Croatia is the right European nation for a street journey as not solely is driving in Croatia simply maneuverable, however Croatia additionally has a ton of websites to see which might be solely accessible when you have your individual set of wheels.
How do I do know this? As a result of throughout my month-long journey to Croatia I rented a automobile and discovered the ins and outs of the right way to street journey Croatia.
On this article, we’ll cowl all the things you might want to learn about driving in Croatia:
Let’s dive in:
10 Ideas for Driving in Croatia
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Tip #1 – Decide For a Smaller Automobile
Whereas the highways in Croatia had been constructed to swimsuit all forms of automobiles, lots of the (very slender) metropolis streets weren’t. For those who plan on doing any metropolis driving, even simply attending to your lodge, I like to recommend renting a automotive on the smaller facet.
Throughout my Croatian street journey, I rented a tiny hatchback and located it excellent for driving alongside the coast. On high of that, many aged cities in Croatia don’t permit automobiles in any respect. In case your lodging are in a pedestrian-only space, I like to recommend researching parking tons forward of time so you understand the place you’ll be able to park.
💡A particular tip: If in any respect potential, ebook motels which have parking tons. This may increasingly not will let you keep instantly within the outdated cities, but it surely’ll be a weight off your shoulders so far as discovering parking goes.
Tip #2 – E book in Advance
Relying on the time of yr you go to Croatia, automotive leases might be onerous to come back by. When you’ll discover there’s loads of rental availability from fall by spring, in the event you attempt to ebook in the summertime (excessive season), it’s possible you’ll discover that there are slim pickings.
Reserving effectively upfront will guarantee you’ve got a automotive in your Croatian street journey.
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Tip #3 – Ask for Your Most popular Transmission
In a whole lot of Europe, guide transmission vehicles are customary (pun supposed). Which means, in the event you arrive at a automotive rental place and ask for a automotive, most of the time they’ll hire you a guide transmission.
I don’t advocate studying to drive a guide automotive on the spot, so in the event you’re at present restricted to automated then positively ebook early and instantly ask for an automated transmission.
Tip #4 – Have Maps on Hand
Carrying a map is important for driving in Croatia.
Whereas I like to recommend downloading google maps to your telephone earlier than you arrive in Croatia, buying a bodily paper map can be an amazing concept. Google maps will get you a lot of the manner, but when your telephone dies otherwise you go off-grid, then a paper map will add an additional layer of security.
Plus, I discover that paper maps make nice souvenirs. Pop it in a body once you get dwelling!
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Tip #5 – Familiarize Your self With the Signage
For those who’re touring to Croatia from one other continent, then the signage you encounter could also be a bit completely different from what you’re used to at dwelling. Whereas a lot of the indicators can be fairly simple, simply do a fast little bit of analysis so you understand precisely what to anticipate once you’re on the street.
Take a look at this Croatian street visitors signal listing for all of the symbols you ought to be conscious of.
Tip #6 – Gas Up Each time Potential
Whereas there are ample gasoline stations in all of Croatia’s main cities, in the event you plan on visiting the smaller cities or backcountry then be ready to not have an abundance of gasoline choices.
I like to recommend filling up with gasoline each half tank or so, even in the event you don’t assume it’s pressing. It’s higher than having to name in for backup!
Additionally, in the event you plan on hitting the street early or late within the day, needless to say not all of Croatia’s gasoline stops are 24 hours. Simply do a fast google search to search out out if fueling up in off-hours is an possibility.
Tip #7 – Drive Defensively
In Croatia, you’ll discover loads of roads that swerve round mountains, have excessive drop-offs into the ocean, are slender, and have higher-than-average velocity limits.
Chances are high, the native Croatian’s that you just’ll be sharing the street with are used to those matters. They drive this manner day-after-day. However, in the event you’re not used to those matters and also you don’t really feel comfy copying their driving habits, then don’t.
Drive on the protection, not the offense.
Personally, I come from the Canadian prairies the place it’s so flat I can see a deer coming from two miles away, and I positively wasn’t used to driving on the outer fringe of a Croatian cliff with no guard rails.
Whereas I wasn’t going unreasonably sluggish, different automobiles nonetheless handed me a ton.
This leads me to my subsequent level…
Tip #8 – Stick With the Velocity Restrict
In Croatia, until posted in any other case, the velocity limits are:
Metropolis Driving: 37mph/60kph
Open Street Driving: 62mph/100 kph
Freeway Driving: 81mph/130kph
As a customer, I don’t advocate going over these limits (or an excessive amount of underneath), as you don’t wish to change into a hazard or have any points along with your insurance coverage or license.
Tip #9 – Carry Money for Tolls
Whereas there are methods to keep away from the toll roads in Croatia, typically they’re probably the most environment friendly path to your vacation spot.
So, in the event you don’t thoughts paying an additional few Kunas (the native foreign money), then I like to recommend holding some money available to pay your manner by the tolls.
Normally, you’ll be given a ticket once you enter the freeway and should pay as you exit.
For instance, toll roads exist close to Zagreb, Krka Nationwide Park, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Cut up, Dubrovnik, and elements of Istria.
Charges might be paid instantly on the toll routes on the cubicles alongside the freeway.
🔎 For extra inspiration in your journey, try these 24 epic matters to do in Croatia!
Tip #10 – Maintain Your Documentation on Hand
As a foreigner renting a automotive in Croatia, it’s rule of thumb to at all times preserve your documentation the place it’s straightforward to seize in the event you want it.
This consists of your driver’s license (and worldwide allow, if relevant), passport, registration, and insurance coverage particulars.
💡 Aspect word: Whereas your rental automotive ought to include it, ensure you have a reflective vest in your automotive. All automobiles in Croatia are legally required to hold one in case it’s important to pull over and exit your automotive on the facet of the street.
Driving in Croatia FAQ
Is it protected to drive in Croatia?
Primarily based on each the info and my expertise, driving in Croatia could be very protected. So long as you stay a defensive driver, preserve inside your consolation zone, and know the foundations of the street, you gained’t have any issues.
What facet of the street do they drive on in Croatia?
In Croatia, like a lot of the remainder of Europe, they drive on the suitable facet of the street. Overtaking different automobiles is completed within the left lane. This may come as acquainted information in the event you’re from North America.
Do you want a global driver’s license to drive in Croatia?
Relying on the place you’re touring from, sure, you’ll probably want a global driver’s license in Croatia. Moreover, you have to be capable of current a license from your private home nation that has been legitimate for no less than two years. A world license doesn’t negate the necessity to carry your native license. This information is a superb useful resource to find out in the event you’ll want a global license in Croatia.
What are the necessities for driving in Croatia?
As a foreigner in Croatia, you’ll have to be no less than 21 years of age (though some rental corporations require you to be solely 18) and have a sound license. You could incur a younger driver’s payment if you’re youthful than 25.
What ought to I pack for my Croatian street journey?
To ensure you have a snug and protected street journey, I like to recommend bringing a automotive adapter in your gadgets, an exterior battery pack, a dashboard cell phone holder, the numbers of emergency companies, and a small roadside emergency package.
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That’s it for my high ideas for driving in Croatia!
I hope this helped in your Croatian analysis and ready you for the very best Croatian street journey potential.
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Have enjoyable in Croatia!
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