Know before you go : Croatia Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Croatia, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Croatia is a country located in Southeast Europe. It shares borders with Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, and Montenegro to the south. It also has a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

The capital is Zagreb, which is also the largest city in the country. Zagreb is situated in the northern part of Croatia, along the Sava River.

Known for its stunning coastline, historic cities, countless islands, and national parks, Croatia offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions.

As of 2025, Croatia covers approximately 56,600 km² and has a population of around 3.8 million people.

The best time to visit Croatia is in April/May or September/October when the weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. Plus, you will get to experience Croatia with fewer crowds !

If you plan to come in July or August, maybe skip the busy cities of Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar and opt for a road trip in the countryside or less known little towns such as Omis or Vis Island which will be less crowded.

The currency in Croatia is the Euro (€).

Credit and debit cards are generally accepted throughout the country, but I recommend withdrawing some cash just in case, especially for small local shops, markets, ice creams or remote areas. For cash withdrawals, it’s best to use OTP Banka ATMs to avoid higher fees, BUT choose to be billed in kunas (HRK) and decline the offer to be billed in your home currency.

Croatia is usually more affordable than Western European countries, but prices are quite high in popular tourist destinations. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around 20-30€ per person, dining at local taverns (konobas) is less expensive.

Plan to spend also a fair amount of money if you want to visit national parks, historical sites, or museums. Admission costs range from 10 to 30€, with top attractions like Plitvice Lakes National Park costing around 25-40€ depending on the season.

For accommodation, expect to pay between €70 and €120 per night for a mid-range hotel or a private Airbnb for two people, though prices can be higher during the summer months.

Clothing: Croatia has a very nice weather, so you don’t need to overpack with warm clothes or raingear. However, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a beach towel. Of course, comfortable walking shoes are a mustl for exploring the old towns and national parks. I’d also recommend packing water shoes for rocky beaches. A small backpack will also come in handy for day trips and excursions.

Adapter: Croatia uses Type C and F power outlets, like most European countries. Travelers from outside Europe will need a plug adapter. A power bank is also handy to keep your devices charged during a long day of exploration or boat trips!

There’s a lot to bring back from Croatia!

Traditional Items: For authentic Croatian souvenirs, consider bringing back a piece of Licitar which is a traditional heart-shaped gingerbread, handmade lace, or coral jewelry from Dubrovnik. Croatia is also famous for its ceramics and hand-painted pottery.

Food & Drinks: If you’re on the savory side, you can bring back Paški sir, which is sheep’s cheese, or some locally cured pršut (Croatian prosciutto). For those with a sweet tooth, Bajadera chocolates or Kraš sweets make great gifts. For drinks, Croatia is known for its great wines like Plavac Mali (red) or Malvazija (white), and local spirits such as Rakija (fruit brandy) and Maraschino liqueur.

The official language of Croatia is Croatian, but English is spoken in tourist areas.

Here are a few Croatian phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Bok / Dobar dan [BOK / DOH-bar dahn]

Thank you: Hvala [HVAH-lah]

You’re welcome: Nema na čemu [NEH-mah nah CHEH-moo]

I (don’t) understand: Razumijem (ne razumijem) [RAH-zoo-mee-yem (NEH rah-zoo-mee-yem)]

Sorry: Oprostite [OH-pros-tee-teh]

My name is…: Zovem se… [ZOH-vem seh…]

Yes / No: Da / Ne [DAH / NEH]

If you’re traveling to Croatia from Europe, most mobile plans include internet and calls without additional charges due to EU roaming agreements.

However, if you need a local SIM card, providers like A1, T-Mobile, or Telemach offer affordable prepaid options, starting at around 10-20€ at airports and convenience stores.

If you are only visiting cities like Dubrovnik, Split, or Zagreb, you absolutely don’t need a car. You can visit everything on foot, and if you need to explore the surroundings, public transportation will get you there. Note however that buses will not necessarily stop if you don’t warn them where you get off !

If you plan to visit Croatia’s remote countryside, national parks, or remote beaches, renting a car can be a more comfortable option. Keep in mind that most rental agencies require a credit card and a valid driver’s license (some may ask for an International Driving Permit if you’re from outside the EU).

There’s a lot of things to see in Croatia ! You can spend a few days visiting Dubrovnik, discover the stunning Adriatic coast, or explore the National parks …You won’t be bored a second !

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Croatia :

That’s it for my Croatia travel tips !

I have also made a detailed post about the ultimate Two days itinerary in Dubrovnik, A day in Split and another one about the best day trips from Split.