Practical A–Z

EU Citizens

Croatia has been an EU member since 2013 and part of the Schengen Area since 2023. As an EU citizen, you need no visa — an ID card or passport is sufficient. No border controls when entering from Schengen states.

Currency

Since January 1, 2023, the Euro (€) is the official currency in Croatia. The Kuna has been abolished. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere — even for small amounts. Bring cash for markets and small konobas.

Tourist Tax

In Dubrovnik, you pay a tourist tax of about €1.30 per person per night (varies seasonally). It is automatically calculated by the accommodation.

Dubrovnik is an extremely safe city — violent crime against tourists is practically non-existent. The main issue is not crime, but overtourism.

Cruise Ship Strategy

On peak days, up to 6 cruise ships dock in Gruž and unload thousands of passengers into the Old Town. The city has taken measures (max. 4,000 people in the Old Town at once), but the crowds are noticeable.

• Check cruisemapper.com or the Port of Dubrovnik for the arrival schedule.
• Cruise-Free Days: On days without ships, the Old Town is a different place — calm, relaxed, authentic.
• Timing: Cruise passengers are typically in the city from 9 AM to 4 PM. In the morning before 8 AM and in the evening after 5 PM, you almost have the Old Town to yourself.
• Off-Season: In May, October, and winter, there are hardly any cruise ships.

Safety Tips

Mobile Internet

Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German mobile contract in Croatia without additional costs. The network coverage in Dubrovnik is excellent (4G/5G).

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafés. The city offers free Wi-Fi in some public places (Stradun, Pile Gate) — quality varies.

Language

The official language is Croatian. In Dubrovnik, English is widely spoken — hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions have no language problem. German is occasionally understood (many Croatians have worked in Germany or Austria). A few words of Croatian are appreciated:

• Dobar dan — Good day
• Hvala — Thank you
• Molim — Please
• Račun, molim — The bill, please
• Živjeli! — Cheers!

What to Pack?

• Comfortable Shoes: Dubrovnik's Old Town is made of marble and cobblestones — slippery when wet! Flat, grippy soles are a must. For the city walls: hiking boots or sneakers.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen (high SPF), sunglasses, hat — especially on the city walls (no shade!) and when kayaking.
• Water Shoes: The beaches are mostly pebbles or rocks — water shoes make getting in and out more comfortable.
• Water Bottle: The tap water is excellent. Refill at the Onofrio Fountain (Stradun) — water like in the 15th century.
• Light Layers: Hot during the day, it can get chilly on the walls or by the water in the evening.
• Swimwear: Always have it with you — the next swimming opportunity is never far.
• Travel Adapter: Not needed — Type C/F (German plugs) fit in Croatia.

Important Notes

• Tipping: In Croatia, a 10% tip in restaurants is customary, but not mandatory. In cafés: round up to the next euro.
• Smoking Ban: Smoking is prohibited indoors. Many restaurants have terraces where smoking is allowed.
• Water: Tap water is drinkable and of very good quality. Dubrovnik's water supply comes from springs in the hinterland — the Romans appreciated this, and the Onofrio Fountain from the 15th century still works today.
• Sunday Opening: In high season, everything is open. In the off-season, many shops and restaurants close on Sundays.