General Info Croatia

Entry Requirements

European and UK Citizens
European and British citizens can, as part of the Schengen Agreement, enter Croatia visa-free. An officially approved ID card (or a passport) is sufficient for entry.

US and Canadian Citizens
United States can enter Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days. An valid passport and return ticket will be necessary.

More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

Weather

Northern Croatia has a temperate continental climate whereas the central and upland regions have a mountainous climate. The entire Adriatic coast has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are mild along the coast, while winter is cold and snowy in central and northern regions. The average temperature inland in January ranges from -10° to 5°C (14° to 41°F) and in August, from 19° to 39°C (66° to 102°). The average temperature at the seaside is higher: in January, from 6°C to 11°C (43° to 52°F) and in August from 21°C to 39°C (70° to 102°F).

Driving

Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road in Croatia.

Language

The official language of Croatia is Croatian (Hrvaski). English is commonly spoken, particularly by the younger generation and by those who work in tourism or live in tourist areas such as the coastline from Istra to Dubrovnik and the capital city of Zagreb.

Emergency Number

To contact the Police Department, Fire Department or Ambulance Service, dial 112

Time Zone

Croatia is on the Central European Standard Time (GTM +1).

Shopping Hours

Most malls open Monday – Saturday from 08:00 am – 07:00 pm or 08:00 pm and close on Sunday. In summer, shops along the coast open at around 08:00 am and now have the right to stay open until midnight, seven days a week.

Banks & Currency

Banks usually open Monday – Friday from 08.00 am – 07.00 pm and on Saturday from 08:00 am to 12:00 noon.
The currency Croatia is the Kuna (HRK), even though, Euros are widely accepted. US Dollars are not accepted.

Electrical Standard

Croatia features the 230V/50Hz cycle electrical standard which is compatible with all European devices. Converters needed for US appliances.

Phone

Telephone code is +385. If dialing from USA, then 011 385 plus digit number.

Croatia uses the GSM 900 (T-Mo, Vip) /1800 (Tele2) system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile, Vip and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. 3G has been available since 2006, while 4G has become available in 2012. However, 4G is supported in larger cities only. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a Tele2 prepaid SIM card for 25 kn. GSM phones (Nokia 1200, Nokia 2610, Motorola F3, LG KG130 or Samsung C170) bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at prices between 50 and 200 kn.

Tips

When visiting Croatia, it can be hard to know when and when not to tip. Amongst Croatian locals there is not a big tipping etiquette and gratuities are not widely expected; however, of course that doesn’t mean they are not appreciated. If the service you receive is outstanding and friendly then of course you can leave a few Kunas. Here are some tipping recommendations:

- Hotel: 10-25 Kunas
- Restaurant: 10% tip
- Bar: Don’t Tip
- Spa: 10-20% tip
- Tour Guide: 10-15 Kunas
- Taxi: Round up the fare