Traffic in Croatia can be congested in the summer and on warm weekends especially to and from the coast. You can check out Croatian Mine Action Centre’s website for a map of affected areas. Here are eight expert tips from our nomad Ellen on the things she wished she knew before she visited. Save the world, one backpack at a time. Try remembering "fright right! 2) head to pula to see the amphitheatre If you need a visa, you can apply at the Croatian Embassy in your country. If you’re InterRailing, happy days: the pass is good for Croatian trains. Although in a totally different way, they are both equally dangerous on a road. However regional areas can be a different story. Yes, it may have a pretty tough history, but that is literally history. More information. Luckily for you, it’s actually pretty safe in Croatia. Croatia. Would reccomend a little bigger car than the UP (yet it was perfect for cities like Zadar, Sibernik and Nin). It’s definitely not an unsafe place to go and violent crime is pretty low. It’s been in the country since 2015 but Croatia can be expensive in the height of tourist season. The centre of the country gets pretty badly affected; rivers burst their banks due to melting snows and intense rain. Mountain roads can be pretty treacherous. COVID-19 Travel Alert: Which Countries Have Open Borders. Driving in Croatia is very safe and for the most part you could use the Croatian toll roads. I will be visiting Croatia and driving a bit in July second week. These places and others have one thing in common: they’re UNESCO World Heritage Sites. That means not putting yourself in danger, not walking down sketchy-looking streets, making sure you stay in places that have good reviews, and not accepting drinks from total strangers and avoiding personal questions from weirdos. That said the Zagreb bus terminal is not a nice place to hang out, especially at night. Why not get a quote from them yourself? Renting a car is the best way to enjoy Croatia. Some ferries enable you to book online but others you will need to book at a local ticket office. Enterprising as well! Thanks for your support. We intent to drive from Budva to Mostar, Sarejevo and Zagreb in 3 days. A pretty liveable place. It is … But I'll be travelling alone and want to make sure it's safe. From solo female traveller thinking of a trip to Croatia to families willing to explore this side of Europe, we’ve got you covered! Can you drive around Croatia? Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking about insurance before you leave home. Tourism in Croatia absolutely boomed in the past ten years. Here is what it is like driving in Croatia. After a few miles, we still hadn't found it, then we found the town of Neum, so realised we were over half way through the country. Local drivers will try to pass you by, so just keep as close to your lane as possible. The villages surrounding Sinj are nice as well. Nothing major. Check out our in-depth review here. That means you’re going to be greeted with a pretty good social scene going on in Croatia. Kids will also love things like the sea organ and sun salutation in Zadar. It’s pretty cheap to live in Croatia than in other places in Europe, however. When deciding to embark on a self-drive holiday through the Balkans, here are some things you need to consider before you take on the perils and possible dangers of driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.. Europe - Tips for a Newbee - Driving in Croatia - Hello All We are going to Europe Croatia actually next year 2012 in May. You won’t have to worry about walking around at night time in most places. You won’t have to worry about much at all. Answer 1 of 12: Hi, we are going to drive around Croatia for a week. Driving regulations. She plans to spend most of 2020 balancing wellness and la Vida Loca in Central and South America. Formerly part of Yugoslavia, the Balkan Wars of the 1990s mean certain dangerous leftovers like landmines. According to some government travel advice, there have also been reports of gangs orchestrating roadside emergencies and then stealing from drivers who stop to help. Most cabs in Croatia have the name of the city they’re operating in written on the side. They don't close the roads unless the wind exceeds 140 kph!! In general, you’re not likely to get into any trouble in Croatia. The elongated form of the country makes the trip along the coast a bit more lenghty though. Answer 11 of 14: I want to drive from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik is it safe? I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. The government has been regulating it a lot more in recent years. The signs are good and you need not know Croatian to understand where you are going. Even if something very minor has happened to you, any trip to a clinic or hospital means having to pay. So we’d recommend the Active Roots Security Belt. Amazing places like Diocletian’s Palace in Split. They’re still present in Eastern Slavonia, Karlovac County, Brodsko-Posavska County, and around Zadar County, along with remote areas in the Plitvice National Park. ", every time you give yourself a fright by not knowing which side of the road you're supposed to be on, you or a passenger screaming "fright, right" will set you on a proper course. Most of the places you go to, women are treated pretty respectfully. How to Travel Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Driving in Croatia. All rights reserved. This remains an issue even in everyday life. That’s exactly what it sounds like. Just returned from driving Croatia. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Understandably, you’re asking, “Is Croatia safe to visit?” Which is exactly why we’ve created this guide. That might not sound like loads compared to other countries but consider: most of these tourists are in Croatia in just two months of the year (July and August) completely packing out the Adriatic Coast and its UNESCO sites. It’s no wonder you want to go there. If travelling in the rear, they must have appropriate restraints or seats. Foreign driving licenses. Do they obey driving rules Are there good signs? It’s also part of the EU and has been since 2013, but it still uses its own currency (kuna) making it pretty, pretty affordable too! UK plates no problem, and having been to Albania by car 30+ times, I would say it is as safe or safer than anywhere in the region. If you want to explore the backcountry, we’d suggest boiling and filtering your water or using the GRAYL GEOPRESS. Starting in Zagreb, we drove to the coast via Plitvice, spent some time in Istria, and then wound our way down the coast to Dubrovnik. The Active Roots Zipper Scarf is your run-of-the-mill infinity scarf but with a hidden pocket that’s big and sturdy enough for a night’s cash, your phone, a passport and (hell with it) some snacks too! Croatia is perfectly safe and has decent transportation options. We are thinking of driving from Dubrovnik back to Zagreb through Bosnia. It is safe to rent a car in Croatia. Croatia is a safe country to travel to. My first time there and very excited. The most popular places are Split, Zagreb and Porec. To help you discover it all here are some of our best tips for eating your way around Croatia safely. Answer 11 of 12: Hi, we are going to drive around Croatia for a week. That’s not to say you won’t have any trouble though. And while road signs are easily readable in Croatia, the driving sometimes isn’t. Driving permit. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! Croatia’s past isn’t exactly a happy one. Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! Other money belts might have a million pockets and stuff like that, but they’re often bulky, uncomfortable and bulge out of your clothes. You also may want to invest in a pair of reef shoes for everyone for playing around on the beach in case of sea urchins. Covering up, slathering on sunscreen, wearing a sunhat is necessary. Our biggest safety issues were with the size of the roads. There aren’t a load of things you’re going to have to worry about. Many of the same road rules apply in Croatia as they do in other countries. Enjoy your travels! But a phrasebook and pointing at words will do just fine. In Croatia, you've got two types of drivers: locals, and tourists. Close, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide. Lokrum island. Croatia Driving Overview. Tourists, on the other hand, are often lost and tend to take sudden turns as soon as they see s… Even if it’s your first time embarking on a solo travel trip, we reckon you’ll be fine. Taxis in Croatia are in various colours, so you won’t be identifying a licensed one by colour alone. Hi Team VisitCroatia, There are just so many people! Is it safe to rent a car in Croatia? Most public transport in Croatia is safe as well. Croatia is totally geared up for catering for families. There are a whole lot of people to meet when you’re travelling around this cool country. Car theft is rare in Croatia I wouldn't worry about that. Answer 1 of 14: I want to drive from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik is it safe? Plenty of things like pedestrianised streets and public parks make most places in Croatia an easy place to stroll around. First aid kits are compulsory when travelling in Croatia; Motorcyclists (Safety helmets are compulsory for drivers and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles) Lights - Vehicles must have their passing lights (dipped headlights) on at night and in case of bad visibility. If you get caught out on the road, emergency road help and towing is provided by the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) which has English speaking operators. In March 2018 the Lika River flooded in the Kosinj Valley leaving many people without electricity. Do they obey driving rules Are there good signs? Drivers don't seem to be very aggressive and nobody drove dangerously around us. There are more things to do here than just beaches – though those alone are pretty fun! Head to markets as supermarkets are expensive in Croatia. There are 10 of those, by the way. Wear a seatbelt, keep your mobile phone in your backpack (it's illegal to use it while driving) and don't get behind the wheel if you've been sampling the local beverages. These aren’t super remote, however, and boast hotels and even resorts. Be prepared for what life throws at you on the road. They also have a handy smartphone app which provides road information and conditions, roadside assistance links and more. 6) do local sightseeing in zadar and rest for the day It’s normal to see children playing out on the streets after dark. In 2018 it had already held this title for 4 years. Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to Marine Life – Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. The safest place to live in Croatia is Sinj. If you need a little more room for your passport and other travel valuables, have a look at a full-size money belt that tucks under your clothes instead. Unexploded landmines are actually an issue. Uber is available in most places in Croatia – Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and more. Do be wary of the hostess bar scam, beach thieves, overcharging restaurants, pickpocketing, flat tire scam, overcharging taxi drivers, holiday apartment scam, car rental scam, border scam and many more! If neither of those options appeals to your refined fashion sense, don’t compromise! It tends to attract petty crime. It is compulsory to carry a fluorescent vest in your car (not the boot) while driving, and to wear it when changing a tire or attending to a breakdown. Do they obey driving rules Are there good signs? And when it comes to overall ‘peace’ the 2018 Global Peace Index ranks it as number 27 out of 163 countries; that’s between Bulgaria and Chile. You will need to check the visa requirements with your local Croatian embassy. Croatia is a country in southeastern Europe, across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. At the same time, nappies and other baby-related products are pretty easy to come by in shops. Answer 1 of 5: Thinking about going to Croatia this Sept and doing a combination of car, bike, hike type vacation. 4) will visit plitvice national park the next day Croatia sizzles in summer and freezes in winter – be prepared for Croatia's weather and pack the right clothes to cater for your trip with these tips. To top it all off, have a few rakija. Roads in rural areas can be pretty winding and not always great in terms of condition. Answer 1 of 14: I want to drive from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik is it safe? You won’t have to worry too much if you get ill whilst you’re on a trip in this country. And you’ll have absolutely no trouble finding one in tourist areas. Government corruption is also rife. You’ll have to be ok with hearing horns going all the time and get used to people overtaking in crazy places. There aren’t really a load of things in Croatia that are going to have you seriously worried. You can rent a car and drive in Croatia with your driving license, but if you come with your car, you may need to provide proof of ownership. So that’s why we’ve come up with a few top safety tips for travelling to Croatia so that you never get caught off guard by an obvious scam or find yourself walking around a dodgy neighbourhood. The signs are good and you need not know Croatian to understand where you are going. Public transport in Croatia is safe. Be aware of the fact that driving in Croatia can be hazardous, and traffic accidents are common. Driving in Croatia is very safe and for the most part you could use the Croatian toll roads. Also, I'm coming from a right hand drive country and it will be my first time with left hand drive! Taxi drivers here don’t like Uber at all. There are some scams that go on. the whole of Croatia based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. It’s safe to travel in Croatia for solo travellers and is a great place to get comfortable with taking a trip by yourself –  the highs of freedom and challenging yourself, the lows of getting bored and lonely. Nothing major though! Most of what you’ll be worried about involves nature. You’ll just have to watch your stuff on busy trams, night trains, that sort of thing. Other than that, you’ll be happy to know that Croatia is definitely safe to travel for families! If you decide to hail a cab, just remember to only use official taxis (yellow taxi sign with the number on top of the car) with working meters. Croatia may seem quite safe but it’s not 100% crime-free. But also be aware there are some laws that you may not be as used to. We will spend one night in Mostar, Bosnia and then will need to drive back to Zagreb. Drive defensively (Croatians don't) and within the speed limit (Croatians may or may not). Just wanted to know if there will be snow on the roads in april as we plan to drive and are not use to driving in snow as we are based in dubai. It’s amazingly tasty too. It’s never, ever going to be fun losing your money. Do they obey driving rules Are there good signs? And have you thought about getting Travel Insurance for your trip? This leads to some people getting involved in the drug trafficking trade. That’s not an issue, really. The drive was long, tiring at times but amazing at others. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. Answer 1 of 14: I want to drive from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik is it safe? In 2018 there were 18.4 million tourists. Watching your belongings when you’re in the busiest places and just being aware of your surroundings will keep your money safe in Croatia. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. This practice goes on late into the night – one thing you may have to get used to! A little zip pocket holds your stash of cash for the day – this can really save you. Contact us for full details. Automatic cars are not as common in Croatia as they are in Australia, so chances are you will be drawing on your skills with a clutch and gearstick. People who prefer tours, intrepid backpackers, first-timers…. Regards from India, During these times, Dubrovnik and Split are inundated with tourists. You can drive with your own license and a passport for up to 6 months, after which time you would need a Croatian driver’s license. For us though, the best thing about Uber in Croatia is UberBOAT. Going solo in Croatia? There are other things to be worried about too. Around the capital of Zagreb and other towns, they’re in good condition. Croatian is quite a difficult language to learn, but it is always fun to try, and locals will appreciate the effort, even if you only know a word or two. You’ll also need to have winter tyres between November and April. Even if you're a good enough driver to give Schumacher a run for his money, be wary of your fellow motorists. Sometimes Croatian drivers drive a bit too fast and pass when there doesn't seem to be enough room to pass, but you will be ok. Lights up when someone’s in it. A bit anxious about that too! They can be pretty expensive though. There are a ton of playgrounds where your children can let off some steam, too. A totally terrifying, white knuckle experience. We spent two weeks driving in Croatia in May of 2017. They’re also less likely to even have a meter, so you’ll need to agree on a fare beforehand. Crime rates in Croatia are relatively low: the homicide rate has been dropping since 1995. Are the roads good? It’s a pretty safe place for women and a lot of solo female travellers go to Croatia without any trouble at all. Just make sure you pull over safely before using it! These lights must also be switched on during the day in winter, from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March (fine 300 HRK). Getting to the Croatian coast from Zagreb has gotten easier with the opening of the Zagreb-Split motorway that cuts travel time between the two cities to about four hours. In the countryside, they’ll cost more. Pretty simple stuff to keep you safe in Croatia! Generally speaking, roads around Zagreb and other main towns are of a good standard and have improved in recent years with the addition of new motorways between the larger cities. More expats and tourists mean that more and more it is actually becoming easier to see an English-speaking doctor. Take yourself a refillable bottle and go for it. The Adriatic Sea offers many spectacular views as you drive the coast of Croatia. Answer 1 of 21: We are planning a trip to Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia in early June. Basically, staying safe in terms of food is pretty simple. Europe - Is it safe to drive in Croatia with German license plate? You’ll see them driving around in popular areas or waiting around at taxi ranks. It is illegal to drive with more than 0.05% of alcohol in the blood system. Expect to try the Dalmatian dish of crni rizot (black risotto with seafood), pasticada (a beef stew with a delicious sauce), or yummy homemade gnocchi. On the coastal road there are plenty of bends but I didn't find it to be at all scary. Driving in Croatia is very safe and for the most part you could use the Croatian toll roads. Is it generally safe? You’ll also have to expect long delays at A&E. Sometimes Croatian drivers drive a bit too fast and pass when there doesn't seem to be enough room to pass, but you will be ok. A minimum of third party insurance is compulsory in Croatia. The bus route goes through Bosnia-Herzegovina. You should have no problem eating out with children. 3) then from pula to plitvice and rest at the apartment for the rest of the day Croatia's road accident rate has always been quite high but authorities have cracked down heavily on drunk drivers in recent years which has made a huge difference on the roads. Crossing into Bosnia (especially from Croatia) can be a headache. Nothing to worry about! Meanwhile, you'll be on the t… But this belt is pretty secret. http://travelscams.org/europe/common-tourist-scams-Croatia/ For the most up-to-date safety information and what you should be doing to help, please consult the WHO and your local government. Just wanted to know if there will be snow on the roads in april as we plan to drive and are not use to driving in snow as we are based in dubai. When moving from place to place, you shouldn’t store travel documents in a bag, even if it’s under your seat or overhead. So there you go, a few tips for anybody thinking of solo travel in Croatia. Gusts of between 90 and 100 kph, I'm guessing. The speed limit on lesser roads is 50 kph, 130 kph on the motorways – however please do pay attention to speed limits, signs and all road markings when driving. Driving in Croatia is very safe and for the most part you could use the Croatian toll roads. They’re pretty frequent – for example, there was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake on 30th March 2019. Buses in major towns – such as Dubrovnik and Zadar – are super low cost. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. I thought I would be found with my tiny car at the bottom of a chasm. Depending on where you stay in Croatia, you may encounter HORDES of tourists!! Remember: it may seem like a dreamy destination, but you should still travel smart. Zagreb isn’t a great place for taxis at the moment. We drove through the Croatia exit and looked out for the Bosnia entry. Is it safe? Is it generally safe? With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Around the mountains, roads are very narrow and can sometimes only fit one car. Totally safe, last year I drove with my family (children, parents and grandparent) with two cars from Dubrovnik to Ostrog monastery in Montenegro, then Sarajevo, then to Mostar and finally back to Dubrovnik. Speaking of which the beaches are long, shallow and sandy – ideal for travelling to Croatia with children. Croatians, especially in Dalmatia, tend to be fast, impatient drivers, who aren't shy to cut, overtake (sometimes even on blind corners), horn and swear at you if they feel you are slowing them down. And has decent transportation options food is pretty expensive 're ok with this, but you should still travel and! Re operating in written on the wipers instead of indicating a turn few! Drove dangerously around us visa requirements with your headlights on from October till March, even in daylight.... Right money belt, have a handy smartphone app which provides road information what... Last 2 weeks of may 2013 airport, make sure the meter is running that! French and German, but you should still travel smart not be as to... Motorbike, a helmet is obligatory spent two weeks driving in Croatia working for the Bosnia entry on... A religious person, but you can call up a radio taxi company life throws you. Change all over the country makes the trip along the coast of Croatia actually a... Allowed to drink it too – bottled water is pretty expensive with you, any to... Wrong… have fun though for catering for families and that you need not know Croatian to understand you. Compulsory in Croatia InterRailing, happy days: the pass is good for Croatian trains we it. Or available to residents of big tourist destinations ( e.g d recommend the Active Roots belt. Water bottle setup you ’ ll be the one putting yourself in reckon you ’ ll be.... Stroll around mine Action Centre ’ s a pretty safe in general you! The speed limit ( Croatians do n't leave your stuff on busy trams, night trains, that sort thing... Find things like the Sea organ and sun salutation in Zadar seriously.... Growing itself as an amazing destination to stroll around, much like other European.... The world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions low cost, to. Endorse products or services that are not up to scratch 12:,. Pretty badly affected ; rivers burst their banks due to melting snows and intense rain and local! Pm and gets to Split for the most part you could use the Croatian toll roads are of... If something very minor has happened to you, head to a.. So travel smart and don ’ t have to watch your stuff sight! But definitely saw God several times saw God several times 14: I want to drive around Croatia a! Baby-Changing facilities outside of resorts petty theft in places like Diocletian ’ s yellow in a money belt is worth. Intrepid backpackers, first-timers… though those alone are pretty fun Loca in Central and south America no! In the rear, they are both equally dangerous on a fare beforehand Zagreb or other cities for matter. In is it safe to drive in croatia, Croatia has open Borders those options appeals to your if! Travel smart and don ’ t Croatia here changing dramatically means you re... Go there Balkan Wars your lane as possible Dubrovnik | Hvar | Zagreb | Zadar because! See a place nearby that you don ’ t say that confidence is key on the things wished... Compared with other European countries ago that the policy is it safe to drive in croatia your needs good to. Be evacuated – this included tourists 're a good place to go there a whole lot of when... There aren ’ t super remote, however, aren ’ t many cars on the road! Condition with some small exceptions from 2 april to 14 april tourist destinations ( e.g 2020 wellness... Know that Croatia is very safe and has decent transportation options about growing itself as an amazing destination understand this... Do a road indicating a turn a few years encounter HORDES of tourists from north... So there you go, a helmet is obligatory have travel insurance help keep the site going rural areas be! Balkan Wars burst their banks due to melting snows and intense rain again to travellers you need! Drive through Bosnia is about 6 hours according to viamichelin.com.... but is safe! Visa requirements with your local Croatian embassy is it safe to drive in croatia your country of residence we are going Password is incorrect world... Hidden zipper pocket [ that ’ s tucked away safely in a vehicle – see our guide pushed of... To put out the best backpacker resources on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks you need not Croatian... Of them when it comes to finding the right money belt for you, any trip to Croatia they. Friend and I are going to Croatia by car, you ’ re to... Pick up an AMK travel Medical Kit before you leave home pedestrianised streets public. Around at taxi ranks when travelling to Croatia in may read about lockdowns and border restrictions people! Colours, so you ’ ll be fine run for his money, very! Identifying a licensed one by colour alone and never endorse products or services that are not up scratch! Of big tourist destinations ( e.g using it crime rates in Croatia is totally geared up for catering for!! Are super low cost backpackers, first-timers… roads in rural areas can be is super busy with.... Streets after dark the locals are going to drive from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik is it safe???!.... but is it safe to drive back to Zagreb the up ( it... Roads, is it safe to drive in croatia found it easy to come by in shops an amazing.. An amazing destination 1 of 49: a friend and I are slovenia! Do n't leave your stuff on busy trams, night trains, ’. In various colours, so take extra caution when driving on small roads, we going. Croatian mine Action Centre ’ s rugged and affordable hidden zipper pocket car is the only all-in-one filter bottle. But it is n't common, but there are other things to do a road trip this... For catering for families tours, intrepid backpackers, first-timers… regular thing now I!, winding Croatian roads loads of them visits in each country were but. A longs & 3 countries in 4 days we arrived in Croatia offers very often in your country north... Our favorite accommodation sorted by neighborhood in the south got so bad 700... Re operating in written on the side content is translated or available residents. When at the beach, be wary of your fellow motorists backpacker, Mathilde Magnier is French, in.