Croatia is safe, relaxed and easy to live in, with good infrastructure and plenty of English. Life follows the seasons: busy and expensive on the coast in summer, quiet and cheap in winter. This page covers the practical details.
Renting a Place#
- Where to look. Njuškalo is the main Croatian classifieds site; Flatio, Airbnb and Facebook groups for Split, Zagreb and other cities are also used.
- Timing. On the coast, many flats are holiday lets from June to September. The best long-term deals start in October and run to May or June.
- Deposit. Usually one month, with the first month in advance.
- Heating. Many coastal flats rely on air-conditioning units for heat; check winter heating and insulation.
Address Registration#
Foreigners must register their address with the police shortly after arriving. Landlords usually handle it; if they don’t, ask, because you need the registration for the digital nomad permit.
Phones and Internet#
- SIM cards: HT, A1 and Telemach sell prepaid SIMs with large data allowances; EU roaming rules apply.
- Home internet: fibre in Zagreb and parts of the coastal cities; VDSL or 4G and 5G routers elsewhere.
- Apps worth having: Bolt and Uber (rides), Jadrolinija (ferries), Arriva or GetByBus (buses), and WhatsApp.
Getting Around#
Zagreb has trams and buses; coastal cities have buses and are walkable. Long-distance buses connect the whole country. Ferries and catamarans link the islands, with reduced schedules in winter. In Istria and on the islands, a car or scooter helps.
Healthcare#
Healthcare is good in Zagreb, Split and Rijeka, with public hospitals and private clinics. Island clinics handle basics; serious cases go to the mainland. For emergencies, call 112. Get health insurance, which the nomad permit requires.
Community and Meeting People#
Split and Zagreb have active nomad communities, with coworking events, Facebook groups, and meetups organised by the Digital Nomad Association Croatia. Coffee culture makes socialising easy, and Croatians are friendly and direct.
Customs and Etiquette#
- Coffee is a social event, not a quick stop; expect long sits on terraces.
- Sundays are quiet, and many shops close.
- Dress respectfully in churches, and cover up away from the beach in old towns (some cities fine people for walking around in swimwear).
Safety#
Croatia is very safe. The main risks are traffic, strong winds and sudden storms at sea, and pickpocketing in crowded summer spots. Respect fire warnings in summer.
Emergency number: 112.
Everyday Life FAQs#
When is the best time to rent in Croatia?
On the coast, from October, when holiday lets switch to long-term rentals at much lower prices.
Is Croatia safe for digital nomads?
Yes. Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe.
Do I need to register my address in Croatia?
Yes. Foreigners must register their address with the police shortly after arriving; landlords usually do it.
Is English widely spoken in Croatia?
Yes, especially by younger people and in tourist areas.