Is Croatia Safe For Expats? Advice, Scams, And Warnings On Safety In Croatia

Overview: How Safe Is Croatia?

If you are coming to Croatia but are wondering what safety precautions are, this article will help answer your questions on crime rates, scams, dangers, and warnings for visitors traveling in Croatia. Additionally, there I cover specific tips on how to stay safe for expatriates living in Croatia.

Is Croatia safe for expats to live in?

Croatia is a very safe country. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the US State Department placed the lowest travel warning on the country. A Level One Travel Advisory means

To the US government, there is literally "no safer" European country than Croatia. However, levels change frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check the State Department website for updated Travel Advisories.

Other Guides On Expat Life In Croatia

Is Croatia safe for travel?

Current Travel Advisory is Level 3- Reconsider travel. However, there are no travel restrictions, and entry requirements for Americans are currently straightforward.

Foreign citizens must present one of the following:

1. A negative PCR test
2. A vaccination certificate
3. Quarantine for 10 days or until a negative test result.

Conditions can change at any time. The Croatian Government's Ministry of Interior Webpage has the most updated entry requirements.

How bad is crime in Croatia?

According to statistics, Croatia is the safest country in the European Union. However, like all countries, the crime rate increases in the city center of major cities and during peak season, when pickpockets and petty theft are more common in crowds around a tourist attraction.

Keep your guard up and use common sense during tourist season to avoid petty theft.

• Avoid flashy jewelry.
• Don't wave your phone around
• Keep your wallet in your front pocket.

I use a lock-able slash-resistant daypack when I am walking around town to keep my stuff safe.

Do I need travel insurance in Croatia?

Yes. Your health insurance from home will likely not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country.

The good news is healthcare in Croatia ranks 30th out of 195 countries, only one place below the US at 29. To stay covered and safe in Croatia, you have two options for protection:

• Travel Health Insurance- This will cover you for unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you maintain insurance in the United States or your respective home country. I pay roughly $50 per month for complete coverage with no deductible.
• Expat Medical Insurance- If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with to from home. Coverage is built for people who live in a country versus traveling. While more expensive than Travel Medical Insurance, premiums are still cheaper than the US. 

Transportation Safety Tips- Advice when traveling around in Croatia

Traveling abroad can be exciting and fun, but it isn't always safe. Being in a foreign country can be dangerous if you ignore safeguards. Whether you're traveling by air, train, bus, boat, or car, take safety precautions at every stage of travel. Here's what you should keep in mind while traveling around Croatia

Is it safe to drive in Croatia?

Yes. I've made two road trips along the Adriatic Sea. Driving rules and road safety are up to European Union standards. The paved roads are easy to navigate. There are no crazy narrow single-lane roads where three cars try to overtake you near a cliff (looking at you, Nepal).

Is public transportation in Croatia safe?

Public transport in Croatia is safe. But there are situations when you should be more aware. If traveling by tram, train, or bus, pay close attention to your bags and wallet. Be especially alert late at night when bag snatchers or pickpockets prowl bus stations and target foreign tourists.

Are taxis safe in Croatia?

While expensive, taxis in Croatia are safe. You'll find taxi drivers waiting at most city centers, bus stations, and ferry terminals. Always take official taxis and pay attention to the meter. Taxi drivers here do not have the notorious reputation of Romania or Bulgaria, but taxi scams are not unheard of, even among locals.

Consider using the cheap public transportation or ride-sharing or taxi booking apps Cammeo or Eko. Uber is available in major cities along the Dalmatian coast, though you are out of luck on a Croatia island.

Scams in Croatia- Keeping your money safe in Croatia

Use official banks to exchange or take out money

Using official local bank ATMs (PBZ, Zagrebačka Banka, Raiffeisen, and Erste are the biggest) will charge smaller fees or commissions than non-bank ATMs (EURONET and Auro Domus are the most common).

Don't use black market or street money changers

Since the conversion to the Euro, more scammy money changers are preying on naive American tourists. Especially near tourist attractions, money changers will offer to exchange your US dollars for older Croatian Kuna. Stick with banks and ATMs and avoid getting worthless older currency. 

Personal Safety- Tips for Staying Safe in Croatia

If you are ready to sail the Adriatic coast to a Croatian island, wander through an ancient walled city, or explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then Croatia is a safe destination. But you are still a little hesitant to book your ticket. Maybe it's your first time abroad, or perhaps you are just cautious given how crazy international travel has been in the last two years.

Let's answer some common questions on whether Croatia is safe to visit.

Is Croatia safe to travel alone?

Yes. Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe. While there are rarely any reported cases of violent crime, be aware of pickpockets and petty theft. Croatia is safe for solo travel, but where tourist crowds go, petty crime always follows.

Is Croatia safe for solo female travelers?

Yes. There is less street harassment of female tourist here than in some countries in southern Europe, like Italy or Spain. But the risk of sexual assault increases at all-day, all-night party islands. Be more aware when you are out enjoying Croatia's nightlife.

• Don't walk alone and avoid poorly lit streets
• Don't accept drinks from strangers.
• Only accept rides from officially marked taxis. Official taxis are readily available at main squares, ferry ports, and bus stations.

Is Croatia safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Croatia legalized homosexuality in 1977. An anti-discrimination law passed in 2008 provides additional protections for sexual orientation and gender. Yet, improvements still need to be made.

The country scored a C+ and ranked 39th out of 150 countries for LGBTQ safety.

The capital city Zagreb is the hotspot with the most prominent gay scene and gay nightclubs. Split is also gay-friendly and hosts its own Pride parade.

Food Safety

Is the food in Croatia safe?

Food here is safe and delicious. As part of the EU, you can expect sanitary food handling and cooking standards. In addition, unlike Southeast Asia or South America, Croatia does not have a large "street food" scene with suspect food safety. 

Is tap water safe to drink in Croatia?

Yes. You can drink water straight from the faucet. The rare exception is after heavy rains. In some cities, like Split, you may need to buy bottled water for a few days if there are several days of heavy rains.

If there is a long storm, the storm drains can overflow, mixing the drinking supply with storm runoff. It rarely happens and only lasts a few days if it does.

Places to Avoid— Travel safety in Croatia

I wouldn't avoid any popular tourist destinations or any major Croatian city because of safety fears. With the exception of any areas blocked off because of landmines.

Landmines in Croatia

Yes, unexploded landmines from the Croatian war exist, but you are unlikely to be in any landmine danger traveling the country. The minefields are primarily in forested areas or agricultural land. These areas are marked with close to 12,000 warning signs to keep people away. Since the war ended, there has only been one landmine incident involving a tourist