Planning a trip to Croatia? Before you explore its stunning Adriatic coast, charming islands, and historic cities, it’s essential to understand local customs, travel tips, and cultural etiquette. From currency and tipping to safety and dress codes, here’s what every traveller should know before visiting Croatia to ensure a smooth, respectful, and enjoyable holiday in this beautiful Mediterranean destination.
Recently, a tourist from Denmark posted a photo on social media of herself drinking Cedevita somewhere in Sarajevo, captioned – Bosnian drink. This immediately sparked debate because Cedevita is a Croatian drink. It was developed by Pliva and is now owned by the Atlantic Group.
Misunderstandings Between Neighbours
To avoid such innocent, or perhaps more serious, misunderstandings, the respected Australian travel magazine Lonely Planet has decided to share with tourists what they ought to know about Croatia before setting off for the Lijepa Naša (Our Beautiful Homeland).
Coastal Beauty and Inland Charm
“With its dazzling coastline, 1,244 islands, endlessly fascinating cities and incredibly dramatic landscapes, Croatia has rightfully earned its spot on the wish list of travellers from around the world. Naturally, tourists are primarily drawn to the stunning beaches of the Adriatic, which can easily be compared to the most famous destinations of the Mediterranean. However, Croatia’s interior is just as enchanting, from the picturesque hilltop villages of Istria to the vibrant, elegant city of Zagreb,” the magazine writes.
Don’t Overload Your Itinerary
They begin by warning tourists not to overdo the number of destinations they plan to visit “unless they’re staying for at least two weeks.” They note that Croatia has a good bus network, but that travelling along the Adriatic coast may take longer than expected.
Currency, Tipping, and Public Transport
They also mention that Croatia has adopted the euro, and those who still have kuna can exchange them at Croatian National Bank locations. The magazine discusses Croatia’s tipping culture: in restaurants, and for beauty and spa treatments, it’s customary to leave at least 10 percent, while in bars and cafés, the bill is usually rounded up to the next euro.
Safety and Pickpocketing Advice
They, too, emphasise that Croatia is a safe country, with a low rate of violent crime, but they warn tourists about the possibility of pickpocketing, although “to a much lesser extent than in other European countries.”
Advice for Solo Female Travellers and the LGBTQ+ Community
They write that women travelling alone should feel safe, but should only use licensed taxis, such as Uber, which is available in larger cities. The magazine points out that Croatia is a “relatively conservative country,” where homosexuality is tolerated, but members of the LGBTQ+ community should still be discreet when showing affection in public.
Respect for Sacred Places and Dress Code Rules
Tourists are also instructed that, when visiting churches and other sacred sites, shoulders and thighs should be covered, and those wearing hats should remove them while inside the church. The article also relays rules from some towns that impose fines for walking through town centres in a swimsuit (for women) or shirtless (for men), as well as bans on public drunkenness.
Appearance and Social Norms
“Croatians like to dress elegantly and are very proud of their appearance, so behave like them and avoid looking unkempt,” they advised foreigners.
Sensitivity Around War and Religion
They especially warned tourists that they should be tactful when speaking about the Homeland War.
“If people show a willingness to talk about it, then by all means ask sensible questions. Don’t be intrusive and bear in mind that Croats won’t take kindly to being called Yugoslavs or Balkan people. Similarly, in this predominantly Catholic country, be careful not to make loud statements against religion,” they cautioned.
Clean Water and Safety Warnings
Finally, they inform travellers that tap water is “perfectly safe and very drinkable” everywhere, and they advise avoiding areas marked with signs warning of landmine danger.
