Differences in mentality

Differences in mentality between Croats and Germans

Proverbial: Croatian hospitality

If you look at the differences in mentality between Germans and Croats, the first thing you notice is that Croats are not only considered to be extremely hospitable, they actually are. A fundamentally greater willingness to make contact and the importance of social contacts in themselves are an enormous difference to Central Europeans. In Croatia, the guest really is still king and the country has become a premium holiday destination not only because of its very favourable location on the Adriatic in recent years, but also because of the hospitality of the people, who are open and courteous to strangers. Guests are treated to princely meals at home and it is comparatively easy to make friends with Croatians, whereas Germans are more reserved in their social dealings. The greater importance of social contacts, however, also affects the way Croats deal with each other. Family ties are generally very close and family cohesion is generally very strong.

Punctuality and meeting deadlines: why take it so seriously?

If the interaction with each other in Croatia looser than in Germany, this also applies to punctuality and adherence to schedules. While Germans attach great importance to reliability and adherence to agreements, so there is also a big difference here with the Croatian mentality. In Croatia, the laissez-faire style is more common: “What you can do today, you can do tomorrow”. Even if it annoys German holidaymakers or business partners: punctuality and adherence to deadlines are not the strengths of this Balkan country. That’s why it is all the more important to also put agreements in writing and to establish the counterpart in this way.

Reliability and business customs

Like punctuality and adherence to deadlines, reliability in Croatia (as in other Balkan countries) is not necessarily far behind. Verbal agreements have only a loose character and are not necessarily considered binding. That is why it is all the more important to always make sure you have a written agreement. As far as business practices are concerned, things often look similarly bleak: Corruption and bribery are a problem, but this applies to Eastern Europe in general. Therefore, you should never rely on promises alone, but always make sure to also contractually secure.

What to consider when renting a car?

Because of the fact that Croatia has become an extremely popular holiday destination, there is now also a comprehensive network of opportunities to take hire cars. From Rijeka to Osijek: holidaymakers will have no problems finding rental agencies. However, due to the fact that punctuality and adherence to schedules are not as important in Croatia as they are in Germany, you should always insist on receiving a contract for a hire car in German. Only in this way you can guarantee to really know under which conditions you have taken a hire car. In addition, this is a good protection against fraud, because unfair business methods are unfortunately also common in Croatia as a typical Balkan country. A contract that fixes in black and white what the terms and conditions are, on the other hand, also binds the Croatian rental company to dates and agreements.

Suitable garages

As far as the network of suitable garages is concerned, this point unfortunately lags behind the possibilities of taking a hire car at all. Although the Croatians are extremely hospitable and helpful, what to do if the car breaks down on the road and there is no suitable garage nearby? One should be prepared for this case and be informed about the corresponding possibilities. It is best to get a plan with workshops, so that you know in case of need, where you can find contact points.

If you consider the points mentioned, then nothing stands in the way of a holiday in Croatia with a hire car. The road network is good, the network of places where hire cars are available also, and the country itself impresses anyway by its scenic attractions and the friendliness of the people. So go ahead and travel Croatia by hire car: this way you will get to see and feel much more of this beautiful destination than with a package tour, but make sure you are as safe as possible. Then you can enjoy your holidays on the wonderful Adriatic coast to the fullest.