Communication in: Bol

Mobile Connectivity

Hrvatski Telekom, A1, and Telemach are the main mobile network operators in Croatia, with reliable coverage on Brač.

Local SIM Cards

Prepaid tourist SIM cards are available.
Purchase at kiosks, post offices, and provider stores.
Cost: €10-€20 for 7-15 days with ample data.

Digital Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in Bol, found in most hotels, apartments, restaurants, and cafes.

Internet & Other Services

Most establishments have free Wi-Fi for guests.
Public Wi-Fi: Exercise caution, often unsecured.
Post offices (Hrvatska Pošta) available for mail.

Language Tips

The official language is Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Phrases

Hello: Dobar dan (DOH-bar dahn)
Goodbye: Doviđenja (doh-vee-JEH-nyah)
Please / You're welcome: Molim (MOH-leem)

Helpful Phrases

Learning a few basic Croatian phrases aids local connection and shows respect.

Common Expressions

Yes: Da (dah)
No: Ne (neh)
Do you speak English?: Govorite li engleski?

Getting Connected

ESIM & Portable Wi-Fi

Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet access.
Purchase an eSIM from Airalo for mobile data.
Learn basic phrases with Rosetta Stone.
Utilize your EU roaming plan if applicable.

Airport Services & Flight Compensation

Priority Pass for airport lounge access.
Claim flight compensation with Compensair.
Ensure smooth airport transitions.
Check local conditions upon arrival.

Translation Aid

Use a translation app (e.g., Google Translate) for more complex conversations. Download the Croatian language pack for offline use.

Business Hours & Schedules

Retail Hours

Shops generally open 8 AM/9 AM to 8 PM/9 PM, Mon-Sat. Smaller shops may close for midday breaks.

Grocery Hours

Supermarkets typically open 7 AM/8 AM to 9 PM/10 PM, seven days a week in summer.

Dining Hours

Lunch service runs 12 PM - 3 PM. Dinner starts 6 PM/7 PM until 10 PM/11 PM.

Financial Access

ATMs ("bankomati") are widely available in Bol. Banks are present but may have limited hours.

Banking & Postal Services

Banks typically open weekdays 8 AM - 4 PM/5 PM.
ATMs are available at the harbor and near hotels.
Post offices open weekdays 8 AM - 7 PM, Sat 8 AM - 1 PM.

Holiday Impact

Most businesses, banks, and public services close or have reduced hours on public holidays.

Public Holidays Example

January 1: New Year's Day
Easter Monday (Variable date)
December 25/26: Christmas Days

Seasonal Information

Low Season Changes

Many tourist businesses close completely.
Ferry schedules are significantly reduced.
Bol becomes quiet, offering local life.

High Season Operations

Most businesses have extended hours.
Full services and amenities are active.
Expect higher crowds, especially in July/August.

Planning Visits

Check operating hours and schedules, especially if visiting outside peak season, to match your expectations.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Local Greetings

"Dobar dan" (Good day) serves as a common greeting. Handshakes are customary when meeting someone new.

Greeting Customs

Use "Dobar dan" during the day, "Dobra večer" after sunset.
"Molim" means both "please" and "you're welcome."
Learning simple Croatian phrases is appreciated.

Appropriate Attire

Dress codes vary by setting, with swimwear for beaches and smart casual for town environments.

Dress Code Guidelines

Coastal/Beaches: Casual wear and swimwear.
Town/Restaurants: Smart casual generally suits.
Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered.

Dining Practices

Dining is a relaxed affair; there is no need to rush your meal. Splitting the bill equally commonly occurs in groups.

Restaurant Customs

Meals are for lingering and conversation.
Tipping practices are outlined in Section 2.3.
Group bills often split evenly.

Photography Ethics

Generally, photography is fine in public places. However, specific permissions and privacy considerations apply.

Photo Guidelines

Public places and landscapes are generally suitable.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Religious sites may have photography restrictions.

Sensitive Topics

Discussions to Avoid

Politics: Generally best avoided with new acquaintances.
Homeland War (1991-1995): A sensitive historical topic.
Negative comparisons to other Balkan countries.

Respectful Engagement

Listen more than you speak on complex topics.
Only discuss sensitive issues with trusted locals.
Be mindful of reactions and shift topics if needed.

Traveler Considerations

General Safety

Croatia is generally a safe country for all travelers.
LGBTQ+ rights continue to progress.
Discrimination based on orientation is legally prohibited.

Local hints

Public displays of affection might be more accepted in cities.
Smaller towns can be more conservative.
Bol, as a tourist town, generally is a more open-minded atmosphere.

Engage Respectfully

Adapting to local customs enriches your travel experience and fosters positive interactions with residents.

Accessibility Information

Bol's terrain presents some challenges for travelers with mobility needs, but certain options exist for navigation.

Mobility Navigation

Bol's main promenade to Zlatni Rat is largely flat. However, the old town features narrow, sometimes cobbled, and hilly sections.

Infrastructure Considerations

Promenade to Zlatni Rat is accessible.
Old town areas can pose challenges for mobility aids.
Public transport (buses) may not be fully accessible.

Accessible Points

Zlatni Rat beach maintains relative accessibility with paved paths. Some newer accommodations also feature accessible facilities.

Attractions & Transport

Zlatni Rat beach presents relative accessibility.
Newer hotels or resorts may offer accessible rooms.
Private transfers can arrange accessible transportation.

Travel Planning Tips

Limited specialized services are readily available. Consider traveling with a companion or relying on assistance from travel agencies specializing in accessible travel. Contact the Bol Tourist Board for current local information on accessibility.

Communication in Bol