Digital Nomad Life in Hvar, Croatia

"Expats in Hvar, often appreciate the relaxed pace of life and the emphasis on enjoying the simple pleasures. They love the local tradition of socializing in cafes, often spending hours chatting over coffee. The local cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, is another aspect of the culture that expats greatly appreciate. They also admire the strong sense of community and the warm, welcoming nature of the locals. The rich history and beautiful architecture of Hvar are also greatly appreciated, as is the stunning natural beauty of the island. Many expats also value the local festivals and cultural events, which offer a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture. The respect for nature and the environment is another aspect of the local culture that expats in Hvar appreciate," remarked one member in Hvar.

"Expats in Hvar often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Croatian is a Slavic language and can be difficult to learn, especially for those who are used to Romance or Germanic languages. Another challenge is the slower pace of life, which can be frustrating for those used to a faster, more efficient pace. Things often take longer than expected in Hvar, from getting a repair done to receiving a response to an email. The bureaucracy in Croatia can also be a challenge for expats. Dealing with paperwork and official procedures can be time-consuming and confusing, especially for those who do not speak the language fluently. Croatians are generally reserved and private people, which can make it difficult for expats to form close relationships and integrate into the local community. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Lastly, while Croatians are generally welcoming and friendly towards foreigners, there can be a degree of localism and a preference for local people and businesses. This can sometimes make it difficult for expats to establish themselves, particularly in the business world," explained one person living in Hvar, Croatia.

"If you are planning to stay in Hvar for a while, the type of visa or residency document you need will depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. If you are a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter Croatia. You can stay in Croatia for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit. If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need a visa to enter Croatia if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your stay. For example, if you are coming to Croatia for work, you will need a work visa. If you are coming for study, you will need a student visa. In addition to a visa, non-EU citizens staying in Croatia for longer than 90 days will also need to apply for a temporary residence permit. To apply for a visa or a residence permit, you will need to provide several documents, including a valid passport, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and a criminal background check. Please note that the rules and requirements for visas and residence permits can change, so it's always a good idea to check with the Croatian embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel," remarked one member in Hvar.

"When visiting Hvar, it's important to respect the local customs and traditions to avoid any cultural faux pas. One should avoid discussing sensitive topics such as the Yugoslav Wars and the country's communist past, as these can stir up strong emotions. Croatians are very proud of their language, so making an effort to learn a few basic phrases in Croatian is appreciated. However, avoid using Serbian phrases or words, as this can be seen as offensive due to the countries' historical tensions. In Hvar, as in the rest of Croatia, it's considered rude to snap your fingers to get someone's attention, especially in restaurants or bars. It's also considered impolite to point with your finger, especially at people. When visiting churches or other religious sites, dress modestly out of respect. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Croatians value punctuality, so try to be on time for any appointments or social gatherings. However, don't be surprised if your Croatian hosts or friends are a bit late - while they expect punctuality from others, they often don't adhere to it themselves. Avoid making negative comments about Croatian food, wine, or culture. Croatians are very proud of their culinary traditions and local products, and criticism can be taken personally. Finally, tipping is customary in Croatia. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 10% of the bill. In bars, rounding up the bill is usually sufficient," said one expat who made the move to Hvar.