Croatian Survival Guide

1. Wait staff in Croatia, particularly the Dalmatian Coast, will be slower and more casual than you’re used to.  Like Hawaii times 10.  Plan for meals to take longer than usual.
2. 99% of hospitality staff will speak English.
3. Like much of Europe, Croatian restaurants are stingy with ice.
4. There is only one size of coffee in Croatia (about 2 shot glasses worth) and there are no Starbucks in Šibenik.  Asking for a bigger size is an act of futility, but the coffee is excellent.  Croatians will spend 2+ hours sipping the same cup o’ joe. Americans spend 2 seconds.
5. Diet soda is VERY scarce in Croatia.  They have Coke and Coke Zero, Pepsi and Pepsi Zero, but no Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi to speak of.  I know, it’s heartbreaking. But hey, maybe you’ll get lucky.
6. It is likely the reception will go until 4am.  Americans with jet lag will find this surprisingly easy.  There’s an English term that Croatians use:  “Party Breaking”.  The idea is that once a party is going in full swing, it’s in equilibrium.  When any one person leaves before the party is over, that person is a “party breaker”, and the party usually deteriorates from there.  Parties in Croatia end when the sun comes up and it applies to people from age 0-110 years old.  Lucy’s grandparents will prove it to you.
7. Croatians love to swear.  If you speak or understand the language, you will likely hear children and adults swearing.  It’s just more acceptable to them, although Lucy’s youngest sister does not use bad language…yet. She does on occasion use bad language in English not knowing that it’s bad.  She taught herself English by watching YouTube videos so she understands the context, but not always the connotation. 
8. Croatians on the Dalmatian Coast, aka “Dalmatians” often drink a mix of white wine and sparkling water called “Gemišt” (pronounced gem-isht with a short “g” sound like in the word “game”).  It’s a refreshing drink that won’t leave you hung over in the morning.
9. They have something called squid ink risotto.  It’s black and looks strange but just TRY it.  It’s delicious.

If you’re interested in reading more about Croatian and American cultural differences, I recommend Chasing a Croatian Girl by Cody McClain Brown.  You will learn all about how Croatians believe wind can kill you, the sea can cure any ailment, and how sitting on the cold ground will make you infertile.  Bringing cash to Croatia is a good idea to pay for small things like drinks, snacks and souvenirs.  If you go to your bank ahead of time, you can order Croatian Kuna, Euros or both.  Euros are accepted throughout most of Europe but not in Croatia; Kunas are the only currency used in Croatia.  If you plan to travel outside of Croatia, I recommend getting both for your trip.  If you have a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fee, plan to use it for the bigger expenses such as hotels and car rentals.