Connecting with friends, family, or business associates in Croatia from the UK might seem complex. Different country codes, area codes, and time zones can make the process confusing. Whether you are planning a holiday, managing international business, or simply catching up with loved ones, knowing the correct dialing procedure is essential. This guide simplifies everything you need to know about how to call Croatia from UK, ensuring your calls go through smoothly.

Croatia, a beautiful country known for its stunning Adriatic coast and rich history, attracts many visitors and businesses from the United Kingdom. If you are looking to explore its wonders, Visit Croatia offers excellent travel information and planning resources. However, before you pack your bags or close a deal, understanding how to make that crucial call is key. We will cover everything from dialing codes to cost-effective solutions like Telfon, helping you stay connected without a hitch.

Understanding International Dialing Basics

Making an international call always involves a few standard components. Think of it as a specific address you need to dial to reach the right place globally. For any international call, you will typically need:

• An Exit Code: This code tells your phone provider you are making an international call from your current country.
• A Country Code: This identifies the country you want to call. Every country has a unique one.
• An Area Code: For larger countries, this pinpoints a specific city or region within that country.
• The Local Phone Number: This is the individual number of the person or business you want to reach.

Following this sequence ensures your call routes correctly. Let’s break down these components for calling Croatia from the UK.

What is the Croatia Country Code?

The Croatia country code is a crucial part of your dialing sequence. Whenever you are making an international call UK to Croatia, you must include this code.

• Croatia’s Country Code: +385

You will always use this three-digit number after your UK exit code (or the ‘+’ symbol on mobile phones). It signals to the international network that your call is destined for Croatia. Without it, your call will not connect.

Calling Croatia from a Landline in the UK

Calling Croatia from England or any part of the UK using a landline follows a specific format. It involves the UK’s international exit code, followed by Croatia’s country code, and then the specific Croatian number.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Dial the UK’s International Exit Code: Start by dialing 00. This code indicates you are making an international call from the United Kingdom.
2. Dial Croatia’s Country Code: Next, enter 385. This connects your call to the Croatian network.
3. Dial the Croatian Area Code: After the country code, you need to input the specific area code for the city or region in Croatia you are calling. (We will list common ones below).
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Finally, dial the individual phone number of the person or business.

Putting it all together, the format looks like this:

00 - 385 - [Area Code] - [Local Phone Number]

For example, if you are calling a landline in Zagreb with an area code of 1 and a local number of 1234567, you would dial: 00 385 1 1234567.

Calling Croatia from a Mobile Phone in the UK

Calling Croatia from UK using your mobile phone offers a slightly simpler process compared to a landline. Modern smartphones allow you to use a universal symbol for the international exit code.

Here’s how to dial:

1. Use the Plus Sign (+): Instead of dialing 00, you can simply hold down the 0 key until a + symbol appears on your screen. This + sign automatically acts as the international exit code for your mobile network, regardless of your location.
2. Dial Croatia’s Country Code: Enter 385. This directs your call to Croatia.
3. Dial the Croatian Area Code: Input the specific area code for the Croatian city or region.
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Enter the remaining digits of the local phone number.

The mobile dialing format is:

+ 385 - [Area Code] - [Local Phone Number]

For instance, to call the same Zagreb number from your mobile, you would dial: +385 1 1234567. This method is generally more convenient and works worldwide.

Key Croatian Area Codes

Croatia uses specific area codes for different cities and regions. When you call Croatia from UK, you must include the correct area code after the country code and before the local number. These codes typically start with a ‘0’ when dialed domestically, but you drop the ‘0’ when making an international call.

Here is a list of some common Croatian area codes you might need:

For example, if you are calling a number in Split, you would use ’21’ as the area code. Always double-check the specific area code if you are unsure, as dialing the wrong one will prevent your call from connecting.

Croatian Phone Number Format Explained

Understanding the phone number format in Croatia is important for successful international calls. Croatian phone numbers generally consist of an area code followed by a subscriber number.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Domestic Format: When dialing within Croatia, numbers typically start with a ‘0’ before the area code. For example, a domestic call to Zagreb might look like 01 XXX XXXX.
• International Format: When you are calling Croatia from UK, you must drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code. The international format is +385 followed by the area code (without the ‘0’) and then the local number.

So, if a local Croatian number is advertised as 021 123 4567 (Split), for an international call from the UK, you would dial +385 21 123 4567. Mobile numbers in Croatia are typically 9 digits long, including a prefix that starts with 09x (e.g., 091, 095, 098). When calling a Croatian mobile from the UK, you would also drop the ‘0’ from this prefix. For instance, 091 123 4567 becomes +385 91 123 4567.

Always ensure you have the full 7-digit local number (for landlines) or 7-digit subscriber number (for mobiles after the 9x prefix) to avoid issues.

Best Time for Calling Croatia from the UK

Considering the time difference is crucial when planning your international calls UK to Croatia. Nobody wants to accidentally wake someone up in the middle of the night!

• Time Zone: Croatia operates on Central European Time (CET), which is GMT+1 during standard time and GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time (CEST).
• Time Difference:

During GMT (Winter in UK): Croatia is 1 hour ahead of the UK.

During BST (Summer in UK): Croatia is 1 hour ahead of the UK (as both countries adjust for daylight saving).

This consistent 1-hour difference makes planning straightforward.

Recommended Calling Times (UK Time):

• For Business Calls: If you are contacting businesses, aim to call between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM UK time. This corresponds to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Croatia, which are standard business hours.
• For Personal Calls: To reach friends or family during their leisure hours, consider calling in the late afternoon or evening UK time, such as 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM UK time. This would be 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Croatia, allowing them to be home and relaxed.

Always check for any public holidays in Croatia that might affect business availability. A quick online search for “public holidays Croatia” will give you this information.

Cost of Calling Croatia from the UK

The cost of calling Croatia from UK can vary significantly depending on your phone provider and the type of phone you are using (landline or mobile). Traditional international calls can often be surprisingly expensive.

Here’s a breakdown of factors influencing costs:

• Mobile Networks: Major UK mobile networks (e.g., EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) typically charge per minute for international calls. These rates can range from 20p to over £1 per minute, plus a connection charge. Calling Croatian mobile numbers often costs more than calling landlines.
• Landline Providers: BT, Virgin Media, and other landline providers also have their own international call rates. While sometimes slightly cheaper than mobile rates, they can still add up quickly, especially for longer conversations.
• Calling Plans/Bundles: Some providers offer international calling bundles or add-ons that can reduce per-minute costs. Check if your current plan includes international calls UK to Croatia at a preferential rate.
• Pay-As-You-Go vs. Contract: Pay-as-you-go users might find international rates higher compared to those on a monthly contract with an international calling allowance.

How to check your current provider’s rates:

The best way to find out the exact cost is to visit your specific network provider’s website or contact their customer service. Search for “international call rates to Croatia from UK [your provider name]”. This will give you the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. The good news is, there are much more affordable alternatives available, which we will explore next.

Why Call Croatia?

There are many compelling reasons why individuals and businesses in the UK need to call Croatia from UK. Understanding these motivations helps to appreciate the importance of reliable and affordable international communication.

• Tourism and Travel: Croatia is a hugely popular tourist destination for Britons. Calls are often made for booking accommodations, inquiring about tours, confirming travel plans, or simply staying in touch with hotels and local contacts while on holiday.
• Family and Friends: Many Croatian nationals live in the UK, and vice versa. Regular calls are vital for maintaining personal connections with loved ones across borders.

• Business Opportunities: Croatia’s growing economy, particularly in sectors like tourism, IT, and manufacturing, presents numerous business opportunities. UK companies might need to communicate with partners, suppliers, clients, or branches in Croatia for sales, support, and collaboration.
• Property and Relocation: Some UK residents invest in Croatian property or consider relocating there. This involves frequent communication with real estate agents, lawyers, and local services.
• Education: Students might call Croatian universities for admissions, course information, or general inquiries.

For all these reasons, having an efficient and cost-effective method for calling Croatia from England or elsewhere in the UK is incredibly valuable.

How Telfon Can Be Useful for Calling Croatia from the UK

Traditional phone services can be expensive and inflexible for international calls. This is where modern solutions like Telfon come into play, offering a significantly better way to call Croatia from UK. Telfon is a virtual phone calling app that provides cloud telephony solutions, making international communication seamless and affordable.

Here’s how Telfon specifically helps with calling Croatia from UK:

• Cost-Effective International Calls: Telfon offers highly competitive rates for international calls UK to Croatia, often much lower than traditional mobile or landline providers. This means you can talk for longer without worrying about huge bills.
• Virtual Number for Croatia: You can purchase a virtual number for Croatia through Telfon. This means you can have a local Croatian number, even while in the UK. This is incredibly useful for businesses that want a local presence or for individuals who want Croatian contacts to call them at local rates.
• Easy Setup and Use: The Telfon app is user-friendly and straightforward. You can make calls directly from the app, eliminating the need to remember complex dialing codes every time.
• Global Reach: Telfon provides calling services to over 180+ countries, making it a versatile tool for all your international communication needs, not just Croatia.
• Business Features: For businesses, Telfon offers a range of powerful features like call recordings, user analytics, phone number management, and WhatsApp integration. These tools are invaluable for HR personnel, sales executives, and businesses managing international teams or clients in Croatia.
• Flexibility for Individuals and Businesses: Whether you are an individual wanting to connect with family or a business expanding into Croatia, Telfon caters to both B2C and B2B needs.
• SMS and WhatsApp Integration: Beyond calling, Telfon allows you to send and receive SMS messages, and even integrates with WhatsApp, enabling multi-channel communication with your Croatian contacts.

By leveraging Telfon, you gain a professional, efficient, and budget-friendly way to manage all your communication with Croatia, making calling Croatia from UK a hassle-free experience.

Steps to Call Croatia Using Telfon

Using Telfon to call Croatia from UK is designed to be simple and intuitive. Here’s a quick guide to getting started:

1. Download the Telfon App: First, download the Telfon app from your device’s app store (available for both iOS and Android).
2. Sign Up and Create Your Account: Follow the easy registration process to create your Telfon account.
3. Add Credit or Choose a Plan: Purchase calling credit or select a suitable plan that includes international calling. Telfon offers flexible options to fit your usage needs.
4. Purchase a Virtual Number (Optional but Recommended for Businesses): If you need a local presence in Croatia or want Croatian contacts to call you at local rates, you can purchase a virtual number for Croatia through the app. This gives you a Croatian phone number that rings on your Telfon app.
5. Dial Croatia Directly: Open the Telfon app and navigate to the dial pad. You can then dial the Croatian number in the standard international format (e.g., +385 1 1234567). The app automatically handles the routing and ensures your call connects at the competitive Telfon rates.

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can start making reliable and affordable international calls UK to Croatia using Telfon. The process is streamlined, allowing you to focus on your conversation rather than complicated dialing codes or high costs.

Key Takeaways for Calling Croatia from UK

Calling Croatia from UK does not have to be a daunting task. By understanding a few key elements and leveraging modern communication tools, you can stay connected effortlessly.

Here are the main points to remember:

• Dialing Sequence: Always start with your international exit code (00 for landlines, + for mobiles), followed by the Croatia country code (385), then the specific area code (without the leading ‘0’), and finally the local phone number.
• Time Difference: Croatia is consistently 1 hour ahead of the UK, making it easy to plan your calls during appropriate hours.
• Cost Awareness: Traditional mobile and landline providers can charge high rates for international calls UK to Croatia. Always check your plan or consider alternatives.
• Telfon for Efficiency and Savings: Telfon offers a highly cost-effective and feature-rich solution for calling Croatia from UK. Its virtual numbers, call recording, and seamless app experience provide significant advantages for both individuals and businesses.
• Practical Applications: Whether for business expansion, personal connections, or travel planning, reliable communication with Croatia is vital.

By keeping these points in mind, you are well-equipped to make successful and affordable calls to Croatia from any part of the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about calling Croatia from UK:

Q1: What is the Croatia country code?

A: The Croatia country code is +385. You must dial this after your international exit code when making a call from the UK.

Q2: How do I call a Croatian mobile number from the UK?

A: To call a Croatian mobile from the UK, dial +385, followed by the mobile prefix (e.g., 91, 95, 98 – without the leading ‘0’), and then the 7-digit local number. For example: +385 91 123 4567.

Q3: Do I drop the ‘0’ from the Croatian area code when calling internationally?

A: Yes, when calling Croatia from UK, you must drop the leading ‘0’ from the Croatian area code. For example, Zagreb’s domestic area code 01 becomes 1 for international dialing.

Q4: What is the time difference between UK and Croatia?

A: Croatia is consistently 1 hour ahead of the UK. If it’s 10:00 AM in the UK, it’s 11:00 AM in Croatia, regardless of daylight saving adjustments.

Q5: What is the cheapest way to call Croatia from UK?

A: Using a VoIP service like Telfon is typically the cheapest way for international calls UK to Croatia. These services offer competitive per-minute rates and often additional features that traditional carriers do not provide.

Q6: Can I send SMS to Croatia from UK?

A: Yes, you can send SMS messages to Croatia from the UK. The cost will depend on your mobile network provider’s international SMS rates. Services like Telfon also offer SMS sending and receiving at lower costs.

Q7: How does a virtual number for Croatia help me?

A: A virtual number for Croatia allows you to have a local Croatian phone number that rings on your UK-based device (e.g., your Telfon app). This makes it easier and cheaper for people in Croatia to call you, as they are making a local call. It also provides a local presence for businesses.

Q8: Will my call quality be good when calling Croatia with an app like Telfon?

A: Yes, modern VoIP services like Telfon often provide excellent call quality, especially when you have a stable internet connection. They use advanced codecs to ensure clear audio.

Q9: Can I use Telfon for business calls to Croatia?

A: Absolutely! Telfon is well-suited for businesses, offering features like call recordings, user analytics, multi-country numbers, and WhatsApp integration, making it ideal for managing client or partner communications in Croatia.

Q10: What should I do if my call to Croatia doesn’t connect?

A: First, double-check the dialing sequence: 00/+, 385, the area code (without ‘0’), and the local number. Ensure you have sufficient credit or an active plan. If issues persist, contact your service provider or Telfon support.