Split, Croatia: Pre-Departure Planning Guide
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Split, Croatia: Pre-Departure Planning Guide

Preparing you for your trip

This document is to aid you in planning your trip to Split. On our first full day together in Split you will participate in a comprehensive orientation to living in Split with our Community Manager. This is simply to provide you with some basic information in advance of departure.

Event schedule: find your program dates

Your program schedule will be updated 60 days before departure. Community managers will be using WhatsApp to share updates and reminders of activities. Schedule is subject to change.
 
 

Pre-departure

Packing

  • Packing Considerations
    • Consider the Season: Pack light, breathable fabrics for summer, and warm layers for winter. Spring and fall can be mild, so pack clothes that can be layered. A rain jacket might also come in handy. It truly is better to have and not need then to need and not have.
    • Walking Shoes: Split is a walkable city, so comfortable shoes are essential. Opt for closed-toe shoes with good tread for navigating cobblestone streets. We recommend bringing shoes that you have broken in prior to your trip.
    • Casual Clothing: The style in Split is from very dressy to very casual so pack with comfort in mind as you will be doing some walking and exploring. Pack pieces that are easier to mix and match, allowing for more outfit combinations with less luggage. Having coffee at the Riva should be truly enjoyed and most dress up for it. Also, for you beach lovers, pack a swimsuit if you’re going during the warmer months.
    • Luggage: Navigating the streets of Split with a large suitcase can be difficult, try to pack as light as possible since you will have the advantage of washing your clothes while you’re here. Also, dry-cleaning is available in the city if you need it.
  • Non-Obvious Things to Pack
    • Respectful Attire: For visits to churches and religious sites, pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. A light scarf can be handy for quick cover-ups. Walking in the city in your swimsuit in NOT allowed and you can get fined heavily.
    • Travel Adapter: Pack a travel adapter to charge your electronics.
    • Small Umbrella: While Split is relatively dry, rain showers can happen any time. A small, foldable umbrella can be a lifesaver.
    • Medications: Any important medical documents should be translated. This will help in case of an emergency and the fear of lost in translation is less likely to happen. Pack an adequate supply of any medications you take regularly. Bring a doctor's note for prescriptions in case you need refills. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your travel and what medications are best to bring for swollen legs, migraines and a difficult time adjusting to the time change.
 

Contact information

Important Phone Numbers
Community Manager
  • Hours of Availability
    • Our Community Manager is there to support your experience. They will be physically present at community events, and that is a great time to talk to them.
    • Outside of community events, the Community Manager is available via WhatsApp from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. As they have families and other obligations, we ask that you respect these hours for regular messages.
  • Emergencies
    • In the event of an emergency, you may call or text the Community Manager at any time via WhatsApp.

In-country

Arrival Day

  • You will receive your exact check-in instructions approximately two days before the start of your program. You are responsible for getting to your apartment from the airport, bus station or port.
  • If you arrive at the Split airport, you have a few options:
    • Taxi: you can go to the taxi stands or call an Uber to take you directly to your apartment from the airport.
    • Bus: https://plesoprijevoz.hr/split-3/
        • Croatia Airline shuttle from Split Airport to the Main Bus station in Split with cost 8,00 EUR
    • https://www.promet-split.hr/en/airport-line
        • You can take bus #37: Driving time: 50 minutes and the ticket price: 3,00 EUR. This bus will stop many times and will take you to the Main Bus station in Split. From there you can walk to your apartment or take a taxi/uber.
  • If you arrive by train or bus you can get a taxi at the train/bus station.
 

Getting Around

  • Public transportation
    • PROMET app, it can be set to English for all bus routes and schedules and online at https://www.promet-split.hr/en/bus-lines
    • Jadrolinija app, it can be set to English for ferry routes, schedules and purchasing tickets and online at https://www.jadrolinija.hr/en
    • If you’re interested in taking the train take time to look online at https://www.traincroatia.com/en/. Note that the train sometimes does not take you all the way to your location, but to the closet train station to your destination and then you will need to take a bus, taxi or uber.
  • Car rental
    • Consider if you really need a car: Split is a walkable city with great public transportation, so a car might not be necessary. If you plan on exploring the Croatian countryside or nearby towns, then a car becomes more helpful, but buses and trains connect to the country quite well.
    • Insurance: Rental car insurance can be expensive, so check your existing car insurance and credit card coverage to see if they provide rental car protection in Croatia.
    • Tolls: https://www.hac.hr/en/toll/toll-rates/a1. From Split to your destination, it will vary in cost. If you take the bus you do not have to pay the toll. It is in included in your ticket cost.
  • Parking
    • Driving in Split: Driving in Split can be challenging. There are congested roads and limited parking. The road are narrow and people like to drive fast. Familiarize yourself with traffic regulations before hitting the road. Keep your eyes wide open as there are lots of jaywalkers. As pedestrians should have the right of way, that does not seem to be the case here. Always look both ways before crossing the road even if you have the right of way. Always make sure to close your side-view mirror if parking on the street. Sometimes the cars just sweep by so fast and will take it right off.
    • Parking: It is not easy to find parking. If you see a spot marked in blue, you have to pay to park there. On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for vehicles of persons with disabilities are marked with a wheelchair symbol and marked in yellow.

Money

  • Cash vs. Credit Card: While credit cards are widely accepted in Split, it's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash for smaller purchases or emergencies. Make sure to tell your waiter/waitress if you will be paying cash or credit. Do not wait for them to ask you.
  • Using your Credit Card: Make sure you set a Travel Notice on your credit card and let your bank know you'll be away so you don't run into any trouble. You should not have any issues with your credit card or bank card.
  • ATMs are called Bankomata: You should use ATMs of the established banks if possible, since they will have the most favorable user fees.
  • Look for Major Banks: Such as ZagrebaÄŤka banka d.d., RaiffeisenBANK and Addiko Bank.
  • Avoid Euronet ATMs: While convenient, Euronet ATMs are known for higher fees and potentially less favorable exchange rates. Try to avoid them if possible.
  • Check Fees Before Withdrawing: Always check the ATM screen for any withdrawal fees before you confirm the transaction and it is advised to “reject” the conversion rate. Your home bank may also charge additional foreign transaction fees.
  • Inform Your Bank: Let your bank know you'll be traveling to avoid any issues with using your card abroad.
  • Carry Some Euros: It's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash before you arrive. This will help you cover any immediate expenses in case you have trouble finding an ATM or your card doesn't work.
 

Communication

  • Cell phone
    • We recommend using Truely eSIM which allows you to easily and cheaply connect to the local cell network wherever you travel - and avoid roaming charges. Truely specifically offers an option that includes all of Europe and the UK, and only costs about $10.  Click here to see how it works. 
    • Check with your carrier about international roaming plans and what is included and not included.
    • SIM card: You can purchase a local SIM card in Split. This requires an unlocked GSM phone.
  • Messaging
    • We encourage you to use WhatsApp for text messaging, this is what people in Europe use commonly. You can also use it for making free calls when on Wi-Fi.
  • Wi-Fi
    • Public Wi-Fi: Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. This is a great option for basic tasks such as email and text messaging.
    • Apartment Wi-Fi: Your apartment will have high speed Wi-Fi that you can use for FaceTime and other messaging apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage, Zoom.
    • Download Offline Maps and Apps: Having offline maps and apps like Google Translate downloaded can be helpful if you lose signal or Wi-Fi access.
  • Local calls
    • You may need to call local businesses or people. We recommend that you use WhatsApp to make local calls, and to avoid incurring international calling charges. WhatsApp does not work for a landline.
 

Dining Out

  • Tipping
    • Not Mandatory: Unlike the US, tipping in Split is not expected or mandatory. It's seen as a way to show appreciation for exceptional service. The tip can only be cash and not added to your bill to be charged to your card.
    • Small Gestures: If you had a great experience, a small tip of a few euros (1-2 euros per person) or rounding up the bill is perfectly acceptable.
    • Check for Service Charge: Some restaurants might include a service charge on the bill. Look for this before leaving an additional tip.
  • Restaurant Reservations
    • Fine Dining & Popular Spots: For Michelin-starred restaurants or highly-rated establishments, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner. These places can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist season (April-October).
  • Casual Eateries: Reservations are generally less necessary at casual restaurants. However, if you have a large group (more than 4 people) or are visiting during a busy time (weekends, evenings), it might be helpful to call ahead and secure a table.
  • Making Reservations: The most common apps for making reservations are Open Table and TheFork, however, many restaurants still take reservations the old fashioned way - with a phone call! Chances are high in Split that you will be walking past the restaurant and you can just walk in and make your reservation.
  • Many restaurants have websites where you can book a table online.

Fitness & Health

  • Pharmacies
    • Many pharmacies have staff that speak some English. Please, it is very important if you have any serious medical issue to have it translated before you come for your own medical safety. If anything, you can get it translated in Croatia.
        • There is 1 Pharmacy (Ljekarna) open 24 hours
        Pharmacy Split-Dalmatia County - pharmacy LuÄŤac
        Ul. Josipa Pupačića 4, 21000, Split
        Contact: 021-533-188
 
More to come…
On our first full day together, we will have a full group orientation with our Community Managers, and we will cover much more information specific to living in Split.
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