Abercrombie & Kent Destination Management

Time Zone

• GMT + 1 hour.
  

Language

• Croatian is the national language and is written in the Latin alphabet. It belongs to the South Slavic language group and is understood in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. 

• Most people who come into regular contact with visitors from overseas speak English to some degree. English speakers can be rare, however, in rural districts.

Currency

• In Croatia, the official currency is the Kuna, divided into 100 Lipa.

Money Matters

• Credit card use is common although American Express is the most popularly accepted. With credit card acceptance and ATMs becoming more popular, travellers cheques are becoming less frequently accepted and when presented may receive a less favourable rate of exchange. ATMs can be found in most major cities.

• Exchange currency only at authorised outlets such as banks and hotels, and in currency exchanges. Exchange only what you think you will spend in-country. Coins cannot be reconverted on departure.

• Save all receipts from any currency exchange transaction. You may be asked to produce them when you exit the country, and they are required if you intend to reconvert local currency.

Tipping

• An amount equivalent to approximately 230 Kuna per full day of sightseeing is suggested as a tip for your local guide(s), with 140 Kuna suitable for your driver. For half-day excursions, equivalents of 140 Kuna and 70 Kuna are appropriate for guide and driver respectively. Transfer drivers should be tipped at a rate of about 45 Kuna per service.

• Hotel porters will expect the equivalent of about 6 Kuna per bag. Tips to hotel maids and other hotel staff are at your discretion.

• Service staff (such as waiters, taxi drivers, and hairdressers) receive a typical gratuity equal to 10% of the total bill.

Weather

• For full details on climate, please see Best Time to Go.

Clothing

• Conservative "smart casual" clothing will be most useful for daytime touring.  

• Bring clothing you can layer, remembering that autumn and winter temperatures can be very cold. Pack a coat, hat, gloves, warm socks and sleepwear, etc. if you are visiting Croatia between October and April.

• During the summer months, lightweight cotton clothes are recommended with long sleeves and trouser legs to protect skin from the sun. 

• When dining at better restaurants, dress is more formal. For gentlemen, a "jacket and tie" standard is appropriate and expected, with an equivalent standard of evening wear for ladies.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels. An umbrella or light raincoat may come in handy. Pack a swimming suit, as some hotels have pools. Cathedrals, churches and other religious sites require conservative dress. Both sexes should cover their arms, legs and shoulders. 

Health

• For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.

Electricity

• Electrical service in Croatia is supplied at 220 volts/50 hertz.

Arrival and Departure Formalities

• In general you should have a signed, valid passport that will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your trip. Your passport must have enough blank pages (excluding amendment pages) available for entry and exit stamps issued when entering and exiting immigration points.

• Visas are required for certain nationalities and you are strongly advised to check your status allowing plenty of time for visa application.

• Departure Formalities: Authorities in Croatia will ask to see your passport and may ask to see the receipts from your purchases in Croatia. Be sure to keep these handy to show Customs officials as you depart.

• Croatia limits the amount of local currency you can take out of the country to 2000 kuna. As with most countries, Croatia forbids the export of "national treasures." Generally, trade in bona fide antiques is illegal and buyers are open to prosecution.