Passport, visa & entry requirements
Clothing & packing tips
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Health
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cuisine
- In Croatia, you might like to try traditional Balkan dishes, such as duvec (vegetables and meat), moussaka (eggplant and minced meat), sarma (minced meat and rice), and raznjici (grilled veal or pork). Almost every region of the country produces its own varieties of wine, each of which is quite delicious.
Electricity & air-conditioning
- Croatia operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- The strength of the air-conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air-conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels free of charge.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Time zones
- Croatia is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
Currency
- You will use the Euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
Tipping
- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
Guides & Drivers
Tour guides in Croatia are among the best in Europe and are key to bringing your itinerary to life. As such, tips for your guides should be strongly considered. If you’re enjoying a private guide service – as on our private bespoke tours – a tip of around EUR 20-30 per day of service is about appropriate. Of course, scale up if you feel your guide has been exceptional!
If you’re joining a shared group tour – such as a walking tour of Dubrovnik, or a day trip to Krka or Plitvice National Parks – all parties in the group are welcoming to chip in around EUR 5-10 each, making up a tidy sum for the tour guide.
Taxis and Private Drivers
Private drivers – such as those provided on our exclusive private airport transfers before or after your cruise or tour – may expect a tip of around EUR 10-15 per day in service.
Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants
After you finish a meal in a local restaurant in Croatia you’ll find that tipping etiquette is fairly settled. As with much of Europe, leaving a tip of around 10% on top of the bill is considered appropriate.
At more informal locations such as cafes and bars, simply round up the bill, or add around 3-5%, whichever you feel most comfortable with.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
