If you’re visiting Croatia for the first time here's what you need to check BEFORE you book anything. I have also linked to some articles which will give you more information. If you are reading this and have questions or and itineraries that you would like to check you are more than welcome to post it on the forum for the review and tips by locals.

Documents & Entry

• Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond stay

• No visa needed for most EU/UK travelers (90/180 Schengen rule), for USA "The new European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started."

• Digital & printed copies of passport

• Travel insurance (highly recommended for islands).

Money & Payments

• Croatia uses EURO (€)

• Cards widely accepted, cash still needed on islands & for buying smaller cash amounts under 10 euros and tips.

• ATM withdrawal fees vary check your bank or get a online bank, they usually have free withdrawals up to 200 euros. Dont accept ATM change fee!

Getting Around

• Ferries are essential (Jadrolinija, Krilo)

• Bus travel is excellent between cities during peak summer months it can be late +40-50 minutes. Most of busses are on same level, no big difference, normal seats some times have chargers and wifi

• Renting a car is best for national parks & inland routes, with a car you are able to see more and you are most flexible, but its not for everyone.

Phones & Internet

• Local SIM or eSIM are great options, ESim can be found for cheaper the local SIM and you can prepare it ahead of time.

• Download offline map (especially for islands) as sometimes you can lose reception but in the last few years I traveled its not bad as before

What Surprises Most Visitors

• Beaches are mostly pebbles, not sand

• Old towns = cobblestones everywhere

• July–August crowds are intense in Dubrovnik & Split

Where to stay in Croatia 

• Larger cities are better option if you want to have ability to see a lot and easy connection with a bus/ferry. (in most cities you can get Uber/bolt for much cheaper then local taxi, also agree on price if you use local taxi beforehand!).
• Smaller cities and islandsare great for relaxing and enjoy different vibe and smaller amount of people but with lessactivities available in one place.