Currency: Kuna (1 Kuna = 100 Lipa).
Foreign currencies: can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels and camping grounds. Banking hours are 7a.m. to 7p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays banks are open until 1p.m. In the larger cities some banks are also open on Sundays. Credit cards: Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, Sport Card International). Cash dispensing machines are ubiquitous.
Travel documentation: Passport is required when entering the country. Tourists may remain in Croatia for up to three months. For more information contact: Diplomatic consulates of the Republic of Croatia abroad or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia. Tel. +385 1 4569 964.
Web: www.mvpei.hr
Customs regulations: Customs regulations of the Republic of Croatia are in line with the standards of European Union countries. Foreign currency is freely brought in and taken out of the country (up to a value of 3,000 euros); up to a value of 15,000 kn for domestic currency. More expensive professional and technical equipment should be registered at the border. Dogs and cats, accompanied by their owner, need to have an International Certificate from a registered veterinarian stating that at least 15 days and not more than six months have passed since their vaccination against rabies.
Important telephone numbers:
Ambulance: 94
Fire-service: 93
Police: 92
Assistance on the roads: 987; 987@hak.hr
(If you are calling from outside of Croatia or using a mobile phone dial +3851 987)
General information: 981
Information about local and district telephone numbers: 988
Information about international telephone numbers: 902
Weather forecast and road conditions: 060 520 520
Purchase tax reimbursement for foreign citizens:
Tourists making purchases in Croatia (apart from petroleum derivatives) which exceed 500 Kuna per receipt may reclaim VAT ("PDV"). At point of purchase the sales person will provide on request a PDV-P form, which should be filled out and stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt must be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in Kuna can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where the goods were purchased (in which case the tax is refunded immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. Further information: Republic of Croatia Customs Administration (tel 01 6102 333); Web: www.carina.hr
Medical service: There are hospitals and clinics in all larger cities and first aid clinics and pharmacies in all places. Foreign tourists do not pay for medical services if the Health Care Convention was signed between Croatia and the country they come from. Expenses of health services provided to persons coming from the countries with which the Health Care Convention was not signed are charged directly to users according to the price list. For patients whose lives are in danger, there is emergency transport by air (helicopter) or sea (speedboat).
Electricity: Voltage of city power grid - 220V, frequency 50HZ
The telephone code for Croatia is +385.
Time zone: GMT plus one hour
Public holidays 2010
1 January - New Year's Day
6 January - Epiphany
2 - 5 April - Easter
1 May - Labour Day
3 June - Corpus Christi
22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day
25 June - Statehood Day
5 August - Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day
15 August – Feast of the Assumption
8 October - Independence Day
1 November - All Saints' Day
25 and 26 December – Christmas