If you happen to’ve ever hit ‘Croatia’ on a Google search, you’ll little doubt see a myriad of gorgeous footage. It’s no shock; we’re speaking about an amazingly lovely nation right here, and it’s someplace individuals flock to throughout the summer time months particularly. However, what should you’re interested by staying there long-term? The excellent news is there are numerous execs 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 attractive seashores by no means damage both. However, in fact, like anyplace on this planet, you must take into consideration the cons of residing in Croatia too. That can assist 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 Residing in Croatia
There are each execs and cons to residing in Croatia; there are some wonderful issues about this place, however I additionally discovered a number of issues downright irritating. Having mentioned that, it’s at all times been the identical irrespective of the place on this planet I’ve spent prolonged quantities of time. I thought of this one lengthy and onerous as a result of I wish to provide the full image.
Ultimately, I noticed I’d written a significantly longer record of execs, however the cons undoubtedly should be thought-about too. Selecting to dwell in such a gorgeous and cultural nation isn’t the toughest selection on this planet, however as I came upon, if you would like the very best expertise, you should 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. In the course of the summer time months, its principal resorts of Dubrovnik, Break up, Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Lošinj are full of sun-seekers, with Dubrovnik particularly being a significant draw. You may need heard that a number of Sport of Thrones scenes had 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 at all times an possibility. 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 yr is July when the temperatures hit highs of 29°C/84°F in Dubrovnik, however even in January, you may anticipate a mean 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 anticipate a multicultural really feel, with a mixture of genuine attraction.
Execs of residing in Croatia
It’s no shock that there are many plus factors of residing on this lovely nation. I imply, have a look at it! Looking at such lovely surroundings every single day isn’t precisely a hardship. However, let’s dive in slightly 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 shocking nation, and possibly one of many greatest 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 primary cities, equivalent to Zadar, you’ll at all times be blown away by how wonderful every part is. I by no means bought 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 one among my favourite spots general. Go to Krka Nationwide Park and Brijuni Nationwide Park to call simply two gorgeous areas, and also you’re positive to fall in love. The waterfalls in Croatia are epic, and it’s no marvel these parks are so standard throughout the summer time months.
In fact, there are additionally seashores – wonderful seashores. Banje Seaside in Dubrovnik was a favourite spot of mine, regardless of being near the crowds within the metropolis middle. I additionally cherished Lumbarda‘s sandy seashores on Korčula, however in all honesty, you received’t discover a dangerous seaside in Croatia.
2. Nice Climate All 12 months Round
I already talked about that the climate is nice in Croatia, however it actually is an all-year-round sort of deal. Whereas you will discover snowy climate throughout the winter months, you’ll want to move into the center of the nation, notably round Plitvice Lakes. Nonetheless, for essentially the most half, you’re taking a look at 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 that you would be able to’t transfer. For instance, you may anticipate a mean of 30°C/86°F in Break up throughout July, and 25°C/77°F in Zadar.
All of because of this seaside time will likely be in your precedence record and sea temperatures actually don’t allow you to down in the summertime months. In truth, Dubrovnik’s sea temperature is a very snug 25°C/77°F in August.
3. Nice High quality Healthcare
One of many execs of residing in Croatia is the top quality of healthcare. Anybody employed by a Croatian enterprise will likely be routinely registered with state healthcare, nevertheless, there are numerous personal insurance coverage choices accessible. You’ll additionally discover many pharmacies, medical doctors surgical procedures, and hospitals throughout the nation they usually’re usually 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 accessible, and every part went easily. You may also get medical recommendation on minor points by going to the closest pharmacy; it should assist in case you have a Croatian speaker with you, however you will get by with Google Translate if the pharmacist isn’t fluent in English.
It goes with out saying that healthcare is a significant consideration while you’re interested by shifting to any nation, however in my expertise, Croatia’s healthcare system is high quality.
4. Value of Residing is Inexpensive
Like anyplace on this planet, the price of residing has elevated slightly 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 enhance in the price of some gadgets, however general, it actually isn’t an costly nation.
In accordance with Numbeo, a single individual can dwell monthly in Croatia with out lease for round €686.30, however in fact, there are methods to chop prices. I cooked at dwelling a whole lot of the time and averted vacationer hotspot eating places. I additionally went to free seashores quite than bar-owned ones that ask you to buy meals and drinks.
There are various hostels and Airbnb selections you may look into while you first arrive and I like to recommend trying to find a spot to lease long run. This generally is a prolonged course of in some conditions however trying past vacationer resorts can typically yield useful outcomes.
5. There’s a Digital Nomad Visa
Excellent news for digital nomads! There’s a digital nomad visa accessible in Croatia which lasts for a yr. The draw back is that you would be able to’t prolong 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 preserve incomes whilst you take pleasure in every part 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 at the moment are many coworking areas and nice cafes to spend the day working from.
6. It’s a Usually 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 at all times be odd conditions equivalent to pickpocketing, however generally, that is uncommon. You may massively enhance your probabilities of avoiding all of this by merely utilizing your frequent 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 scenario 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 must push apart your frequent sense and instinct. By no means stroll round by yourself at evening and stick with 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 most likely 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 study extra about Croatia.
I sat for a number of hours with a beautiful native girl in Vis who taught me methods to make burek and served me infinite cups of tea. It wasn’t an remoted expertise both; I discovered the identical stage of kindness in lots of different locations too, and whilst you’ll at all times get the odd grumpy individual, in my expertise, Croatia has a few of the friendliest individuals round.
It at all times helps to study a number of phrases of the language should you can, as it will assist you to speak and the locals have a tendency to essentially admire your efforts. One tip I ought to move on is that should you’re invited to somebody’s home for tea or dinner, do not forget that so long as they preserve providing you with meals, you’ll be anticipated to eat it! It’s thought-about impolite should you don’t.
8. Wonderful Meals
Oh, the meals! I’ve to say, once I first went to Croatia, I didn’t anticipate 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 improper! I’d extremely advocate you head away from the vacationer spots and take a look at native meals in an genuine restaurant—ask a neighbor or a neighborhood shopkeeper the place they go should you’re not sure.
The meals is unquestionably one of many execs of residing in Croatia and the primary factor you must strive is ćevapi, which is a scrumptious grilled meat dish that’s discovered far and wide. I discussed burek earlier, and that’s one among my high dishes too, however don’t miss out on štukli—the cheese model is scrumptious.
Every space of Croatia is known for a special sort of native produce, and it’s an amazing excuse to journey round and take a look at various things. If you happen to’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 record.
9. A Conventional Method of Life is Straightforward to Discover
The beauty of Croatia is that though it’s touristic in a whole lot of locations, it’s not tough to enterprise someplace genuine and expertise a conventional lifestyle. The islands are an amazing instance right here, particularly Pag. You will discover wonderful seashores and nice meals, however you too can discover a gradual tempo that helps you study 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 full of modern-day facilities and the same old purchasing and nightlife fare, however should you head inland of the nation, it’s a completely completely different story. There, it’s extra about nature and residing in tune with every part the land supplies.
I spent a whole lot of time on Korčula, and I discovered it had the proper mix of previous and new for me. As I discussed earlier, you’ll meet a lot of pleasant individuals alongside your method and that’s the place you may ask questions and find out about traditions and the particular tradition in every space.
10. A Ton of Historical past to Discover
If you happen to’re a historical past buff, you’re not going to be dissatisfied with Croatia. Whereas modern-day Croatia gained its independence in 1991, its story started method earlier than that. Dubrovnik is full of historic sights, however the draw back is that everybody else is making an attempt to see it on the similar time. If you wish to head there (and you must), 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 gorgeous seashores. One in all my favourite locations was Bokar Fortress, which dates again to 1570. Be sure to 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 record, too.
Being round a lot historical past is completely one of many advantages of residing in Croatia, and should you resolve on staying long-term, you may take your time visiting the entire most notable spots at your leisure.
Cons of Residing 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 you should resolve is that if they outweigh them sufficient to your personal private scenario.
I skilled a number of irritating conditions throughout my time in Croatia; let me share the primary ones with you so you can also make an knowledgeable selection.
1. A Myriad of Purple Tape
Undoubtedly, the largest annoyance about residing in Croatia is that you would be able to’t get something finished with out slicing by means of a ton of purple tape first. It doesn’t matter how easy it might sound at first, you’re positive 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 lots simpler in case you have a pal 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 actually a problem you could want to beat. If you happen to ask most overseas individuals who dwell in or have lived in Croatia, they’ll little doubt inform you that purple tape is or has been the bane of their lives.
Are you able to get round it? Sure, you may, however it should take time. The very best piece of recommendation I can provide you right here is to be affected person and take a deep breath (possibly a couple of!).
2. The Language Barrier
One of many greatest disadvantages of residing in Croatia is that English isn’t as extensively spoken as you would possibly suppose. Croatian itself isn’t the best language to study both. Round 60% of the inhabitants communicate English to some extent, however you should still end up caught in some conditions.
The excellent news is that persons are fairly pleasant they usually’re unlikely to dismiss you simply since you’re unable to speak. Google Translate is at all times a great tool, however you’ll discover that should you can communicate a minimum of a number of 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 pay attention to if you wish to make your new life in Croatia as simple and as fulfilling as attainable.
3. It Will be Very Quiet In the course of the Winter Months
A lot of the Adriatic shoreline is touristic, which implies that throughout the winter months, it may well turn into 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 slightly boring at instances.
This is probably not a difficulty for you, however it’s one thing to say. One of many greatest downsides of residing in Croatia is that it’s seasonal when it comes to 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 simply’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, possibly a extra chilled-out lifestyle is what you’re on the lookout for, and in that case, this most likely received’t be the largest drawback you face.
4. Arduous to Discover Employment in Croatia Itself
One of many greatest downsides of residing in Croatia is that discovering employment could be tough as a overseas individual. If you happen to’re a distant employee, you’ll have the ability to apply for the digital nomad visa, and may proceed your work that method, 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 might take a while. It’s finest to have financial savings to maintain you going for a number of months whilst you job search. You additionally must get hold of a piece allow to work legally within the nation and that additionally features a entire lot of the aforementioned purple tape. Remember the fact that making an attempt to work with out one is actually not advisable.
5. Public Transport Might 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 might be unfair of me to say that it’s the worst I’ve ever skilled.
Crucial factor is endurance. 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 depend on it. Fortunately, public transport in massive cities like Zagreb is much more dependable, and the ferries between islands do are inclined 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 Residing in Croatia Value It?
Now you’ve heard my execs and cons of residing in Croatia, what do you suppose? I cherish my time in Croatia, and it’s actually someplace I’d prefer to spend extra time in a minimum of as soon as extra. As with in every single place on this planet, there are good sides and not-so-good sides, however general, the professionals undoubtedly trump the cons.
If you happen to’re keen to work your method by means of a possible language barrier and stay affected person within the face of formalities, you’ll actually discover Croatia to be a tremendous spot to relocate to. With so many wonderful sights, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals to strive, what’s to not love?
