STAY AWAY FROM CROATIA (February 17, 2014)

Hrvoje Prpić, a Croatian entrepreneur of some renown, is in the news. Having had one absurd problem too many with the tax authorities, he has decided to close his business in the country and leave for good. As far as I can gather, he will move his business to London. To his credit, he announced his decision in front of the cameras. Ever since, much support has been coming his way through Facebook and other social networks. On top of all this, Prpić is promising to advise anyone who asks not to do any business in Croatia. None whatsoever. Good advice, too. Which reminds me of my own advice to foreign pensioners thinking about residing in this country (“Foreign Pensioners Beware,” February 21, 2013). Although I have not been aware of any support for my advice, I hope it has been picked up by some of those contemplating retirement in Croatia. Perish the thought. At any rate, the best advice for anyone interested in anything having to do with this country is straightforward: stay away from Croatia. This is a country for short visits only—the shorter, the better.