Should you’ve ever hit ‘Croatia’ on a Google search, you’ll little question see a myriad of beautiful footage. It’s no shock; we’re speaking about an amazingly stunning nation right here, and it’s someplace individuals flock to throughout the summer time months particularly. However, what when you’re fascinated by staying there long-term? The excellent news is there are various professionals of residing in Croatia.
Having lived in Croatia for a number of months, I do know simply how chilled out the tempo of life could be. It’s a really welcome break from hustle and bustle, and the gorgeous seashores by no means harm both. However, after all, like wherever on the planet, it’s a must to take into consideration the cons of residing in Croatia too. That will help you out, let’s check out either side of the coin so you may see how you’re feeling on the finish.
15 Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
There are each professionals and cons to residing in Croatia; there are some superb issues about this place, however I additionally discovered a number of issues downright irritating. Having mentioned that, it’s all the time been the identical regardless of the place on the planet I’ve spent prolonged quantities of time. I considered this one lengthy and exhausting as a result of I wish to provide the full image.
In the long run, I noticed I’d written a significantly longer checklist of professionals, however the cons undoubtedly have to be thought of too. Selecting to dwell in such a gorgeous and cultural nation is rarely the toughest selection on the planet, however as I came upon, if you’d like the very best expertise, it is advisable to be ready.
The place is Croatia?
Croatia is a rustic positioned within the Balkans and it’s lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea. Throughout the summer time months, its major resorts of Dubrovnik, Cut up, Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Lošinj are filled with sun-seekers, with Dubrovnik particularly being a significant draw. You might need heard that a number of Sport of Thrones scenes have been filmed in Croatia too, which undoubtedly provides to the tourism issue and curiosity within the islands.
The beauty of Croatia is the climate. The summers are sizzling, the winters are gentle, and seaside time is sort of all the time an choice. I spent a substantial period of time on Korčula island and actually loved the cooling Adriatic on these scorching days; for me, it was undoubtedly one of many benefits of residing in Croatia. The hottest month of the 12 months is July when the temperatures hit highs of 29°C/84°F in Dubrovnik, however even in January, you may count on a median of 12°C/54°F.
In fact, it’s not all about climate. Croatia is influenced by the nations bordering it, together with Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Consequently, you may count on a multicultural really feel, with a mixture of genuine appeal.
Execs of residing in Croatia
It’s no shock that there are many plus factors of residing on this stunning nation. I imply, take a look at it! Watching such stunning surroundings day by day isn’t precisely a hardship. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper and discover out precisely what’s so good about calling Croatia your dwelling.
1. It’s a Tremendous Fairly Nation
Okay, I’ve already talked about the truth that it’s a surprising nation, and possibly one of many largest advantages of residing in Croatia is being surrounded by its magnificence each single day. Whether or not you select to remain in a seaside resort, on an island, or in the principle cities, reminiscent of Zadar, you’ll all the time be blown away by how superb all the things is. I by no means received bored of trying on the similar surroundings, and it was equally as breathtaking on the day I left, because it was on the day I arrived.
There are various pure hotspots to go to in Croatia, together with Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park, which was considered one of my favourite spots general. Go to Krka Nationwide Park and Brijuni Nationwide Park to call simply two beautiful places, and also you’re certain to fall in love. The waterfalls in Croatia are epic, and it’s no surprise these parks are so in style throughout the summer time months.
In fact, there are additionally seashores – superb seashores. Banje Seaside in Dubrovnik was a favourite spot of mine, regardless of being near the crowds within the metropolis middle. I additionally beloved Lumbarda‘s sandy seashores on Korčula, however in all honesty, you gained’t discover a unhealthy seaside in Croatia.
2. Nice Climate All Yr Round
I already talked about that the climate is nice in Croatia, however it actually is an all-year-round form of deal. Whereas you could find snowy climate throughout the winter months, you’ll want to move into the center of the nation, notably round Plitvice Lakes. Nonetheless, for probably the most half, you’re sizzling summers and gentle winters.
Croatia’s coastal areas have a typical Mediterranean local weather, which suggests little or no rain throughout the months between June and September. Nonetheless, what I appreciated most was that though the summer time months do get sizzling, notably July and August, they’re not so scorching you can’t transfer. For instance, you may count on a median of 30°C/86°F in Cut up throughout July, and 25°C/77°F in Zadar.
All of which means that seaside time might be in your precedence checklist and sea temperatures definitely don’t allow you to down in the summertime months. In reality, Dubrovnik’s sea temperature is a very snug 25°C/77°F in August.
3. Nice High quality Healthcare
One of many professionals of residing in Croatia is the prime quality of healthcare. Anybody employed by a Croatian enterprise might be routinely registered with state healthcare, nonetheless, there are numerous non-public insurance coverage choices out there. You’ll additionally discover many pharmacies, docs surgical procedures, and hospitals throughout the nation and so they’re sometimes all very accessible to foreigners.
I needed to go to the hospital throughout my time in Croatia, and it was a reasonably easy course of. There was a translator out there, and all the things went easily. You too can get medical recommendation on minor points by going to the closest pharmacy; it would assist in case you have a Croatian speaker with you, however you may get by with Google Translate if the pharmacist isn’t fluent in English.
It goes with out saying that healthcare is a significant consideration if you’re fascinated by transferring to any nation, however in my expertise, Croatia’s healthcare system is high-quality.
4. Value of Dwelling is Reasonably priced
Like wherever on the planet, the price of residing has elevated a bit over the past couple of years, however it’s nonetheless decrease or on par with most of Europe. Croatia adopted the Euro in January 2023, which has triggered a slight improve in the price of some gadgets, however general, it definitely isn’t an costly nation.
In keeping with Numbeo, a single individual can dwell per 30 days in Croatia with out lease for round €686.30, however after all, there are methods to chop prices. I cooked at dwelling plenty of the time and averted vacationer hotspot eating places. I additionally went to free seashores reasonably than bar-owned ones that ask you to buy meals and drinks.
There are various hostels and Airbnb decisions you may look into if you first arrive and I like to recommend looking for a spot to lease long run. This generally is a prolonged course of in some conditions however trying past vacationer resorts can typically yield helpful outcomes.
5. There’s a Digital Nomad Visa
Excellent news for digital nomads! There’s a digital nomad visa out there in Croatia which lasts for a 12 months. The draw back is you can’t lengthen it, however you can work out your plans from there. It’s one of many benefits of residing in Croatia for distant employees particularly as a result of you may hold incomes when you take pleasure in all the things the nation has to supply.
This visa is comparatively new, having been established in January 2021, and it’s triggered a growth in nomads deciding to spend longer quantities of time within the nation. Naturally, this has additionally led to a extra cosmopolitan really feel, and there are actually many coworking areas and nice cafes to spend the day working from.
6. It’s a Typically Secure Place to Be
I by no means felt unsafe in Croatia, even within the largest metropolis of Zagreb. It goes with out saying that there’ll all the time be odd conditions reminiscent of pickpocketing, however generally, that is uncommon. You’ll be able to massively improve your possibilities of avoiding all of this by merely utilizing your widespread sense.
Croatia general is taken into account a secure place to go to, and I can again that up with my very own experiences. As a lone feminine strolling round, I by no means encountered any state of affairs that triggered me to really feel cautious, and I by no means skilled any undesirable advances. I discovered everybody to be pleasant (extra on that shortly), and even in additional distant locations, such because the nationwide parks, I felt snug.
That doesn’t imply you need to push apart your widespread sense and instinct. By no means stroll round by yourself at evening and follow well-lit areas. Don’t flash your valuables, and don’t be too trusting of individuals you’ve solely simply met. In all honesty, it’s not rocket science, however there are only a few locations that made me really feel safer than Croatia.
7. Pleasant Locals
When you’ll in all probability discover that not everybody speaks English, that typically isn’t an issue as a result of most individuals are so welcoming and heat. There’s an actual give attention to hospitality, particularly for individuals from different nations who wish to be taught extra about Croatia.
I sat for just a few hours with a beautiful native girl in Vis who taught me how you can make burek and served me countless cups of tea. It wasn’t an remoted expertise both; I discovered the identical degree of kindness in lots of different locations too, and when you’ll all the time get the odd grumpy individual, in my expertise, Croatia has a number of the friendliest individuals round.
It all the time helps to be taught just a few phrases of the language when you can, as this may show you how to to speak and the locals have a tendency to essentially respect your efforts. One tip I ought to cross on is that when you’re invited to somebody’s home for tea or dinner, keep in mind that so long as they hold providing you with meals, you’ll be anticipated to eat it! It’s thought of impolite when you don’t.
8. Superb Meals
Oh, the meals! I’ve to say, once I first went to Croatia, I didn’t count on to be that impressed by the meals. Balkan meals generally by no means struck me as being that tremendous, however I used to be so unsuitable! I’d extremely suggest you head away from the vacationer spots and check out native meals in an genuine restaurant—ask a neighbor or an area shopkeeper the place they go when you’re uncertain.
The meals is unquestionably one of many professionals of residing in Croatia and the primary factor it’s a must to strive is ćevapi, which is a scrumptious grilled meat dish that’s discovered everywhere. I discussed burek earlier, and that’s considered one of my high dishes too, however don’t miss out on štukli—the cheese model is scrumptious.
Every space of Croatia is legendary for a distinct sort of native produce, and it’s an incredible excuse to journey round and check out various things. Should you’re a truffle fan, head to the Mirna River in Motovun Forest, cheese followers merely should take a look at Pag, and olives and native olive oil are additionally notable additions to your checklist.
9. A Conventional Approach of Life is Straightforward to Discover
The beauty of Croatia is that though it’s touristic in plenty of locations, it’s not tough to enterprise someplace genuine and expertise a conventional lifestyle. The islands are an incredible instance right here, particularly Pag. You will discover superb seashores and nice meals, however you may also discover a gradual tempo that helps you be taught extra in regards to the historical past and traditions of the island.
I discovered it simple to dip out and in of touristic enjoyable. Zagreb is a metropolis filled with modern-day facilities and the same old procuring and nightlife fare, however when you head inland of the nation, it’s a completely completely different story. There, it’s extra about nature and residing in tune with all the things the land offers.
I spent plenty of time on Korčula, and I discovered it had the right mix of outdated and new for me. As I discussed earlier, you’ll meet a number of pleasant individuals alongside your means and that’s the place you may ask questions and study traditions and the particular tradition in every space.
10. A Ton of Historical past to Discover
Should you’re a historical past buff, you’re not going to be disenchanted with Croatia. Whereas modern-day Croatia gained its independence in 1991, its story started means earlier than that. Dubrovnik is filled with historic sights, however the draw back is that everybody else is attempting to see it on the similar time. If you wish to head there (and you need to), I like to recommend visiting throughout the winter months, until you want crowds.
Pula Enviornment is an imposing sight, and it’s conveniently near some fairly beautiful seashores. One among my favourite locations was Bokar Fortress, which dates again to 1570. Be sure you take a look at the Partitions of Ston, that are the longest in Europe. Oh, and add the Zadar Roman Discussion board to that must-see checklist, too.
Being round a lot historical past is completely one of many advantages of residing in Croatia, and when you resolve on staying long-term, you may take your time visiting the entire most notable spots at your leisure.
Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
There are some cons of residing in Croatia, I can’t lie. The excellent news is that the professionals undoubtedly outweigh them. What it is advisable to resolve is that if they outweigh them sufficient to your personal private state of affairs.
I skilled just a few irritating conditions throughout my time in Croatia; let me share the principle ones with you so you can also make an knowledgeable selection.
1. A Myriad of Purple Tape
Certainly, the largest annoyance about residing in Croatia is you can’t get something finished with out reducing via a ton of pink tape first. It doesn’t matter how easy it may appear at first, you’re certain to expertise a hiccup or two; it’s inevitable and simply a part of life in Croatia.
It might be one thing as “simple” as opening a checking account – you’ll discover duties quite a bit simpler in case you have a good friend who speaks Croatia that can assist you out. I’m fast to get pissed off if I can’t do one thing myself, so it’s definitely a problem you might want to beat. Should you ask most international individuals who dwell in or have lived in Croatia, they’ll little question let you know that pink tape is or has been the bane of their lives.
Are you able to get round it? Sure, you may, however it would take time. The perfect piece of recommendation I can provide you right here is to be affected person and take a deep breath (perhaps a couple of!).
2. The Language Barrier
One of many largest disadvantages of residing in Croatia is that English isn’t as broadly spoken as you would possibly suppose. Croatian itself isn’t the best language to be taught both. Round 60% of the inhabitants converse English to some extent, however you should still end up caught in some conditions.
The excellent news is that persons are fairly pleasant and so they’re unlikely to dismiss you simply since you’re unable to speak. Google Translate is all the time a great tool, however you’ll discover that when you can converse not less than just a few phrases of Croatian, you’ll handle to make your self higher understood.
Once more, it’s extra of an annoyance than an precise problem, however it’s one thing you want to concentrate on if you wish to make your new life in Croatia as simple and as satisfying as attainable.
3. It Could be Very Quiet Throughout the Winter Months
A lot of the Adriatic shoreline is touristic, which signifies that throughout the winter months, it will probably grow to be extraordinarily quiet. Many of the bars and eating places shut down from the top of October till the start of April, and whereas it’s a chilled-out time, it may be a bit boring at instances.
This is probably not a difficulty for you, however it’s one thing to say. One of many largest downsides of residing in Croatia is that it’s seasonal by way of leisure. A number of the nationwide parks additionally shut throughout the winter months, and in the event that they do stay open, it’s for a restricted time solely.
The plus level is that you just’ll expertise a lot much less site visitors and that is the very best time to go to Dubrovnik, regardless of some issues being shut. Having mentioned that, if you wish to dwell in Croatia, perhaps a extra chilled-out lifestyle is what you’re in search of, and if that’s the case, this in all probability gained’t be the largest drawback you face.
4. Laborious to Discover Employment in Croatia Itself
One of many largest downsides of residing in Croatia is that discovering employment could be tough as a international individual. Should you’re a distant employee, you’ll have the ability to apply for the digital nomad visa, and may proceed your work that means, however if you wish to work for a Croatian firm, be ready for a problem.
I’m not saying that it’s unimaginable, simply that it may take a while. It’s greatest to have financial savings to maintain you going for just a few months when you job search. You additionally have to get hold of a piece allow to work legally within the nation and that additionally features a entire lot of the aforementioned pink tape. Take into account that attempting to work with out one is actually not advisable.
5. Public Transport May very well be Higher
Croatia’s public transport system isn’t horrible, however it’s not the very best both. I spent many wasted hours ready for a bus that by no means got here or looking for a taxi that didn’t appear to wish to discover me. The general public transport system might be one of many downsides of residing in Croatia, however it will be unfair of me to say that it’s the worst I’ve ever skilled.
Crucial factor is persistence. Buses in rural areas or throughout the summer time months in coastal cities might say they’re going to reach at x time, however don’t rely on it. Fortunately, public transport in giant cities like Zagreb is much more dependable, and the ferries between islands do are likely to run to schedule, (besides throughout poor climate within the winter months).
To get round this, you may both suck it up, or you may drive. Croatia’s roads are well-maintained and it’s simple to rent a automobile so long as you will have a sound license. Plus, it’s a extremely good method to get across the nation and see much more.
Is Dwelling in Croatia Value It?
Now you’ve heard my professionals and cons of residing in Croatia, what do you suppose? I cherish my time in Croatia, and it’s definitely someplace I’d wish to spend extra time in not less than as soon as extra. As with in all places on the planet, there are good sides and not-so-good sides, however general, the professionals undoubtedly trump the cons.
Should you’re keen to work your means via a possible language barrier and stay affected person within the face of formalities, you’ll definitely discover Croatia to be an incredible spot to relocate to. With so many superb sights, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals to strive, what’s to not love?
