Is Croatia Safe
Croatia, right in the middle of the Mediterranean, always makes sure to captivate the attention of many travellers – with its beautiful scenery and fascinating history. There is no doubt that this amazing country is tailored to everyone’s needs. It is beautiful, mesmerising and majestic – all that and even more. But is Croatia safe?
Can you walk the streets at night without having to worry about being robbed? Are there any scams you should know about? So many questions!
Luckily, as a local who has a bunch of answers to your burning questions, I’ve prepared this epic guide to help make your trip run as smoothly as possible.
Is Croatia Safe To Visit?
Croatia takes pride in being one of the safest countries to visit in Europe.
I am happy to say that we have a low crime rate compared to other countries of the world. Travellers are welcome to explore its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage without undue worry.
The most prevalent types of crime include minor thefts such as pickpocketing, occasional robberies, or drug-related crimes. By taking the usual precautions, there is nothing that could jeopardize your stay.
However, approach all of the information with a grain of salt. Low chances of crime don’t mean there are no chances of crime happening whatsoever, but with a little caution, your trip could remain unbothered.
Scams To Avoid
1. ATM machines
A lesser-known scam that some tourists might not be aware of is the hidden cameras placed inside ATMs which can be used to compromise your credit card information. I’m not saying the risk is widespread, but it exists. To minimize this threat, it’s advisable to use ATMs affiliated with banks or those located in malls.
Alternatively, cover your PIN and card with your hand while withdrawing money.
2. Fake Accommodation
Another concerning scam involves individuals posing as accommodation providers.
Picture this: you book a stay and arrive at the designated address. You can’t wait to leave your suitcase and take a shower, but… the apartment you paid for is not there? To make matters worse, the supposed provider’s contact number is unresponsive!
This deception occurs when scammers use images and information from various sources to create a facade that appears legitimate.
To avoid scams of this kind, book your stay through valid websites and try to contact your provider well before your arrival. These precautionary measures will help ensure a secure and worry-free stay in Croatia.
3. Taxi Scams
And finally, given that anyone can operate as a taxi driver today, whether driving an official city taxi or through popular services like Uber or Bolt, it’s crucial to be aware of taxi scams.
There have been several instances where drivers, upon realizing tourists are paying with a credit card, subtly added an extra zero on the POS machine, hoping the tourists wouldn’t notice.
To safeguard against such practices, request an estimated cost of the journey before embarking on your taxi ride.
In my experience, Uber stands out as a secure and economical choice. While prices tend to be higher during peak season, the transparency of the app allows you to track your route and know the exact cost of your transportation.
This not only enhances safety but also provides peace of mind in understanding the financial aspect of your journey.
Health Concerns In Croatia
1. Medical help
The standard of the Croatian health system could be described as satisfactory. The country provides citizens and legal residents with access to essential medical services.
Croatia has been actively addressing public health challenges with an emphasis on preventive measures, and luckily, there are currently no major issues related to the well-being of people.
However, if I were you, I wouldn’t rely much on the Health system here. The reason for this is the deficit of healthcare workers.
The waiting room in the emergency department tends to be filled with patients waiting for professional help.
Three years ago I had a broken ankle and had to wait about five hours in the ER for a doctor to check my leg. Each passing hour, every ounce of hope was slowly leaving my body 😅
The best thing to do is to get travel insurance in case you require professional medical assistance during your stay.
2. Exploring nature
If you plan to spend time in forests or rural areas, consider getting a repellent spray. There are a lot of mosquitos during the summertime, but they are not considered a significant threat to your health.
The bigger problem are the ticks, which transmit diseases such as Lyme.
In case you decide to go for a stroll in the woods in the summertime, make sure you check your body and clothing afterward.
What about Crime in Croatia?
With relatively low crime rates compared to many other European countries, Croatia is generally considered a safe destination for tourists and residents.
However, like any country, it does experience some crimes more than others.
As stated before, common types of crime in Croatia include petty thefts in public areas, cybercrimes, corruption, drug-related crimes, home invasions, etc.
Violent, more brutal crimes don’t occur too often.
Croatia’s legal system is not ideal, but the law and police forces are usually well-responsive to addressing crimes and helping victims.
I’d like to advise you to always:
⚈ Stay informed about local emergency numbers and embassy locations
⚈ Familiarize yourself with the locals and the area surrounding your apartment
⚈ Have a reliable internet connection and keep your location on
⚈ Be aware of your surroundings in the nighttime
⚈ Respect cultural norms and local laws
Is there Terrorism in Croatia?
Croatia has been fortunate to avoid the grim realities of terrorism.
It was never a significant target for terroristic attacks, and it does not have a history of terrorism of any kind.
In a country where the scars of war still linger in living memory, the concept of terrorism seems alien. Having experienced the catastrophe, Croatia knows firsthand what it’s like to deal with emotional trauma and the aftermath of what it caused.
However, amidst its peaceful surroundings, the nation encounters an unusual challenge – sporadic bomb threats.
Every now and then the police can get a phone call about a bomb threat in a public area. Most often they refer to shopping malls, schools, or other public spaces. Instead of targeting high-profile locations, perpetrators focus on everyday areas with ordinary targets.
These disasters almost never happen, hence they are fake and their pure intention is to frighten the masses. The psychology behind this is usually based on the intentional instigation of fear rather than really attacking people and destroying public spaces.
Landmines in Croatia to be aware of
Due to the Homeland War that took part in the 1990s, there are still some abandoned areas contaminated by unexploded landmines.
Contaminated areas are harder to reach, usually in remote locations, so this explains the fact that this question is not commonly asked.
The areas that were most affected by the war were Slavonia, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, Lika region, and areas around Zadar and Šibenik.
Areas where minefields are presumed to exist are commonly located in wooded areas, agricultural lands, grassy fields, and pastures.
If you decide to visit remote locations where the war took part make sure to get some knowledge from the locals. Beware of the signs that point to marked areas and guide your path.
However, these areas are not appealing to tourists as there is nothing to do there.
If we’re speaking numbers, about 4.7 percent of Croatia is still exposed to the risk of landmines.
So don’t worry, chances you’ll accidentally end up in a minefield are practically non-existent. ✌️
Hazardous Weather or Natural Disasters
Croatia is generally safe from extreme weather hazards or natural disasters. This country experiences distinct seasons.
While the summers are dry and hot, the winters are cold accompanied by plentiful rain.
Challenges arise in the coastal regions, where wildfires can be challenging to turn out, and floods during heavy rainfall are hard to control.
Despite these occasional difficulties, I’d say the weather conditions rarely reach hazardous levels.
Speaking of natural disasters, it’s important to mention two earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 5,2 that happened in March and December of the year 2020.
The first one happened near Zagreb and the second one near Petrinja. The earthquakes caused major damage and a lot of the people lost their homes.
Since then, the possibility of an earthquake has become a considerable concern. It caused a lot of stress and emotional harm to the mental well-being of the people affected.
Nevertheless, Croatia remains a destination you can comfortably explore throughout the year without having to worry about the likelihood of a natural disaster happening.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Croatia?
The safety of water is a common question no matter where you travel. Well, to answer all your doubts, tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve stumbled upon tourists buying big packs of bottled water. Feeling the need to tell them that our water is clean, the shock on their face was usually followed up by “Thank you, I had no idea!”
Simply by being aware of these details during your trip, you can save a good amount of money. Not only that but it also contributes to reducing plastic waste. By choosing to refill your reusable bottle, you play a part in a more eco-friendly travel experience.
So, next time you feel thirsty, give the tap water a chance! 💦
Is it safe to walk around Croatia at night?
As a woman who’s often in a situation where I have to walk alone at night, I can reassure you it is not as scary as it may be in other countries.
According to 2023 Global Peace Index research, Croatia takes 14th place (out of 163!) on the list of the safest countries in the world. Impressive, right?
With that being said, the chances of you getting jumped in the street are pretty low, I’d say. Of course, no need to mention the usual precautions when walking down the street.
And speaking of nighttime, I’d like to mention the small thefts that often happen in nightclubs. Clubs and bars on the coast are known to be packed during the high season.
If you’re thinking about leaving your personal belongings somewhere unattended – don’t.
Always have your belongings on you, don’t carry all your money in your bag, and have a copy of all your personal documents that you keep in your accommodation.
When ever I travel, I always imagine the worst-case scenario. You can never be too safe!
Is Croatia Safe for Female Tourists?
I’d say it’s pretty safe. Over the years, I’ve encountered a lot of solo travelers, especially females, who had a great time going by themselves.
If you decide to do so, get in touch with people that have already been to Croatia alone, and get to know locals who can give you advice on what to keep an eye out for.
I know it seems like common knowledge, but no matter if you’re traveling to Croatia or someplace else, it’s worth repeating – don’t walk alone at night in sketchy areas, don’t blast music on your headphones at night, and let someone you trust know where you’re at.
As a female, I’d avoid remote areas or areas with fewer people than usual, for example, don’t go hiking on Marjan Hill in Split, alone or at night.
Also, when you’re in a nightclub, never leave your drink or purse unattended. If you feel unsafe for any reason, you can let the bouncers or hostesses know and they will take care of it for you.
Is Croatia safer than the UK?
Comparing the safety of Croatia and the UK involves considering various factors. According to the latest research, Croatia is safer than the UK. It is ranked the 14th safest country in the world, whereas the UK falls into the 37th place.
Croatia is generally considered safe for tourists, with low crime rates in most areas.
On the other hand, London itself is bigger and more crowded than any city in Croatia. Being one of the largest cities in the world, the possibility of a crime happening is definitely higher than in smaller communities.
It’s important to note that safety can also vary based on specific locations and individual experiences.
As with any country, both of these countries have areas with higher crime rates where you should take extra precautions.
It’s essential to exercise standard preventive measures, particularly in crowded tourist spots.
Travelers should stay informed about local conditions, adhere to local guidelines, and exercise common sense precautions, regardless of the destination.
Both countries offer unique cultural experiences, and safety considerations should be part of a broader travel plan.
What is the safest place in Croatia?
There is really no right answer to this question. Croatia is known for its overall safety and relatively low levels of crime.
Some of the safest places in Croatia are its biggest cities. Dubrovnik is often considered one of the safest destinations for both visitors and residents. It charms people with its well-preserved historic walls and sense of security.
Even though the chance of a crime increase is higher with the city being more populated, Zagreb is also a good example of a secure city.
It gives off a safe atmosphere with its well-maintained parks, squares, and other public spaces. 🌲
Exploring the city day or night, you will most likely feel comfortable rather than uneasy.
Croatia’s biggest cities are well-lit, which gives off a sense of security when you’re walking alone at night.
Is public transportation safe to use in Croatia?
Yes, public transportation in Croatia is safe to use. It is generally a reliable and convenient way to get around the country, including its cities, towns, and islands.
Take the usual precautions, such as keeping your personal belongings on you, and your trip should be completely fine. I’d say the only possible danger happening in public transport is pickpocketing, but it’s not that common inside vehicles.
However, I’d suggest you avoid the bus and tram terminals of the big cities at night. There are a lot of pickpockets and sketchy people who won’t hesitate to steal your belongings if you don’t keep an eye out for them.
Even I, as a local, had an unpleasant experience in Zagreb, so I had to learn it the hard way.
COVID-19 Safety in Croatia
It seems like it was ages ago when the term coronavirus became a part of our daily vocabulary.
As of that time, Croatia had implemented various measures to ensure public safety during the pandemic. The country followed guidelines such as social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing in enclosed spaces, and hygiene protocols.
As it is essential to prioritize safety, I’d say a crucial step while planning your next trip is getting informed about possible travel restrictions. This includes local health guidelines, current COVID-19 protocols, etc.
By taking precautions and staying informed you can have both a safe and enjoyable journey to Croatia.
The most up-to-date information is available on the official website of the Croatian Institute for Public Health.
It is not strange to consult official sources and advisories for the most accurate information before embarking on your travel adventure to Croatia.
This way, you can confidently prepare for your trip with accurate information. Be responsible and respect local rules for a secure and positive experience in this captivating destination.
Is Croatia Worth Visiting?
Is this even a valid question? Of course it’s worth visiting! As a country of abundant culture and breathtaking landscapes, it is undeniably a destination worth exploring.
With its diverse offerings, this European destination seamlessly blends rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Explore the medieval charm of the coastal cities, visit the islands on the amazing Dalmatian coast, or roam the streets of urban centers in the northern region of Croatia.
Aside from its natural beauty, Croatian cuisine tantalizes taste buds with fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional delicacies.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a sun-soaked escape, Croatia promises a unique and unforgettable experience. It beckons with open arms, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in a tapestry of culture and beauty. Read our summary of 22 best thing to do in Croatia and find out more.
