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Croatia Country Information
After
more than a decade of civil and ethnic unrest, Croatia is once
again emerging as an attractive tourist destination. With its
magnificent coastline, 1,185 islands, islets and reefs, Roman
ruins and picturesque medieval villages, it is fast becoming
a rival to the magical Greek islands - alluring for lovers of
fun, sun, local colour, great food and history.
The
most prominent feature of Croatia's tourist industry is its
Dalmatian coastline, which is indented with rocky cliffs, peninsulas
and small inlets. Numerous good quality hotels and marinas
have been resurrected or constructed in the past few years,
and the Croatian province is once again beginning to enjoy
a tourist boom reminiscent of its heyday in the 1930s. There
is a special atmosphere to Croatian towns and villages, many
of which are built on the sites of ancient Greek settlements
dating from the 4th century BC. This, coupled with a welcoming
and determined population, Mediterranean climate, scenic beauty
and lush vegetation, is aiding Croatia's rise from the ashes
of war into one of the world's tourist hotspots.
Basic Information:
Time: Local
time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is
230 volts, 50Hz. European style round, two-pin plugs
are standard.
Money: The official unit of currency
is the Kuna (HRK). One Kuna is divided into 100 Lipa.
ATMs are plentiful throughout the country and banks,
authorised bureaux de change, post offices or most
hotels will exchange foreign currency or travellers
cheques. Banks open Monday to Saturday and some banks
also open on Sundays in the main cities. Major credit
cards are widely accepted at the main hotels and restaurants,
and may be used to draw cash from ATMs, which are widely
available throughout the country.
Language: The official language is
Croatian.
Travel Health: There have been confirmed
cases of Swine Flu in Croatia. No vaccinations are
required, however there is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis
for those travelling in forested areas during the summer
months. The bird flu virus was found in dead migratory
swans and stringent measures have been taken by the
Croatian authorities to contain the virus. Travellers
to Croatia are unlikely to be affected, but should
avoid any contact with live birds and ensure poultry
and egg dishes are well cooked. Medical care is fairly
good, with free emergency medical care available to
UK citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC),
though some medicines are in short supply in public
facilities. Non-UK nationals are advised to invest
in health insurance.
Tipping: In
tourist or upmarket restaurants a tip of 10% will be appreciated,
but otherwise it is usual to round up the bill if the service
has been good unless a service charge has already been added.
Tour guides expect to be tipped. Most other services receive
a small tip by rounding up the bill.
Safety
Information: Most visits to Croatia are trouble-free,
and there is no particular threat of terrorism. Busy tourist
areas are prone to petty theft. Outside the normal tourist
routes travellers should be aware that unexploded mines might
remain, particularly in Eastern Slavonia and the former Krajina.
Local
Customs: Passports, or some form of identification,
should be carried at all times.
Business: Business in Croatia is
conducted in a formal manner; punctuality is key,
dress should be smart and conservative (suits and
ties are the norm) and polite greetings are made
with a handshake. Titles and surnames are usually
used unless otherwise indicated and business cards
are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. English
and German are widely spoken, but any attempt at
speaking some Croatian will be appreciated. Women
tend to hold high positions in business and are well
respected. Building a good working relationship is
important in Croatia and it is useful to work with
a reliable local partner. Although Croatia appears
typically European in its dealings, business can
take some time to conclude. Business hours are usually
8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The
international access code for Croatia is +385. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044
for the United Kingdom). The city code for Zagreb is (0)1 and
(0)20 for Dubrovnik. Public phones take phone cards, which
can be bought in post offices and hotels. GSM operators have
active roaming agreements with most international networks,
and cover most of the country. Internet cafes are available
in the larger towns and cities.
Duty
Free: Travellers to Croatia can enter the country
with the following items without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre wine
and 1 litre spirits; 250ml of eau de cologne and one bottle
of perfume. Regulations apply to firearms and radio instruments.
No item of archaeological, historical, ethnographic, artistic,
cultural or scientific value may leave the country without
a license issued by the appropriate authorities.
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Shopping in Croatia
Shopping in Dubrovnik may not come close to other European cities,
but this little Adriatic jewel offers a unique shopping experience
of its own. The Stradun is a great place to start where little
shops can be found lining this marble-paved street, but the
best bargains can be found down the maze of pokey side streets
leading off the Stradun.
For those
who love a good shopping mall, head to the Lapad Shopping Center
in Lapad where all the usual international chain stores can
be found. Or take a trip to the Old Town for the best variety
of shopping. Most locals organise trips to Italy a few times
a year to stock up on the latest fashion, but some local designer
boutiques can be found in the Old Town where fashionistas are
guaranteed to pick up original designs, but be prepared to
pay a pretty penny.
Many local
markets boast Dubrovnik's finest bounty where interesting souvenirs
can be bought such as embroidered tablecloths and linen, Dalmation
wine, spirits (known as rajika), and delicious preserves and
dried fruit, all beautifully packaged. The morning market at
Gunduliceva Sqaure is great for souvenirs, while the morning
market at Gruz is great for fresh local produce.
Most shops
are open Monday to Friday from9am to 8pm and Saturdays from
9am to 4pm, but during the tourist season, many shops keep
longer hours. A VAT of 18.5% is added onto all non-essential
products and services purchased in Croatia. Tourists can reclaim
tax on purchases to the value of HRK501 or more on departure
of Croatia. Tax back forms can be collected at points of purchase
and should be filled out and stamped at the store.
Climate in Croatia
Dubrovnik has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers
and mild, wet winters. The wettest months are October, November
and December. Summer days can be intensely hot, but humidity
is moderate and gentle breezes ensure very cool, pleasant evenings.
Croatia Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US citizens must present
a passport (it may be expired up to six months). Visas
are not required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals must
have a passport valid for at least period of intended stay.
A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen,
British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen,
British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Protected
Person or British Subject, for stays of up to 90 days.
Other UK passport holders should check with the embassy
whether a visa is required for travel.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens
must have a passport valid for period of intended stay.
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australian citizens
must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay.
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South
African nationals must have a passport valid for the period
of intended stay and a visa is required.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders
must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay.
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish
nationals must have a passport or National ID card valid
for the period of intended stay. No visas are required
for stays of up to 90 days.
Passport & Visa Information
Passport/Visa
Note: All visitors require documents and tickets for
onward or return destinations and sufficient funds (at least €100
or equivalent per day, or €50 if in possession of a tourist
voucher or confirmed invitation).
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Airports in Croatia
Dubrovnik
Airport (DBV)
- Location: The
airport is situated about 15 miles (24km) south of Dubrovnik.
- Time: Local
time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Saturday in March to end
of October).
- Contacts: Tel:
+385 20 773 100.
- Getting
to the city: The Croatia Airlines bus meets scheduled
flights and runs between the airport and the main bus station.
Passengers can get off at the stop outside the main gate
to the old city on the way to the main bus station. Taxis
are also available.
- Car
rental: Car
hire companies at the airport include Hertz, Avis, Budget
and Thrifty.
- Facilities: A
bank and exchange office are open daily. There are also souvenir
shops, duty free, and snacks and drinks available.
- Departure
tax: None.
Special Events in Croatia
- Dubrovnik
Carnival -
Dating back to the 14th century, the Dubrovnik Carnival
still upholds many of the same traditions where people
parade down the streets of Dubrovnik dressed in gaudy costumes
while the sounds of drums and trumpets fill the air and
events such as jousting competitions.
- Dubrovnik
Summer Festival - Few would question Dubrovnik's
claim as one of the most stunning cities on the planet,
and during the summer months festivities take hold of this
charming destination with a number of music, theatre, fringe
and fireworks performances.
Attractions in Croatia
Drinking and driving:
Strictly forbidden for all drivers less than 24 years of age -
nil percentage of alcohol allowed in driver’s blood.
Legal limit for drivers 24 years and over; alcohol in drivers
blood is 0.05%, exceptions to this rule apply to professional
drivers. Tests for narcotics may be performed if tests prove
positive severe consequences include confiscation of vehicle,
severe fine and removal of driving licence. It is prohibited
to drive after taking any medicine whose side effects may affect
the ability to drive a motor vehicle.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive temporarily
imported car and/or motorcycle (exceeding 125cc) 18.
Fines:
The police officer will impose a fine on the spot; the fine must
be paid within eight days at a post office or bank. The police
may hold your passport until evidence of payment is produced. The
driving licence of a foreign motorist can be suspended for up to
8 days for driving with excess alcohol, driving without prescribed
medical aids e.g. glasses, driving in a state of exhaustion or
whilst ill. The licence must be collected within 3 days of the
end of suspension.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane), diesel (dizel) available and
LPG available at most filling stations located on motorways.
It is forbidden to carry petrol in a can. Credit cards accepted
at filling stations; check with your card issuer for usage
in Croatia before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Dubrovnik to Split - 260kms (4 hours/20 minutes)
Lights:
Dipped headlights are compulsory for all vehicles in reduced visibility,
fine imposed for non-compliance. Dipped headlights are compulsory
in the daytime from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday
in March (out of the daylight saving time period), fine for none
compliance.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. The wearing
of crash helmets is compulsory for both the driver and passenger.
Children under 12 cannot travel as a passenger. A fine will be
imposed if the passenger on a
motorcycle is found to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Motor Insurance:
Third party insurance compulsory.
Passengers / Children in
cars:
Children under the age of 12 cannot travel as a front seat passenger,
with the exception of a child under 2 years seated in a suitable
child seat. The seat must be fitted facing in the opposite direction
of travel with the passenger
airbags turned off. Children from the age of 2 up to 5 years of
age must be seated in a suitable child seat; other children must
be seated using a suitable child restraint, using a booster seat
where necessary.
Seat belts:
Compulsory, for front seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers.
In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h), outside built-up areas 55 mph
(90 km/h) but 68 mph (110 km/h) on expressways and 80 mph (130
km/h) on motorways, unless otherwise indicated by road signs. If
towing a trailer/caravan the speed limit is reduced to 55 mph (90
km/h).
All motorists under 24 years of age must not exceed: 49 mph (80
km/h) on normal roads outside built-up areas: 62 mph (100 km/h)
on expressways and 74 mph (120 km/h) on motorways.
Minimum speed on motorways; 37 mph (60 km/h).
Compulsory equipment:
- Spare
bulbs - This does not apply if the vehicle is fitted with
xenon, neon, LED or similar lights) First-aid kit (excluding
motorcycles)
- Warning
triangle - two triangles required if towing a trailer. (excludes
motorcycles).
- Snow
chains - During winter months, especially in the Gorski Kotar
and Lika regions.
- Reflective
jacket - All drivers of motor vehicles (except motorcycles
with sidecars and mopeds under 50cc) must have a reflective
safety jacket (EN- 471) in the vehicle and wear it whenever
they have to get out of the vehicle at the roadside, in an
emergency. Be aware however that car hire companies may not
supply them to persons hiring vehicles.
Other
rules / requirements:
The use of spiked tyres is prohibited. It is generally prudent
to have winter equipment ready between November and the
end of April. This may consist of winter tyres marked M+S on the
side walls or snow chains for the driving wheels. Vehicles not
adapted to winter conditions may be prohibited from driving and
can also encounter a fine.
The authorities at the frontier must certify any visible damage
to a vehicle entering Croatia and a certificate obtained; this
must be produced when leaving the country.
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