Take Aways From This Post
If you’re planning to become a digital nomad in Croatia, then this article is just for you! Learn all about Croatia for remote workers.
Croatia is known for being a romantic honeymoon destination or a picturesque stop at an Adriatic cruise. It’s one of the most must-see destinations in Europe. This gorgeous country has cobbled streets, miles of coastlines, and affordable prices.
Croatia is also has a vibrant music culture which resulted in its year-round party scene. If you want to explore the coastlines, you can participate in water-based activities. Meanwhile, if you wish to get to know Croatia’s culture, you can visit its eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Similar to most European countries, Croatia serves an impressive food and wine culture. When you visit a local’s home, you’ll most likely be served a plate of prosciutto and cheese. You won’t go hungry when you’re in Croatia.
What is the best time to visit Croatia?
If you’re already planning to become a digital nomad in Croatia, then you should know when’s the best time to visit. You must be aware that Croatia’s peak season is around July and August. During these months, the Croatian coastline is beautiful, but prices around the area can spike and get expensive.
The best time to get to Croatia is around the warm months, from May to October. Want to know more about this charming European destination before you work remotely in Croatia? Let us guide you into everything you need to know about being a digital nomad in Croatia.
How is Croatia’s hospitality culture for foreigners?
Croatians are very hospitable. You can best experience their hospitality when you visit a local’s home. They will most likely serve you some food and bring out their finest drinks to make you feel welcome.
You won’t have much of a problem with language barriers in Croatia. In major cities, English is widely spoken. Additionally, 80% of Croatians are multi-lingual, and 81% of this group are English-speakers. Aside from the country’s official language, some of the most common languages Croatians speak are Hungarian, Slovak, Italian, Czech, and German.
Croatian communities mostly consist of Croats, but you can find small groups of Slovenes, Austrians, Albanians, Czechs, Bulgarians, Germans, Hungarians, and Italians.
The idea of remote workers and digital nomads in Croatia is somewhat new territory for its government. Most foreigners find Croatia’s bureaucracy frustrating. Simple paperwork tasks with public administration can take hours and consume a lot of your time.
Learn all about Digital Nomad Visa for Croatia here
How Can You Get Around in Croatia?
When you stay in Croatia as a digital nomad, rest assured that the country’s public transportation is dependable and easy to use. Buses and ferries are the most common ways you can get around in Croatia.
The best way to move around in Croatia is to rent a car. Roads in Croatia are wide, easy to navigate, and modern. However, traffic jams along the main motorway junctions are highly likely during July and August.
You also have the option to fly if you want to reach other cities in Croatia. The country has one domestic carrier (Croatia Airlines) and has some seasonal airports. If you are done working remotely in Croatia, you can visit some of its neighbouring countries. Some of them are Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How is Internet Connectivity in Croatia?
Most hotels and private accommodations in Croatia offer free Wi-Fi. Additionally, almost all bars, restaurants, and cafés provide Wi-Fi too, even if they don’t advertise it.
There are cybercafés present in Croatia too. You can mostly find them in Zagreb and Dubrovnik. The majority of cybercafés have high-speed connections and costs around 20 Kuna (kn) per hour.
For your mobile internet, you can avail of a data package with your SIM card. Croatia’s major cellphone carriers are T-Mobile, Tele2, and VipNet. Meanwhile, broadband internet in Croatia is prevalent in major cities, not so much in the countryside.
The leading internet providers in Croatia include T-com, Optima Telekom, Metronet Telekomunikacije, and Amis Telekom. Some of them provide TriplePlay packages (fixed line, internet, and television). These packages usually cost around 100 Kuna a month.
What is the Cost of Living in Croatia?
Croatia is a good place to live if you’re on a low budget. Compared to New York, Los Angeles, London, Madrid, and Edmonton, Zagreb is significantly cheaper in cost of living.
The average monthly cost of living in Croatia is around 4,600 kn per person (appx. 610 EUR or 725 USD)
This estimate does not include rent. Here’s a breakdown of the costs of common day items in Croatia:
- Monthly Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: 3,000 kn (Appx. 400 EUR or 475 USD)
- Monthly Bus/Transport Pass: 340 kn
- One-Way Bus Ticket: 10 kn
- Car rental –
- Basic Monthly Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment: 1,200 kn
- Monthly Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL): 195 kn
- Meal in Inexpensive Restaurant: 60 kn
- Cappuccino: 11 kn
- 1 Litre Milk: 7 kn
- A Loaf of Fresh White Bread: 7 kn
- A Dozen Eggs: 13 kn
- 1-Kilogram Chicken Fillet: 65 kn
- Marlboro 20-Pack Cigarettes: 30 know
Where to Stay in Croatia as a Digital Nomad?
When you stay in Croatia as a digital nomad, the country will treat you to lovely ancient architecture, perfect beaches, and tasty food. But, which city should you stay in?
Dubrovnik
Among Croatia’s dreamy towns, the historical Dubrovnik is the most expensive location to settle in. This city was one of the filming locations in the HBO show Game of Thrones. With its marbled streets and aged palaces, Dubrovnik has many quiet roads where you can explore and feel at peace while you work.
Split
A mid-range area you can consider staying in is the idyllic city of Split. It has a rich history with its sparkling piazzas and marble arches. But it’s also modern being that it has a couple of co-working spaces, hostels, and Airbnbs.
Zagreb
The best place for digital nomads to dwell in Croatia is in its capital, Zagreb. Surprisingly, Zagreb is the cheapest major city in Croatia. Additionally, the area is home to both 13th-century church spires and hipster cafés. Zagreb is the ultimate place for digital nomads as it has tons of cafés and co-working spaces around the city.
With Croatia’s newly established digital nomad visa, it won’t be a surprise if this Mediterranean location becomes the next digital nomad hotspot. Croatia has good value for money, a welcoming community, delicious food and wine culture, and scenery that will just take your breath away.