Tips for traveling Croatia

Is Croatia safe to travel?

In general Croatia is a safe country and there is no need to worry even when walking in the dark alone. Of course wherever there are tourists there might be pickpocketers. So be rational and have this in mind but no need to be worried or even afraid as like mentioned crime rate is very small in Croatia. Actually Croatia is on the list of 20 safest countries in the World. https://safearound.com/europe/croatia/

Do I need a Visa to visit Croatia?

Citizens of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and EU countries don’t need a visa to enter Croatia. Visitors from these countries can visit Croatia for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. If you are from any other country please find more details on Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. We would recommend to check their website and double check also if you are from above mentioned countries as things can change.

After Brexit things will change slightly, but not drastically for British citizens. A new visa waiver scheme – ETIAS is to be introduces in 2021. British travelers will be required to obtain this waiver prior to their travel to Croatia and other EU countries.

For citizens of countries that require visa, you can apply here.

Do I need to get any special vaccines before visiting Croatia?

No, no special vaccines is needed for Croatia, especially for citizens from first World countries. But please understand we are not medical experts so we suggest you check  for recommended vaccines for Croatia on your own as well.

Money, credit cards and ATMs

While sailing around Croatian islands you would want to have a bit more cash on you than usual.  Despite bigger islands all have easy access to ATM’s, you would struggle to find one on smaller or more remote islands. You would also need cash for local markets, fish markets, taxis and some konobas, where we hope you will finish at least some of your nights after amazing sailing day. Especially, the ones in secluded bays and similar must visit places will only accept cash.

If possible, bring some Kuna’s from home and use ATM’s later. But there is a trick with ATM’s. Croatia lately felt under radar of Euronet Worldwide ATM which is running ATM business all around the World, especially on top touristic spots. Until now we don’t see a problem, but be aware Euronet Worldwide ATM’s have enormous fees and rip-off conversion rates – when we checked we would lose a bit more than 20% of our money. So NEVER use Euronet’s ATM, instead find a Croatian bank and most of the time you will find their ATM inside or just in front of the bank and always double check! 

On any ATM use option without conversion.

Tipping in Croatia

In Croatia tipping is not obligatory, instead we tip if we are happy with the service which is also the key in determining the amount. We believe this is the best way not only for travelers to get the best service possible but also for business owners to understand who form their best crew and who should try harder or even leave. So tipping is not required but it is appreciated and shows gratitude. Typically, the amount you tip depends on how happy you are with the service. If you just drink a coffee or similar you would just round the bill to the nearest round number, when in restaurant you can’t miss with 10% although like said it is not in any way offensive if you don’t leave a tip.

Is tap water drinkable in Croatia?

Tapped water in Croatia is drinkable in most places. In case it is not, you will find a sign. While traveling on mainland this is rarely the case, but while sailing remote Croatian islands it can easily happen.

We suggest to never drink tapped water on the boat. The water is perfectly good for cooking, washing and showering, but it is not recommended for drinking. Don’t forget to stack up with water before you sal out!

Electrical plugs in Croatia

Croatia uses 220V, 50 Hz frequency, and standard European Type C & F plugs. Both are similar plugs with two round prongs with 19 mm between the two. But please be aware that sailing boats only have 230V while in marina where shore power is available. Only on bigger boats with generators 230V power is available at all the time, on all other boats you woll have 12V supply which is enough to charge your phone or tablet.

Languages people speak in Croatia

You don’t speak Croatian? No worries, most of Croatians speak at least some English, and many speak at least another foreign language. Besides English, German and Italian are the most widely spoken languages in Croatia.

Is there Uber in Croatia?

Yes, Uber operates in major cities and tourist destinations as alternative too many taxis and shuttles. In split you can even get UBER BOAT

Airports in Croatia

When going for sailing holidays in Croatia you can use several airports, depends where you want to sail. If you plan to sail in Dubrovnik area you should fly to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).

Dubrovnik Airport is approximately 30 minutes drive from Dubrovnik ACI Marina.

If you plan to sail in Split area and visit islands like Vis, Hvar, Šolta, Brač and others in the area the best option is Split Airport (SPU) also called Resnik airport. The airport is very close to several big marinas in the area, like Marina Kaštela, ACI Marina Split, Marina Baotič and few marinas in Trogir.

When sailing areas of Zadar, Šibenik, Kornati National park, Krka Nationla park and Telašćica Nature park one should consider flying to Zadar airport (ZAD), but can also use Split airport with a transfer of around 1 hour.

The biggest airport in Croatia iz Zagreb airport (ZAG) that is few hours drive from the coast and first marina, but if you don’t find other options Zagreb is also a good choice.

If you decide to sail Kvarner you have to options, Rijeka airport (RJK), which is actualy on island Krk, very close to Marina Punat, one of the biggest marinas in Croatia, and Pula airport (PUY), also appropriate for sailing Istria.