Tourist information

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Welcome!

We send you our best greetings and we are looking forward to your taking an interest in our country.
People of all lands love their own country, deeming it to be the most beautiful. The Croats call their country “Our Beautiful Homeland”, words taken from the first line of the Croatian national anthem.
The Republic of Croatia is a European parliamentary state and part of European political and cultural history.
By size, it is classified among the middle-sized European countries, such as Denmark, Ireland, the Slovak Republic, or Switzerland.
Croatia is a land of open frontiers and clear-cut Customs formalities. It is also a country of concord, and one that is respectful towards its guests. The Croats strive to make “Our Beautiful Homeland” equally beautiful to all who visit it, ensuring that they take with them the finest souvenirs of their stay, beautiful memories, when they leave.

Welcome to Croatia!

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Geographical position:
Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the north-west to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east; its central region is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and its southern parts extend to the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Surface:
The mainland covers 56,542 km², and the surface of the territorial sea is 31,067 km².

Population:
4,437,460 inhabitants; composition of population: the majority of the population are Croats; national minorities are Serbs, Slovenes, Hungarians, Bosnians, Italians, Czechs and others.

System of government:
Multi-party parliamentary republic.

Capital:
Zagreb (779,145 inhabitants), the economic, traffic, cultural and academic centre of the country.

Coastline:
5,835 km of which 4,058 km comprise a coastline of islands, solitary rocks and reefs.

Number of islands, solitary rocks and reefs:
1,185; the largest islands are Cres and Krk; there are 50 inhabited islands.

Highest peak:
Dinara: 1,831 m above sea level.

Climate:
There are two climate zones; a temperate continental climate, locally also a mountainous climate, prevails in the interior, whereas a pleasant Mediterranean climate prevails along the Adriatic coast, with an overwhelming number of sunny days, dry and hot summers, mild and humid winters; average temperature in the hinterland: January 0 to 2°C, August 19 to 23°C; average temperature at the seaside: January 6 to 11°C, August 21 to 27 °C; the temperature is about 12°C in winter, and 25°C in summer.

Currency:
Kuna (1 kuna = 100 lipa). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies, hotels, camps, marinas; cheques can be cashed in banks.

Credit cards:
Hotels accept all major credit cards (Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Visa). Most restaurants, shops and marinas accept Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express, Diners, and Visa.

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Awards 
     
- Croatia has been announced as Lonely Planet Staffers' number one destination for 2005. Croatia won the first place, followed by China, Argentina, USA, Italy und Costa Rica.

- Michelin Europe Tourist and Motoring Atlas puts Croatia on the front page of its 2005. edition,

- USTOA chose Dubrovnik as the host of their 2006. Annual Conference, On July 17th 2005, “New York Times” publishes an article “In Croatia, A New Riviera Beckons”, Croatia was the favourite ''last minute'' destination of German tourists last summer, shows a poll conducted by the European Tourism Institute (ETI), National Geographic Adventure announces Croatia as number one “Hot Adventure Destination” in 2006. 
 
Necktie

The necktie (cravat) originates from Croatia.
"... Around the year 1635, some six thousand soldiers and knights came to Paris to give their support to King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. Among them were a great number of Croatian mercenaries.

The traditional outfit of these Croats aroused interest on account of the unusual and picturesque scarves distinctively tied about their necks. Later on, during the reign of Louis XIV, the Croatian scarf was accepted in France, above all in court, where military ornaments were much admired. The fashionable expression, ’a la croate’, soon evolved into a new French word, which still exists today: la cravate. 
 
Tourism

Croatia was visited by 10 million tourists in 2005. 
 
LADO - Folk dance ensemble of Croatia

LADO is an archaic Slavic word, frequently used as a refrain in old ritual songs of the North-West Croatia, and a synonym for the expression meaning "good", "lovable, "dear".

LADO Ensemble of Croatian folk song and dance was founded in Zagreb, in 1949 as a profesional national ensemble.

36 brilliant dancers of the Ensemble, who are also excellent singers, can easily transform the folk dance ensemble into a representative folk choir, while its 15 superb musicians play some forty different instruments.

In its imposing choreographic and musical repertoire, the LADO Ensemble primarily pays homage to original folk art, making it recognizable and well known throughout the world.

With its unique collection of highly valuable authentic national costumes (more than 1000 costumes), each concert of the LADO Ensemble is a kind of fashion show of the original Croatian traditional attire.

When in the review of a LADO's concert one reads that its perfomance tastes of the spring- water, it is perhaps the best description of its character: clear, refreshing and indispensable to life, reflecting on its surface the man and the whole nation and its culture.
Web: www.lado.hr 
 
Mediterranean  
     
When we invite you to Croatia, we want you to share with us:

THE TASTE
THE FEELING
THE COLOUR
THE PASSION
THE HOSPITALITY
THE HERITAGE
THE BEAUTY
THE SPIRIT
OF

“THE MEDITERRANEAN AS IT ONCE WAS"  

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Usefull information


Currency:
Kuna (1 Kuna = 100 Lipa). There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Lipa coins, 1, 2, 5 and 25 Kuna coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Kuna banknotes.

Foreign currencies:
can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies, hotels, camps, marinas; cheques can be cashed in banks.

Power supply: 220 V, 50 Hz
Our UK guests should note that power outlets in Croatia are the Continental two-pin type and that a socket adapter is therefore required.

Water:
Tap water is potable in all parts of Croatia.

The telephone code for Croatia is +385.

Time zone:
GMT plus one hour in winter and GMT plus two in summer.

Travel documentation:
A valid passport or some other identification document recognised by international agreement; for certain countries a personal identity card is sufficient (i.e. a document which testifies to the identity and citizenship of the bearer).

For more information:
Diplomatic missions and consular offices of the Republic of Croatia abroad or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia. Tel: +385 1 4569 964; E-mail: stranci@mvpei.hr; www.mvp.hr

Customs regulations:
Customs regulations in the Republic of Croatia are harmonised with the standards of EU member states, but the value of objects of non-commercial character for personal use allowed to be brought into the country without tax duty or PDV (VAT) is limited to 300 HRK (kuna).
The entry of all meat, dairy and other products of animal origin is subject to veterinary inspection at the border crossing. The amount of wine that can be brought in is limited to a maximum of 5 litres per passenger.
Foreign and local currency and cheques may be freely taken in and out of the country, but the transfer of an amount exceeding 40,000 kuna must be declared to a customs official. Valuable professional equipment and technical devices must also be declared to a customs official at the border crossing.
Tax is refunded to foreign nationals when leaving the country for individual goods purchased in Croatia, for amounts in excess of 500 HRK, upon the presentation of a “Tax-cheque” form. This form is provided on request by a sales assistant, when items are purchased.
Pets that are being imported, or that are travelling through for non-commercial purposes, in the company on their owner (up to 5 animals: dogs, cats, animals from the marten family, invertebrates (with the exception of bees and crustaceans), ornamental tropical fish, amphibians, reptiles, all types of birds (besides fowl imported for commercial purposes, for zoos and zoo shops), mammals, rodents and rabbits) will be allowed to enter Republic of Croatia if they are, while on the move, accompanied by their owner or another responsible person authorised by the owner, and are not meant for sale or transfer to another owner under the condition that: they have a valid international passport or health certificate (veterinary certificate) in which a licensed veterinary surgeon in the exporter’s country certifies that the animal(s) in question are healthy and show no symptoms of infectious diseases which must be reported, and that they do not come from an area in which infectious diseases are present and which that particular type of animal can transfer.
Dogs, cats and animals of the marten family must be:
a) marked with a clearly legible tattoo or fitted with an electronic identification system (transponder).
b) have an international passport issued by a licensed veterinarian proving they have been vaccinated against rabies, or have be re-vaccinated in line with the recommendations of the manufacturing laboratory, carried out on that kind of animal with an inactivated vaccine with at least one antigen unit per dose (WHO standard) not more than 30 days prior in the case of a first, primary vaccination: under 3 months of age, and have not been vaccinated against rabies, living from birth at the same place and have not been in contact with wild animals which is confirmed on the international passport by an authorised veterinarian or move with the mother on whom they are dependent.
For additional information please contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management – Veterinary Department (Tel. +385 1 610 6703 and + 385 1 610 6669; www.mps.hr)

Health services
There are hospitals and clinics located in all the larger towns and cities, while smaller centres have dispensaries and pharmacies.
Foreign visitors are not obliged to pay for medical services if a convention on Social Security has been signed between Croatia and visitors’ country of origin, i.e. if they have in their possession a certificate stipulated by such a convention confirming their right to health care. Health care (including transport) is used for emergency cases in the manner and according to regulations valid for Croatian citizens covered by Social Security, with identical participation in health care costs (participation and administrative duties). Persons coming from countries with which no such convention has been signed bear the costs of health services rendered personally.

Public holidays

1 January - New Year’s Day
6 January – Epiphany
Easter Sunday & Easter Monday
1 May - Labour Day
Corpus Christi
22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day
25 June - Statehood Day
5 August - Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day
15 August - Assumption Day
8 October - Independence Day
1 November - All Saints’ Day
25-26 December - Christmas Holidays

Shops and public services working hours
Most shops are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 2 or 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Some shops work a split-shift system: from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Many shops stay open until 10 p.m., even on Sundays, especially in summer, while certain shops in the larger cities are open for business 24 hours a day.
Public services and business offices work from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

Post and telecommunications
Post offices are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, in smaller centres from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.; some offices work a split shift. In most towns and tourist centres, on-duty post offices are open on Saturdays and Sundays until 9 p.m.
Postage stamps may also be purchased from newspaper and tobacco kiosks
Phone cards are used in all public telephones and may be purchased from post offices and from newspaper and tobacco kiosks. International calls may be made directly from public telephones.
www.posta.hr 

Power supply: 220 V, 50 Hz
Our UK guests should note that power outlets in Croatia are the Continental two-pin type and that a socket adapter is therefore required.

Tap water is potable in all parts of Croatia.

Environmental protection:
The protection of biodiversity complies with valid EU regulations. As regards bathing, the sea at the Croatian Adriatic is of high quality, again according to EU criteria.
In the event of extraordinary environmental pollution on land, please advise the 112 Centre.

In the event of an accident seek help at the number 112!

This number can be reached any time, day or night, regardless of where you are in the Republic of Croatia.
Calls to this number are free of charge.
Calls can be made through all operators and all telephone devices by dialling 112.

In the event of an accident the 112 Centre can be contacted in any one of the following foreign languages:

English
German
Italian
French
Hungarian
Czech

Call 112 If you need:

Emergency medical assistance
The assistance of firefighters
The assistance of the police
The assistance of the Highland Rescue Service
Emergency veterinary assistance
The assistance of emergency services and operative search and rescue forces
If you notice:

Fire
Leaks of hazardous materials, the contamination of potable water, waterways, rivers or the sea
Other phenomenon that represent a danger to the lives and health of people or animals, cultural goods and the environment
When calling 112 please indicate:

What happened
Where is happened
When it happened
If there are injured parties
What the nature of the injury or injuries are
What kind of assistance you require
Your name
Fire prevention
Check that you have undertaken all the necessary measures to prevent fire!
Do not throw burning or inflammable objects into the environment!
Observe the signs forbidding the lighting of fires!
Take care that your parked vehicles do not obstruct firefighting approaches and access roads.

What should you do if there is a fire?

Immediately notify firefighters of the fire at the telephone number 93 or call for assistance at 112!
Use a hand-held fire extinguisher (if one is available) and only attempt to extinguish the fire if doing so does not endanger you or others
Notify people in the area of the appearance of fire
Safely evacuate any people in the area
Do not enter staircases if they are filled with smoke and do not use elevators
If smoke prevents you from exiting the building, close all of the windows and doors to prevent the entry of smoke in your room
If your are trapped in an apartment, wait for the arrival of firefighters at the window so that they can see you, as firefighting vehicles are also equipped for rescue from elevated positions
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF FIREFIGHTERS
Search and rescue
In the event of accident on land or at sea, call 112 (the number for all emergency situations), and in the event of accident at sea call 9155 (the National Centre for search and rescue at sea) or 112.

Outdoor activities:

Tell relatives or friends the route and plan of your journey
Walk on marked paths and trails
Secure sufficient quantities of water
Prepare adequate clothing and footwear
Prepare mobile telephone devices
Monitor weather forecasts
Do not light fires
Do not throw cigarette butts or flammable objects out of doors
ON THE ROAD

Avoid traffic jams during the peak tourism season (riding on weekends or holidays)
Be well-rested when travelling
Adjust your speed to the conditions on the road and the posted speed limits
In the event of a traffic jam, be patient (have sufficient quantities of water)
AT SEA

Do not expose yourself to danger when swimming and diving
Moderate your exposure to the sun and use protective sunscreens
Do not overestimate your own capabilities
Monitor weather forecasts
Important telephone numbers:

International country code for Croatia: +385
Police: 92
Fire Brigade: 93
Ambulance: 94
Roadside vehicle assistance: 987
When calling from abroad or by mobile phone, call +385 1 987
National Search and Rescue Centre: 9155.
The countrywide number for all emergency situations: 112
General information: 981
Information on local and intercity numbers: 988
Information on international numbers: 902
Weather forecast and road conditions: 060 520 520
Croatian Automobile Club (HAK): +385 1 46 40 800
Internet: www.hak.hr

Radio news in foreign languages during the tourist season
Croatian Radio broadcasts programmes in foreign languages designed for tourists in Croatia on several frequencies. A daily programme is broadcast at 8:05 pm on channel one, in English, for a duration of up to 10 min. On channel two of Croatian Radio, along with regular news, HAK provides reports on road conditions in English, German and Italian and, several times each day, information for sailors.
In the summer season, on channel two of Croatian Radio (98.5 Mhz), in addition to the regular news in the Croatian language there will also be a broadcast on road conditions in the English, German and Italian languages by HAK (from 18 June to 9 September 2007).
During the same period there will also be broadcasts every hour on the hour; news and reports on the condition of the roads are broadcast directly from the studios of: the Third Programme of Austrian Radio, RAI Uno, British Virgin Radio, Radio Prague and the International programme of Croatian Radio – Voice of Croatia.
During the summer Radio Prague reporters broadcast news for their nationals staying in Croatia via regional radio stations: Radio Split, Radio Dubrovnik and Radio Rijeka.

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