Croatia attracts tourists with the Adriatic Sea, historical cities and cuisine, and after the start of the full-scale war became home to many Ukrainians. Those considering a move should learn in advance about the conditions of stay in Croatia. Blogger Kristina talks about her impressions of life in Split in her video.
What attracts Ukrainians to Croatia
She was most impressed by the natural landscapes and architecture. Split combines the sea, mountains and ancient heritage, and the city itself resembles a Mediterranean resort.
Among the advantages, local Ukrainian women name the friendly attitude of Croats. Kristina's interviewees explain this by the fact that the country's residents themselves lived through the war in the 1990s.
“They understand our situation very well and sympathize, because they themselves went through this. The people here are very friendly,” says the blogger.
The Ukrainian women also noted the calm rhythm of life, convenient public transport and widespread knowledge of English. Locals devote more time to family and rest, and for foreigners it is usually not difficult to communicate in pharmacies and small establishments.
What Ukrainian women named as the disadvantages of life in Croatia
The high cost of living can become a serious obstacle for those who receive a local salary. Renting housing, groceries and meals in cafes are expensive, so the interviewees advise those who have remote work with a good income or their own business to consider moving.
“Croatia is a rather expensive country if you do not work remotely in IT. When we came out of the supermarket, we left at least 35 euros there every time,” the women said.
Another disadvantage the Ukrainian women named was widespread smoking, including at bus stops, playgrounds and cafe terraces. Bureaucracy also remains difficult: according to the interviewees, processing documents for long-term residence can drag on for years.
Kristina noted that it is difficult to legalize one's stay in Croatia even for people close to locals in mentality. The experience of Ukrainian women in Split and their stories about housing, safety and expenses will help better assess living conditions before moving.