Organize your stay Croatia
Money Croatia
As of January1, 2023, the local currency is no longer legal tender; the price of goods and services is now quoted in euros. As of January1, 2024, the Croatian National Central Bank(Hrvatska narodna banka) has taken over the service of exchanging kuna into euros free of charge, with no time limit. For coins, until December 31, 2025.
Banks. Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, closed on Sundays and public holidays. In airports, towns and tourist resorts, you'll easily find exchange offices and Automat machines. You can find ATMs on the Internet (visa.fr/services-en-ligne/trouver-un-distributeur/ or mastercard.com/en/particuliers/trouver-distributeur-banque.html). Some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case this will be indicated at the time of withdrawal.
Budget & Tips Croatia
Please note that Croatia adopted the euro on January1 , 2023. This change of currency has led to price inflation, as indicated in this guide, and has had a significant impact on the cost of your stay in Croatia.
Even if the cost of living remains lower than in France, the complete changeover to the euro has pushed up prices. As a general rule, services and shopkeepers match the prices of their competitors. The same goes for car rental companies and tour operators.
You can keep costs down, by renting privately, staying inhostels, taking buses and ferries, and eating in local taverns(konobas ) and fast-food restaurants. You'll also need to discover the country on your own, comparing the offers of day-trippers and accompanied sports activities (diving, boating, kitesurfing, canyoning, kayaking, guided hiking). What's still expensive: entry to national parks, tickets to paid concerts and shows, current music/clubbing festivals on the Adriatic coast, where prices soar in summer.
Passport and visas Croatia
European citizens entering Croatia must have a valid identity card or passport. These documents will be required at the entrance to hotels, campsites and other holiday rentals.
Since January 2023 and its entry into the Schengen area, Croatia no longer carries out border controls for members of the European Union. This freedom of movement is a major advantage when it comes to attracting European visitors. Foreign nationals residing in France or in a Schengen Area country must hold a residence permit or Schengen visa AND an identity card or passport.
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/croatie/
Driver's license Croatia
As in all European countries, to rent a car and drive in Croatia, you need to be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driving license and present a credit card.
Health Croatia
Hospitals, polyclinics, pharmacies(ljekarna), sufficiently supplied, are established on all the territory. The development of medical and dental tourism is notable, as well as the stays of fitness, well-being, especially in Istria and in the thermal towns of Slavonia.
Security Croatia
Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe. Croatia offers the assurance of a safe and enjoyable vacation, even for a single woman, even at night.
Of course, there are a few common-sense rules to observe, and you need to be careful. Beware: at the entrances to large nightclubs in cities such as Zagreb or Split, the security services can be quite rude.
Time difference Croatia
As in the majority of European Union member states, there is no time difference between France and Croatia, which sets its time zone to GMT +1 (Greenwich Mean Time) in winter, and switches to GMT+2 from March onwards.
Spoken languages Croatia
The country's official language, Croatian, belongs to the southern group of Slavic languages in the Indo-European family. Almost all young people speak English, especially those working in tourism and commerce. Italian is very present in Istria, German is also fairly common, while Hungarian is spoken in the eastern regions of Croatia.
Communication Croatia
Croatia is a very well-connected country, with free wifi access almost everywhere in towns, hotels, campsites, holiday rentals, cafés-restaurants etc. For mobile network coverage (3G / 4G / 5G) by the three national operators (A1 Mobile, Hrvatski Telekom Mobile, TELE2):
www.nperf.com/fr/map/HR/3186886.Zagreb
Electricity and measurements Croatia
The electrical power system in Croatia is the same as in other European countries (except Great Britain and Ireland). Installations distribute alternating current (220V/50Hz) via F-type sockets (Schuko). So there's no need to bring an adapter.
Luggage Croatia
Whether you're using a backpack or a wheeled suitcase, here's an indicative list of items to take with you. If you forget something, you can easily buy it on the spot. Of course, depending on the season, you'll need to bring some warm clothes: identity papers and photocopies, driver's license if you're renting a car, road map; light clothing for hot summer days; sun protection, sunglasses, hat or cap, swimsuit and light towel, anti-bear sandals, mask and snorkel, waterproof bag; rain gear or windbreaker; good hiking gear (hiking boots, portable torch, pants, fleece pullover, cotton scarf, small rucksack, etc.); dressier clothes for going out in the evening in Dubrovnik, Split or Pula; toiletries kit, plus plasters and first-aid kits, mosquito repellent, soothing cream, earplugs; recommended prescription if you're traveling with a lot of medication; charger and headphones for digital items; travel diary with pen and a good book!
