Country information
General
Time
Croatia uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Language
Croatian, but German is spoken in many places.
Border formalities
Travel documents
Croatia is a not member of the European Union but UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan
Caravans
It is no longer compulsory to have an inventory list for the caravan. You are well advised to take with you proof of purchase of expensive items.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Croatia if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm.
Currency
The currency in Croatia is the kuna (HRK), which is divided into 100 lipa. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = 10.86 HRK Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Croatia. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Banks are open on weekdays from 07:00/08:00 to 19:00, and on Saturdays from 07:00/08:00 to 12:00/13:00.
Customs regulations
There is free import of personal possessions, equipment and food for your journey. The following limits apply: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, 1 litre wine, 1 litre spirits. In addition you are allowed to import a ‘reasonable amount’ of foodstuffs for your own use. The import of meat is prohibited. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/.
Medical cover
The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not valid in Croatia, but there are reciprocal arrangements for UK citizens which cover basic medical costs in emergencies. However you are strongly advised to take out sufficient medical insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment.. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/.
Opening times and Public holidays
Post
Mostly open on weekdays from 07:00 to 19:00, in smaller places from 07:00 to 14:00. Some close at lunchtime. Some post offices in larger towns and tourist resorts are open on Saturday and Sunday until 21:00.
Shops
Most shops are open continuously on weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays till 14:00, often longer during the holiday season.
Chemists
You will find chemists in all parts of the country. In general they are open from 08:00 to 19:00 and on Saturdays till 14:00. In some larger cities duty chemists are open 24 hours.
Public holidays
- New Year’s Day
- 6 January (Epiphany)
- Easter Monday
- 1 May, 30 May (Republic Day)
- 22 June (Day of the Antifascist Uprising)
- 5 August (National Thanksgiving Day)
- 15 August (The Assumption)
- 8 October (Independence Day)
- 1 November (All Saints)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Roads and traffic
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), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Traffic on roundabouts has priority. Speed limits where not otherwise indicated:
- roads in built-up areas 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- main roads outside built-up areas 80 km/h (± 50 mph)
- motorways 130 km/h (± 81 mph), with trailer or caravan 80 km/h (± 50 mph).
School buses which have stopped to take on or drop off passengers must not be overtaken. Children under 12 may not travel in the front seats. Using phones in the car is only permitted handsfree. When overtaking you must use your indicators during the entire manoeuvre. Parking is restricted in ‘blue zones’ (plava zona) and paid parking is in force in most tourist areas. Use of seatbelts is mandatory. Every car must carry a first aid kit and an emergency triangle and vehicles with a camping or other trailer must carry two emergency triangles. The permitted level of alcohol is 0%.
Useful translations of traffic signs:
Desno: right
Lijevo: left
Maksimalna brzina: maximum speed
Opasna okuka/zavoj: dangerous bend
Paznja: warning
Polagano/vozi lagano: drive slowly
Pjesaci: pedestrians
Stajaliste: stop
Zabranjeno parkiranje: no parking
Zabranjeno za sva vozila: all vehicles prohibited
In the event of breakdown
Members of UK motoring organisations can use the services of the sister organisation in Croatia, HAK, subject to their membership conditions by calling 987 (mobile: 01 987) for towing assistance 24 hours a day. There are emergency telephones on motorways. If you cannot contact the motoring patrols you should use the following emergency numbers: Police: 92, Fire: 93, Ambulance: 94. The European emergency number 112 is also available in Croatia.
Camping
Overnight camping by the roadside is not permitted. For camping outside official camp sites you must have permission from the local authorities or the local police. Electrical supply is 220 V/50 Hz. Tap water can be consumed anywhere in Croatia.
Useful addresses
Croatian National Tourist Office 2
Lanchesters
162-164 Fulham Palace Road
London W6 9ER
Tel: 0208 563 7979
Fax: 0208 563 2616
e-mail: info@cnto.freeserve.co.uk
internet: http://www.gb.croatia.hr/
Croatian Embassy
21 Conway Street
London W1P 5HL
Tel: (020) 7387 2022
Fax: (020)7 387 0310
internet: http://croatia.embassyhomepage.com/
