Yes, most everywhere accepts credit cards, even the pay-by-phone tap system is big here. Tips usually can’t be done by adding the tip to the bill if you’re paying by credit card, so that’s where cash comes in handy. There are some places that are still cash, but not many, so always make sure you have cash available.

It’s the euro. You may see some pricing boards or menus that still have their old currency displayed called the Kuna, but they no longer accept that currency, it’s 100% the euro. If you absolutely don’t have a tip for a driver or someone and need to give them us dollars, I bet they’d accept it and be happy, but it’s not like mexico where the US dollar and the euro are interchangeable when paying for things, you have to pay in Euros.

100% NEVER accept the conversion rate into US dollars displayed on the machine, and opt to pay in euros, not US dollars. Essentially when they ask, or you see on the machine “you want to pay in euros or US dollars”, always say euros. Will save you upwards of 20% in fees.

No. Best way to get Euros in Croatia is to use your ATM card and make a withdrawal at an ATM machine. It will cost $5 but be way easier and safer than you transporting a bunch of Euros from America. When making an ATM transaction, just make sure to DENY THE CONVERSION, as that will save you up to 20% of fees, and you’ll only pay the $5 fee.

We do, but it’s not expected. We usually tip around 10%, sometimes 20% if you had fabulous service.

While there are Croatians that don’t speak english, I doubt as a tourist you’ll run into someone that doesn’t speak english. English seems to be the universal language in Croatia that unites all tourists from around the world. It’s interesting to note, many of the tour operators, staff at restaurants, they may not even be from Croatia, just coming to Croatia for the summer for work.

Yes, extremely safe, but because it’s becoming more and more popular with tourists, you do have to watch out for minor crimes like pickpocketing, etc, but that’s like anywhere in the world when you travel. But in terms of violent crimes, fighting, aggressive behavior, homelessness, etc., we’ve never seen it here in Croatia.

It’s almost identical to driving in the USA, and the roads, especially the highways I’d say are sometimes even better than the USA. The only real difference in driving is that lights go from red to yellow, to green, so when you’re stopped at a light, and it turns to yellow, you start creeping forward. Also… I think you never can take a right hand turn on a red light.

The only “scam” I hear tourists talking about a lot is getting screwed by taxi companies on the rate. My suggestion is just to use Uber, but if you must use a taxi, agree to a set rate before you take off, or ensure they’re using the meter during the trip. If you’re going to use a credit card, make sure that’s acceptable before leaving with the cab driver. There is always the chance though that the cab driver will remember at the end of the trip that their credit card machine doesn’t work, so I’d always have cash as a backup plan, or just use Uber.

Yes, the tap water in Dubrovnik is safe to drink. It meets all international safety standards, so you can feel comfortable using it for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth.

As Dubrovnik becomes increasingly popular with tourists, it is wise to make reservations for dinner to ensure you get a table at your desired time. While you might find a spot for lunch without a reservation, dinner times can get quite busy, especially in well-known restaurants.

No, you are not required to rent a chair or umbrella to enjoy the beaches in Dubrovnik. You can swim at any public beach and simply use a towel. While it's technically possible to move an unoccupied chair to place your towel, it's better to find a clear spot on the sand. Renting chairs can be convenient and relatively inexpensive if you plan to spend a long day at the beach.

Many restaurants and bars in Dubrovnik still allow smoking in their outdoor areas, but an increasing number are choosing to create smoke-free environments. If you prefer to sit away from smokers, you can look for cigarette packs on tables as an indicator of where smokers might be seated. Don't hesitate to ask to be moved to a smoke-free area if someone near you starts smoking, as most establishments will accommodate your request.

Yes, mobile phones work in Croatia. We've consistently had good coverage with our T-Mobile USA plan across the country. To minimize data usage, I recommend downloading Google Maps and utilizing its offline map feature for the Dubrovnik area. This way, you can access maps without consuming your mobile data. If your cellphone provider charges high rates for international roaming, you can often connect to Wi-Fi at local restaurants, cafes, or hotels to stay connected. Alternatively, you might consider using a service like Airalo (https://www.airalo.com/) to purchase a local eSIM card for affordable data during your stay.

Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and certain other countries do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Citizens of some countries outside the EU/EEA may need a visa. You can check whether you need a visa using Sherpa's Travel Restrictions Tool.

Yes, it's recommended to dress modestly when visiting churches in Croatia. This usually means covering your shoulders and knees. While some churches may be more lenient, it's respectful to adhere to these guidelines out of consideration for the religious significance of the sites and the local customs.

Yes, you can find toiletries, medications, eye care products, and similar necessities in Croatia just as you would in the United States. These items are readily available at local grocery stores, pharmacies, and specialized eye care shops across the country. Whether you're in a major city or a smaller town, you'll have access to these essentials without much difficulty.

Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and certain other countries can stay in Croatia for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer or if you are from a country outside the EU/EEA, you may need to apply for a visa or a residence permit. It's essential to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in Croatia, so it's highly recommended to install and set up WhatsApp on your phone before traveling there. Whether it's for communicating with your hotel, driver, boat coordinator, or tour operator, WhatsApp is the preferred method for most communication in Croatia. Being familiar with how the app works will ensure smooth and efficient interactions during your visit.

Croatia was once considered a budget-friendly destination, especially compared to other European countries. However, prices in tourist areas have risen, particularly after the country adopted the Euro as its currency. Now, you can expect to pay similar prices for things like coffee and dining out as you would back home. That said, living in Croatia can still be less expensive than in the USA. Groceries are noticeably cheaper, and property taxes are very low, which can make day-to-day living and long-term stays more economical compared to many places in the States.

When visiting Croatia, the dress code tends to be casual, though there are exceptions for more upscale dining experiences such as Above 5 or 360. During the daytime, prioritize comfort, particularly with footwear that can manage hilly landscapes and cobblestone streets. For dinners, shorts and t-shirts are widely accepted at most establishments. However, for a more sophisticated dining experience, khaki pants paired with a polished t-shirt or a button-up shirt are recommended.

While water shoes are advisable for children due to the pebbly nature of the beaches, adults might find them less necessary. The beaches in Croatia are predominantly pebbly, which can be uncomfortable underfoot when entering the water. However, this discomfort is temporary as you quickly transition to swimming. Despite their rocky nature, pebble beaches offer benefits such as avoiding the nuisance of sand clinging to everything. If you decide you need water shoes while you’re here, don’t worry, every place sells them.

If your travel plans include a day out on the boat—a fantastic way to enjoy snorkeling—there's no need to bring your own snorkel gear. Most charter boats provide all the necessary equipment, enabling you to save luggage space and enjoy the marine views without the hassle of carrying your own gear.

As Cavtat and Dubrovnik continue to grow in popularity among tourists, it is advisable to make dinner reservations in advance to secure a table at your preferred time. Lunch spots may be more flexible, but dinner reservations are recommended, especially in well-known restaurants. Most restaurants offer online booking through their websites.

The preferred method of payment has evolved significantly in Croatian restaurants and cafes. While cash was traditionally favored, credit card payments are now generally preferred, especially in tourist areas. However, cash is still more effective for tipping, as it is sometimes begrudgingly accepted.

Tipping is appreciated in Croatia but not obligatory. Typical tips range from 10% for standard service to 20% for exceptional service. Adding a tip on a credit card can be challenging, as systems may not automatically prompt you to add a percentage. If the restaurant allows, you might specify the total amount you want to charge (for example, asking to round a 43 euro bill up to 50 euros). It's also useful to carry smaller denominations for tipping, as staff often do not provide change in smaller coins which might facilitate leaving a tip. When paying, you could also request your change in specific denominations to make leaving a gratuity easier.

The weather can be different depending on the time of year in Cavtat Croata. For a better understanding of the weather each month, including the sea temperature, click here.