Famed for its charming Roman old towns that line the turquoise-tinged shores of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has fast become a bucket-list attraction among the sun-worshipping summer vacation crowd. Backpackers, holiday-makers and Game of Thrones fans alike rub shoulders amid these bustling cobblestone streets.
If Croatia is part of your next Euro trip, then you’re in for a treat. Just be sure to pack a power adapter so your devices don’t run flat throughout your stay.
If you haven’t been to this beautiful country before, you’ll probably be wondering, “What plug do I need for Croatia?” If you’re coming from an extended European sojourn then you needn’t stress because the country uses the same power outlets as (almost) the rest of the Eurozone.
Specifically, Croatia runs on type C and F plugs, although the outlets work with type E as well. You can see we have a picture here to help you visualize it.
Because Croatia uses a different outlet type to the US, American travelers will need to purchase an appropriate travel adapter to charge their electronics.
Look for a power adapter with the twin round prongs, which is the Euro standard. Alternatively, any adapter labeled “Type A/B to Type C/F” will be fine.
We recommend getting a universal power adapter like the one pictured because then you can use it in over 100 countries. It also has 2 USB ports and comes with built-in safety fuses to help avoid having your electronics fried.
Croatia is a relatively well-developed country with a reliable and efficient power grid. As a result, surges and blackouts are rare throughout much of the country, even during the hottest and busiest summer months.
As with the rest of Europe, Croatia runs on 220-240V and 50 Hz. Therefore, any electronic devices within this range will charge without issue.[/two_third]
An American traveler may be concerned that their 120 V devices won’t charge on Croatia’s 240 V electrical grid…
However, the truth of the matter is that almost all personal electronics these days are dual voltage, meaning they’re compatible with both systems.
The most common exception is the hair dryer, which is usually a fixed 120 V. Other than that, pretty much anything you can pack into a suitcase will be okay. If in doubt, check the fine print on the charger, which should say exactly what voltage it works for.
In addition to your US to Croatia power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Croatia packing list for more inspiration and ideas.
Although perhaps not as prolific as some other European countries, Croatia does suffer from a pickpocketing problem that appears to be getting worse each year. More alarming still, most of the thieves specifically target tourists who tend to carry more cash and be less street smart than the locals.
The best way to avoid prying hands is by storing all your valuables under your shirt on your body, which renders them entirely out of reach. A lightweight neck wallet does the trick. If used consistently, it’ll ensure your precious passport and credit card remain safely tucked away at all times.
Even the most organized traveler will struggle to sort through their gear at times. Rather than rummaging through your luggage every day and leaving a clothes strewn hotel room in your wake, why not invest in a set of packing cubes?
These tiny contraptions are a godsend for the orderly traveler, who can neatly pack each article of clothing together and sort through them with utmost ease. And given they’re affordable and lightweight, there’s really no reason to be without them.
Cybercrime runs rife in Eastern Europe, so it pays to be extra vigilant when accessing your sensitive personal and financial information. And given you’ll be relying on unsecured Wi-Fi networks throughout your stay, you’ll be particularly vulnerable to attack.
The best way to protect your data from prying eyes is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). These handy and user-friendly applications encrypt your traffic, thus thwarting any potential cyber-attacks.
Whether you’re checking out the best coffee shop in central Dubrovnik or navigating your way through the labyrinth-like streets of Hvar, a functional cell phone is a must on any trip to Croatia. But with so much heavy use each day, how can you ensure your precious handheld computer won’t run flat?
The easy answer is to carry a lip-stick sized charger, which fits easily into a pocket or purse to ensure you’re able to charge up on the go.
Another excellent way to make sure your cell phone and other devices are always topped up is to carry an extra charging cable in your daypack. While your primary cable should ideally be as long as 10 feet in length (you never know how far away the closest power point in your room will be), a backup cable of 3 feet or less is suitable.
Many of Croatia’s buses, trains, and ferries have USB power points so carrying an extra cable on you is a surefire way to ensure your battery remains topped up while on the road.
Depending on the number of connections involved, a trip to Croatia usually takes anywhere between 10 and 20 hours. Add onto that a time difference of nine hours from the west coast of the US, and you’ve got some serious jet lag that’ll wipe you out for the first couple of days.Although there’s no way to eliminate the phenomena, taking a dose of jet lag relief pills can go a long way towards mitigating the effects.
Anything from a sea urchin spine to a sailing accident could see you wind up in hospital in Croatia. And because you’re not covered on a local health insurance plan, that costly bill will be yours alone to settle. The best way to avoid such a disaster is to take out a suitable travel insurance policy. Not only will you be covered for health and medical expenses, but you’ll be off the hook for things like lost and stolen luggage as well. We recommend TravelInsurance.com to compare policies from top companies to find the best option for you and your travel plans.
The best time to visit Croatia largely depends on what kind of traveler you are. During the peak season, which runs from July to August, the entire Adriatic coast packs out with scores of tourists who come seeking relief from the scorching temps. And with them comes a thriving nightlife scene and a festive atmosphere that is among the most vibrant in all of Europe.
However, travelers looking for a relaxed seaside holiday and a cost-effective vacation should avoid the peak season at all costs. The shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October are famous for bargains, balmy weather, and a fraction of the tourist crowds. The tourism industry shuts down almost entirely during the colder months of November to April. Be sure to check current Croatia travel advisories before you go.
Croatia enjoys plenty of sun in the warmer months, particularly in places like Hvar, Split, and Dubrovnik, all of which welcome over a hundred days of sunshine each year. As a result, the country has developed a strong following among sun-starved Brits that rivals the industry in Greece.
During the peak summer season, the country is known to get unbearably hot. Taking a dip into the sea may well provide relief, but note that there are very few sandy beaches to speak of. In the shoulders season, the weather is much more manageable. Swimming is still enjoyable but not strictly necessary to cool down. The country gets surprisingly cold during the winter, which keeps the tourists at bay.
Although pleasant enough, most travelers skip the capital of Zagreb and make a beeline for the ancient settlements that dot its coastline instead. Defined by charming terracotta-roofed houses and twisted cobblestone streets, these historic enclaves look magnificent against a backdrop of the crystal clear Dalmation Coast.
In fact, so charming are these Romanesque wonders that the hit TV series Game of Thrones opted to film several scenes on location in Croatia. The pièce de résistance is Dubrovnik, a postcard-perfect walled city that dates back to the 16th century. Mercifully, this epic example of old-world grandeur has remained intact despite vicious bombing campaigns that took place during the country’s numerous wars.
Further west lies Split; another UNESCO listed town that retains the old-fashioned charm of yesteryear. Open-air cinemas and a buzzing al fresco café and bar scene define the city, which also serves as a jumping-off point for those exploring the region’s sun-kissed isles.
The medieval old town and sparkling coastline of Hvar make it an obligatory stop on any respectable island hopping tour. Other worthwhile isles include Korčula for its exotic architecture and Brač for its sandy beaches, which are a rarity in the region. Naturally, the sun deck of a yacht is the best way to explore the area.
Trains are a viable way to get into Croatia as numerous international services arrive in the capital. However, no tracks serve the coast aside from a single connection to split. Given the lack of railway infrastructure, the bus is a popular way to travel. Modern and comfortable coaches ply all the major routes, and tickets can be purchased online through websites such as www.buscroatia.com.
For those who’d rather fly, the national carrier Croatian Airlines serves most domestic routes. The smaller Trade Air is also worth a look. European holidaymakers usually arrive in the country via low-cost carriers such as EasyJet and Ryan Air. Ferry services connect the islands year-round, although departures increase significantly during the busier months. Jadrolinija is the country’s dominant player, but be aware that numerous other options do exist.
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