Travellers usefull tips
Things to know about Croatia
Capital: Zagreb
Religion: Most people confess Catholicism, but Orthodox Christians and Muslims also live in the country.
Official language is Croatian, but people also speak Italian, English and German.
Climate: Croatia consists of two climate zones. Continental part of the country has a temperate continental climate. The Adriatic coast has a warm Mediterranean climate. This territory is characterized by a great number of sunny days, hot and dry summers, long and wet winters.
The average temperature in Croatia:
October +17 °C
November +12 °C
December +9 °C
January +7 °C
February +8 °C
March +10 °C
April +13 °C
May +17 °C
June +21 °C
July +24 °C
August +24 °C
September +21 °C
Currency is Croatian kuna (HRK). It is subdivided into 100 lipa. Circulated banknotes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 kuna, and coins of 1, 2, 5 kuna and 10, 20, 50 lipa.
Means of payment: National currency and credit cards are acceptable in shops, hotels and restaurants. EuroCard, MasterCard, American Express and Maestro are widely used. In addition, large banks accept traveller’s cheques.
Currency exchange: You can exchange money in all banks, exchange offices, hotels, travel agencies and post offices. Commission of such operation is about 1-1.5%, but some banks offer exchanging currency without commission. Banks work from 9:00am to 7:00pm on weekdays, on Saturdays – from 8:00am to 12:00am.
Calls to Croatia from other countries
To make a call from a landline phone, you should dial: +385 (dialling code) X-XXX-XXX;
e.g. +385 (30) X-XXX-XXX.
Calls from Croatia to other countries
At newspaper stands, tourist agencies and post offices, you can buy a special phone card, which falls into three categories: A, B, and C. Every city has its own phone card. You can use it to phone within the country or abroad. Public telephone boxes are located in all public places, in the streets and at post offices.
Useful phone numbers in Croatia:
Police – 92
Ambulance – 94
Fire Department – 93
Time zone: UTC (CET) +1
Summer time: UTC+2
Daylight saving time in summer: the last Sunday of March at 1:00pm.
Daylight saving time in winter: the last Sunday of October at 1:00pm.
Customs
You can bring into the country duty-free:
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars;
- 250gr of tobacco;
- 1 l of alcohol beverage;
- 50gr of perfume;
- 250 ml of cologne;
You can also import duty-free cash or gifts of the total value up to 300 kuna.
Shopping
In Croatia, shops work from 8:00am to 8:00pm on weekdays, from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. In summer resorts, shops are open from 6:00am to 8:00pm.
Transport in Croatia
a) Public transport
1. Taxi
In Croatia, all taxis are equipped with special meters that show fare for your trip. Initial tariff entry is 2.5 American dollars, further you should pay 0.96 cents per each kilometre. In the evening, you should expect an extra charge or double rate.
2. Trams
Tram lines are located in the capital, Zagreb and Osijek. You can buy tickets at stops or special kiosks.
3. Buses
Buses are the most popular kind of transport in the country. They run according to the schedule. During a trip, you should sit in the salon, because standing is prohibited. A bus ticket costs about 16 kuna.
4. Bicycles
In Croatia, you won’t have problems with bicycle rent. It costs about 7 euro per day, or 2.5 euro per hour.
b) Long-distance transport
1. Buses
The most popular kind of long-distance transport is a bus. Comfortable buses run across the country. Fare ranges from 100 to 150 kuna. They run according to the schedule and are quite frequent.
2. Trains
Railway system of Croatia is well-developed, and it is also very popular. The north of Croatia has the busiest rail traffic, but the centre of the railway system is located in Zagreb. From Zagreb you can get to Varaždin, Split, Pula, Osijek and Rijeka. If you want to save money, you are advised to buy a Euro-Domino ticket. It costs about 50 euro, such ticket allows you unlimited trips for three days during a month. Each additional day will cost 7 euro.
3. Aircraft
The main airport is located about 17 km from the Croatian capital city. It serves either international or domestic flights to Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Brac and other cities. Cost of a flight within the country is even lower than by bus or train. It depends on a length of the flight and cabin comfort.
Car rental
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old with driving experience at least three years, and have an international driving license. In addition, you must leave a bond from €150 to 300. After the tenancy you’ll get your bond money back.
Traffic rules
- In Croatia, the headlights or low beam lights should always be switched on at any time of the year.
- Speed limits in cities – 50km/h, other roads – 80km/h, motorways – 130km/h, highways – 100km/h.
- Trams have priority on the road.
- It’s strictly prohibited driving while intoxicated with alcohol.
- Croatia has a big penalty for not wearing seat belt, it is about 70 euro.
- Every car must have a breakdown triangle, tow rope and spare bulbs. If you have a trailer, the second breakdown triangle must be on the trailer.
Water transport
It’s easy to get to islands, because ships, boats and ferries run between resort cities across the Adriatic Sea. The main international harbours are Rijeka, Zadar, Pula, Split and Dubrovnik. During a summer, a number of trips increase, however you’re advised to book a seat on ferry in advance.
Hotels in Croatia
Croatia has a standard European classification of hotels, where number of stars ranges from 2 to 5 – they indicate quality of a hotel. Apartments on the coast without food are the most popular among tourists. Some hotels have many shops, restaurants and entertaining establishments on their territory. In addition, there are widely used hostels, or so-called youth dorms. But they don’t have any age limits. It’s the cheapest way to travel.
Tipping
It’s a tradition to leave tips, if it isn’t included in the bill. Tips should be about 10% of the total. You’re advised to tip also a taxi driver and a barman.
National Holidays
1 January – New Year's Day
6 January – Epiphany
1 May – International Workers' Day
22 June – Anti-Fascist Struggle Day
25 June – Statehood Day
5 August – Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders
8 October – Independence Day
25 December – Christmas
Traditions and rules of conduct in Croatia
Croatia has a low level of crime, so you shouldn’t worry about safety of your luggage. However, young women still shouldn’t walk alone. Croatian men are famous for their attention to women. Croatians like and appreciate their nature. They spend much time in the suburbs and national parks.
Visa
For the citizens of the European Union, and also of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Japan and China, visa is not required during summer season. However, on the 1st of July 2013 Croatia is joining the Schengen area, so to visit the country you will need a Schengen visa.