culture.
Getting around
Ride-hailing app
Bolt
Works in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and other coastal towns; usually cheaper than taxis. Share your ride status.
Ride-hailing app
Uber
Available in major cities and tourist areas, with upfront prices.
Taxi
Taxi
Use official stands; airport taxis to Dubrovnik or Split centre cost about 45 EUR. Avoid unmarked cars.
Ferries
Jadrolinija
Main state ferry and catamaran operator to the islands. Book catamarans ahead in summer; TP Line and Krilo also run fast boats.
Buses
Intercity buses (FlixBus, Arriva)
Main way to travel between cities; faster than trains on most routes. Buy online or at the station; luggage is often charged extra.
Public transport
City buses (ZET, Libertas, Promet Split)
Zagreb has trams and buses (ZET). In Dubrovnik, a ticket from a kiosk is cheaper than buying on board, and the Dubrovnik Pass includes buses.
Car rental
Car rental
Useful for the coast road and Plitvice. Motorways have tolls; summer traffic and parking in old towns are difficult.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Croatia has used the euro since January 2023. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but American Express is rarely accepted. Carry some cash for small konobas, markets, island buses and beach bars. Avoid Euronet ATMs, which are common in tourist towns, and always choose to be charged in EUR.
Tipping
Tipping is common but modest. Round up for drinks and leave about 5-10% for meals with good service. Service is not usually included in the bill.
| Restaurants | About 5-10%, leaning towards rounding up; 10% shows you were happy. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up to the next euro. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up (optional). |
| Hotels | Optional: 1-2 EUR per bag or per night. |
| Tours and guides | About 5-10% or a few euros per person for boat trips and guides (optional). |
| Food delivery | Round up (optional). |
Service charge: what’s true
Service is not normally included or listed separately. Some places charge a 'cover' (couvert) or bread charge, which should be on the menu. (varies)
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported tipping pressure tactics. The bigger issue in tourist towns is overcharging: check prices (especially for fish sold by the kilo) before ordering.
Useful phrases
- Račun, molim. The bill, please.
- U redu je, zadržite ostatak. It's fine, keep the change.
- Koliko košta po kilogramu? How much is it per kilo?
Etiquette
- Do not walk around old towns in swimwear or shirtless; Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik issue on-the-spot fines (around 150 EUR in Split).
- Public drinking, sleeping outdoors and climbing monuments are fined in Split and Dubrovnik; fines for disorderly behaviour go up to 4,000 EUR.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
- Greet with 'Dobar dan' when entering shops.
- Topless sunbathing is accepted on many beaches, nudity only on marked naturist beaches.
- Public displays of same-sex affection can attract hostility in rural areas.
Scams and how to handle them
Huge bar bills with threats
Where: Nightlife bars and clubs in tourist areas
How it works: Tourists are overcharged by thousands of euros and threatened with violence to pay.
How to avoid it: Check prices first, avoid venues aggressively marketed to tourists, call 112 if threatened.
Strip club tourist traps
Where: Split, Zagreb and other cities
How it works: Strip and 'gentlemen's' clubs overcharge tourists for drinks and company.
How to avoid it: Avoid them.
Fish priced by the kilo
Where: Seafood restaurants on the coast (varies)
How it works: Fresh fish is priced per kilo, and diners are surprised by a large bill once the fish is weighed.
How to avoid it: Ask the weight and total price before it is cooked.
Unmarked taxis
Where: Airports, ports, bus stations
How it works: Unofficial drivers overcharge; sexual assaults in taxis have been reported.
How to avoid it: Use official stands, Bolt or Uber, photograph the taxi number and share your trip.
Pickpocketing
Where: Dubrovnik and Split old towns, buses, ferry ports
How it works: Thieves work crowded streets and ports in summer.
How to avoid it: Carry little cash, use the hotel safe, keep bags zipped.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: Euronet ATMs and card terminals in tourist towns
How it works: You are offered a charge in your home currency at a poor rate, often with high ATM fees.
How to avoid it: Use bank ATMs and always choose EUR.
Safety
- Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare; pickpockets work tourist areas in summer.
- Landmines remain in some former war zones (parts of Eastern Slavonia, Brod-Posavina, remote parts around Plitvice): keep to marked paths and cultivated land.
- Sexual assaults in taxis have been reported: use app rides, note the taxi number and share your trip.
- Boating has zero tolerance for alcohol; foreign boats must register with harbour police.
- Summer heat and sun are intense: walk the Dubrovnik walls early or late and carry water.
- Wildfires occur in summer; follow local instructions.
How widely English is spoken
Most younger people and tourism workers speak good English. German and Italian are also common, especially on the coast; older people may not speak English.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Croatia, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Croatia
- Wikivoyage: Dubrovnik
- Wikivoyage: Split
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.