Speak the lingo

Useful Croatian words

English Croatian Phonetic
Good morning Dobro jutro DOH-broh YOO-troh
Good evening Dobro večer DOH-broh VEH-chehr
Good night Laku noć LAH-koo noch
Hello Zdravo ZDRAH-voh
Goodbye Doviđenja doh-VEE-jen-yah
Yes Da dah
No Ne neh
Thank You Hvala HVAH-lah
Sorry or excuse me Žao mi je ZHOU mee yeh
Do you speak English? Govorite li engleski GOH-voh-ree-teh lee EHN-gleh-skee
I don’t understand Ne razumijem neh rah-ZOO-mee-yem
Nice to meet you Drago mi je DRAH-goh mee yeh
Please Molim MOH-leem
You’re welcome Nema na čemu NEH-mah nah CHEH-moo
I like Croatia Sviđa mi se Hrvatska SVEE-jah mee seh HRVAHTS-kah

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in Croatia. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10% if the service was satisfactory. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides may also be tipped for good service.

Local

Currency

The local currency in Croatia is the Euro (€). All major credit cards are widely accepted in Croatia, though some establishments do not accept American Express and Diners. Euro bank notes are available in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

You can exchange your money in exchange offices and banks all around Croatia and use ATMs normally. There are, however, some restrictions when it comes to the amount of money you can withdraw per day. Croatia is relatively affordable for a European tourist destination, so you can count on spending between €50 and €80 per day.

  • Croatia, situated in southeast Europe, boasts a diverse geographical landscape. This crescent-shaped country features low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, flat plains along the Hungarian border, and numerous islands off its coast.
  • The climate varies across the country. In mountainous regions, winters are cold and snowy, while summers are mild. Coastal areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and mild winters, attracting tourists to destinations like the Dalmatian coast.
  • Ethnically, Croatia is diverse. Croats form the largest ethnic group, followed by Serbs. Other minority groups include Bosnian Muslims, Hungarians, Italians, and Slovenes, among others.
  • Croatia's diverse geography is reflected in its wildlife. Plains are home to rabbits, foxes, boars, and wildcats, while inland forests host wolves and bears. The Adriatic Sea supports rich marine life, with coral reefs and underwater caves teeming with diverse species.
  • The Croatian government is a parliamentary democracy, with a president elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The prime minister heads the government and is appointed by the president, subject to parliament's approval.
  • Croatia's history is marked by periods of independence and foreign rule. Initially settling around A.D. 500, Croats later joined the Hungarian Empire before becoming part of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. In the 20th century, Croatia was part of Yugoslavia, enduring hardships during World War II and later communist rule.
  • The 1990s saw Croatia declare independence from Yugoslavia, leading to a civil war with Serbia. Peace was finally achieved in 1995 with the Dayton Agreement. Croatia has since made political and economic progress, joining the European Union in 2013 while maintaining its currency, the Kuna.

Features of Croatia

Croatia's blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a truly enchanting destination for unforgettable experiences.

The people

Croatian culture is deeply rooted in family, community, and tradition. Family gatherings are a cornerstone of Croatian life, often centered around shared meals and lively conversations. The country's rich cultural heritage is evident in its music, dance, and festivals, which celebrate folklore with colourful costumes, traditional music, and spirited dances.

Despite a history marked by wars and political turmoil, Croatians exhibit a strong sense of national pride and unity. This is particularly evident in their passionate support for their sports teams, showcasing a resilient and patriotic spirit. Known for their friendly and outgoing nature, Croatians enjoy a relaxed pace of life, appreciating good food and company. This blend of tradition and modernity, warmth, and resilience, makes Croatians gracious hosts to visitors from around the globe.

Safety

• Medium medical risk/low travel security risk.
• Generally, a safe destination with low crime levels.
• When entering taxis/Ubers, take pictures that identify the vehicle and share with other travellers (also share your ride details via the App) – if possible, always travel with someone.
• Petty crime such as bag snatching represents the main risk especially at the tourist-frequent areas and public transport systems (carry small sums of money and as little valuables as possible when in public).
• Pick pockets operate in gangs where one thief will distract you while the other one steals from your bags or pockets.

Weather

The weather in Croatia can vary depending on the region and the time of year, but generally, Croatia experiences a Mediterranean climate along the coast, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland regions, such as the capital city Zagreb and areas near the Dinaric Alps, have a continental climate with more distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. Here's an overview of the weather in Croatia throughout the year:
• Spring (March to May): Spring in Croatia brings mild temperatures and blooming vegetation. Temperatures gradually warm up during this time, with daytime highs ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) along the coast and slightly cooler temperatures inland. Spring is a pleasant time to visit Croatia, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Croatia, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Along the coast, daytime highs often exceed 30°C (86°F), making it ideal for beachgoers and outdoor activities. Inland areas can also be hot during the summer months, although temperatures may be slightly cooler at higher elevations.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Croatia brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Daytime highs typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) along the coast, with cooler temperatures inland. Rainfall increases during this time, particularly in October and November, but there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy outdoor activities.
• Winter (December to February): Winter in Croatia is relatively mild along the coast, with daytime highs averaging between 7°C and 15°C (45°F to 59°F). Inland regions experience colder temperatures, with occasional snowfall in higher elevations. Coastal areas may also experience strong winds and occasional rain showers during the winter months.

Overall, Croatia offers a diverse climate with something to suit every traveller's preference. Whether you prefer sunny beaches in the summer or exploring historic cities in the cooler months, Croatia's weather provides a beautiful backdrop for year-round travel.

Plug Types

Electricity voltage

For Croatia there are two associated plug types C and F. Croatia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins plug types and F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.

Croatian

Etiquette

Croatian etiquette is influenced by a blend of traditions, regional customs, and contemporary European norms. Here are some key aspects of Croatian etiquette to keep in mind:

  • Greetings: Use a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile. Use formal titles like gospodin (Mr.) or gospođa (Mrs.) until invited to use first names.
  • Punctuality: Croatians value punctuality, so be on time for appointments and social gatherings.
  • Dress code: Dress neatly and conservatively, especially in formal settings or religious sites. Casual wear is fine in coastal areas but save beach attire for the beach.
  • Dining etiquette: Wait until everyone is seated before eating. Use European table manners (fork in left hand, knife in right). Finish everything on your plate to show appreciation.
  • Respect for elders: Show respect and courtesy to older individuals.
  • Public behaviour: Public displays of affection are more reserved. Avoid loud or boisterous behaviour.
  • Language: Learn basic Croatian phrases like "hello" (zdravo), "please" (molim), and "thank you" (hvala), although many Croatians speak English.

By observing these cultural norms and showing respect for local customs, visitors can make a positive impression and enjoy a rewarding experience in Croatia.

Do’s

  • Respect local customs: Follow local dress codes and behave modestly in public and at religious sites.
  • Try local cuisine: Sample Croatian dishes like seafood, grilled meats, Istrian truffles, and Dalmatian prosciutto.
  • Learn basic Croatian phrases: Show consideration by learning a few phrases.
  • Explore nature: Visit national parks, hiking trails, and beaches along the Adriatic coast.
  • Engage with locals: Interact with friendly Croatians to learn about their culture.
  • Enjoy cultural events: Attend music concerts, art exhibitions, and traditional celebrations.
  • Respect the environment: Practice responsible tourism and avoid littering.
  • Tip appropriately: Leave around a 10% tip for good service.