Capital
Zagreb
Time
2 hours behind Moscow.
Language
The state language in the country is Croatian (related to Macedonian, Serbian and Bulgarian). Croats use the Latin alphabet when writing. Despite the similarity of the Russian and Croatian languages, communication can be difficult.
Currency
The country’s currency is the Croatian kuna, the small coin is the linden (1USD ≈ 4.98 HRK, 1HRK = 100 lipa, 1 EUR ≈ 7.3 HRK).
Currency exchange is carried out at exchange offices, banks, post offices and hotels. In some banks, currency exchange is carried out without a commission, but usually the commission is 1 – 1.5%.
In banks, reverse currency exchange is also possible; this requires the presentation of bank receipts.
Having made a purchase for more than 500 HRK, you can return VAT when leaving the country – for which you need to present a passport, goods and a receipt at the customs office.
Traveler’s checks are accepted by most major banks in the country. It is preferable to use checks in euros.
Credit cards are also widely accepted in Croatia.
When buying something in the country, it is recommended to keep receipts.
On weekdays, banks work from 8.00-17.00, on Saturdays until 13.00, Sunday is a day off.
Connection
The telephone code of the country is 385.
Telephone communication in the country is quite expensive. Calls are best made at the post office, where you can also purchase cards or tokens for city telephone booths. Each city in the country has its own phone card.
Emergency telephone numbers in Croatia: ambulance – 94 or 4600-911 in Zagreb, police – 92, fire department – 93, taxi service – 970, emergency road service – 987, information – 981.
Croatia city codes: Zagreb – 1, Osijek – 31, Vukovar – 32, Biograd – 23.
Codes of the main resorts of Croatia: Cavtat, Mlini, Dubrovnik, Plat, the islands of Korcula, Kolocep and Mljet – 20; Tučepi, Baska Voda, Split, Makarska, Trogir, Brela, the islands of Hvar and Brac – 21; Primosten, Vodice and Sibenik – 22; Opatija, Lovran, Krk island – 51; Rabac, Porec, Umag, Medulin, Vrsar, Pula, Novigrad and Rovinj – 52.
When calling within the country, dial “0”.
Electricity
The voltage in the electrical network is 220V, standard sockets and plugs with round plugs are used. In many hotels, European-style sockets are more common due to the reconstruction to European standards.
Shops and shopping
The most common souvenir in Croatia is wine, of which there is a very large selection. Of the strong alcoholic drinks, the most famous are Travaritsa (on herbs), Pear (on pears) and Slivovnitsa (on plums).
Maraschino, a cherry liqueur from Zadar, is also popular among drinks. See liuxers for Croatia customs and traditions.
Among the jewelry from Rijeka, pins, brooches of fine workmanship and pendants made in the shape of a negro head are in great demand.
Also in the country there are excellent products made from coral, which can be purchased on many islands.
The Dalmatian Islands are famous for their handmade embroidery, carved wooden things, leather and wool products, ceramics, carpets, as well as national costumes and tapestries, which can be easily purchased in souvenir shops and shops in the country.
Opening hours of shops from 8.00-20.00, on weekends until 14.00. During the tourist season on the coast, a change in working hours is possible from 6.00-12.00 and from 17.00-22.00.
Transport
The bus is the most common mode of transport in Croatia, while there are also trams in Osijek and Zagreb. Tickets are purchased at newsstands or transport shops. The ticket must be marked in a special composter and kept until the end of the trip.
“Dnevna card” – day tickets valid for all types of public transport.
In Zagreb, you can use the tourist “Zagreb-Card”. The number of trips on this card in the tram or bus of the first zone, cable car and lift is unlimited.
Upon presentation of the Zagreb-Card, the purchase of tickets to the zoo or museum comes with a 50% discount, to the opera, theater or concert there is a discount of up to 20%, the card also entitles you to a discount in restaurants, shops and car rentals.
Zagreb-Card is valid for 72 hours.
Taxi service in Zagreb is metered. A taxi ride from 22.00-5.00, as well as on holidays and weekends will cost 20% more.
Car rent
When renting a car in Croatia, you must show your passport, driver’s license and credit card. The renter must be at least 21 years old and have at least 3 years of driving experience.
In the absence of a credit card, the tenant leaves a security deposit of 150-300 euros. Price lists indicate prices without 20% tax. The cost of renting a car is from 50 euros.
Tips
In hotels, taxis and restaurants, if the price for service is not included in the bill, it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the order amount. Tipping is also customary for bartenders and guides.
Tourist safety in Croatia
Croatia is one of the most prosperous countries in Europe in terms of crime.
In the country, it is worth keeping receipts from every purchase. A tourist who does not take a check can be considered an accomplice of the owner of the store, who allegedly evades taxes.
Self-extraction of corals is very strictly punished.
