Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Croatia from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Croatia:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Croatia's country code: +385
Dial +385 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +385 1 [number]. From mobile: + +385 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Croatia
How to Call Abroad from Croatia
To call another country from Croatia: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Croatia numbers is +385 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +385 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Croatia
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Croatia to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +385 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Croatia.
Common Questions About Calling Croatia
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +385 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Croatia?
For a mobile: dial +385 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +385, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Croatia from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +385 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Croatia via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +385 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Croatia?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +385 mean and where does it come from?
+385 is the international dialing code assigned to Croatia by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Croatia number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +385 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Croatia
Croatia uses UTC+2. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Croatia from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–15:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
08:00–20:00
🇩🇪 Germany
09:00–21:00
🇫🇷 France
09:00–21:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
10:00–22:00
🇦🇪 UAE
11:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
10:00–22:00
🇮🇳 India
13:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Croatia
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–385–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Croatia
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Croatia
Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Croatia visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Croatia offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Croatia currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Croatia?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Croatia grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Croatia on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Croatia visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Croatia on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Croatia visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Croatia on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Croatia?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Croatia on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
US Embassy Zagreb Thomas Jefferson Street 2, Zagreb ☎ +385 1 661 2200 Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
💳 Tipping Culture
10-15% tip in restaurants; round up for taxis.
🚄 Transport
HŽ Passenger rail | Jadrolinija ferry network (island-hopping) | Bus nationwide | Zagreb tram | Air connections to islands in summer
✈️ Airports
9 airports | Zagreb Airport ZAG | Dubrovnik DBV | Split SPU | Zadar ZAD | Rijeka RJK | Pula PUY
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Croatia is divided into 21 counties.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Croatia. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Croatia is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
No special vaccinations required for Croatia. Routine vaccines should be up to date (MMR, DTaP, flu, COVID-19). Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine recommended for hikers in forested areas. EU travelers get reciprocal healthcare with EHIC/GHIC card.
📶 SIM & Internet
eSIM widely supported (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad — €4–15 for 1–10GB). Physical SIM available at airports and convenience stores; passport required. Major operators offer EU-wide roaming under 'Roam Like at Home' regulation. Free Wi-Fi common in cafés and hotels.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Smart-casual is the norm in Croatia. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Beach attire stays at the beach. Layering recommended due to variable weather. Locals dress neatly even when casual — avoid athletic wear in restaurants.
🌍 Croatia: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Croatia?
Some of the most famous foods in Croatia include: Peka (lamb or octopus under bell), Black risotto (crni rižot), Burek, Pašticada (slow beef stew), Soparnik (Swiss chard pie), Fuži pasta with truffles, Šurlice Korčula-style pasta, Grilled fish with olive oil, Kulen (spiced sausage), Fritule (mini doughnuts).
What are the best places to visit in Croatia?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Croatia include: Dubrovnik Old City (UNESCO), Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO), Diocletian's Palace Split, Hvar Old Town & Fortress, Rovinj Old Town Istria, Korčula Island, Krka National Park, Zadar Sea Organ, Brijuni National Park, Trogir Historic City (UNESCO).
What are the main customs and traditions in Croatia?
Notable customs and traditions in Croatia include: Greet with cheek kisses (friends), Coffee culture — ordering is lingering, Showing up slightly late is fine socially, Regional pride (Dalmatia vs Slavonia), Seafood is celebrated in the south.
What is Croatia famous for?
Croatia is well known for: Adriatic Sea & island hopping, Dalmatian coast (1,200 islands), Peka (under-bell cooking), Football (Dinamo Zagreb & national team), Game of Thrones filming locations.
Where in the world is Croatia located?
Croatia is located in Europe.
What countries are near Croatia?
Countries in the same region as Croatia include: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland.
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Croatia. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
How much does a trip to Croatia cost per day?
Daily costs in Croatia range from $50 (budget) to $110 (mid-range) to $250 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Croatia safe for tourists?
Croatia is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
How many counties does Croatia have?
Croatia has 21 counties.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,F · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingService often included. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkTap water is safe to drink throughout most of Croatia.
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