Staying connected with contacts across the Adriatic Sea is a daily necessity for many. You might have family in Zagreb or business partners in Split. Knowing how to call Croatia from Italy correctly saves you time and money. It also ensures your important conversations happen without technical glitches. This guide simplifies the process for you.
You need to understand the right codes and dialing formats first. A single wrong digit can prevent your call from connecting. We will cover landlines, mobiles, and cost-saving tips. For a broader list of international codes, you can check this list of country calling codes. Let’s make your international communication seamless.
Why You Might Need to Connect
Italy and Croatia share a long history and strong economic ties. The volume of calls between these two nations is high. You might find yourself dialing for various reasons.
Personal Relationships
Many people have friends or relatives living across the border. Regular calls keep these relationships strong. You might call to share news or celebrate birthdays. Hearing a loved one’s voice is irreplaceable.
Business and Trade
Italy is a key trading partner for Croatia. Sales executives often need to coordinate with Croatian clients. Real estate agents may handle property inquiries. Clear communication is vital for closing deals.
Tourism and Travel
Croatia is a top destination for Italian tourists. You may need to call a hotel in Dubrovnik. perhaps you need to confirm a boat rental in Hvar. Direct calls solve travel issues quickly.
The Components of an International Call
Every international call follows a specific structure. You cannot simply dial the local number. The network needs to know where to route your call.
There are three main parts to the dialing sequence.
- The Exit Code: This lets you leave the Italian network.
- The Country Code: This directs the call to Croatia.
- The Local Number: This reaches the specific phone.
Understanding these parts helps you troubleshoot errors. If a call fails, you can check which part was wrong.
What is the Exit Code for Italy?
The exit code is your key to the international network. In Italy, the standard exit code is 00. You dial this first when using a landline.
It tells your provider that the next digits are not local. Without this, the system tries to connect you within Italy. This results in an error or a wrong number.
Croatia’s Unique Country Code
Every country has a unique digital identifier. For Croatia, this code is 385. You dial this immediately after the exit code.
It acts like a digital address for the country. It ensures your call crosses the border correctly. Always remember 385 when reaching out to any Croatian city.
Calling Croatia from an Italian Landline
Using a landline requires the full dialing string. You must punch in every code manually. Here is the exact order you need to follow.
- Dial 00: This is the Italian exit code.
- Dial 385: This is the Croatian country code.
- Dial the Area Code: Enter the city code (drop the leading zero).
- Dial the Phone Number: Enter the subscriber’s local number.
Example Scenario:
You are calling a landline in Zagreb. The local number is 1234567. The Zagreb area code is 01.
You would dial: 00 385 1 1234567.
Calling Croatia from an Italian Mobile
Mobile phones offer a simpler way to dial abroad. You do not need to remember the 00 exit code. Technology has made this easier for you.
The Plus Sign Shortcut
Modern smartphones use the plus (+) sign as a universal exit code. You can access this by holding down the 0 key. The network automatically recognizes this as an international request.
Steps for Mobile Dialing:
- Press and hold 0: Wait for the + to appear.
- Dial 385: Enter the country code.
- Dial the Number: Enter the area code and local number.
Example Scenario:
You are calling the same Zagreb number from your mobile.
You would dial: +385 1 1234567.
Select Number
Understanding Croatian Area Codes
Landlines in Croatia are tied to specific geographic regions. Each major city or region has a prefix. You must know this to connect to a fixed line.
Domestic calls within Croatia use a leading zero (e.g., 01 for Zagreb). However, you must remove this zero when calling from Italy. This is a common mistake.
List of Key Area Codes
| City / Region | Domestic Code | Dial This from Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Zagreb | 01 | 1 |
| Split | 021 | 21 |
| Rijeka | 051 | 51 |
| Dubrovnik | 020 | 20 |
| Zadar | 023 | 23 |
| Osijek | 031 | 31 |
| Pula | 052 | 52 |
Double-check the city before you dial. A wrong area code sends your call to the wrong region.
Dialing Croatian Mobile Numbers
Calling a mobile phone in Croatia works differently. Mobile numbers are not tied to a specific city. They use network prefixes instead.
These prefixes usually start with the digit 9. Just like landlines, you drop the leading zero from the prefix when calling internationally.
Common Mobile Prefixes:
- 91 (A1 / Telekom)
- 92
- 95 (Telemach)
- 98
- 99
Mobile Dialing Format:
+385 + Mobile Prefix (no 0) + Subscriber Number.
Example:
To call a number starting with 098, dial +385 98 XXXXXXX.
Time Differences and Business Hours
You need to consider the time when you call. Calling at an odd hour is rude. It can also hurt business relationships.
No Time Zone Math Required
There is good news for callers. Italy and Croatia are in the same time zone. Both use Central European Time (CET).
If it is 3:00 PM in Rome, it is 3:00 PM in Zagreb. You do not need to calculate time differences. This makes scheduling meetings very easy.
Standard Business Hours
Croatian businesses operate similarly to Italian ones. Standard hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Monday through Friday are standard workdays. Avoid calling during lunch hours if possible. This is usually between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
Managing International Call Costs
Calling internationally through traditional carriers gets expensive. Standard mobile operators charge high rates per minute.
The Cost of Traditional Lines
A 10-minute call can cost several Euros. This adds up quickly for businesses. Frequent callers will see a spike in their monthly bills.
Roaming and Surcharges
Using your mobile while roaming can also trigger fees. Even with EU regulations, checking your specific plan is smart. Hidden costs can surprise you.
You should look for modern alternatives. Cloud telephony is often much cheaper.
The Telfon Solution for Travelers and Expats
Telfon offers a smarter way to connect. It is a cloud phone system designed for modern needs. It works perfectly for individuals and families.
Save Money Instantly
Telfon uses VoIP technology. This bypasses expensive traditional phone lines. You can save up to 50% compared to standard providers.
Pay-As-You-Go
You do not need locked contracts. Telfon offers pay-as-you-go pricing. You only pay for what you use. This is ideal for tourists or seasonal callers.
Why Businesses Choose Telfon
Companies need more than just a phone call. They need tools to manage communication. Telfon provides a robust business phone system.
Virtual Number Italy Croatia
You can buy a local Croatian number while sitting in Italy. This establishes a local presence. Clients in Croatia trust local numbers more than foreign ones.
Boost Your Brand Image
A virtual number makes you look professional. It shows you are serious about the Croatian market. It is vital for real estate and sales experts.
Key Features for Corporate Efficiency
Telfon is packed with features for growth. It serves HR personnel, support teams, and marketing experts.
Call Recording
Record your calls for training or quality assurance. You can review client details later. This ensures no information is lost.
Detailed Analytics
Get insights into your team’s performance. View graphs and charts on call volume. See who handles the most queries.
CRM Integration
Link your calls to your customer data. This helps sales teams track leads. It improves the overall workflow.
Advanced Messaging Capabilities
Voice calls are not the only way to communicate. Sometimes a text is faster. Telfon integrates powerful messaging tools.
Send and Receive SMS
You can manage SMS campaigns from the dashboard. Confirm appointments or send alerts. You can do this globally.
WhatsApp Integration
WhatsApp is huge in Europe. Telfon allows multiple WhatsApp accounts. You can manage customer chats from one place.
Bulk SMS and Broadcasts
Reach hundreds of clients at once. Send marketing offers instantly. This is efficient for travel agencies and retailers.
How to Get Started with a Virtual Number
- Sign Up: Create an account on Telfon.
- Select Country: Choose Croatia from the list.
- Choose Number: Pick a local or mobile number.
- Start Calling: Use the app on your phone or browser.
You can be active in minutes. It is available on Google Play, the App Store, and Chrome.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Sometimes calls fail to connect. This is frustrating. Here are common reasons why this happens.
The Leading Zero Error
This is the most frequent mistake. Do not dial 00 385 01. Dial 00 385 1. Always drop that first zero from the area code.
Incorrect Exit Code
If you are on a landline, ensure you dial 00. If you use a different carrier prefix, check with them. On mobile, stick to +.
Network Restrictions
Some office phones block international calls. Check with your IT admin. You might need authorization to call abroad.
Improving Call Quality
VoIP calls rely on internet speed. A stable connection ensures clear audio.
Use Wi-Fi When Possible
Wi-Fi is usually more stable than mobile data. It prevents call drops. It also saves your mobile data allowance.
Check Your Headset
A good headset improves sound clarity. It reduces background noise. This is important for professional business calls.
Summary of Dialing Steps
Let’s recap the process for clarity. Keep this quick reference in mind.
- Landline: 00 + 385 + Area Code + Number.
- Mobile: +385 + Prefix + Number.
- Area Code: Remove the first zero.
- Time Zone: Same as Italy (CET).
Follow these rules for success. Your calls will connect every time.
Why Digital is the Future of Calling
Traditional phone lines are fading. Cloud systems like Telfon are taking over. They offer flexibility that cables cannot matches.
Work from Anywhere
You can answer your Croatian number in Rome or Milan. You can travel and keep your business running. Your location does not matter.
Scale Your Business
Add new numbers instantly. Hire staff remotely. Assign them virtual numbers in seconds.
Unified Communication
Keep calls, SMS, and WhatsApp in one app. This organizes your business life. It reduces clutter and confusion.
Making the Switch to Better Calls
You have options for calling Croatia. You can stick to old, expensive methods. Or you can embrace modern tech.
Telfon simplifies the entire process. It gives you control over costs and features. It connects you globally with ease.
Start communicating smarter today. Your friends and partners in Croatia are just a click away.
Get Your Croatian Virtual Number and Build Local Trust
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I call Croatia from Italy on a mobile?
You dial +385 followed by the mobile prefix (without the leading zero) and the subscriber number. For example: +385 91 1234567.
Q: What is the country code for Croatia?
The country code is 385. You must dial this code for every call from Italy to Croatia.
Q: Are calls from Italy to Croatia expensive?
Traditional carriers can be pricey. Using a cloud phone system like Telfon can save you up to 50% on international call rates.
Q: Can I get a Croatian phone number while living in Italy?
Yes. Telfon allows you to purchase a virtual Croatian number. You can use this number to make and receive calls via the app.
Q: Is there a time difference between Italy and Croatia?
No. Both countries are in the Central European Time (CET) zone. You can call at your local time without calculating differences.
Q: How do I call a landline in Zagreb?
Dial +385 1 followed by the local number. The area code for Zagreb is 01, but you drop the zero.
Q: Can I send SMS to Croatia using Telfon?
Yes. Telfon supports sending and receiving SMS globally. It also supports bulk SMS for business marketing.
Q: Does Telfon work for businesses?
Absolutely. It offers analytics, call recording, and CRM integration. It is used by over 600 companies worldwide.
Q: Do I need a special SIM card for a virtual number?
No. Virtual numbers work over the internet. You just need the Telfon app on your existing smartphone or computer.













