How to Call Croatia
Complete guide to dialing Croatia (country code +385)
Planning to connect with someone in Croatia? Whether you're calling for business, contacting family, or arranging your dream vacation along the Adriatic coast, understanding how to call Croatia properly will save you time and avoid frustrating connection issues. Calling Croatia from abroad might seem complicated at first, but with the right dialing instructions, it's actually quite straightforward. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Croatia, including step-by-step dialing instructions from various countries, common mistakes to avoid that could leave you with failed connections or unexpected charges, essential Croatian phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and a collection of useful numbers for emergencies, services, and general information. Let's get you connected!
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Croatia from abroad, follow this standard format:
Exit Code + 385 + Local Number (without leading zero)
The exit code varies by country, +385 is Croatia's country code, and you must remove the leading zero from Croatian phone numbers when dialing internationally.
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
Dial 011-385-XX-XXXX-XXXX
- Exit code: 011
- Example: To call Zagreb landline 01 234 5678, dial 011-385-1-234-5678
From UK:
Dial 00-385-XX-XXXX-XXXX
- Exit code: 00
- Example: To call Split landline 021 345 678, dial 00-385-21-345-678
From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code. Alternatively, use + (available on mobile phones) to replace any exit code: +385-XX-XXXX-XXXX
Specific Examples by Number Type
Croatian Mobile Numbers (start with 9):
- Local format: 098 123 4567
- From USA: 011-385-98-123-4567
- From UK: 00-385-98-123-4567
- Universal mobile format: +385-98-123-4567
Zagreb Landline (area code 01):
- Local format: 01 234 5678
- From USA: 011-385-1-234-5678
- From anywhere: +385-1-234-5678
Dubrovnik Landline (area code 020):
- Local format: 020 123 456
- From USA: 011-385-20-123-456
- From anywhere: +385-20-123-456
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Croatian phone numbers start with 0 when dialed domestically (like 01, 020, 098). Always drop this leading zero when calling from abroad. The zero is only used within Croatia.
Quick Reference:
- Find your country's exit code (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most others)
- Dial 385 (Croatia's code)
- Drop the leading zero from the Croatian number
- Complete the remaining digits
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Common Mistakes
When calling Croatia, avoid these common errors that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - Croatian phone numbers often appear with a leading zero (like 091 234 5678), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. The correct format is +385 91 234 5678, not +385 091 234 5678.
Using the wrong exit code - Many people dial 011 385 from the US but forget that exit codes vary by country. Always check your country's international access code, or simply use the universal "+" prefix instead, which works from any mobile phone.
Confusing the country code with area codes - Don't dial +385 and then add another country code. The +385 already indicates Croatia; follow it directly with the local number (minus the zero).
Incorrect spacing or formatting - While spaces don't technically affect the call, entering numbers incorrectly can lead to dialing errors. Follow the standard format: +385 [area code] [local number].
Not accounting for time zones - Croatia uses Central European Time (CET). Calling at inappropriate hours is a courtesy mistake that can annoy recipients or result in missed connections.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Croatia, understanding local customs will help you communicate effectively and respectfully.
Greetings matter. Begin calls with "Dobar dan" (Good day) during business hours or "Bok" for casual conversations with friends. Always identify yourself immediately, especially in business contexts.
Formality depends on context. Use formal address ("Vi" instead of "ti") and titles like "gospodin" (Mr.) or "gospođa" (Mrs.) for business calls or when speaking with elders. Personal calls among friends are much more relaxed and casual.
Timing is important. Avoid calling between 2-4 PM, as many Croatians enjoy afternoon rest or lunch. For business calls, stick to working hours (9 AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday). Evening calls after 9 PM are generally reserved for close friends and family only.
Voice messages are common. If someone doesn't answer, leaving a brief, clear message is expected and appreciated. State your name, reason for calling, and when you'll be available.
Be direct but polite. Croatians appreciate straightforward communication without excessive small talk in business settings, though personal calls often include inquiries about family and health.
Mobile phones dominate. Most Croatians prefer mobile phones over landlines. Don't be surprised if people answer calls in public spaces, though speaking quietly is considered respectful. Always ask "Imaš li vremena?" (Do you have time?) when calling unexpectedly.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers in Croatia:
- 112 - Universal Emergency Number (connects to police, ambulance, and fire services)
- 192 - Police
- 193 - Fire Department
- 194 - Ambulance
- 195 - Search and Rescue at Sea
- 18981 - Roadside Assistance (HAK - Croatian Auto Club)
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from any phone, including mobile devices, even without credit or a SIM card. The universal 112 number operates 24/7 with English-speaking operators typically available, making it the most reliable option for international visitors. Other emergency numbers may have limited English support depending on the region.
When calling, clearly state your location, the nature of the emergency, and whether anyone requires immediate medical attention. Emergency services in Croatia are generally efficient and responsive.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 988 - National directory assistance for local numbers
- 902 - International directory assistance
- 901 - International operator for assisted calls
Tourist Services
- +385 1 4699 555 - Croatian National Tourist Board information line (multilingual support available)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for citizen services. Major embassies are located in Zagreb. Find numbers through your government's travel website or the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Additional Helpful Numbers
- 1987 - Road assistance and information (HAK Croatian Auto Club)
- 060 9000 - Weather forecast service
- 11888 - Alternative directory assistance with English support
Practical Tip: Save "112" for genuine emergencies only. For non-urgent police matters, contact local stations directly. Most tourist areas have English-speaking operators available during business hours.
Tips for Calling Croatia
When calling Croatia, remember the country operates on Central European Time (UTC+1), switching to UTC+2 during daylight saving time from late March to late October. To avoid inconvenient hours, calculate the time difference carefully before dialing.
For personal calls, evenings between 6-9 PM Croatian time work well, as most people are home from work. Business calls should align with standard working hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Always schedule business calls in advance via email to demonstrate professionalism and ensure availability.
Avoid calling during major Croatian holidays, including New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1st), Statehood Day (May 30th), Independence Day (October 8th), and Christmas (December 25-26th). August is vacation season, so expect limited business availability.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and confirm important details via follow-up email. Many Croatians speak English, especially in business contexts, but learning basic Croatian greetings shows respect. Test your connection beforehand if using VoIP services, as call quality can vary. Consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Viber, which are popular in Croatia for both personal and informal business communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Croatia is +385. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Croatia from anywhere in the world. It identifies Croatia within the global telephone numbering system.
To dial Croatia from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 in the US), then dial 385 (Croatia's country code), followed by the local number without the leading zero. For example, to call a Zagreb number, dial +385 1 XXX XXXX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the local Croatian number when calling internationally. Croatian phone numbers start with 0 for domestic calls, but this zero is replaced by the country code +385 when dialing from abroad.
The cheapest way to call Croatia is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Croatia.
In Croatia, dial 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, medical). This is the universal European emergency number and works from any phone. You can also use specific numbers: 192 (police), 193 (fire), and 194 (ambulance).
Yes, you can call Croatia directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Croatian phone number you want to call, and connect instantly—no downloads or special software required for browser-based calling.
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