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Croatia - Travel Guide
Introduction Many Europeans think of Croatia as having come into existence from the late 1990s resulting from the break-up of Yugoslavia. However conceptually speaking Croatia has existed for thousand of years. Following independence Croatia has enjoyed a renaissance, but many visitors are still surprised at the nation's splendid cultural heritage that both survived and now transcends recent history. A case in point is Dubrovnik. The country's undoubted jewel, the city welcomed tourists before the conflict and continues to do so now. It is an amazing medieval town, right on the tip of the Croatian South Coast. The fully intact medieval walls, all 2km of them, have not only survived the ravages of time but also sporadic shelling during the war, the city emerging relatively unscathed as one of Europe's most beautiful coastal settlements. What really impresses most on a visit to the country is the atmosphere and the people. Understandably there is a great national pride, and Croatia's heroes are lauded wherever you go - mention Wimbledon champion 2001 Goran Ivanisevic and you're guaranteed to spark up an animated conversation. It also means that the locals are keen to show you the charms of their particular town or city at the drop of the hat - a refreshing change from the tourist weary locals of more well-known destinations in Western Europe. If you're seeking vibrant cities, the capital Zagreb is taking the opportunity to reinvent its image, while preserving its historic Gradec area. Split is likewise a modern city with lots of history contained within it; just like the in the rest of the country you'll find dynamism here born of an inherent national pride. The beaches and islands of the Dalmatian Coast are simply stunning, with the coastline voted as a contender for the most beautiful beach scenery in the world - putting it up there with locations such as the Caribbean and the Seychelles. Meanwhile the rolling highlands of the interior making the whole country an ideal skiing destination come winter. Re-invigorated and reinvented, Croatia is brighter than at any time in its history and a perfect time to celebrate the Dalmatian's new Golden Age. History & Culture Until the 4th century BC Croatia was a largely ungoverned region. Greeks then began to establish settlements on the Adriatic coast but didn't penetrate the interior, which was largely left to various tribes - mainly Celtic in origin. The Romans subjugated the dominant tribes, although they stopped short of colonizing the region, making it instead a vassal of the Empire. Croatia as a country at this time was still rather undefined however, with various parts of what makes up the country today being governed by different tribes and factions. Slavic settlers began to arrive in the region in the 6th century, many of them soldiers and mercenaries defending the borders of the influential Byzantine Empire. They settled over the centuries however, and by the late-9th century Croatia as we know it today was more or less established, albeit in two parts - the Adriatic Coast and inland Slovania. When these two factions united under Tomislav, king of Dalmatia, in around 910 Croatia was born as a nation. However Croatia wasn't wholly its own ruler. The Byzantine, Venetian and Hungarian Empires were all keen to tussle over Dalmatia and over the next century carved it up regularly between them. When the Croatian line of succession petered out in the 11th century there was yet more trouble for the fledgling nation. In exchange for autonomy the country swapped the crown with the Hungarian Empire in the Pacta Conventa. In the early 1500s Turkish invaders were beginning to encroach on Croatian territory. In response to this threat the Croatians invited the Habsburgs to establish defenses in Croatia against the invaders, an arrangement designed to suit everyone by protecting Croatia and enabling the Habsburgs to keep the threat at arm's length. With King Louis II of Hungary killed in battle, Ferdinand of Habsburg was pronounced king of Hungary and Croatia. Ferdinand held his border but swelled it with mercenaries - mainly Serbian - and hence a strip of Serbian settlements were established along the Croatian border, a factor that was to have great resonance centuries later in the civil war. The Habsburgs ruled the region until the mid-19th century, when the Hungarian revolution wrestled control from Vienna. Viceroy Josip Jelacic of Croatia allied himself with the Hungarians during the conflict and so won the nation separate - if not fully independent - status. There had been several movements for South-Slavic unity in the past before the Serb-Croat Coalition was founded in 1910, but the coalition for the first time gave the people of the region a significant voice against the more powerful empires that surrounded it. This was far from the only political movement in the region however. From the mid-19th century onwards there had been significant parties advocating a separate Croatia, but these were now in a minority. At the end of World War One, with the Austro-Hungarian Empire in collapse the Croatian National Council seized power and united Croatia with surrounding states in the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Immediately opposition movements sprang up, in Croatia led by Stjepan Radic, head of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS). Although Radic was assassinated in 1928 the Peasants' Party continued its activities. To counter this King Alexander eventually dissolved all the old territories, renaming them as Banovinas, equivalent to regional "departments", and called the new all encompassing territory "Yugoslavia". Naturally this still didn't appease the HSS and just a decade later the King had to pronounce a "Croatian" Banovina, encompassing most of the old nation and headed politically by the leader of the HSS as Viceroy. After the Germans invaded the country in World War Two Hitler allowed a Croatian Nationalist State to develop. Led by right-wing extremists this consisted of the states of Croatia and Bosnia combined. Most member of the HSS, including leader Macek, were imprisoned, with the unfortunate being shipped to the concentration camps at Jasenovac. Following Hitler's defeat the region became trapped between the Allies and the Communists. It was the latter that took control under Tito, an infamous follower of Stalin and hard line Communism. Under Tito the second Yugoslavia was proclaimed, however it re-established the old internal boundaries, with six republics plus two autonomous regions all having a political voice. Communism didn't recognize ethnic boundaries however, and any nationalist tendencies were quickly put down as anti-state. In 1980 as nationalism began to rise throughout the various states of Yugoslavia Tito established a rotating presidency. Designed to appease everyone, while guaranteeing the integrity of Yugoslavia, each of the six republics would take control of the nation for a year, before handing it to another. The proviso was that nationalist policies favoring one state or another were forbidden. Inevitably during the Serbian presidency of 1988 the government began to take an openly nationalist stance, and with the Federal Government so undermined as to be powerless the situation dissolved. Each state proclaimed the presidency invalid and eventually, in 1990, Yugoslavia entered new elections. The most influential states were Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, but Serbia had the advantage of being able to control the votes of the two autonomous regions that fell within its territory and Montenegro. When Slovenia declared itself independent the power swung towards Serbia under Slobodan Milosevic. With a substantial population of Serbs living in Croatia already Milosevic wasn't about to let Croatia go independent and war broke out. Serbia seized key areas of Dalmatia, effectively Croatia's richest region in terms of both natural resources and the tourist trade on which the republic had a heavy reliance. UN intervention brought a ceasefire, but not a return of Croatian territory which was now proclaimed the Republic of Serbian Krajina. In 1995 hostilities were resumed and the Croatians pushed the Serbian line back, effectively demolishing the RSK completely. With their land reclaimed the Croatians were content to broker the October ceasefire. The death of Slobodan Milosevic in 2007 is a reminder of how recently the hostilities took place. However much of the nation has put the bloody civil war behind them and are keen to express a new national pride. Croatia is preparing to join the EU by 2010. Croatians are friendly and helpful by nature. Those on the islands who are used to tourists are more inclined to burst into smiles, while those in Croatia's quieter areas are more reserved. English speakers are much more in evidence in Croatia's tourist spots such as Hvar and Dubrovnik although many young Croatian's learn English at school. Learning a couple of words of Croat such as "Dober Dan "(good day), "Hvala" (thank you) and "da" (yes) will win you a few smiles. An enormous amount of national self-esteem is clearly evident in this newly independent nation. Croatians are also proud of their recent sporting accomplishments including a third place in the 1998 World Cup and a Wimbledon tennis triumph in 2001 courtesy of Split-born Goran Ivanisevic. Any mention of either of these two events is bound to ingratiate you with the locals
See & Do Split A "must-see" town on the Dalmatian coast, Split is a vast open-air museum. The street tiles are worn smooth by centuries of wear, although many of them are now covered by one of a hundred or more vibrant outdoor cafés. The Roman Diocletian's Palace facing out to sea is the centerpiece of the old town. At 210m by 180m it's truly monumental. Colonnades, palace gates and passageways guide you through the fortress. A squad of local painters and artists sell their wares in the palace's giant underbelly. The rest of the town is a dream to archaeologists and to modern-day people-watchers alike who can soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Split is also something of a transport hub with the overnight train leaving regularly for Zagreb and regular ferries to Hvar, Brac and Dubrovnik. Solin Roman Ruins Sprawling Roman Salona is nestled in vineyards 6km north-east of Split near to the city of Solin. Once you're among the ruins it's easy to see why it's touted as Croatia's most important archaeological site. Around the town you can walk at will among the remnants of an amphitheater, several basilicas and a tree-lined city wall. Solin also contains the tombs of Christian martyrs who died before the faith spread over the rest of the nation. The main graveyard lies just outside the city at Manastirine, and excavated tombs of the early martyrs can still be seen. The 5th-century basilica that stands above the site is known as the "Cathedral of the Martyrs". Dubrovnik At the far southern end of Croatia's awesome coastline, Dubrovnik is the crown jewel of the nation's tourist industry. No visit would be complete if you didn't take a stroll around the city walls that stretch 2km around the old town and offer a glimpse of one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. The streets below bustle with artisans, students and visitors who frequent the more modern restaurants, bars and cafés. The narrow paved lanes also open up to sumptuous buildings, the highlight of which is the Rector's Palace, which now contains a museum demonstrating the medieval wealth of the city. The bohemian city is also home to some of Croatia's hippest shops. Lokrum Island Lokrum Island's big attraction is its crystal clear, mostly calm water. Some daredevils have taken to cliff jumping into the sea on the south of the island, a spectacle that always gets a few cheering crowds. There are some lesser jumping points too if you don't fancy an Acapulco-style plunge. Rocky beaches surround the island and are split into Textile and FKK (naturist) sections. You have been warned. Paths lead around the attractions, which include a botanical garden full of sweet Mediterranean herbs, a couple of open-air cafés and a pretty little harbor. Boats costing HRK15 leave Dubrovnik every hour for the ten-minute hop to Lokrum. Hvar Few scenes in Croatia rival a sunset over Hvar's harbor and 13th-century townscape as seen from a pavement café. This delightful town is on the western tip of the island of the same name, an easy ferry ride away from Split, Korcula or Brac. The whole scene is rendered even more magnificent by the presence of a giant Venetian fortress and a smaller Napoleonic castle up in the hills. The town is truly alive with bars, restaurants and seemingly spontaneous concerts every few hours in the tourist season from May until September. Hvar's microclimate is legendary as the fragrant hills behind the town hold up all the cloud, making this the sunniest place in all of Croatia. A note on one of Hvar's weather notice boards informs the visitor that the island has recently been elected as one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world alongside Bora Bora, Tahiti, Zanzibar and Capri. Hvar also serves as a base for visits to the naturist islands off its coast, and as a stop for island-hopping yachts. Palmizana Palmizana is one of the numerous islands and beaches dotted around the Dalmatian coast. It's the largest island in the chain, and is clearly visible from the Venetian castle above Hvar old town, just a short hop away by boat. Palmizana is quieter than the more popular islands of Stipanska and Jerolim, which are slightly closer to Hvar town. Launches costing HRK30 return hop over to Palmizana from Hvar harbor in the morning and return at around 16:00. There are a few cafés where the boat pulls up but aside from these the island is completely untouched. Paths criss-cross the island through herbaceous groves and take you to one of Palmizana's score of secluded coves. Many tourists bring a pair of sandals for avoiding the sharp rocks on their way out of the transparent water. Be warned that there is a tradition of naturism throughout Palmizana and people sunbathe sans clothing on any of the island's many white sand beaches. However, it isn't recommended that you strip off if exploring the island - plenty of spiky scrub bushes overhang the narrow paths. Korcula Korcula town is not only a gem itself but also serves as a base for serving the rest of picturesque Korcula Island. As with so many of Croatia's charming island towns, Korcula, is surrounded by ancient city walls that enclose a maze of tiny medieval streets. The stunning Cathedral of St Mark and the town's Greco-Roman museum are hotspots for visitors. Alternatively many sit and idle over the view of the bays from the top of the old house of traveling salesman Marco Polo, who was born here when the town was under Venetian control. There are plenty of places to simply sit, eat and drink, making this one of the most relaxing spots in Croatia. Buses run daily around the island and boasts connect to Dubrovnik and Hvar. Zagreb Croatia's lively capital city is split into a bustling commercial area and a wonderfully preserved medieval sector known as Gradec, which has become the social heart of the city. Gradec contains all the visitor's "must-see" places including the huge St Stephen's Cathedral and St Catherine's Church. It is also home to Zagreb's best cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Street markets abound in this area too, including the daily Dolac food market where you'll find an amazing array of locally produced goods ranging from home-made wine to field mushrooms to hedgerow berries. To get a priceless view over the city head to the Lotrscak funicular railway, which connects Gradec with the economic center of the city. The Zagreb directly below Gradec is a shopper's paradise. The main streets of Ilica Jurisiceva and Zrinjskog Tomislava are lined with Italian chain stores, affluent department stores and trendy shops familiar to most European high streets. The lanes and squares in between are home to one-off boutiques, record and bookshops, and high-fashion outlets. Rovinj The Istrian Peninsula's proximity to Italy and Austria toward the north of Croatia's coastline means that it swarms with visitors in July and August. Rovinj is miles more relaxed than the nearby touristy towns of Porec and Pula however. The old town will charm you into submission, as will the views of the 13 islets just out from the traditional harbor. The Cathedral of St Euphemia dominates the pretty town and is well worth a look. Rovinj is rapidly becoming an artist's hangout - local painters sell their wares behind the cathedral. You'll be fitter at the end of your holiday than when you came as Rovinj's delightful cobbled streets are all on a steep incline. As with all of Croatia's coastal towns, there are plenty of places to take a dip in the clear sea when you've finished sightseeing. Baska Baska, on the southern end of Krk Island, is a step away from the main tourist bustle of the rest of Krk although it's still a popular resort. People flock here for good reason though: a sun-drenched 2.5km-long beach. There are plenty of hiking trails leading up to the enchanting hills forming the backdrop to the beach. Baska also has a walled old town, which rivals Krk town up the coast in allure and beauty. Rab Just south of Krk is the tantalizing island paradise of Rab. It seems to have almost everything you could ask from a Mediterranean island including a sunny microclimate, stunning old towns, mountain walks, secluded sandy coves (a rarity in Croatia) and an abundance of fresh local food. Rab town's ancient beauty means it does get busy in high-season (July and August) but it's not difficult to see why. The harbor is as picturesque as they come with cafés and restaurants spilling out onto the streets in the summer. Ferries depart for Baska on the south of Krk island, and for the mainland, throughout the day. Geography Flanked by the crystal clear Adriatic Sea to the west, Croatia is also bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, and Bosnia The lively capital of Zagreb inland dwarfs the rest of Croatia's cities, such as Split, Dubrovnik, Pula and Rijekamost, most of which are on the coast. The Dinaric Alps form the country's backbone, splitting coastal Croatia from the cooler interior. Seven National Parks, each of a completely different make-up, contain everything from beech forests to mountainous landscapes and pine-covered islands. The National Parks also contain some of Europe's most elusive fauna including lynx, bears, wolves and vultures. The geographical highlight of this sunny slice of Europe is its magnificent coastline, which supports a rich variety of typically Mediterranean flora. If you take into account the 1,000 plus islands dotted along its length the coastline stretches for over 5,000km from the Istrian Peninsula to the historic port of Dubrovnik. Many of the islands are completely uninhabited and make a fascinating day trip. Both Croatia's mainland and island coastlines tower upward in height as you move away from the sea. This gives many of the coastal towns superb microclimates as the clouds are held up in the hills backing on to the sea, while the coast itself remains bathed in sunshine. Average sea temperatures remain above 20 degrees celsius until early November. The lack of heavy industry or significant river outlets along the Croatian coast gives the water a visibility unrivalled in the Mediterranean. Weather Croatia is a year-round destination, although through the year the tourist focus shifts from coast to inland and back again. This is explained by the two disparate climates that affect the country. While the Adriatic coast has a Mediterranean climate the northern interior's weather is dictated by a continental weather pattern. The high season for tourism occurs between May and September, when hordes of people descend on the coast to enjoy the sultry sun, pristine beaches and clear water. July and August herald the genuine peak when beaches become crowded and temperatures reach their annual high. Perhaps because of this the discerning tourist will leave a visit to a bit later in the year. Although taking a slightly higher risk of inclement weather September is normally extremely pleasant, with warm temperatures and a less frenetic atmosphere around the beach resorts. Through spring and autumn the tourists move to the cities as the weather cools. In between, from the New Year until the end of February the skiers descend (literally) on the slopes of the highland pistes. Although Croatia boasts only a few locations above 2000m in height, skiing has long been popular, and you'll find resorts all over the country, including some surprisingly close to the coast. Transport Traveling between Croatian cities poses few problems for the visitor. The train network is reliable, comfortable and good value while buses offer excellent route coverage between smaller towns. Take note of the numerous Croatian public holidays when public transport will be disrupted or cancelled. by train Croatia's rail service is comfortable, and also cheap by Western European standards. The network covers all of the country's major towns right down to Split in the south. Visitors traveling onward from here towards the tourist hot spot of Dubrovnik must take a bus or ferry. It is possible to book quality couchettes on overnight trains, such as on the service from Zagreb to Split. More localized routes have second class seats only, which are more than adequate for most journeys. Most large train stations will have at least one English-speaking member of staff. Detailed timetables are posted up around all Croatian stations too. The word for departure is odlazak, while the word for arrival is dolazak. Plenty of international travelers arrive via overland means as well. From Zagreb, located centrally in the north of Croatia's curved territory Slovenia's capital Ljubljana and the Hungarian border are just a train ride away. by bus A fleet of modern buses ply the routes between Croatia's cities with a greater frequency than that of the train. The buses also complement the train network in rural areas, with many country routes leaving from outside the train station. Timetables are posted next to the ticket windows in all of Croatia's large bus stations. You're expected to buy a ticket from here before you board the bus, or buy one from the driver if you board in a rural location. The bus network operates a much more limited service on Sundays. Travel by bus is slightly cheaper than train travel. by car Driving in Croatia is relatively straightforward, even in the cities. Like in the majority of Europe, traffic drives on the right hand-side, and distances and speed limits are posted in kilometers. Although Croatia's handy and cheap public transport system means that most tourists decline to hire a car, if you do choose to drive, car-hire services and prices are comparable to the rest of Europe. All of the major car rental companies are represented in Zagreb and the major coastal cities. Prices from these rental firms start at around HRK300 per day with unlimited mileage. You must be over 21 to rent a car in Croatia. Points to consider: by air Despite Croatia's elongated size inter-city air travel is not as popular here as it is in some other European nations. Prices are competitive compared with the rest of Europe and are worth investigating if you take into account the large distances involved. Croatia Airlines flies daily between the tourist destinations of Dubrovnik, Split, Rijeka and Pula. A departure tax of HRK52 for domestic and HRK115 for international flights is imposed, but this is included in the ticket price. by boat Jadrolinija ferries passengers from island to port along Croatia's magnificent coastline. The service offered is punctual, inexpensive and exceptionally scenic. Bench seating is available inside and out, which is fine for daytime journeys. Cabins can be booked for longer trips, such as the Rijeka to Dubrovnik route. Pre-booking services are available. Light refreshments, beer and snacks are sold on board most services. Local bus services connect with many incoming ferries, often waiting if necessary for the ferry to disembark. Many international destinations are served from Dubrovnik and Split including Venice, Ancona, Bari and Piraeus. Shopping If you're coming from Western Europe you will find Croatia a real bargain in the shopping stakes. Clothes and CDs are particularly outstanding value, often sold at half the equivalent EU price. What to buy Handicrafts are popular buys among visitors to Croatia, especially items such as ceramic bowls, painted tiles and picture frames. More popular still are paintings of Croatian scenes by local artists, which are sold alongside handicrafts in the country's tourist spots. Lavender based gifts such as lavender oil are popular on the islands. You don't need to look far to find a wealth of lace goods, which make excellent, and light, presents to take home. Food and drink make great gifts. Cheeses and wines are the most easily transported goods and each region has its own specialty. Croatian brandies, especially plum and cherry, are internationally renowned and are readily available from supermarkets and Croatia's main airports. Zagreb is a shopper's paradise par excellence for all mainstream and international goods. Its stores also stock countless items of local manufacture including wooden toys, ceramics and baskets. The area directly west of Zagreb's open-air Dolac Market is a haven for these types of gifts. Market stalls selling extraordinarily cheap shoes, leathers and textiles set up shop here too Operation hours Shops and department stores are open between 08:00-20:00. On Saturdays stores operate shorter hours, opening from 08:00-14:00, or to 15:00. Smaller privately owned shops may still close for an hour or two at lunchtime. In the cities, larger chains may open on Sundays. VAT tax refund A hefty VAT ("PDV") of 18.5% is added onto all non-essential products and services purchased in Croatia. Foreign tourists can reclaim tax on all purchases over the value of HRK501 on departure from the country. To obtain the refund you must ask for a refund form at the point of purchase. This should be filled out and stamped at the store. On departure from the country the form must be presented, along with the purchase itself, at the appropriate customs desk. A customs officer will authorize the form. You can submit the thus completed form to the shop where you made the purchase, along with the appropriate bank details. The refund should be credited within 15 days. Food & Drink Food Big portions of hearty fare are the cornerstones of the Croatian diet. Croats enjoy eating out as much at visiting tourists do so the restaurant industry is very much alive and well. Most of the restaurants in the country's tourist areas have menus in Croatian and English, and sometimes in German and Italian too. Meat (beef, veal, chicken and lamb are favorites) and locally caught fish feature in most of the dishes. Some seafood dishes, lobster and langoustine in particular, are priced by the 100g so take note before you splash out. The majority of restaurant meals are excellent and weigh in at about half what you would expect to pay in Western Europe. At the cheaper end of Croatian cuisine you'll find loads of modern self-service restaurants in the major cities. You can point your way through the trays of freshly cooked steaks, huge lasagnes and bowls of stew. The food is inexpensive, and it's a great way to try a variety of everyday Croat dishes without having to translate a menu. Each town in Croatia will have at least one decent sized supermarket where you can load up on pastries, wine, crisps and fruit. The supermarket delicatessen will gladly make a sandwich for you if you buy some ham or cheese and a bun - you only pay the cost of the bread and the filling. Most towns also have an open-air produce market too. Locally produced fruit and vegetables, a baker's stall and a few merchants selling homemade wines and cheeses should all be evident. Specialties Pasticada: Stuffed beef cooked in red wine, is a Dalmatian specialty as is black risotto flavored with squid ink. Brodet: A heavy fish stew mixed with rice, can be found in more local establishments in Dalmatia. Zagrebacki Odrezak: A Zagreb favorite featuring veal in a delicious seasonal sauce. Manistra od bobica: A soup made from beans and fresh maize, is also popular in Croatia's interior. A hefty sausage and potato casserole laced with paprika is common inland too. Bregovska pita: A great dessert all over Croatia is a strudel which features apple, raisins, cinnamon, poppy seeds and walnuts. Börek: Food on the go is mostly limited to tasty pizza slices and the ubiquitous börek. The latter is layers of pastry filled with meat, cheese or vegetables. This is often quite a greasy affair and is sold by the slice from huge tin trays of the stuff. Drink Delicious Croatian wine is increasingly exported to Western Europe and beyond. Its reds are often a spicy yet smooth affair that you might associate with wines from the Rioja region in Spain. The use of Cabernet Sauvignon and hearty Merlot grapes give the wines a deep finish. The lighter Zinfandel grape originated in Croatia and is on most restaurants' wine lists. White wines are mainly sweet and much lighter than the reds: look out for Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Riesling grapes. Most regions, and indeed many families, each produce their own very respectable tipple, all off which are readily available from the local supermarket or produce market respectively. Stolno vino indicates a table wine, slatko means the wine is sweet, while suho translates as dry. Zagreb-based Ozujsko and Karlovac-brewed Karlovacko are both fine lagers and are preferred by younger Croatians. The excellent Slovenian beer Lasko Pivo is also widely drunk. Croatia is also famous for its plum brandies, traditionally drunk before a meal. All bars serve Maraschino, a fiery cherry liqueur from the town of Zadar. As with its Italian neighbors over the Adriatic, Croatia is a coffee-fueled country. Espressos, café lattes and cappuccinos range from HRK5 to HRK10 in cafés nation-wide. Soft drinks are available everywhere although the price of a Coke in a bar is comparable to the price of a beer. Visas & Embassies The following information regarding visa requirements is intended as a guide only. Since visa regulations can change frequently we are unable to guarantee that information will be updated immediately and recommend that you contact the relevant embassy or consulate before travel. US citizens are required to have a passport and a return air ticket. Visa's are not required. For more detailed information contact Embassy of Croatia 2343 Massachusetts Ave. N.W Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: +1 (1)202-588-5899 Fax: +1 (1)202-588-8937 http://www.croatiaemb.org/ public@croatiaemb.org Money Currency: Kuna (HRK). HRK1 = 100 Lipa Notes: HRK1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 Coins: HRK5, 2, 1, and 50, 20, 10, 4, 2, 1 lipa Credit cards: Major credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. You may need cash in smaller establishments though. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels and camping grounds. In major cities you will also be able to obtain local currency direct from ATMs using an international credit or debit card. Note that you will usually be charged for this facility per transaction. Note that ATMs in rural areas may not be networked and you should take enough cash with you to serve your immediate needs. Cheques are not widely accepted, nor are traveler's cheques. Although most foreign currencies can be exchanged in major banks, US Dollars are most easily changed elsewhere. If bringing foreign currency into the country ensure that it isn't marked, torn or defaced in any way - it may be refused. Retain all exchange receipts as they are required for changing Kuna back into foreign currency when you leave. Croatian banks keep extremely generous opening hours. Main branches are open from 07:00-19:00 each weekday and often open 08:00-12:00 on weekends - including Sundays. More minor branches generally open Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00/17:00. Branches in cities such as Zagreb will offer a full range of facilities including exchange and money transfers. A service charge of approximately 10% is usually added to restaurant bills but an additional tip is often appreciated. You should give all tips directly to your server, it isn't common practice to leave it on the table. 10% normally suffices for restaurant service and taxis. Hotel porters do not expect a tip but a small amount of HRK1-2 is appropriate if you feel you want to tip. Communications Telephone
Public telephones are widespread within Croatia and can be found at transport hubs, post offices and on the highstreet. Most are phonecard operated. Phonecards are available from kiosks or general stores. Note that you can make calls from some post offices where you will be metered and charged after your call. This is often cheaper than using standard pre-paid phonecards, especially if dialing internationally. Croatia's postal service is reliable throughout the country. To send a postcard to either Europe or the US costs HRK3.50. You can expect delivery in 3-5 days to Europe, or 7-9 days to the US. Major post offices usually operate a poste restante service and will keep mail for you for several weeks. Post offices are also good places to make international phone calls utilizing metered dialing rather than pre-paid public phones. Post offices tend to open 08:00-14:00 or 08:00-17:00 Mon-Sat. Some major post offices stay open until 20:00 or later and are open on Sundays. Internet cafés can easily be found in any of the larger cities in Croatia and are numerous in Zagreb. Connection is not always as reliable as in cafés in major EU cities (for example), although this is steadily improving. Popular local daily newspapers in the nation are Vecernji List, Jutarnji List and Vijesnik. The foreign press, particularly from the EU, is available at good newsagents around the country. Health & Safety Vaccinations No vaccinations are legally required to enter Croatia. Health Concerns Mains water is normally chlorinated, and while this ensures that it is safe to drink the chemical may cause mild abdominal upsets to people unused to it. It is advised that you drink bottled water - at least for the first few days of your stay, although there is no reason to avoid using the water to clean your teeth, or wash fruit and veggies. The standard of healthcare in cities such as Zagreb and Split is high. Standards may vary in rural or remote areas. UK Nationals can obtain free medical treatment on production of a UK passport. All prescribed medicines have to be paid for. Whether you can obtain free hospital treatment or not it is advised that you secure medical insurance to cover any injuries and repatriation with your homeland should you require it. Personal Safety Croatia is a relatively safe destination with average levels of crimes against people and property. Some areas of the larger cities (as with anywhere) are to be avoided. If unsure you should ask your hotel for advice on where to avoid in the city. Tourist areas and public transport carry risks of theft and in such areas you should be on your guard against people seeking to steal your possessions. Do not leave items unattended in bus or train stations, or on the beach. Theft from sleeping travelers on trains has been known to occur. In the cities take care when crossing roads. Traffic (particularly trams) always assumes the right of way - often even on pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians can also be fined for jay walking so, for your own safety, make sure you stick to marked crossing points. The traditional machismo, male-oriented society has been replaced with a more egalitarian popular culture in recent years, and unaccompanied women are no longer a cause for staring. However, some of the more traditionally minded pubs and bars are still unofficial male-only areas and a single female may feel uncomfortable. Use your judgment, it is unlikely that you'll want to enter a place where this could be the case. Note that some regions, notably Slavonia and Lika, still have a fair number of unmarked and unexplored minefields in them - a leftover of the conflict of the late-20th century. You are advised not to wander from marked paths in these regions, particularly in wooded areas. Mines injure, maim or kill several people each year. Emergency Numbers Police Tel: 92 or 112 Ambulance Tel: 94 or 112 Fire Tel: 93 or 112 Phrasebook Many Croatians speak English as their second language, but German and Italian are very popular too (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). People in the tourist industry most often speak quite good English, as does the younger generation, especially in the tourist areas of Istria, along the coast down to Dubrovnik, and in the capital, Zagreb. Elder people will rarely speak English, but you shouldn't have any problems if you switch to German or Italian. |
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