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17 Top Croatia Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

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Croatia is an Eastern European country that is becoming a popular tourist destination thanks to recent pop culture phenomena like Game of Thrones. 

The most common question I’m asked is what to wear in Croatia, so I’ve put together this packing list along with what NOT to bring and some FAQs and seasonal information.

The country is home to more than a thousand islands, a stunning coastline, major cultural capital Dubrovnik, and loads of old castles and offbeat attractions, so get ready to explore and enjoy!

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What to Pack for Croatia – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Universal Power Adapter

    The Croatian power outlets are quite different from those in the US, so you’ll definitely need an adapter. It’s good to choose a quality one that works in many countries so that if you go to other destinations in Europe you will also be able to charge your devices. This one works in over 100 countries and has built-in device protection via safety fuse.

    Universal Power Adapter

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Gorgeous Outfit

    While casual wear is the norm for daytime in Croatia, both locals and tourists enjoy dressing up a bit for evening activities. This dress is super cute and very comfortable, plus it’s universally flattering and can easily be dressed up or down depending on how nice you want to look. The affordable price makes this a perfect choice!

    Gorgeous Outfit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    A VPN is one of the most essential services I recommend. I learned the hard way in Paris that use of an unfamiliar WiFi network puts your financial and personal information at risk of being hacked. Let’s just say it’s not a mistake you want to have to pay to rectify.A VPN provides a layer of encryption between your data and any potential hackers, thereby protecting your privacy and financial information. Additionally, a VPN can help unlock certain blocked internet sites and features when you’re traveling to a country where internet restriction and censorship are a problem. It’s such an affordable service, and can really save you a lot of hassle. I highly recommend NordVPN, as their services are inexpensive and very reliable.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Neck Wallet

    Especially if you plan on visiting crowded or touristy destinations like Dubrovnik and Hvar, you can’t go wrong with packing a neck wallet. Keep your passport, wallet, keys, and any other small valuable items organized and secured beneath your clothes so you won’t be at risk for pickpockets.

    Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

    hero neck wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Swimsuit Cover Up

    There are lots of opportunities for swimming in Croatia, so you’ll want to be prepared. This cover up is easy to throw on over your swimsuit while you’re drying off or grabbing food or drinks. It will dry quickly and keep its shape even when wet, so it stays flattering and fashionable.

    Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

    Swimsuit Cover Up

    Or view on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Jet Lag Relief

    Jet lag can really mess with your trip – headaches, nausea, and general discomfort will rob you of valuable time that you could be using to explore and enjoy your time in Croatia. I personally use this for any overseas travel, and any travel with a significant time zone change. I like that it’s natural, it is very easy to take without nasty side effects, and it does a good job of preventing and treating jet lag.

    Jet Lag Relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    This handy windproof travel umbrella is a must-have for your trip to Croatia. Perfect for those inevitable rainy days, you’ll be glad you brought an umbrella along. It’s compact and easy to close up for storage, so you can carry it with you in your daypack and never be without it!

    Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    When you’re out and about in Croatia, the last thing you’re going to want to do is stop to charge your phone or camera. Instead, toss this handy lipstick-sized portable charger in your purse, daypack, or even pocket and use it as an external battery throughout the day.

    Lipstick-Sized Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Packing Cubes

    We have tried so many different brands of packing cubes, and these ones are hands-down our favorites for quality and price. HERO is a trusted brand, and these multi-sized zippable (and washable!) pouches make our lives so much easier when traveling. I never have to dig around for what I’m looking for, all of my items are kept compressed and organized, and I can easily switch the smaller pouches between my luggage and my daybag when needed.

    hero packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Water Shoes

    When you’re taking part in activities that have you on your feet and in and out of water, these mesh water shoes are incredible. They’re built like active shoes but breathe, drain water/sand, and grip like water shoes. I wear them any time I’m hiking or walking on the beach so that my feet are protected from the hot sand and any rocks or sharp objects on the ground. The non-slip grip is handy when walking around on wet rocks and trails!

    Water Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Activated Charcoal Tablets

    These tablets are like magic for an upset stomach. Food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhea, and many other digestive issues can be fixed using these gentle, natural capsules. I never travel without them, and I very often use them at home to soothe an upset stomach!

    Natures Way Activated Charcoal Capsules

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Travel Insurance for Africa

    Travel insurance is an absolute must for traveling to Croatia. If your flight or hotel reservation gets canceled, you could be stuck paying for the sudden changes in your plans out of pocket. Same goes for medical emergencies, urgent itinerary changes, and theft or damage to your belongings. Why take the risk of having to foot the bill for those issues when travel insurance is so affordable? We use TravelInsurance.com since it’s the fastest way to compare plans and find the most affordable option for our needs.

    travelinsurance.com

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 13. Cute Flats/Sandals

    You’ll want to look stylish while still feeling comfortable and supported when you’re walking around all day visiting attractions in Croatia. These sandals are the perfect combination of comfort and style, and are very affordable.

    Cute Flats/Sandals

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Waterproof Phone Case

    With so many opportunities for beaches and water activities in Croatia, you’ll want to make sure your smartphone is protected from the elements. Use this awesome waterproof phone case and bring your phone with you wherever you go.

    Waterproof Phone Case

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Electrolytes

    Especially if you’re traveling during the summer months, you’ll need to make sure you stay hydrated during your trip to Croatia. These electrolytes are a godsend if you’re feeling dehydrated (or hungover) and will help your body to absorb the water and nutrients it needs to remain healthy.

    Electrolytes bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    You’ll definitely be drinking a lot of water as you explore Croatia, and it pays to have a good reusable water bottle. Though Croatian tap water is safe to drink, a LifeStraw filtered water bottle will ensure that your water is super clean and pure before you put it into your body.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Quick Dry Towel

    Great to have for the beach and pool, a boat ride, or to use as a bath towel if your accommodation doesn’t provide one, a quick dry towel is just what you need for your trip to Croatia. This one is great because it dries fast and is lightweight and compact so you can easily toss it in your backpack or daypack.

    Green quick dry towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to wear in Croatia?

In Croatia, casual clothes are the standard for daytime wear. While styles in Europe tend toward the more modest side, Croatian styles aren’t any more modest than the rest of the continent. Nice-looking clothing is best, and nothing too revealing, but you can still dress comfortably.

If you are planning on going out to eat at a restaurant, know that although most restaurants are not very formal, tourists and locals alike tend to dress up in the evenings! This is a great reason to wear your fabulous night-out outfit or at least something nicer, like a dress or jumpsuit.

What-to-wear-croatia

Temperate seasons are to be expected – this means swimwear and beach cover ups in the summer, rain jackets and umbrellas in the spring and nofollow noopenerfall, and warmer coats, hats, and gloves in the winter. Walking shoes that also look nice are important for any season.

What NOT to bring to Croatia

  • 1.DON’T TAKE high heels

    Leave those high heels at home. Croatia’s cobblestone streets are not conducive to wearing stilettos, and can cause a sprained ankle or worse.

  • 2.DON’T PACK a full suitcase

    Remember to leave space so that you can bring home some Croatian souvenirs and avoid paying oversized luggage fees!

  • 3.DON’T BRING books

    They’re just too heavy, and they take up a lot of valuable room in your bags. Invest in a Kindle to save space, or at least narrow it down to one paperback book and look for book exchanges at your destination.

  • 4.DON’T TAKE too many clothes/shoes

    You’ll probably want to buy things while you’re traveling. Bring dual-purpose, neutral-colored clothing that you can mix and match – “capsule wardrobe” is the key here!

FAQs about Croatia travel

  • 1. What is the local currency in Croatia?

    Croatia-buildings

    The local currency is the Kuna. Some places (most places in major cities) may accept the Euro but know that you will get a better exchange rate if you make purchases in the local currency!

  • 2. What language is spoken in Croatia?

    Croatian is the main language, but English is widely spoken. All the same, it’s a good idea to bring a Croatian to English dictionary to help you communicate and translate signs.

  • 3. Do I need a Visa to visit Croatia?

    Members of the EU along with US, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and Japanese citizens can travel to Croatia without a Visa. For other nationalities, check with the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

  • 4. What is the food like in Croatia?

    Croatia food

    It surprises many travelers to learn that succulent pasta dishes are a favorite Croatian meal. Tomato sauces, mushroon sauces, and other local drizzles are common.
    For the most part, cuisine should be fairly familiar to those accustomed to Italian and other European foods.

    Don’t miss the native pork delicacies and seafood offerings – both are treasured local treats with rich histories and time-tested recipes!

  • 5. Is tipping expected in Croatia?

    Yes. The expectation isn’t quite as high as in the United States, for example, but it is customary to leave an additional tip even if there is a small gratuity added to your bill. If the service was excellent, be sure to show it! This is especially important if you may be returning to the restaurant – good tippers are remembered and treated accordingly. No need to go overboard, though – tipping amounts are pretty standard.

  • 6. Is the water safe to drink in Croatia?

    Croatia-walking-path

    Yes! Good news – tap water is drinkable throughout Croatia. You may still want to carry a filtered water bottle just in case – it can help you feel more secure about what you’re drinking, and can minimize the unfamiliar taste of the water.

     

  • 7. How should I greet local people I meet?

    Shaking hands is a regular form of greeting and saying goodbye. Locals in Croatia are friendly and generally inviting. Don’t worry if you don’t know the language – they’ll still help as much as they can, and you should be prepared to be gracious and patient.

  • 8. What if my flight is delayed or canceled?

    Red-scooter-croatia

    It’s always good to be prepared. Make sure you pack all of the necessities like documents and medications in your carry-on, just in case, and you should be ready to tackle any airport issues. Airline counter representatives will let you know what the next step is, or try to make it easy for you to book a new flight. 

    This is an excellent time to have traveler’s insurance – these kinds of situations can get pretty expensive without good coverage!

  • 9. Do I need a power adapter in Croatia?

    Most likely, yes. Croatia uses 230V, 50Hz AC power with the standard European two-pronged plugs. If you’re accustomed to anything other than this, you’ll need an adapter! We recommend one with built-in fuse protection and USB ports, like this international adapter. It’ll be useful wherever you travel, and offers a lot of protection for your devices.

  • 10. What is internet like in Croatia?

    Wifi is fairly widely available, though it’s not always free. You can usually get free access in places like cafes, restaurants, and hotels, but you should never connect to an unsecured WiFi network without a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect you from hackers.