Ultimate Travel Guide for Exploring Croatia

The Basics

Currency: Croatia adopted the Euro in January 2023. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always safe to carry some cash for taxis or markets. It’s also convenient to have if you plan on visiting smaller villages that might not take cards. If you have a bank card with little or no ATM fees (like our favorite Charles Schwab checking account card), the cheapest way to get euros is directly through an ATM.

Power adapters: Like most of Europe, Croatia uses plug types C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, so if you’re visiting from somewhere in the US, you’ll need a voltage converter to keep your electronics safe. We love the Bestek power adapter, which can charge up to 7 devices simultaneously and also works as a converter, and the Tripshell Elago adapter if you’re looking for something smaller.

Language: Croatian is the official language, and it’s very similar to neighbouring Serbian and Bosnian. While everyone might not speak English in smaller villages, you’ll notice that in larger cities, most have a proficient command of English for their day-to-day interactions.

Not To Overlook

Healthcare: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before starting your trip to Croatia. No matter how careful you are, accidents are prone to happen, and the last thing you want is to have a medical emergency abroad with no financial protection.

There are several companies out there, but after relying on them more than once, we can say we are extremely satisfied with SafetyWing and highly recommend it to others looking for peace of mind while traveling.

SafetyWing offers two different types of insurance: 1) nomad insurance, perfect for travelers looking for affordable and flexible coverage, that can either be easily extended or canceled at any point, and 2) a remote health plan, ideal for long-term travelers or full-time nomads since it includes coverage in the home country and anywhere in the world, and covers not only accidental injuries but also cancer treatments and routine care.

Safety: Though Croatia faced challenges in the 90s, we have never felt unsafe during our different visits. As in many places, pickpocketing can happen, especially on public transportation or crowded beaches, so just make sure to keep your belongings close. Also, driving in Croatia (particularly on narrow roads) can be a bit scary since roads are windy and drivers fast, so be careful.

How To Get Around: Most cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik are very walkable, and there are buses and taxis throughout as well. However, if you want to travel throughout the country, we recommend renting a car. It’s the easiest way to get around; note that roads can be narrow and windy around the coast.

For rental cars, we recommend using Discover Cars. The site is very user-friendly and aggregates all types of vehicles and prices to ensure you find the best deal.