MileHacker Logo
Pula Travel Tips

Pula Travel Tips

Pula Istria, Croatia Travel Guide

Mobile Connectivity

Croatia has three main mobile providers: Hrvatski Telekom (HT), A1, and Telemach. Prepaid SIM card options are available.

Purchase & Use

  • Purchase at kiosks (Tisak, iNovine), post offices, or official stores.
  • Your phone must be unlocked to use a local SIM.
  • Local SIM a cost-effective way to stay connected, especially for data.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in Pula. Most hotels, apartments, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

  • Free Wi-Fi for guests and customers.
  • Public areas in the city have free public Wi-Fi zones.
  • Look for "Pula Free Wi-Fi" network.

Language

Croatian is the official language. English is widely spoken, notably by younger generations and those in tourism.

Translation Aids

  • Download offline Google Translate packs.
  • A small Croatian phrasebook has use.
  • Many Croatians in Istria speak Italian fluently.

Postal Services

Hrvatska Pošta (Croatian Post Office) branches are available in Pula for sending postcards, letters, or packages.

Stamps & Locations

  • Purchase stamps at post offices or some kiosks.
  • Branches are available in Pula.
  • Send postcards or packages.

Phrases

Greetings

  • Dobar dan (DOH-bar dahn) - Good day
  • Molim (MOH-leem) - Please / You're welcome
  • Hvala (HVAH-lah) - Thank you
  • Da / Ne (Dah / Neh) - Yes / No

Common Needs

  • Oprostite (OH-pro-stee-teh) - Excuse me / Sorry
  • Govorite li engleski? (GOH-vo-ree-teh lee EN-glesh-kee?) - Do you speak English?
  • Koliko košta? (KOH-lee-koh KOH-sh-tah?) - How much does it cost?
  • Račun, molim (RAH-choon, MOH-leem) - The bill, please.

Activation Tip

When purchasing a local SIM card, ask the vendor to activate it. Confirm your data package for use before you leave the store.

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating hours in Pula vary by business type and season.

Shops

Monday-Friday: 8 AM-8 PM (or 9 PM). Saturdays: 8 AM-2 PM (or 4 PM). Supermarkets have longer hours, some open Sundays.

Restaurants

Lunch: 12 PM-3 PM. Dinner: 6 PM/7 PM onwards. Some close between lunch and dinner, especially off-season.

Cafes & Bars

Open early (around 7 AM). Open until late evening, past midnight in the city center.

Banking & ATMs

Banks operate Monday-Friday, typically 8 AM-4 PM, reduced Saturday hours.

ATM Access

  • ATMs are widely available.
  • Locations include airport, city center, tourist areas.
  • ATMs are accessible 24/7.

Seasonal Schedules

Many tourist-oriented businesses might close entirely or operate on limited hours during the low season (November-April).

Travel Advice

  • Check in advance if traveling during these months.
  • Coastal areas like Verudela are affected.
  • This also counts for smaller hotels and guesthouses.

Public Holidays

Holiday Closures

  • Banks, post offices, government offices close.
  • Many shops and businesses close or operate reduced hours.
  • Public transport runs on a Sunday or reduced schedule.

Major Holidays

  • New Year's Day, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Labor Day.
  • Corpus Christi, Anti-Fascist Struggle Day, Statehood Day.
  • Victory Day, Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day, Christmas.

Plan Ahead

Plan your activities around public holidays, as many services will have reduced hours or close.

Etiquette & Accessibility

Daily interactions in Pula and navigating the city. This section covers cultural norms and accessibility details.

Greeting Customs

A handshake is common for introductions. Among friends, a kiss on each cheek is customary.

Interaction

  • Handshake common.
  • Kiss on each cheek for friends.
  • Making eye contact speaking is polite.

Attire

Dress in Pula is casual and relaxed.

Guidelines

  • Shoulders and knees covered when visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Swimwear for beaches or pool areas only.
  • Not for walking around the city or entering establishments.

Photography

Taking photos of landscapes, architecture, and public scenes has general acceptance.

Permissions

  • Ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
  • Mind where photography might restrict (museums, private residences).
  • Respect privacy.

Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics or the recent Yugoslav wars unless a local starts the conversation.

Local Pride

  • These topics are complex and emotional.
  • Croatians are generally proud of their heritage.
  • Croatians are proud of their independence.

LGBTQ+ Travel Note

General Context

  • Croatia is generally a conservative country.
  • Notably outside of larger cities and tourist hubs.
  • Pula is more open and tolerant as a major tourist destination.

Public Conduct

  • Public displays of affection among same-sex couples are less common.
  • Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.
  • Travelers use discretion as they find suitable.

Accessibility

Infrastructure

  • Newer hotels and renovated areas have increasing accessibility.
  • Historic city center has cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, stairs.
  • Mobility challenges possible in old town.

Accessible Attractions

  • Pula Arena main entrance and ground level accessible.
  • Newer public buses have ramps for wheelchair access.
  • Larger ferries generally accessible.

Accessibility Resources

Contact Croatian National Tourist Board or Pulainfo for accessibility information. Inquire with providers when booking accommodation or tours.

Airport Services & Connectivity

Various services at the airport ease your travel experience.

Travel Perks

1

Lounge Access

Priority Pass gives frequent travelers independent airport lounge access globally. Priority Pass

2

Flight Compensation

Compensair assists customers with compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Compensair

3

Global Connectivity

Airalo eSIM offers global data plans for easy connectivity without physical SIM cards. Airalo

Connectivity Options

  • Solis Wi-Fi: Portable WiFi device retailer for reliable internet. Solis Wi-Fi
  • Local SIM cards offer competitive prepaid options for data and calls.
  • Free Wi-Fi available at many hotels, cafes, and public areas.
  • Consider an offline language pack for Google Translate.
  • A small Croatian phrasebook has use.
  • Learn basic Croatian phrases for local interaction.

Learning & Culture

  • Rosetta Stone for language learning before your trip. Rosetta Stone
  • Croatia's official language is Croatian; English widely understood in tourism.
  • Many in Istria speak Italian fluently due to historical ties.
  • Observe greeting customs: handshake for introductions, kisses for friends.
  • Dress casually, but cover shoulders and knees in religious sites.
  • Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 5-10% is appreciated.

Financial & Safety Overview

Banking & ATMs

Banks operate Monday-Friday, typically 8 AM-4 PM. ATMs are widely available and accessible 24/7 in Pula.

Public Holidays

On public holidays, banks and most offices close. Shops may operate reduced hours. Public transport might run on a Sunday schedule.

Seasonal Closures

Many tourist-oriented businesses, especially in coastal areas, might close entirely or have limited hours during the low season (November-April).

Local Knowledge

A smooth travel experience involves knowing local customs, business hours, and communication methods. This knowledge helps you navigate Pula with greater ease.
← Previous
Day Trips from Pula
← Back to Pula
Next →
Sustainable Travel in Pula

Next Up: Sustainable Travel in Pula. Eco-Friendly, Responsible Tourism, Conservation

Continue to Sustainable Travel in Pula