Staying Safe in Croatia
Local Laws
When visiting Croatia, it's important to be aware of and follow the local laws and customs. You'll need to carry a form of identification with you at all times, like your passport or a copy of it.
Upon arrival, you're required to register your stay with the local authorities within 48 hours. If you're staying in a hotel or other commercial accommodation, they usually take care of this for you. However, if you're staying in a private residence, you'll need to register yourself with the local police. Not registering can lead to fines or even being asked to leave the country.
Some areas, particularly popular tourist spots like Split and Dubrovnik, have specific rules about public behavior that are quite strictly enforced. This can include things like not walking around in urban or religious areas without a shirt or in swimwear, being intoxicated in public, or sleeping in public places. Breaking these rules can result in fines.
Please also be aware that drug-related offenses are taken very seriously and can lead to both fines and jail time.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Croatia is a destination with evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ travelers, balancing legal protections with a still-present conservative social climate in some areas. Croatian law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all civil and state matters, including in public and private services, employment, and housing. Same-sex couples can enter into "Life Partnerships," which grant nearly all the same rights as marriage, including joint adoption and foster care since 2022.
While major cities and coastal tourist areas like Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and several islands are generally welcoming, public displays of affection by same-sex couples may be met with less acceptance in more rural or religiously conservative regions. Overall, while legal frameworks are largely progressive, travelers may encounter varying social attitudes.
Scams
When visiting Croatia, it's helpful to be aware of a few common tricks that some people might try to pull. For instance, taxi drivers might take you on a longer route than necessary or fiddle with the meter, especially if you're heading to or from the airport or during peak times.
A good tip is to agree on the fare before you set off, or you could use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt to get an idea of the cost beforehand.
You might also find that some bars, clubs, and restaurants overcharge, and in some cases, you could even face pressure if you question the bill. It's always a good idea to check the prices on the menu before you order anything. When exchanging money, especially in popular tourist spots, be mindful that advertised rates might look good, but there could be hidden fees.
There are also scams where someone who seems like a friendly local offers to show you around. Another thing to watch out for is the "bait-and-switch" with accommodation. This is when you arrive at your booked place, only to be told it's unavailable and offered something of lesser quality instead. Lastly, be careful about your drinks – drink spiking can happen to anyone. It's best to avoid accepting drinks from strangers or leaving yours unattended.
Crime
Croatia is a really safe place to visit overall, with very little violent crime. That said, you do need to be mindful of petty theft, especially in busy spots where lots of tourists gather. You'll find pickpockets and purse snatchers are most active in the main cities, on public transport, in hotel entrances, restaurants, outdoor cafes, and at popular attractions.
These thieves often work in groups and use distractions to get what they want. To stay safe, it’s a good idea to avoid flashing expensive items or carrying a lot of cash. Always keep your belongings close, and that includes important things like your passport and travel papers.
Never leave your luggage unattended in public, and don't leave valuables in your car – always park in a secure location. It’s also smart to have a copy, either a physical one or on your phone, of your important documents.
You might want to be extra cautious around the Zagreb Bus Terminal and its surroundings, as well as in Ribnjak Park and King Tomislav Square, as these areas tend to see more petty crime.
