Banks: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 07:30 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 07:30 to 12:00, Saturday
Government Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 08:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 07:30 to 14:00, Saturday
Holidaymakers have few serious safety concerns in Croatia as the country has low levels of violent crime and acts of this nature are exceptionally rare towards tourists. Petty crime is present to some extent so some degree of vigilance in necessary in busy places. Keep cash and valuables in a secure place about your person at all times and avoiding flashing expensive jewellery in public areas.
Emergency: 94
Electricity: 220 volt AC, 50 Hz
Health issues for visitors are few, with the country observing high standards of hygiene and disease control across its urban areas. Water from the tap is safe to drink and there are no specific immunisations necessary although Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio shots are recommended for anyone planning lengthy stays and forays into non-tourist areas of the country. Rabies is present so immunisation is wise for anyone anticipating close contact with wildlife. Ticks carry the encephalitis virus so spray liberally with insect repellent before wandering into forested areas.
Be wary of the sun and heat at the height of summer; direct over-exposure can cause serious short and long term damage to the skin, while failing to drink enough liquid can easily lead to dehydration.A relatively high standard of medical care is available in hospitals and free emergency treatment is offered to all visitors. Reciprocal health agreements are held between Croatia and many EU countries, entitling visitors to a limited amount of free medical treatment. Check your own country’s foreign office website to see if you are eligible.
Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb: +385 1 49 20 019
Notes are issued in denominations of Kn1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are issued in denominations of Kn25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lipa.
ATMs are widely available and most accept foreign cards although one with the endorsement of a major international credit firm is preferable. Cash and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at most banks across the country, at currency exchange desks in popular tourist areas and at many of the larger hotels.
Visitors may bring the following into the country without incurring duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits and 1/4 litre of eau de cologne and 1 bottle of perfume.
Peace is a relatively new state of affairs in Croatia and the country’s war torn days are not yet a distant memory so locals tend to be somewhat sensitive about the issue. Visitors are advised to avoid all mention of war and of the country’s previously strained relationships with its neighbouring countries.
The family is considered the most important institution in Croatian society, with respect given to the eldest members. Visitors should be aware of this and act accordingly when introduced to family member.
Initial greetings are made with a moderately firm handshake and ‘dobro jutro’ for good morning, ‘dobro dan’ for good day or ‘dobro veèer’ for good evening. Locals should be addressed using their title and surname until a time at which the individual specifies otherwise.
Religion plays a major role in Croatian life; visitors should be respectful of the beliefs of locals and avoid discussions which might lead to expressions of anti-Catholic sentiment.
Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette is surprisingly relaxed in Croatia and there are few opportunities for visitors to seriously offend other guests at the dinner table. Manners are continental with regard to the use of utensils and other general aspects of table behaviour.
Gifts are as gratefully received by Croatian hosts and hostesses as in any country in the world, so visitors can show their appreciation for dinner invitations with flowers, wine or something of interest from their own country.
In the dining room, guests should wait to be shown to their seats. Eating does not begin until the host indicates thus. It’s polite to try a little of everything and to refuse offers of more initially but then to accept on your host’s insistence.
A small amount of food left on the plate tells your host that you have finished eating.
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, UK and other EU countries may enter Croatia for stays of up to 90 days on nothing more than a passport with (a minimum of) six months validity. Visitors from other countries may require tourist visas to gain entry and should contact a Croatian embassy in their home country for more information.
The country’s capital city is home to the central office of the Croatian National Tourist Board. The office is located at: Iblerov trg 10/IV, 10000 Zagreb. Telephone enquiries can be made at +385 1 4556 455; email enquiries can be directed to: info@htz.hr
From the very first welcome to the moment we left, the kindness and hospitality of the staff especially of those at the main reception was excellent. Via this opportunity we would like to thank the Ho...
