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Croatia

General

Croatia is a member of the EU.

Time

The time in Croatia is the same as Amsterdam, Paris and Rome and one hour ahead of London.

Language

Croatian, but German and English is spoken in many places.

Border formalities

Many formalities and agreements about matters such as necessary travel documents, car papers, requirements relating to your means of transport and accommodation, medical expenses and taking pets with you do not only depend on the country you are travelling to but also on your departure point and nationality. The length of your stay can also play a role here.

We advise you to consult the relevant authorities before your departure about:

  • which travel documents you will need for yourself and your fellow passengers
  • which documents you need for your car
  • which regulations your caravan must meet
  • which goods you may import and export
  • how medical treatment will be arranged and paid for in your holiday destination in cases of accident or illness
  • whether you can take pets. Contact your vets well in advance. They can give you information about the necessary vaccinations, proof thereof and obligations on return. It would also make sense to enquire whether any special regulations apply to your pet in public places at your holiday destination. In some countries for example dogs must always be muzzled or transported in a cage.

You will find plenty of general information on www.europa.eu but make certain you select information that is relevant to your specific situation.

For the most recent customs regulations you should get in contact with the authorities of your holiday destination in your country of residence.

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Currency

The currency in Croatia is the kuna (HRK). Approximate exchange rates September 2016: £ 1 = 10.34 HRK. Payments are also accepted in euros in most parts of Croatia.

Cash machines

There are plenty of cash machines in Croatia.

Credit cards

All credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. You can exchange currency in banks and exchange offices.

Opening times and Public holidays

Banks

Banks are open Monday to Friday until 19:00, and on Saturday until 13:00.

Shops

Most shops are open on weekdays until 20:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays until 14:00.

Chemists

In general chemists are open from 08:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00, on Saturdays till 14:00.

Public holidays
  • New Year’s Day
  • 6 January (Epiphany)
  • Easter
  • 1 May, (Labour Day)
  • 15 June (Corpus Christi)
  • 22 June (Day of the Antifascist Uprising)
  • 5 August (National Thanksgiving Day)
  • 15 August (The Assumption)
  • 8 October (Independence Day)
  • All Saints' Day
  • Christmas

Communication

(Mobile)phones

The mobile network works well throughout Croatia. There is a 3G network for mobile internet.

Wifi, internet

There are internet cafes in a number of towns. Wifi is becoming more available.

Post

Mostly open on weekdays until 19:00. In the most popular tourist destinations and in large towns some post offices are also open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Roads and traffic

Road network

Unpaved roads are only found in rural areas. You are advised not to drive after dark on these roads. If you have breakdown insurance you can make use of the services of the Croatian motoring association HAK, tel. 987.

Traffic regulations

Remember, all traffic in Croatia drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Croatia uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km) and speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h). Traffic on roundabouts has priority. Ascending traffic on mountain roads has priority over descending traffic.

Maximum permitted alcohol level is 0.5‰. You must drive on dipped headlights from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March. Using phones is only permitted hands-free. School buses which have stopped to take on or drop off passengers must not be overtaken. When overtaking you must use your indicators during the entire manoeuvre. Accidents must be reported to the local police. You must carry snow chains in your car during the winter if you don't have winter tyres (beginning of November till the end of April).

Navigation

It is not known whether notification of fixed speed cameras by navigation systems or mobile phones is permitted.

Caravans, motorhomes

Vehicles with a trailer or caravan need to be equipped with two emergency triangles. You are advised to take with you receipts for expensive equipment in your caravan or motorhome.

Maximum allowed measurements of combined length

Height 4 metres, width 2.50 metres and maximum length 18.75 metres (of which the trailer maximum 12 metres).

Permitted dimensions

Height 4 metres, width 2.50 metres and length of car and caravan 15 metres.

Fuel

Petrol and diesel are easily available. LPG is reasonably well available, especially in larger towns and on motorways.

Filling stations

Filling stations are generally open between 07:00 and 20:00, often till 22:00 in summer. Credit cards are only accepted at a few service stations.

Tolls

Nearly all motorways in Croatia are toll roads. You can pay in euros or kunas or by credit card. More information on www.hac.hr.

You must pay special tolls for the bridge to Krk, the Ucka Tunnel between Rovinj and Rijeka and for the Mirna viaduct between Rovinj and Umag.

Emergency number

122: the national emergency number for fire, police and ambulance.

Camping

There is hardly a free pitch to be found in July and August at campsites in Istria or along the northern Dalmatian coast. You are advised to book in plenty of time if you want to camp in high season. Recreational opportunities are numerous compared to the European norm. Entertainment is provided as standard at large campsites. Croatia is very popular with naturists.

The construction of a new motorway between Zagreb and Dubrovnik is making campsites in central and southern parts of the Dalmatian coast more popular. The idyllically situated campsites on the islands are mostly suitable for tent campers. Overnight camping by the roadside is not permitted.

Practical
  • Make sure you have a world adaptor for electrical appliances.
  • The tap water is safe.