12 Little Croatian Habits That Surprised Me as a Canadian

I'm Sarah, a Canadian who moved to Croatia in 2012 and married a Croatian, Ivan. Everyone knows the big Croatian habits: house slippers, never sitting on cold concrete, and the deadly propuh (draught). But after 13 years here, it's the little everyday things that still make me smile. Here are 12 small Croatian habits that surprised me, and quite a few that I've adopted myself.

1. Blaming the weather for your mood

When I first arrived, someone told me they were cranky because of the south wind, the jugo. I'd never heard of such a thing! In Croatia it's completely normal to say that the jugo gives you a headache or puts everyone in a bad mood. Honestly, I love having the weather to blame.

2. Nobody rushes on the escalator

In Canada you stand on the right so people in a hurry can walk past. In Croatia nobody walks down the escalator and nobody moves aside: everyone simply stands and rides. Life here moves at a slower, calmer pace, and the escalator is the perfect example.

3. Saying "dobar tek" to anyone who's eating

Dobar tek means "enjoy your meal". At home we'd only say it when we all sit down to eat together, but here, anyone who walks past you while you're eating will say it, even family members in your own kitchen. It's so sweet that I now do it too.

4. Always returning a missed call

Back home, if you miss a call you assume they'll call again if it's important. In Croatia, not calling back can actually offend someone. And Croatians even call back unknown numbers to ask who called and why, which I would never have done in Canada (Ivan always does).

5. No voicemail

Maybe that's why everyone calls back: hardly anyone here uses voicemail, and it often isn't even set up. If someone can't reach you, they send a message instead. Personally, I don't miss listening to voicemails at all.

6. Everything happens on WhatsApp

Nobody here sends regular text messages. Family chats, work, restaurant bookings, doctors: everything is on WhatsApp. The only SMS I get are appointment reminders. If you're travelling to Croatia, download it before you come: it's also how our guests reach us and their drivers and guides.

7. Friendly conversations can sound like arguments

Croatians often speak loudly and with a lot of energy, so two friends chatting on the street can sound like they're having a fight. They're not! It's usually a perfectly nice conversation, just at a higher volume.

8. A pack of tissues in every bag

Almost every Croatian carries a small pack of paper tissues (maramice) in their bag or pocket. I never did that in Canada, and now I can't imagine leaving the house without one. Thank you, Croatia.

9. Parking half on the curb

Streets in Croatian towns are narrow, so it's completely normal to park with two wheels up on the sidewalk. In some places the parking lines are even painted half on the road and half on the curb, so that's exactly where you're supposed to park. If you're renting a car, don't be surprised.

10. Cold drinks give you a sore throat

When I was little in Canada, a sore throat meant popsicles and cold drinks. In Croatia that's a big no-no: ice-cold drinks, lots of ice or cold food are believed to cause a sore throat in the first place. You'll notice many people ask for drinks without ice.

11. Pancakes are crepes

Croatian palačinke are thin crepes, not thick North American pancakes, filled with jam, Nutella or walnuts. They're a favourite dessert, and you'll find them in cafés all over the country.

12. Admiring the yellow of homemade eggs

When someone makes palačinke with domaća jaja, eggs from a neighbour's farm, everyone comments on how yellow the yolks are and how beautiful the crepes look. Fresh local eggs are a real point of pride here.

The big ones

Want the classic Croatian habits too: slippers, propuh, wet hair and cold concrete? Read our 25 strange things Croatians do (and would never do) and our guide to Croatian culture and etiquette. And before your trip, don't miss our 33 Croatia travel tips.

If you'd like to experience everyday Croatian life up close, with a cooking class, a family farm lunch or a coffee with the locals, tell us about your trip and we'll plan it for you.