Organize your stay Istria
Money Istria
In January 2023, Croatia fully entered the euro zone. The local currency no longer circulates and, as in Slovenia and Italy, everything is paid for in euros, with cash, debit or credit cards.
Budget & Tips Istria
To help you plan your vacation budget, daily expenses can be divided into three categories, according to your financial means.
Small budget : plus or minus €50 per day per person, with accommodation in a campground/youth hostel(hostel) or private room with a local, meals on the go (market shopping, groceries), public transport, cycling or hitchhiking, free activities or €5 to €10 maximum.
Average budget: more or less €150 per day per person (accommodation in B&Bs or 3-star hotels, good food, public transport, car or motorcycle, paid activities or package).
Big budget: from €200 per day per person (accommodation in luxury hotels, luxury villa or apartment rental, gourmet dining, car or motorcycle transport, package activities/guided tours).
National taxes apply to most consumer goods and services. For example, 5% surcharge on bread, milk, cinema or theater tickets, 13% on accommodation, newspapers, edible oils and fats, sugar, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, coffee and luxury goods.
As in France, in cafés and restaurants, the price indicated on the bill does not include the amount of the tip. There's no extra charge (10-15%), but if you're satisfied, it's customary to tip the waiter. The same goes for cab drivers, cleaning staff and hairdressers.
Prices are fixed and non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers may offer you a small gift if you purchase items for a large sum. This practice is common in the markets.
Passport and visas Istria
For tourist stays of less than three months, a valid passport or identity card is sufficient for European Union nationals.
Before you leave, remember to scan and photocopy personal documents. Keep these copies at home. In the event of loss or theft, the administrative procedures for renewing them will be simpler.
Driver's license Istria
A French driver's license, or one issued in an EU member state, is recognized in Croatia (private or rental vehicle). You'll also need to bring your vehicle registration document and your international green car insurance card. Check that it says HR (Croatia). If you are not insured for Croatia, you can take out transit insurance at the border (approx. €50 for one month). French driving licenses also work in Slovenia, provided you have insurance that works abroad. The same applies to Italy.
To rent a car or motorcycle, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your driving license for at least two years.
Health Istria
There are no infectious diseases or particular health risks in Istria, so no vaccinations are currently required. Tap water is safe to drink.
Security Istria
With its very low crime rate, Croatia is a safe country. There is no such thing as a "hot spot" and you can go for a quiet walk at night.
Travellers who go alone, even in the big cities, have nothing to worry about. In small towns, you may come across curious looks on the street at the sight of a stranger or a woman alone. Nothing too bad. Young people are much more discreet in this area! They are the ones, most of them equipped with a mobile phone with GPS, who will tell you the right way.
In the summer, the population changes completely. European tourists arrive en masse, especially around the festivals. In these festive moods, alcohol and other illegal alcohol abuse must be guarded against. The law severely condemns thieves. However, with its cash on hand, one must remain vigilant in hotel rooms, youth hostel dormitories and campsites.
Time difference Istria
There is no time difference with Istria: all year round, the same time is read in France, Belgium or Switzerland. Time changes also take place at the end of March and September (GMT + 1 in winter and GMT + 2 in summer).
Spoken languages Istria
In Istria, the official language is Croatian, but as the peninsula lies between Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, depending on proximity to one of these three countries, communication tends to be in Italian/English, Slovenian/Italian/English or Croatian/Italian/English, with some German as well. Istrian and Istriote dialects are becoming rarer, although notable efforts are being made to breathe new life into them. Very little French is learned at school, but more and more young people are taking an interest.
Communication Istria
Croatia is a very well-connected country, with free WiFi access almost everywhere in town, in hotels, campsites, holiday rentals, cafés-restaurants, etc. The three national operators are A1 Mobile, Hrvatski Telekom Mobile and TELE2.
Electricity and measurements Istria
As in other European countries, the electrical current in Croatia is 230 V and 50 Hz, while type C and F sockets are used.
If you want to buy clothes, sizes are based on American measurements for men (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X), women (S, M, L, XL, 2X) and children (XS, S, M, L, XL). For shoes, depending on the brand, labels mention American, British, European sizes or centimeters.
Luggage Istria
What to pack? As in France, it all depends on the region and the season. In the south, on the Istrian coast, winter is less harsh than in the mainland or in the mountains. In summer, from the north to the south of Istria, it can be very hot. Remember to protect yourself from the sun (cap or visor, protective UV cream). Bring your swimsuit and towel, and plastic sandals for the water. In spring and autumn, it can rain heavily. A waterproof poncho will come in handy, as will a light fleece and good walking shoes for hikers. In all seasons, a windbreaker protects you from the bura. This northerly wind can pick up and blow in gusts. It's refreshing on spring and autumn evenings. For evening outings, concerts, classical music festivals or gourmet dinners, elegant attire is highly recommended. In any case, if there's anything you need, you'll find it on site.
