CROATIA

LOCATION
Croatia lies along the east coast of the Adriatic Sea and shares a border with Yugoslavia (Montenegro and Serbia), Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary and Slovenia. Croatia has an amazing 5835 km of coastline, 4057 km of which consist of islands, cliffs and reefs. There are 1185 islands in the Adriatic Sea, but only 67 are inhabited.

GATEWAY
Zagreb, Spilt and Dubrovnik.

CLIMATE
The climate is Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast, warm dry summers and mild winters. Croatia has one of the sunniest coastlines in Europe! Summer (May-Sept.) temperatures range from 26’ C to 30’ C. In the interior of the country, the climate is continental with hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

CURRENCY
Croatian Kuna (HRK)

LANGUAGE
Croatian is the official language, Italian and English are also widely spoken.

VISA
South African passport holders require a visa for Croatia.

WHAT THINGS COST *
Bottled water 1L               EUR 1.50
Can of coke                       EUR 1.00
Bottle of local beer.          EUR 1.50
Take away lunch              EUR 10.00
Dinner at a restaurant     EUR 15.00
20 minute taxi journey     EUR 40.00
*Purchase price will vary depending on point of sale.

Below are a few hints that may help you when planning for your trip to Croatia:

VISA
A visa is required for South African passport holders. Holders of passports for the EU countries do not need visas for Croatia.

CLIMATE
Northern Croatia has a continental climate; Central Croatia has a semi-highland and highland climate, while the Croatian coast has a Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures range from -1 to 30°C in the continental region, -5 to 0°C in the mountain region and 5 to 10°C in the coastal region. Summer temperatures range from 22 to 26°C in the continental region, 15 to 20°C in the mountain region and 26 to 30°C in the coastal region.

CLOTHING
Lightweight clothes in the summer, like shorts and t-shirts, and warmer clothes in winter. In spring and autumn it is advisable to have rainwear. Casual clothing and footwear (such as trainers) are quite acceptable during the day but you should dress up when going out at night. Comfortable shoes are a must and sandals for the beach are required. Do bring your own beach towel and swimming costumes, as these will be the essential items along the coast.

LUGGAGE
Passengers should restrict themselves to one suitcase each, in addition to hand luggage. For the flight, take toiletries etc. in a hold-all. Please pack necessary medication in your hand luggage, as well as a change of clothing in an event of any delays.

TOILETRIES
We recommend that you bring some kind of washing soap to do your hand washing. It is also a good idea to bring a blow up hanger, as not all hotel hangers can be removed from the cupboards. Remember to take suntan oil and protection cream. Do not forget the hat for the beach. Most hotels have hair dryers in the room. However, if you do take yours along, make sure that you have an international adaptor set.

CURRENCY
The currency used in Croatia is the Kuna. Foreign currency is exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies and hotels. There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Lipa coins, 1, 2, 5 and 25 Kuna coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Kuna banknotes. 1 Kuna = 100 lipa. On Saturdays banks are open until 13h00. In the larger cities some banks are also open on Sundays.

CREDIT CARDS
Most hotels, large restaurants and shops accept credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/Mastercard and Visa). Bills for meals can be paid in cash Kuna. Some passengers have reported difficulties using credit cards in the gostionica and konoba or in smaller bars and cafes, so make sure that you carry enough cash with you.

SHOPPING
Croatia does its best to encourage its visitors to go shopping and there is a range of traditional and typical crafts, which are excellent souvenirs. The prices are very reasonable too. Shoppers can choose from a variety of products from works of creative handicrafts such as handmade lace or hand painted ceramic to jewellery. The prices are fixed in the shops and it is not general practice to haggle over prices. However, in the markets and the streets stalls it is acceptable, and it can also be fun, to negotiate a good price.

WORKING HOURS
Shops and department stores are open between 08h00 and 20h00 and on Saturdays from 08h00 to 14h00. A smaller number of stores close between 12h00 and 16h00. Many stores are also open on Sundays, especially in the summer. Public services and companies usually work from 08h30 to 16h00 from Monday to Friday.

FOOD AND DRINK
Croatia offers a varied range of food drawing from different culinary cultures, including Middle and Central European and Mediterranean. Breakfast will normally include bread rolls, a boiled egg, a few slices of cheese/or salami, butter and jam. Most hotels of mid-and superior standard offer a buffet style breakfast with cereals, eggs and bacon. A wide variety of locally made drinks are available throughout Croatia, from beers to wines to fiery fruit brandies. Croatia’s vineyards yield all kinds of red and white wines, most of which are rarely seen outside the country. Tap water is safe to drink but if the taste does not appeal there is a wide range of bottles, still and mineral waters available.

ENTERTAINMENT
A variety of entertainment is available in Croatia for visitors. Traditional, cultural centers of entertainment include the theaters, which put on plays and ballets (in summer, performances are sometimes held outdoors in places with a particularly pretty setting), and cinema, offering the chance to see international films in the original language. Music lovers will find a wide range of concerts, from contemporary to classical, as well as lots of opportunities to listen to Croatian folk music and dancing, which have long tradition. There are night clubs, particularly in the larger cities and in major coastal resorts, where you can dance and listen to music till late, and casinos to try your luck at the gaming tables. In addition, visitors can go to sporting events such as football or basketballs games.

GETTING AROUND IN CROATIA
The transport system within the country is reasonably efficient, particularly if you are traveling by road or by sea. The connections between the mainland and the islands are excellent by sea and there are ferries which transport both passengers and vehicles. There is also an extensive bus network throughout the country. A valid driving license is required for self drive and seat belts must be worn at all times. Cars drive on the right in Croatia and road signs are generally identical to those found in rest of Europe. On certain stretches of motorway drivers must pay toll fees.

TIPPING
The practice of tipping is usually calculated at 10%, is widespread in Croatia, even in restaurants, where a service charge is normally included in the price. When paying in bars or in taxis it is expected that the sum at least be rounded up. It is a customary practice to tip tourist and museum guides.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
The electric current in Croatia is 220V, 50Hz. The majority of electrical sockets take a two-prong plug. An adaptor- set (multi plug) is recommended.

RE-CONFIRMATION OF RETURN FLIGHTS
Please remember that it is imperative to re-confirm your flight at least 72 hours prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in the automatic cancellation of your flight.

GENERAL
A suggestion from several passengers: If you enjoy your tea/coffee, take a small immersion heater (plus international adaptor set to make sure the electrical plug will fit), a mug, tea/coffee bags, sugar and milk powder/Cremora. Ordering coffee/tea from room service is expensive!