14 March 2022 - Maybe you’re looking for something that’s not available locally, or perhaps the pandemic has changed the way you shop. Regardless, online stores have made purchasing more accessible, faster and at times, even more affordable compared to their brick and mortar counterparts. But how is online shopping in Croatia? Read on to find out more.
Let me rip the proverbial band-aid off first. Unfortunately American online shopping giant, Amazon, does not currently have a presence in Croatia (yet?). Whether this is advantageous or not, is highly debatable.
While you can still order from Amazon’s main site, the costs to ship everything across the Atlantic are eye-watering! You’ll also have to factor in import taxes that will be calculated by the local delivery company (e.g. Hrvatska Pošta, DHL, GLS), increasing prices even further.
Here's an example of how shipping costs more than the item itself. Image: Amazon.com
But not to worry, this doesn’t mean you are out of options when it comes to ordering from Amazon. Their online stores are available in neighboring European countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, albeit with caveats.
The most obvious disparities are that Amazon inventories in Europe are not as immense as the US site, and by nature of where they’re based, different types and brands of products are stocked. Another caveat is that not all items from these sites can be shipped to Croatia. 
Here’s an example of an item that does not ship to Croatia. Image: Amazon.de
Still, this is a better alternative to the US-based site since shipping costs are significantly lower at €9.99 per order, for delivery within a week. Special services such as fast shipping (2-3 day deliveries) exist at a premium, whereas for the same order, my shipping quote went up to €27.
So, other than Amazon, what are your online shopping options in Croatia?
The answer is a number of smaller, more specialized online domestic and EU retailers who currently fill the gap in the market. Let me introduce you to some of my favorites. I am not affiliated with any of these sites but have used them in the past and am quite pleased with their services.
Fashion
While larger fashion chains such as Mango, Pull & Bear, Zara, and many more, have physical stores in Croatia, when it comes to fast fashion, I’ve personally found that ASOS has a wider selection, with quick and reliable shipping (around 3 days).
Similar to ASOS, Zalando has only recently extended its network to Croatia since July 2021. Already, this has proven to be another reliable source for all your wardrobe needs and as a plus, they offer free 30-day returns on all orders.
Between the two sites, you'll meet all your fashion needs. Image: Pexels.
Eyewear/Contact lenses
For those who require contact lenses or new prescription glasses during your time in Croatia, then bookmark adrialece.hr.
They stock a huge range of contact lenses, frames, and optical accessories (e.g. contact lens fluid, cases etc.), including multifocal and astigmatism prescriptions at very competitive prices.
Glasses and sunglasses are the top 10 items travelers tend to leave behind on the plane. Image: Pexels.
Shipping is free if you place an order above a certain amount, and I’ve never waited more than 5 days for my order to arrive by registered mail. Their customer service representatives are also highly responsive if there are any issues with your order or delivery.
Healthcare
For all my healthcare and supplement products, there are two online stores that I frequent every couple of months.
Vitamins and over-the-counter medications are usually ordered from this online pharmacy. For sports supplements such as protein powder, bars, or sports aids, myprotein is my go-to. Both have competitive prices, short delivery times, and a great selection for all your healthcare needs.
Skincare & cosmetics
Last Christmas, having left Christmas shopping to the last minute, I caved and ordered from Douglas, a leading German cosmetics and lifestyle brand that has been around in the early 19th century.
Image: Pexels.
While payment was slightly more complicated (the site did not take credit cards so I had to do a bank transfer), once the order was processed, I received my items via registered mail in 3 days. For health and beauty, I still recommend the Chewwies web site, and for healthier hair, glowing skin and stronger nails, there is this product. You can even grab a free sample pack.
Produce
A few grocery stores here such as Ribola and Konzum provide home deliveries via their websites but for more hard-to-find ingredients, I often order from this store.
While their main focus is on organic dry ingredients such as cereals and grains, the store also carries a variety of international spices and ingredients such as tofu, vegan meat, and curries. Delivery times are a standard 3-5 days and signing up for their membership guarantees lower prices and access to member-only deals.
Check out your local virtual market. Image: Virtualni pazar Split/Facebook.
For a truly local approach to online produce shopping, try joining Facebook groups such as this one. I’ve bought the best homemade cheeses, honey, vegetables, eggs, and more directly from farmers or producers on such sites.
Prices are more than reasonable (think €7 for a kilo of fresh cow’s cheese), although my downfall is having to occasionally converse in broken Croatian when the delivery goes awry!
Furniture/Household items
Finally, while apartments here tend to come furnished (lookout for another article that I’ll be doing on long-term rentals in Split!), you may need small household items such as towels and sheets to make it feel more like home.
IKEA currently only has a physical store in Zagreb, but if you live in other areas of Croatia, you can order online and have it delivered to a pick-up location (free) or to your home (for a fee of about €10). Another Scandinavian alternative to IKEA is the Danish brand, JYSK which has more stores dotted around Croatia and offers free deliveries that take about 5-10 days.
Buying online means you get to bypass getting lost in the maze of products at IKEA. Image: Pexels.
Local alternatives to these are stores such as mall.hr or Emmezeta, which also carry larger household appliances such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and stoves for those intending to stay longer term.
So if you’re a visitor, digital nomad, or long-term resident of Croatia, I hope you’ll find this list helpful in your online shopping needs!
