In many Croatian supermarkets, especially larger chains like Konzum, Spar, Lidl, and Plodine:

• Sometimes you weigh fruits and vegetables yourself and print a sticker.

• Other times the cashier weighs it at checkout.

It varies by store and even by neighbourhood.

Tip: Look around. If you see scales in the produce section, you likely need to weigh everything before the cashier.

In Croatia, especially outside Zagreb or Split:

• Lawyers may practice several legal fields (real estate, civil, corporate, administrative) rather than hyper-specializing.

• Marketing is more conservative; law firms are not allowed to advertise like North American firms.

Tip: Always ask directly whether the lawyer handles foreign-related issues, residency, real estate, or business setups, because these require specific expertise.

Croatian fitness culture is growing fast, and many gyms offer:

• 24/7 access

• Great equipment

• Affordable memberships

However, childcare in gyms is rare. Unlike North America, you won't find on-site babysitting at typical gyms.

Croatia is in the eurozone and card usage is high, but:

• Cash services often close earlier in the day.

• Larger cash withdrawals may require advance notice.

• ATMs are everywhere but may charge fees for foreign cards.

Tip: For big payments like property or renovations, plan ahead and visit the bank earlier in the day.

In Croatia, landlords typically:

• Give you the keys

• Sign the agreement

• And… that’s it

There is usually no detailed move-in inspection report.

Tip:
Take photos and videos of every room and every defect the moment you move in. Send them to your landlord to create a timestamped record.

Croatian cities use communal recycling containers:

• Paper

• Plastic & metal

• Glass

• Bio-waste

• Residual waste

Some neighbourhoods also have limited door-to-door collection.

Tip: Ask your landlord which containers belong to your building and what each colour means — this varies slightly by municipality.

Especially in historic old towns and coastal tourist zones, public toilets often charge a small fee.

Tip: Keep some coins with you, especially when sightseeing or traveling with kids.

Croatia is not a “20% minimum tip” culture.

• Restaurants: 5–10% is normal

• Cafés: round up the bill

• Bars: rounding up is standard

Tip: Cash tips are always appreciated, even if you pay by card.

While Amazon delivers to Croatia, it’s not dominant.

Locals mainly order from Croatian online shops, which often deliver faster and offer easy returns.

Tip: Get familiar with local online stores — delivery is usually quick and efficient.

While many stores post clear schedules, real-life hours can shift:

• Small shops may close early

• Coastal cities change hours seasonally

• Online schedules are not always updated

Tip: Always check hours before going — and don’t expect a shop to remain open just because the sign says so.

If you book a plumber or electrician:

• Expect a time window, not an exact hour

• Schedules may shift due to traffic, weather, or delays

• On the coast, tourist season slows everything down

Tip: Add buffer time for any repairs or renovations.

Legally, Croatia bans smoking inside most enclosed public spaces.
In reality:

• Terraces (even partially enclosed ones) allow smoking

• Indoors is usually non-smoking

• Nightlife venues vary

Tip: If you’re sensitive, choose open-air terraces or sit indoors.

Croatian dining culture is slow and social.

• Staff will not bring the bill automatically

• You may sit for hours without being asked to leave

• Bill splitting is possible, but not assumed

Tip: If you’re in a hurry, ask for the bill early:
“Račun, molim.”

Croatians go out much later than North Americans.

Typical timeline:

• Dinner: 8–9 p.m.

• Bars: 10–12

• Clubs: After midnight

Showing up at 10 p.m. to a nightclub means you’ll likely be the first one there.

Croatians tend to dress well:

• Clean shoes

• Coordinated outfits

• Smart-casual even for errands

You’ll rarely see people wearing pajamas or ultra-casual clothes outside the home.

Thanks to EU consumer protection:

• You have a minimum 2-year legal guarantee

• Sellers must process complaints

• Products often go to a service center for inspection

Tip: Keep receipts and expect the process to take several days to weeks.

Stores generally do not match competitor prices.

Instead, locals simply compare:

• Multiple online shops

• Several physical stores

• Seasonal promotions

Tip: Never buy the first item you see if it’s a major purchase. Prices vary widely.

If all of this feels overwhelming, you don’t need to figure it out alone.

Relocation Croatia can assist you with:

• Residency and citizenship pathways

• Company formation

• Real estate purchase and due diligence

• Banking, registration, utilities

• Ongoing legal and administrative support

Whenever you're ready, we can walk you through every step of your move — from planning to settling in with confidence.