Toll Free (USA & Canada) +1 866 978 2997
CAPITAL:
Zagreb
RELIGION:
A majority of Croatians identified with Christianity, with 86.3% identifying as Roman Catholic and 4.4% identifying as Eastern Orthodox. Of the remaining population, 1.5% identified as Muslim, 1.5% identified with some other religion, 3.8% identified as non-religious or atheist and 2.5% did not specify
LANGUAGE
Most Croatians do speak English very well, but only as a second language. The name of the language Croatians speak is ‘Croatian’, the ‘Croatian language’ or Hrvatski.
PASSPORTS & VISA INFORMATION:
A valid passport is required by all nationals. All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Please ensure that passport/s are valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of return and contain between 2-6 blank “Visa” pages. You should have at least two free pages in your passport. Please access the Travel & Visa Requirements Section on the top of this page for the latest visa entry requirements for the country/ies you are visiting. Passports are required; in addition, travelers are also advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; Two-pin plugs as in most of Western Europe are used.
Social Conventions
People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport.
Photography
Certain restrictions may exist.
Kuna (HRK; symbol Kn) = 100 Lipa. Notes are in denominations of Kn1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Kn25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lipa.
Money
As of January 2023, the currency used in Croatia is Euro. Prior to this change, Croatia's official currency was the Croatian Kuna (HRK) between 1994 and 2023. Cash may be obtained on arrival at exchange offices, banks or from ATMs. Traveler’s checks are not practical, and credit cards have limited use, although almost all shops will accept those. US Dollars bills, if used, should be in good condition (not stained or torn), and recently printed as banks and exchange offices are very particular.
Major credit cards are accepted in some of the better outlets, but shops and restaurants generally require a minimum purchase amount when using them (so they are not appropriate for incidentals such as ice cream, snacks, etc.). You might consider bringing more than one card, as some outlets may not accept all types. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification (i.e. your passport) when making a transaction with your credit card.
ATM cards
For the best available exchange rate, you will find ATM cards indispensable. We recommend you are very careful when using an ATM, as elsewhere. Avoid making withdrawals at night or in the dark areas, always protect your PIN (personal identification number) from view, and always refuse any help from the so-called helpful strangers offering help. Lost or blocked card should be reported to your bank via its 24 - hour emergency number for immediate cancellation/replacement.
Banking hours:
Mon-Fri 0700-1900, Sat 0700-1300.
Currency restriction:
The import and export of local currency is limited to Kn15,000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but it is compulsory to declare upon arrival the amounts that exceed the equivalent of €10,000.
Currency exchange:
Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, by authorised dealers and post offices.
Telephone:
Public telephones or payphones appear pretty much everywhere. Buy a telephone card from a newspaper kiosk for easy use – these come in various denominations.
The country access code for calling Croatia is 385
National numbers
International country code for Croatia – 385
Ambulance – 112
Fire brigade – 112
Police – 112
Public Emergency Centre – 112
Mobile phone:
There are several local cellphone networks in Croatia, including A1 (091) and T-mobile (098) which are the largest. Each has excellent coverage that includes about 98% of the country. Cheaper services include Tele2 and Tomato. Each company sells SIM cards, mobile phones and prepaid packages that include the cellphone and SIM card
Internet:
Internet in Croatia these days is widely available and broadband services are now both extremely commonplace…and fast! Wifi is extremely widespread – you’ll almost always find it offered in your place of accommodation, or cafes/bars and in ‘hotspots’ around town. Internet cafes are therefore less commonplace, although you may still find some Internet cafes – or a computer in the corner of a bar – in some places.
Croatia Food and Drink
The Adriatic coast is renowned for its variety of seafood dishes, and Italian influences are found here as well as in Istria. Inland areas feature steaks and hearty stews, with freshwater fish prominent on menus in Slavonia. You will find exquisite cakes and deserts all over the country. Croatia produces plenty of wine, with the best reds generally coming from the Pelješac peninsula on the coast, and the best whites usually produced in eastern Slavonia and in Istria.
MEAL COST
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Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 7.99 € Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 37.27 € McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 5.99 €
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FOOD SPECIALITIES:
Tipping
Suggested - per person:
Crew: EUR 1.5-3 (USD 2-4) daily p.p. per crew member
Local guides: EUR 1-2 (USD 1.5-3 per half day of sightseeing)
Restaurants & Cafes: If not included tip 10%-15% of the check, depending on the quality of service (Restaurants in Europe generally include a service charge, but tipping is usual and a common practice)
Taxis: Tip up to 10% of the fare (We recommend you book taxis via your hotel/boat reception and negotiate taxi fares before you get in to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the journey)
Required Clothing
Lightweights and beachwear (including sun protection) are ideal for summer. Medium weights are recommended for winter with heavy, warm clothing for inland areas.
Weather
Croatia has a varied climate, with continental climate conditions inland and Mediterranean influence on the Adriatic coast. Peak season is July - August, with temperatures in the high 20s or in the 30s in places like Split, but you can expect plenty of sunshine from roughly May to October on the coast, and the shoulder seasons (May-June and September) are among the best times to visit Croatia. Inland is also hot in the summer but can be bitterly cold in the winter with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. Winter on the coast is milder but can be quite rainy.
HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES
As a general recommendation, it is advisable to check with your family doctor or travel clinic for latest health information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Health plans only provide limited coverage while traveling outside of the country. Indus Travels can offer you a complete travel insurance package. Some credit cards do offer travel insurance; however, they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased.
