Moving to Croatia from USA/UK

[Limey]

I am moving to Croatia this spring from the USA. Any information on the following would be greatly appreciated! I would like to take my USA appliances (Fridge/Freezer, Washer/Dryer, Microwave etc) with me, primarily because they are huge compared to European models and much less expense in the US, but will they work over there or would I need transformers or to just change the plugs? Do American or English TV's work in Croatia? Is there a national storage facility for household goods? Is it cheaper to buy and ship a car from the US than to buy in Croatia (I'm considering a Toyota SUV)? Private medical/dental insurance - is this available in Croatia or should I purchase a policy in the UK? Does anyone know of an American Dentist or Doctor anywhere in Croatia? I have two dogs - any advice?

The Croatian Embassy in Washington, DC advised me that I should not have to pay customs duty on my household shipment into Croatia and advised me to get the appropriate documentation from them before I leave. Apparently the law has just changed and my understanding is that it applies to Europeans and Americans.

Great site! Thank you in advance. Limey

[cronautic dot com]

make sure your tv-set works on pal.

i think it should be cheaper to bring the car with you, however these are the actual toyota prices in croatia (EURO) http://www.toyota.hr:
Land Cruiser 3V 3,0 D-4D 2982 163/120 39.175
Land Cruiser 5V 3,0 D-4D 2982 163/120 40.175
Land Cruiser 3V 3,0 D-4D Limited 2982 163/120 48.455
Land Cruiser 5V 3,0 D-4D Limited 2982 163/120 49.455
Land Cruiser 5V 3,0 D-4D Limited automatic 2982 163/120 51.455
Land Cruiser 5V 3,0 D-4D Executive automatic 2982 163/120 61.000
Land Cruiser 5V 4,0 VVT-i Executive automatic 3956 249/183 63.200
Celica coupe 3V 1,8 VVTL-i TS 1794 192/140 34.299
MR2 1,8 VVT-i roadster 1794 143/105 27.849
Previa 2,4 VVT-i 2362 156/115 37.919
Previa 2,4 VVT-i automatic 2362 156/115 38.835
Previa 2,0 D-4D 1995 116/85 39.445

[abbe]

Your appliances will not work without transformers.
Plus, European appliances are smaller for a reason - they
fit in European kitchens and bathrooms!

One advantage of European washing machines is that they
actually contain a heating element that can heat the water
to near boiling, much warmer than your normal water, which
makes a huge difference in the laundry.

you also might do better with a non-SUV - the typical car
in Croatia is small, and parking in Zagreb is not always easy,
having a bigger than average car will limit where you can park.

I don't know any American doctors, but the Croatian doctor I saw
spoke English just fine and did a good job...

[Rich]

I am an American doctor and I will be moving to Rovinj at the end of this month..

so, my TV wont work in Croatia then?

am i just better off selling all my appliance and getting new ones there?

thanks for your answers

[Limey]

I have been advised to sell my appliances and buy new in Croatia. I really like the size of US washers and dryers (they are much smaller in the UK!) but my Croatian friends tell me that they are getting bigger and cheaper in Croatia.

US TV's will work for playing US videos/DVD's but not to receive local TV.

A couple of people have also commented on the size of US cars/SUV's and the wisdom of shipping such a large vehicle to a country with narrow roads (just like the UK!).

I have done some research into shipping container companies and one of them spees in your town in Croatia. I would be happy to forward the details to you if needed.

Also, you might want to let the US Embassy in Zagreb know where you are and they will add your name to the list of US Doctors/Dentists in Croatia.

What is your speciality?

Good Luck!

[Rich]

Thank you for your answers.

I am a chiropractor and I will be practicing with another doctor in Pula. There are only 9 D.C's in Croatia and they need our services badly.

So, you recommend selling my car? I have a relatively small car and was going to ship it over to Croatia.

what about computers? I would like to use my desktop if i could.

one more thing... what about motorcycles? does a lot of people ride in Croatia? I was floored when I found out that gas was expensive as heck.

thanks

Rich

[Limey]

I wouldn't sell your car. Just ship it over. I would think that your computer would work with an adaptor, but I am not sure. As for gas (petrol) I think it is cheaper in Croatia than some other European countries. When I left England a few months ago it was about $5 a gallon!!!!! Americans have got it good at less than $2!!
Much success with your new venture.

[Rich]

Thank you Limey.

what steps do you need in order to acquiring a Croatian drivers license?

[Limey]

Rich,

I'm not sure exactly how to go about getting a Croatian drivers license. I think the embassy said I would need to apply for the license but not take a test (probably because I have a British license?). I only know two words in Croatian (Dobar Dan) so I would have a real problem trying to take a test of any description ;D

I will find out and get back to you.

[Limey]

Rich,

I spoke to Pero Hajdic at the Croatian Embassy in Washington DC. To obtain a Croatian drivers license you need to take your American (or whatever nationality) drivers license and exchange it for a Croatian one. No test needed! They will then send your original license back to your Embasssy.

Hope this helps clarify the situation.

Limey

[Danae]

I don't know about big appliances, but I brought over my curling iron and hair dryer and had to have an adapter. Even then, they sometimes don't work.
The stove, fridge, etc from here are small (if you are thinking of buying here), but that is fine for me because my kitchen is small. Almost all the houses I've seen have small kitchens, so maybe that is just the thing here.
My beef is that I hate having to go to 3 different stores for items. I really miss Wal-Mart. Does anyone know if a store like that around Zagreb?

[e-mail]

[alsdoubles]

Moving everything? Not George Bush, we hope. Leave it all behind....false economy...It'll all work on 220/250 Volts...IF you're daft enlought to ship it. (No duty paid).
And leave...Political correctness at the bottom of the ocean...where it belongs. Along with the people who have it as their second language.
Plus...you will neeed loads of documents, in both languages, and you will walk 40 miles from the local cop-shop and Notaries...Getting stamps, and copies and....wow...It's an education.
Your driving licenece, you straight swap, then you have to take on the most dangerous roads, where the death toll PER WEEK is mind blowing! BUT, no-one will bomb you. Probably...yet.
Wal-Mart. You're gonna miss Wal-Mart...Jeeez. Don't do it!! Please.
Croatia is great man. Juha, boiled beef and carrots....you'll...love it. Do it. Leave EVERYTHING behind. Everything!!!!! Croatia......is just chilled.

[Shannon]

When my husband and I moved here from Korea, we were worried about our American TV, and various American and Korean appliances. We bought a Samsung Digital System Conversion - World TV Signal Receiver ( a VCR that acts as a converter) to combat the problem of different systems.

It works great! All our electronics are working fine with the Croatian system, filtered through the converter. A worthwhile investment, if you want to use all your eletronics, and still be able to play your own videoes/DVDs, as well as rent the videos/DVDs here.

[pandora]

Hi to everyone.

Me and my husband are toying with the idea of moving to Croatia, and after reading some of the messages on different subjects, I must say the place does seem appealing, However, I have one important question, which could alter our decision, are there any VETS in split - croatia ?.

[Emma]

Yes, no problem for Vets in Croatia.