Commerce & Services Croatia

National Networks

Konzum: The largest Croatian chain with more than 700 stores; groceries, household goods, fresh produce.

Tommy: Leader in the south of the country, especially in Dalmatia; local and imported products, household goods.

Plodine: Chain with more than 100 stores, popular in coastal regions; groceries, essential goods.

Studenac: Extensive supermarket network, especially active on the coast; everyday products and beverages.

International Networks

Lidl: German discount chain with more than 100 stores; affordable prices, own brands, fresh products.

Spar and Interspar: Austrian chain with stores of various formats; a wide selection of products, emphasis on quality.

Kaufland: German hypermarket chain; groceries, household goods, home appliances.

Billa: Popular supermarket chain; high-quality products and goods.

Specialized Networks

Metro: Cash & carry hypermarkets aimed at wholesale purchases; products and goods for businesses.

Müller: German chain specializing in household goods, cosmetics, and household chemicals.

In Croatia, online trade is actively developing, and both local and international online stores are represented in the market. Below are some of the most popular online platforms where you can purchase a variety of goods:

eKupi.hr: The largest Croatian online store offering a wide range of products: electronics, home appliances, clothing, toys, and much more.

Links.hr: Specializes in selling computer equipment, electronics, and accessories.

MALL.hr: Part of a large European network of online stores, offering a wide range of products from electronics to home and garden goods.

Sancta Domenica: Official distributor and retailer of electronics and home appliances, including popular brands.

Elipso.hr: Online store specializing in selling home appliances, electronics, and household goods.

AliExpress: An international platform popular among Croatian buyers due to a wide range of affordable products. However, delivery times can be lengthy.

Amazon.de: The German version of Amazon, often used in Croatia for purchasing various goods.

Postal services in Croatia are mainly provided by the state-owned company Hrvatska pošta (Croatian Post), which offers a wide range of services across the country.

Main services:

Sending and receiving letters and parcels: Croatian Post offers standard and priority (express) delivery options both domestically and abroad. 

Tracking shipments: Customers can track the status of their shipments online using a special service on the company's website.

Financial services: In addition to postal operations, Hrvatska pošta provides financial services such as bill payments, money transfers, and savings bank services.

Electronic services: The company is developing digital services, including the ePost platform, which allows for receiving and sending emails and documents, as well as paying bills online.

Other courier services providing services in Croatia: 

International courier services

DHL Express: international delivery of documents and parcels, express delivery.

FedEx: standard and express delivery, specialized business solutions.

UPS: delivery of documents, parcels, and freight.

GLS: domestic and international parcel delivery, logistics solutions.

TNT Express: express delivery of documents and freight.

Local and regional courier services

Overseas Express: domestic delivery, express services, international delivery in cooperation with global partners.

Intereuropa Express: delivery of freight, documents, and parcels, logistics services.

DPD Croatia: delivery of parcels across Croatia and Europe.

Gebrüder Weiss: freight delivery, warehousing, and logistics solutions.

Express One: Fast delivery for businesses and private clients.

Platforms for online delivery orders

Paket24 (part of the Hrvatska pošta system) – a convenient service for express delivery.

Cargo-partner – an international logistics company with offices in Croatia, specializing in freight transportation.

These companies provide both domestic and international delivery. When choosing a suitable service, it is worth considering delivery times, cost, and the availability of a convenient tracking service. 

Hrvatski Telekom: The largest operator in the country, offering a full range of telecommunications services; provides packages that combine fixed and mobile communications, internet, and television.

A1 Hrvatska: The second largest operator, offers mobile and fixed communication services, as well as internet and television.

Telemach Hrvatska: Provides mobile communication, internet, and television services.

Iskon Internet: A subsidiary of Hrvatski Telekom, specializes in providing internet services and IP television.

Optima Telekom: Offers fixed-line telephony, internet, and television services.

Service features

Package offers: Many operators offer combined service packages (internet, television, phone) at a reduced cost, allowing for savings.

Contractual obligations:The standard contract term is usually 24 months. Early termination may incur additional costs.

Internet speed: High-speed internet (fiber optic and cable networks) is available in urban areas, while speeds may be lower in rural areas due to limited infrastructure.

Television: Operators offer digital television with a variety of channels, including international ones.

Mobile communication: 4G networks cover most of the country, and the introduction of 5G is ongoing, providing higher data transfer speeds and improved communication quality. 

Glovo: provides delivery of food from restaurants, groceries from supermarkets, as well as products from pharmacies and other stores; available in major cities such as Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and others.

Wolt: offers a wide selection of restaurants and stores, with an emphasis on fast delivery and quality service; available in several Croatian cities.

Bolt Food: offers a variety of restaurants and cuisines, with a convenient ordering app; available in some cities in Croatia.

Pauza.hr: specializes in food delivery from restaurants; offers a variety of cuisines and establishments, with a user-friendly ordering interface; operates in major Croatian cities.

Konzum: One of the largest supermarkets in Croatia, offers online orders and home delivery of groceries.

In Croatia, the opening hours of stores and services can vary depending on the type of establishment, location, and season. Below is general information about the operating hours of various establishments:

Stores and Supermarkets

Weekdays (Monday – Friday): Most stores are open from 8:00 to 20:00.

Saturday: Usually operate from 8:00 to 14:00 or 15:00.

Sunday: Some stores are closed, but in tourist areas and during the summer season, many stores operate on Sundays, often with reduced hours, for example, until 14:00.

Shopping Centers

Usually open from 8:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Saturday. During the tourist season, they may also operate on Sundays with similar hours.

Restaurants and Cafes

Typically operate from 12:00 to 24:00. Some establishments may be closed on Sundays.

Banks

Operate from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. Some branches are open on Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00.

Post Offices

Open from 7:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturdays. In major cities during the tourist season, some branches may operate longer, until 22:00.

Government Institutions

Typically operate from 8:30 to 16:30 from Monday to Friday.

Features

Seasonal Changes: During the tourist season (June – September), many stores and services extend their hours, especially in coastal areas.

Holidays: On national holidays, most establishments are closed or operate on a reduced schedule. It is recommended to check the operating hours in advance on such days.

Local Features: In small towns and rural areas, stores may close for a lunch break (siesta) between 12:00 and 16:00.

Recommendations for Immigrants

Online Resources: Many stores and services have websites or social media pages where up-to-date hours of operation are listed. It is recommended to check them before visiting.

Alternative Options: In case of store closures, some gas stations and 24-hour stores may offer a limited selection of essential goods. 

Local Croatian Brands

Vegeta: A universal seasoning produced by Podravka, known far beyond Croatia and a staple in many kitchens.

Cedevita: A popular vitamin drink loved by both locals and tourists.

Bajadera: High-quality chocolates by Kraš, considered a delicacy and often used as a gift.

Jamnica: A leading producer of mineral water in Croatia, known for its quality and traditions.

Z’bregov: Dairy products from Vindija, one of the most popular milk brands in the country.

International Brands Represented in Croatia

IKEA: The Swedish furniture and home goods giant has stores in Croatia, offering a wide range of products.

H&M: An international clothing store chain present in large shopping centers around the country.

Zara: A Spanish fashion clothing brand popular among Croatian consumers.

McDonald's: An American fast-food restaurant chain with branches in various cities across Croatia.

Lidl: A German supermarket chain offering a variety of products at affordable prices.

Greetings and Politeness

Entering a Store: When entering small shops and boutiques, it is customary to greet those present with the words "Dobar dan" (Good day). This shows respect for the salespersons and other customers.

Addressing Staff: Address salespersons politely, using "Mr." or "Mrs." along with the last name if known. In more formal situations, it is preferable to use titles and last names.

Queues and Personal Space

Queues: In Croatia, it is customary to follow queues. While waiting for service, maintain order and respect others' personal space.

Personal Space: Croatians value personal space; try not to stand too close to other shoppers.

Payment and Tips

Payment: Most stores accept cash and credit cards. However, it is preferable to have cash on hand at small shops and markets.

Tips: In restaurants and cafes, it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the bill if the service was excellent. Tips are not expected in stores.

Market Trading

Markets: Visiting local markets is a popular practice. Here you can purchase fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.

Price Negotiation: It is acceptable to bargain at markets, but do so with respect and courtesy.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Selecting Gifts: When visiting friends or family, it is customary to bring small gifts, such as flowers, chocolate, or wine. This is a gesture of politeness and respect.

Communication and Language

Language: Croatian is the official language, but many people speak English in tourist areas. Nonetheless, an attempt to use a few Croatian phrases will be appreciated.

Addressing: In formal situations, use titles and last names. Upon closer acquaintance, it may be possible to switch to using first names.

General Recommendations

Clothing: Croatians usually dress neatly and stylishly. It is recommended to adhere to a neat style of clothing when visiting stores and public places.

Punctuality: While time may be more flexible in everyday life, punctuality is valued in business and official situations. 

 Main Sale Seasons

Winter Sales: Start after Christmas, usually from late December or early January, and continue until the end of February. During this period, stores offer significant discounts on winter clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Summer Sales: Begin in early July and continue until the end of August. During this time, summer goods, including clothing, shoes, and beach accessories, can be purchased at reduced prices.

Additional Discount Periods

Off-season sales: They take place in spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October), when stores update their assortment and offer discounts on products from previous collections.

Holiday promotions: In anticipation of major holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and All Saints' Day, many stores hold special promotions and offer discounts on certain categories of goods.

Features of sales in Croatia

Discount size: At the beginning of sales, discounts usually range from 20-30%, gradually increasing to 50-70% by the end of the period.

Assortment: The widest selection of products is available at the beginning of the sales, but the best deals appear closer to the end of the season.

Competition: In popular malls and stores during the sales period, there is an increased influx of customers, so it is recommended to plan purchases in advance. 

In Croatia, the system of household waste disposal and recycling is developing in accordance with the principles of the circular economy, aiming to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling levels.

Separate waste collection

Collection system: In cities and municipalities, systems for separate waste collection are being implemented, including the installation of containers for paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste.

Infrastructure: Waste processing and disposal centers are being constructed and modernized, but their number is still insufficient for effectively covering the entire country.

Problems and challenges

Low recycling level: Despite measures taken, the recycling level remains below the European average, requiring strengthened efforts in this area.

Illegal dumps: The problem of illegal dumps remains relevant, especially in rural areas, negatively affecting the environment.

Need for investments: Significant investments in infrastructure and technology are required to achieve the goals of reducing landfilling and increasing recycling.

Recommendations for residents

Participation in separate collection: Active participation of the population in separate waste collection contributes to increasing recycling levels and reducing landfill loads.

Waste reduction: Reducing the consumption of disposable goods and preferring reusable alternatives helps decrease waste volumes.

Awareness: Familiarizing with local rules and recommendations for waste disposal contributes to more effective household waste management.