The Ultimate Guide to Croatia for Digital Nomads

Over the last 20 years, Croatia has established its reputation as one of the strongest touristic destination in Europe. It is almost side by side with gigants like France and Spain…

New word is that Croatia is becoming a rising star as one of the leading destinations for expats. Why is that so, check in our ultimate Guide to Croatia for Digital Nomads.

Visas and paperwork

Who is considered an expat in Croatia? A digital nomad is a third-country national who is employed or performs work through communication technology. That is for a company or his own company which is not registered in Croatia and does not perform work or provide services to employers in the country.
 
Temporary stay is granted for up to a one year and it cannot be extended.

What is the best time to visit Croatia

If you’re already planning to become a expats, then you should know when’s the best time to visit Croatia. Summer peak season is around July and August, and it is definitely best time to visit this stunning country.

During these months, the Croatian coastline is beautiful, the weather is great, but downside is that prices can spike and some things get expensive. 

If you don’t like big crowd, and want to save some money, you’re good to visit this country in presason or postseason, that is anywhere from April to October. Temperatures in pre and post tourist season are also very attractive.

They are appropriate for exploring the town and sightseeing. However, for the brave ones, they can be warm enough to enjoy the beaches and swimming. Usually, the local open the bathing season at Labor Day, on 1st May, and the end can range even to the October.

How hospitable are the locals to foreigners

Croatia has a strong tradition in tourism. The Croats are very hospitable, and this is visible on every corner. You will experienced that even more if you visit a local’s home. They will most likely serve you some food and bring out drinks to make you feel welcome. 

Are you safe enough in Croatia?

This country is one of the safest country in the world. It is hard to compare Croatia with big Western or Eastern countries regarding safety and criminal.

Possiblity of pick pocketing, thievery or other form criminal is significant lower than in rest of the world.

Communication

You won’t have much of a problem with language barriers in Croatia. Official language in the country is Croatian. However, since the country is a touristic one, most of the population speaks English.

In the northern parts of the country locals might even speak German, and on the coast, except English the Italian is also widespread.

Move across the country

You can rest assured that the Croatian public transportation is dependable and easy to use. Buses and ferries are the most common ways you can get around in Croatia. 

Railway network is pretty weak, which can make a traveling by train slow and unconvinient solution. Plane option is very good choice for international travels, but for flying to other cities in Croatia is not popular because of high tickets price and weak connectivity.

Good way to move around in Croatia is to rent a car. Roads in Croatia are wide, easy to navigate, and modern.

Cost of living in Croatia

If you’re on a low budget Croatia might be for you. Compared to other European countries, Croatia is significantly cheaper in cost of living. 

The average monthly cost of living in Croatia is around 5.000 kn per person (appx. 670 EUR). Monthly rent for 1-Bedroom apartment can range between 2.000-4.000 kn.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs of common day items:

• Taxy fares: Start – 22kn (appx. 3 EUR), Taxi 1km – 8kn (appx. 1EUR)
• One-Way Bus Ticket: 8 kn (appx. 1 EUR)
• Pizza Margherita – 50 kn (appx. 7 EUR)
• Basic Monthly Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for average Apartment: 1.300 kn (appx. 170 EUR)
• White Bread: 8 kn (appx. 1 EUR)
• Monthly Internet (40 Mbps or More): 200 kn (appx. 27 EUR)
• Meal in Casual Restaurant: 75 kn (appx. 10 EUR)
• Coffee to go: 9 kn (appx. 1,20 EUR)
• 1-Litre Milk: 6 kn (appx. 0,80 EUR)
• 1-Kilogram Chicken Fillet: 55 kn (appx. 7,5 EUR)

Why Istria should be your first choice

Probably the most diverse region in Croatia, it is most known because of beautiful sea, rich cultural and historical heritage and great gastro experience. The region is called the Croatian Tuscany and beside the coastline has stunning countryside with picture-perfect villages.

One of the biggest advantages is proximity to Slovenia and Italy and strong local economy. Except developed tourism sector, there is strong IT community with firms that work all over the world. One of the best examples is Infobip. It is first Croatian unicorn (company valued over 1 billion dollars), whose story set off in Vodnjan, small city just near Pula.

Pula: largest city on the Istrian peninsula

In last few years Pula is becoming very suitable destination for digital nomads. This ancient city and popular touristic center now is becoming well known nomad destination. That is also recognize in nomad community, so in 2019. Pula hosted over 1.500 expats from all over world on Mindvalley conference.

Pula has many advantages, just to name it few:

• Higher quality of life at lower costs – some prices are bigger, some are significantly cheaper, but in general, the cost of living in Pula is much lower than in big cities in Western Europe.

• Plenty of things to do – As a leading touristic region in Croatia, Istria has a lot great attraction that can help you to enjoy your staying over there. Pula, as a largest Istrian town is no exception. One of the coolest thinfs, is that every thing in Istria is in 1 hour ride, so during the weekends you can easily explore the whole region.

• Solid infrastructure – Pula currently has one coworking space in fuction called Kotač. It attracts digital nomads and local professional which organize meetups, workshops and partyes. Another one, pretty ambitious and large is expected to be build in one year time.

• Great connectivity – Pula airport is one of the largest airports in Croatia, which in 2019. attracted about 700.000 passengers. It it very well connected with many destination such as Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin (Germany), London, Manchester, Liverpool (England), Moscow (Russia), Bruxelles (Belgium), Paris ( France), Amsterdam (Holland), Glasgow (Scotland), Stockholm (Sweden), Zurich, Geneva, Basel (Switzerland)…Roads in Istria region and Croatia are wide, easy to navigate, and modern.

Stay in a nomad friendly accomodation

Hotel Amfiteatar is a small boutique stay in the city center of Pula just near the shore and roman Amphitheatar. It is one of the first nomad friendly stay in Croatia.

Nomads get discount for a longer stay, the rooms have a work desk and ergonomic chairs, there is coworking place and big terrace perfect for work on laptop, laundry services, casual restaurant and street food or you can choose DIY room service. Did we mention the best thing? Buddy helps digital nomad with their paper work over digital nomad visa and their stay in Croatia.

When things started to be boring, our guides will arange you a trip you want. Or you can just enjoy on our digital nomads meetup or partyes.

Find out more about digital nomad pack and feel free to contact us for any information.