Practical Info A-Z

Croatia has invested significantly in accessibility in recent years, but there are still considerable gaps — especially in the historic old towns.

What Works Well

• Modern hotels (from 4 stars) generally have accessible rooms and elevators
• Newer ferries from Jadrolinija are equipped for wheelchair access
• Zagreb has the most accessible infrastructure: trams with low-floor entry, lowered curbs in the city center, accessible museums
• Split — the Riva promenade and modern city districts are well accessible
• Zadar — the waterfront promenade with the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun is flat and wheelchair-friendly
• Plitvice Lakes National Park — Route A (lower lakes) has wooden walkways, partially suitable for wheelchairs; the upper lakes are more challenging

Where It Gets Difficult

• Dubrovnik's Old Town — almost exclusively stairs and uneven cobblestones; the Stradun (main street) is flat, but side alleys are steep
• Rovinj, Trogir, Korčula — medieval centers with narrow alleys and steps
• Public buses on the islands — rarely low-floor, often narrow doors
• Beaches — pebble and rocky beaches dominate; sandy beaches with wheelchair access are available in Nin (Northern Dalmatia), on Rab (Paradise Beach), and at the Copacabana in Dubrovnik

In an emergency (loss of passport, arrest, serious accident), the embassy or consulate is your first point of contact. There are emergency numbers available outside office hours.

🇩🇪 German Embassy Zagreb

• Address: Ulica grada Vukovara 64, 10000 Zagreb
• Phone: +385 1 6300 100
• Emergency outside office hours: +385 1 6300 100 (follow instructions)
• Web: zagreb.diplo.de
• Office hours: Mon–Fri 8:30–11:30 AM (Consular Section)

🇦🇹 Austrian Embassy Zagreb

• Address: Radnička cesta 80/IX, 10000 Zagreb
• Phone: +385 1 4881 050
• Web: bmeia.gv.at/oeb-zagreb
• Office hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–12:00 AM

🇨🇭 Swiss Embassy Zagreb

• Address: Bogovićeva 3, 10000 Zagreb
• Phone: +385 1 4878 800
• Web: eda.admin.ch/zagreb
• Office hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–12:00 AM

Croatia uses 230 V alternating current, 50 Hz — exactly like in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The sockets are Type C (Europlug, two-pin) and Type F (Schuko with grounding). Travelers from the DACH region do not need an adapter.

Travelers from the UK, the USA, or Australia need an adapter (Type C/F). Available cheaply in any Croatian hardware store (Bauhaus, Pevex).

Tips for On the Go

• In older apartments and campsites, sockets can be loose — a power strip with surge protection is practical
• USB charging stations are available in most newer cafes and restaurants
• On Jadrolinija ferries, there are sockets in the interior (sometimes scarce — bring a power bank)

On holidays, banks, authorities, and many shops are closed. Supermarkets (Konzum, Spar, Lidl) have reduced hours or are completely closed. Restaurants and tourist facilities on the coast usually remain open during the season.

Since January 1, 2023, the Euro (€) is the official currency of Croatia. The old Kuna (HRK) is history — you can no longer use it anywhere (only exchangeable at the Croatian National Bank until the end of 2025).

Cash

• ATMs (Bankomat) can be found in every town — even on the islands. Pay attention to the question "With or without conversion?" → always choose without conversion to avoid the unfavorable exchange rate of the ATM operator (DCC trap)
• You need cash at markets (Dolac in Zagreb, Green Market in Split), in small konobas in the countryside, at roadside stands, and for parking meters in smaller towns
• Tips: 10–15% in restaurants if you were satisfied (not automatically added). Round up for taxi rides. In bars and cafes, tipping is uncommon, but small amounts are appreciated

Card Payment

• Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere — even in small restaurants, on ferries, and in taxis
• Contactless payment (NFC, Apple Pay, Google Pay) works very well, even in many bakeries and kiosks
• American Express is only accepted in upscale hotels and large restaurants
• EC card/Girocard works at many ATMs, but not for payments in stores — a Visa/Mastercard debit card is essential

Croatia is a healthily uncomplicated travel destination. There are no tropical diseases, tap water is drinkable, and medical care is good.

Before the Trip

• No mandatory vaccinations for entry from the DACH region
• Recommended vaccinations (standard protection): Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A — especially if you spend a lot of time in nature
• Tick protection (TBE): In Slavonia, Zagorje, and other rural areas, there are ticks that can transmit TBE. TBE vaccination is recommended if you plan hikes inland
• EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) — entitles you to basic medical care in public facilities under the same conditions as Croatians

Pharmacies (Ljekarna)

• You can find pharmacies in every city, recognizable by the green cross
• Many common medications (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Antihistamines) are available without a prescription and cheaper than in Germany
• In the season, pharmacies in coastal towns often stay open until 10 PM; emergency pharmacies are indicated on the notice board

Typical Health Risks

• Sunburn: The Adriatic sun is more intense than expected — SPF 30+ is the minimum, for children SPF 50. Particularly tricky: the Bora (north wind) cools the skin, but UV radiation remains high
• Sea Urchins: Common on rocky and pebble beaches. Water shoes are worth their weight in gold! If you step on one: do not pull out the spines (they break off). Instead: apply vinegar, soak in warm water, spines will dissolve on their own after a few days. See a doctor if inflamed
• Sandflies: Especially in July/August on the southern coast and islands. Bites itch for days. Autan Tropical or similar repellent helps; wear long clothing in the evening
• Jellyfish: Rare, but possible — the most common type (moon jellyfish) is harmless. Fire jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) occasionally appear in midsummer
• Dehydration: In midsummer at 35°C+, be sure to drink 2–3 liters of water. Tap water is safe

Hospitals & Doctors

• Public Hospitals: In Zagreb (KBC Zagreb, KBC Sestre Milosrdnice), Split (KBC Split), Dubrovnik (Opća bolnica Dubrovnik), Rijeka (KBC Rijeka)
• Tourist Clinics: In high season, there are special tourist clinics with English-speaking staff in popular coastal towns (Hvar, Bol, Makarska)
• Private Clinics: Faster, more expensive, often German-speaking — especially in Zagreb and on the Istrian coast

Croatia has surprisingly good digital infrastructure. Even on remote islands, you usually get 4G reception.

EU Roaming

Since June 2017, Roam Like at Home applies throughout the EU — including Croatia. You use your German, Austrian, or Swiss (note: Switzerland is not EU!) mobile package without extra charge. Calls, SMS, and mobile data are included in your plan.

Wi-Fi

• Hotels & Apartments: Almost everywhere offers free Wi-Fi, quality varies greatly — often faster in boutique hotels than in large resorts
• Restaurants & Cafes: In cities (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik), most cafes offer Wi-Fi, ask for the password
• Public: Many cities have free Wi-Fi on main squares and promenades (e.g., Dubrovnik's Stradun, Zadar's Riva, Split's Riva)

Local SIM Cards

For long stays or Swiss travelers (no EU roaming), a Croatian prepaid SIM is worthwhile. The three major providers:

• A1 Hrvatska — best network coverage even on small islands
• T-Mobile (Hrvatski Telekom) — good network, tourist SIM packages
• Telemach — cheapest data volume, network good in cities, patchy on islands

Prepaid SIMs are available in telecom shops, kiosks (Tisak, iNovine), and at the airport. Costs: from approx. €5–10 with 5–10 GB data. Bring ID for registration!

Croatia is a country of contrasts when it comes to LGBTQ+ acceptance. In Zagreb, the scene is vibrant and open, while on the coast and in the countryside, society is much more conservative.

Legal Situation

• Homosexuality has been legal since 1977
• Civil partnerships have been recognized since 2014 (životno partnerstvo) with most of the rights of marriage
• The marriage is defined by a constitutional referendum (2013) as a union between a man and a woman
• Anti-discrimination laws protect sexual orientation in the workplace and public spaces

In Practice

• Zagreb is the most tolerant place: Zagreb Pride has been held annually since 2002 (in June) and is now a joyful, well-attended event. The scene is concentrated in bars and clubs in Tkalčićeva and the city center
• Split is divided: The first Split Pride in 2011 was attacked by counter-demonstrators — but since then, there has been a pride parade every year, and the situation is noticeably improving
• Hvar is becoming an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly destination, especially the beaches near Palmižana (Pakleni Islands)
• Rural Croatia: Conservatively influenced, public displays of affection can attract attention

If you want to stay informed about local events during your vacation, there are several options.

Newspapers & Online

• Jutarnji list — largest daily newspaper, good culture section
• Večernji list — more conservative daily newspaper
• 24sata — tabloid, but good lifestyle and travel section
• Total Croatia News (total-croatia-news.com) — news in English, excellent for tourists
• The Dubrovnik Times — local news from Dubrovnik in English

TV & Radio

• HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) — public broadcaster with news, culture, and sports
• Nova TV and RTL Hrvatska — private channels with entertainment
• In hotels, you often receive German-language channels via satellite
• Radio Dubrovnik and Radio Dalmacija play local music and provide traffic updates on the coastal road

Podcasts & Social Media

• On Instagram: @croatia_full_of_life (official tourism page), @secret.dalmatia, @visit_croatia
• YouTube: Sailing Croatia, Discover Croatia

In Croatia, the European standard emergency numbers apply. All are free, available around the clock, and work even without a SIM card or credit.

At 112, calls are usually answered in Croatian, but the dispatchers often speak English. Clearly state your location (city, street, landmark) and what has happened.

Croatia does not have strictly uniform opening hours. However, there are typical patterns — and the further south you go, the more flexible it becomes.

The Hrvatska pošta (HP) operates post offices in all cities and on the larger islands. The buildings are recognizable by the yellow logo with the post horn.

Stamps & Shipping

• Postcard/standard letter to Germany: approx. €1.50–2.00 (EU rate)
• Delivery time: 5–10 business days to Germany (may take longer in summer)
• You can get stamps at the post office, in Tisak kiosks, and in some souvenir shops
• Packages: Shipping to Germany from approx. €8–15 (depending on weight). GLS and DPD also have parcel shops in Croatia

Post Office Trick

If you are staying in an apartment without a fixed address and need to receive something (e.g., replacement credit card), you can have it sent to the nearest post office — with the note "Poste Restante" + town name. Bring ID for pickup.

Although Croatia is an EU country, good travel insurance is still indispensable — especially if you are active during your trip.

What You Need

• International health insurance: Highly recommended! The EHIC only covers basic care in public hospitals. Private doctors, repatriation to Germany, dental emergencies, and mountain rescue are not covered. Good annual policies are available from €10–20 (e.g., HanseMerkur, ADAC, DKV)
• Travel cancellation insurance: Sensible for expensive bookings (holiday apartment, sailing charter). Covers cancellation costs in case of illness, accident, or job loss
• Luggage insurance: Optional. Useful if you are carrying expensive equipment (diving, photography, sailing gear)

Special Activities

• Diving, climbing, rafting: Check if your insurance covers these activities — some policies exclude "risk sports"
• Sailing & boat trips: Skipper liability or charter insurance is often mandatory with boat rentals
• Motorcycle/scooter: Check if your rental contract includes comprehensive insurance — the deductible can be significantly high

Croatia is one of the safest travel destinations in Europe. The crime rate is low, violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. You can move freely and safely everywhere — even at night.

What to Watch Out For

• Pickpockets: As everywhere in tourist hotspots. Be most cautious in Dubrovnik's Old Town, on Split's Riva, in Zagreb's Tkalčićeva, and on ferries. Keep your backpack in front, distribute valuables, don't keep your wallet in your pocket
• Car Break-ins: Don't leave valuables visible in the car — especially in parking lots at beaches and national parks (Plitvice Lakes, Krka). Leave the glove compartment open so thieves see there's nothing inside
• Fraud: In rare cases, inflated bills in restaurants without a menu (especially in Dubrovnik). Always ask for the menu and check prices before ordering
• Nightlife: The usual precautions — don't leave drinks unattended, don't go alone to secluded areas

Mine Warning in the Hinterland

From the Croatian War (1991–1995), there are still mine-contaminated areas, especially in the hinterland of the regions around Knin, Pakrac, Karlovac, Sisak and parts of Slavonia. These areas are marked:

• Red warning signs with a skull and "MINE!" indicate mined areas
• NEVER leave marked paths in these regions
• Do not enter derelict buildings in the hinterland
• There is no mine risk on the coast and islands

Demining is progressing — the Croatian Mine Action Centre (HCR) provides information on cromac.hr about current danger areas.

In Croatia, tipping (napojnica) is welcome but not as strictly expected as in the USA. Here's the guideline:

Important: Tips in Croatia are almost always given in cash — even if you pay by card. The card readers sometimes offer a tip option, but the money doesn't always reach the staff.

Croatia has been an EU member since 2013 and part of the Schengen Area since January 1, 2023. This has greatly simplified border traffic.

Entry from EU/Schengen Countries

• No border controls — you simply drive through (like from Bavaria to Austria)
• No customs for personal belongings and purchases
• Carry an ID card or passport (identification requirement)

What you can freely import and export (within the EU)

• Alcohol: 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of intermediate products (Port, Sherry), 90 liters of wine, 110 liters of beer — all for personal use
• Tobacco: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1 kg of tobacco
• Food: No restrictions within the EU

Special Regulations

• Truffles: You can easily take Croatian truffles with you — they stay fresh for 5–7 days in the fridge (wrap in kitchen paper)
• Olive oil: No quantity restriction within the EU. Pack well for the flight!
• Cash: When traveling within the EU, you must declare cash amounts over €10,000 at checks
• Cultural goods: Antiques, archaeological finds, and artworks may not be exported without permission from the Croatian Ministry of Culture
• Corals, shells, protected plants: The removal of marine organisms from the Adriatic is prohibited without permission

For Swiss Travelers (Non-EU)

• Swiss citizens do not need a passport for Croatia (ID card is sufficient) as Croatia is in the Schengen Area
• Customs allowances when returning to Switzerland: 300 CHF goods value, 1 liter of alcohol over 18%, 5 liters under 18%, 250 cigarettes
• Swiss VAT refund for EU purchases is not possible (conversely: Tax-Free Shopping applies for Swiss in Croatia for purchases over €100)