Driving in Croatia: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU travelers can use their national license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas like Zagreb, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
• Road Conditions: Coastal roads like the Adriatic Highway are scenic but can be narrow and winding. Inland highways, such as Zagreb to Split, are modern and well-maintained.
• Tolls: Highways like A1 (Zagreb to Dubrovnik) have tolls—expect to pay around €30 for the full route. Payment is accepted in euros or by card.
• Parking: In Dubrovnik, parking outside the Old Town is best—use lots like the one at Pile Gate (€2/hour). Avoid parking in restricted zones to prevent fines.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is available through the Croatian Auto Club (HAK).
• Useful Resource: For more on driving rules, visit the Croatian Auto Club website.

Currency in Croatia: Using the Euro for Your Trip

• Euro: Croatia adopted the Euro (€) in 2023. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and 1, 2 euros; notes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
• Currency Exchange: If needed, exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices in Zagreb or Split. Avoid street vendors due to poor rates.
• Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. However, carry some euros for small vendors or rural konobas (taverns).
• ATMs: ATMs are common—look for banks like Zagrebačka Banka or Erste Bank. Be mindful of withdrawal fees, especially with non-local cards.

Legal Guide to Croatia: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Public drinking is tolerated but can result in fines if it leads to disorderly behavior.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Dress modestly when visiting churches, such as in Split’s Diocletian’s Palace. Avoid discussing the Yugoslav Wars unless locals bring it up. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography is fine in most places, but avoid taking pictures of military sites or inside churches without permission.
• Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are acceptable but should be discreet. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, with fines for violations.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over €10,000 upon entry.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact the local police at 192.

Travel Safety in Croatia: Staying Safe on Your Trip

• Crime: Croatia is very safe, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like Dubrovnik’s Old Town—keep your belongings secure.
• Road Safety: Coastal roads can be narrow and winding—drive cautiously, especially on the Adriatic Highway. Avoid driving at night in rural areas due to limited lighting.
• Health Risks: No major health risks. Tap water is safe to drink. Be cautious of sea urchins on rocky beaches—wear water shoes.
• Natural Hazards: Forest fires can occur in summer along the coast—follow local warnings. Earthquakes are rare but possible, especially in the Dalmatian region.
• Scams: Be wary of overcharging in touristy areas like Hvar—check prices before ordering. Use licensed taxis or apps like Bolt in Zagreb.
• Medical Facilities: Zagreb and Split have excellent hospitals, like the University Hospital Centre Zagreb. Pharmacies are common—look for signs saying “Ljekarna.”
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. Tourist police in Dubrovnik and Split can assist with minor issues—find them in busy tourist areas.

Culture & Etiquette in Croatia: What to Know

• Greetings: A handshake is standard—say “Dobar dan” (Good day) for formal settings or “Bok” (Hi) for informal ones. Friends may hug or kiss on the cheek (two kisses).
• Dining Customs: At konobas, wait to be seated. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill (5-10%) is appreciated. Sharing food is common in social settings.
• Religious Sites: Dress modestly at churches like St. Mark’s in Zagreb—shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid loud talking during services.
• Festivals: The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August) features open-air theater and music. Zagreb’s Advent market (December) is one of Europe’s best, with festive lights and food stalls.
• Language Tips: Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic phrases like “Hvala” (Thank you) is appreciated.
• Hospitality: Croatians are warm and may invite you for a coffee or rakija—accepting is a sign of respect. Be prepared for lively conversations about food and family.

Local Cuisine in Croatia: Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

• Peka: A slow-cooked dish of meat or seafood with vegetables, baked under a bell-like dome, often enjoyed in Dalmatia.
• Black Risotto: A creamy risotto made with cuttlefish ink, a coastal specialty best paired with white wine.
• Strukli: A Zagreb specialty of dough filled with cheese, either boiled or baked, often served with cream.
• Rakija: A traditional fruit brandy, often homemade, served as an aperitif or digestif.
• Plavac Mali: A bold red wine from the Dalmatian coast, perfect with grilled meats or seafood.
• Where to Eat: In Dubrovnik, Konoba Dubrava offers authentic peka with views of the city walls—book ahead. In Split, Uje Oil Bar serves black risotto and local wines in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Croatia: Must-Visit Places

• Dubrovnik Old Town: A UNESCO site with medieval walls, Baroque churches, and stunning Adriatic views. Search for a guided tour on Tiqets.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: A UNESCO site with cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and wooden walkways. Search for tickets on Tiqets.
• Diocletian’s Palace (Split): A 4th-century Roman palace turned living city, with bustling markets and ancient ruins. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Hvar Island: A glamorous island known for lavender fields, beaches, and nightlife in Hvar Town. Search for activities on Tiqets.
• Korčula Island: A historic island with medieval architecture and Marco Polo’s alleged birthplace. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Istria Region: A foodie paradise with truffle hunting, hilltop towns like Motovun, and coastal gems like Rovinj. Search for experiences on Tiqets.
• Dining Spots: In Dubrovnik, Konoba Dubrava serves traditional peka with panoramic views of the city walls—reservations recommended. In Split, Uje Oil Bar offers black risotto and Croatian wines inside Diocletian’s Palace, blending history with culinary delight.

Flights to Croatia: Travel Options

Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is the main hub, with flights from cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Dubrovnik (DBV) and Split (SPU) airports serve the coast, ideal for beach destinations. Airport shuttles or taxis to city centers take 20-30 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for Croatia