Croatia - Croatia tourist information

36 Pages·2008·3.076 MB·English

Tourist
information
2008
gratis
Welcome! GENERAL
INFORMATION
We send you our best
Geographic position:
greetings and we are looking
Croatia extends from the furthest
forward to your taking an
eastern edges of the Alps in the
interest in our country. north-west to the Pannonian
People of all lands love their lowlands and the banks of the
own country, deeming it to Danube in the east; its central
region is covered by the Dinara
be the most beautiful. The
mountain range, and its southern
Croats call their country “Our
parts extend to the coast of the
Beautiful Homeland”, words Adriatic Sea.
taken from the fi rst line of the
Croatian national anthem. Surface area:
the mainland covers 56,594 km2;
The Republic of Croatia is
the surface area of territorial
a European parliamentary
waters totals 31,067 km2.
state and part of European
political and cultural history. Population:
By size, it is classifi ed among 4,437,460 inhabitants.
Composition of population: the
the middle-sized European
majority of the population are
countries, such as Denmark,
Croats; the national minorities
Ireland, the Slovak Republic, are Serbs, Slovenes, Hungarians,
or Switzerland. Bosnians, Italians, Czechs and
Croatia is a land of open others.
frontiers and clear-cut
System of government:
Customs formalities. It is also
Multi-party parliamentary
a country of concord, and republic.
one that is respectful towards
its guests. The Croats strive Capital:
Zagreb (779,145 inhabitants), the
to make “Our Beautiful
economic, transport, cultural and
Homeland” equally beautiful
academic centre of the country.
to all who visit it, ensuring
that they take with them the Coastline:
fi nest souvenirs of their stay, 5,835.3 km, of which 4,058
km comprise the coastlines of
beautiful memories, when
islands, solitary rocks and reefs.
they leave.
Welcome to Croatia!
Number of islands, solitary
rocks and reefs:
1,185; the largest islands are
Cres and Krk; there are 47
inhabited islands.
Highest peak: Diners, and Visa.
Dinara: 1,831 m above sea level. Cash can be accessed at ATMs
in almost all towns, cities and
Climate: Croatia has three tourist centres; almost all ATMs
climate zones; the prevailing accept Eurocard/Mastercard,
climate in the country’s interior Diners, American Express, and
is moderately rainy; on the Visa.
highest peaks, a forest climate
with snow falls, while the areas
USEFUL INFORMATION
along the Adriatic coast have a
pleasantly mild Mediterranean
climate with a large number Travel documents:
of sunny days; summers are A valid passport or some
dry and hot, winters mild and other identifi cation document
wet. Average temperatures in recognised by international
the interior: January -2 to 0oC, agreement; for certain countries
somewhat lower at the highest a personal identity card is
altitudes; August - about 20 oC suffi cient (i.e. a document which
and about 12 oC on the highest testifi es to the identity and
peaks. Average temperature citizenship of the bearer).
in the littoral: January - 5 to 9 Information: Diplomatic
oC, August - 22 to 25 oC; sea missions and consular offi ces of
temperature in winter: 12oC; in the Republic of Croatia abroad or
summer, about 25oC. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and European Integration of the
Currency: Republic of Croatia.
The kuna (1 kuna = 100 lipa). Tel: [phone];
Foreign currency can be E-mail: [email protected];
exchanged in banks, exchange www.mvpei.hr
offi ces, post offi ces, travel
agencies, hotels, camps, Customs regulations:
marinas; cheques can be cashed Customs regulations in the
in banks. Republic of Croatia are
harmonised with the standards of
Credit cards: EU member states, but the value
Hotels accept all major credit of objects of non-commercial
cards (Eurocard/Mastercard, character for personal use
American Express, Diners, allowed to be brought into the
Visa). country without tax duty or PDV
Most restaurants, shops and (VAT) is limited to 300 HRK
marinas accept Eurocard/ (kuna).
Mastercard, American Express, The entry of all meat, dairy
and other products of animal of Croatia if they are, while on
origin is subject to veterinary the move, accompanied by their
inspection at the border crossing. owner or another responsible
The amount of wine that can person authorised by the owner,
be brought in is limited to and are not meant for sale or
a maximum of 5 litres per transfer to another owner under
passenger. the condition that:
Foreign and local currency and - they have a valid international
cheques may be freely taken in passport or health certifi cate
and out of the country, but the (veterinary certifi cate) in which
transfer of an amount exceeding a licensed veterinary surgeon in
40,000 kuna must be declared the exporter’s country certifi es
to a customs offi cial. Valuable that the animal(s) in question are
professional equipment and healthy and show no symptoms
technical devices must also be of infectious diseases which
declared to a customs offi cial at must be reported, and that they
the border crossing. do not come from an area in
Tax is refunded to foreign which infectious diseases are
nationals when leaving the present and which that particular
country for individual goods type of animal can transfer.
purchased in Croatia, for Dogs, cats and animals of the
amounts in excess of 500 HRK, marten family must be:
upon the presentation of a - marked with a clearly
“Tax-cheque” form. This form legible tattoo or fi tted with an
is provided on request by a electronic identifi cation system
sales assistant, when items are (transponder).
purchased. - have an international passport
Pets that are being imported, issued by a licensed veterinarian
or that are travelling through proving they have been
for non-commercial purposes, vaccinated against rabies, or
in the company on their owner have be re-vaccinated in line
(up to 5 animals: dogs, cats, with the recommendations of
animals from the marten family, the manufacturing laboratory,
invertebrates (with the exception carried out on that kind of animal
of bees and crustaceans), with an inactivated vaccine with
ornamental tropical fi sh, at least one antigen unit per dose
amphibians, reptiles, all types (WHO standard) not more than
of birds (besides fowl imported 30 days prior in the case of a
for commercial purposes, for fi rst, primary vaccination:
zoos and zoo shops), mammals, - under 3 months of age, and
rodents and rabbits) will be have not been vaccinated against
allowed to enter the Republic rabies, living from birth at the
same place and have not been Easter Sunday & Easter Monday
in contact with wild animals 1 May - Labour Day
which is confi rmed on the Corpus Christi
international passport by an 22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance
authorised veterinarian or move Day
with the mother on whom they 25 June - Statehood Day
are dependent. 5 August - Victory Day and
National Thanksgiving Day
For additional information 15 August - Assumption Day
please contact the Ministry 8 October - Independence Day
of Agriculture, Forestry and 1 November - All Saints’ Day
Water Management – Veterinary 25-26 December - Christmas
Department (Tel. [phone] Holidays
6703 and + 385 1 610 6669;
www.mps.hr) Shops and public services
working hours
Health services Most shops are open from 8 a.m.
There are hospitals and clinics until 8 p.m. on weekdays and
located in all the larger towns until 2 or 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
and cities, while smaller Some shops work a split-shift
centres have dispensaries and system: from 8 a.m. to 12
pharmacies. p.m., and again from 4 p.m. to
Foreign visitors are not obliged 8 p.m. Many shops stay open
to pay for medical services if a until 10 p.m., even on Sundays,
convention on Social Security especially in summer, while
has been signed between certain shops in the larger cities
Croatia and the visitors’ country are open for business 24 hours
of origin, i.e. if they have in a day.
their possession a certifi cate Public services and business
stipulated by such a convention offi ces work from 8 a.m. until 4
confi rming their right to health p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
care. Health care (including
transport) is used for emergency Post and telecommunications
cases in the manner and Post offi ces are open from 7
according to regulations valid a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, in
for Croatian citizens covered by smaller centres from 7 a.m. until
Social Security, with identical 2 p.m.; some offi ces work a split
participation in health care costs shift. In most towns and tourist
(participation and administrative centres, on-duty post offi ces are
duties).Persons coming from open on Saturdays and Sundays
countries with which no such until 9 p.m.
convention has been signed
bear the costs of health services
rendered personally.
Public holidays
1 January - New Year’s Day
6 January – Epiphany
Postage stamps may also be Calls can be made through all
purchased from newspaper and operators and all telephone
tobacco kiosks devices by dialling 112.
Phone cards are used in all
public telephones and may be In the event of an accident the
purchased from post offi ces and 112 Centre can be contacted
from newspaper and tobacco in any one of the following
kiosks. International calls may foreign languages:
be made directly from public - English
telephones. - German
www.posta.hr - Italian
- French
Power supply: - Hungarian
220 V, 50 Hz - Czech
Our UK guests should note that
power outlets in Croatia are the Call 112
Continental two-pin type and If you need:
that a socket adapter is therefore - Emergency medical assistance
required. - The assistance of fi refi ghters
- The assistance of the police
Tap water is potable in all parts - The assistance of the Highland
of Croatia. Rescue Service
- Emergency veterinary
Environmental protection: assistance
The protection of biodiversity - The assistance of emergency
complies with valid EU services and operative search and
regulations. As regards bathing, rescue forces
the sea of the Croatian Adriatic
is of high quality, again If you notice:
according to EU criteria. - Fire
In the event of extraordinary - Leaks of hazardous materials,
environmental pollution on land, the contamination of potable
please advise the 112 Centre. water, waterways, rivers or the
sea
In the event of an accident seek - Other phenomenon that
help at the number 112! represent a danger to the
lives and health of people or
This number can be reached any animals, cultural goods and the
time, day or night, regardless of environment
where you are in the Republic of
Croatia. When calling 112 please
Calls to this number are free of indicate:
charge. - What happened
- Where is happened
- When it happened
- If there are injured parties
- What the nature of the injury or
injuries are
apartment, wait for the arrival of
fi refi ghters at the window so that
they can see you, as fi refi ghting
vehicles are also equipped for
rescue from elevated positions
- FOLLOW THE
-What kind of assistance you INSTRUCTIONS OF
require FIREFIGHTERS
- Your name
Search and rescue
Fire prevention In the event of accident on land
Check that you have undertaken or at sea, call 112 (the number
all the necessary measures to for all emergency situations), and
prevent fi re! in the event of accident at sea
Do not throw burning or call 9155 (the National Centre
infl ammable objects into the for search and rescue at sea) or
environment! 112.
Observe the signs forbidding the
lighting of fi res! Outdoor activities:
Take care that your parked - Tell relatives or friends the
vehicles do not obstruct route and plan of your journey
fi refi ghting approaches and - Walk on marked paths and
access roads. trails
- Secure suffi cient quantities of
What should you do if there is water
a fi re? - Prepare adequate clothing and
- Immediately notify fi refi ghters footwear
of the fi re at the telephone - Prepare mobile telephone
number 93 or call for assistance devices
at 112! - Monitor weather forecasts
- Use a hand-held fi re - Do not light fi res
extinguisher (if one is available) - Do not throw cigarette butts or
and only attempt to extinguish fl ammable objects out of doors
the fi re if doing so does not
endanger you or others ON THE ROAD
- Notify people in the area of the - Avoid traffi c jams during the
appearance of fi re peak tourism season (riding on
- Safely evacuate any people in weekends or holidays)
the area - Be well-rested when travelling
- Do not enter staircases if they - Adjust your speed to the
are fi lled with smoke and do not conditions on the road and the
use elevators posted speed limits
- If smoke prevents you from - In the event of a traffi c jam,
exiting the building, close all be patient
of the windows and doors to (have suffi cient
prevent the entry of smoke in quantities of
your room water)
- If your are trapped in an
in Croatia on several
frequencies. A daily
programme is broadcast at
8:05 pm on channel one,
in English, for a duration
of up to 10 min. On
AT SEA channel two of Croatian
- Do not expose yourself to Radio, along with regular news,
danger when swimming and HAK provides reports on road
diving conditions in English, German
- Moderate your exposure to and Italian and, several times
the sun and use protective each day, information for sailors.
sunscreens In the summer season, on
- Do not overestimate your own channel two of Croatian Radio
capabilities (98.5 Mhz), in addition to the
- Monitor weather forecasts regular news in the Croatian
language there will also be a
Important telephone numbers: broadcast on road conditions in
International country code for the English, German and Italian
Croatia: +385 languages by HAK (from 18
Police: 92 June to 9 September 2008).
Fire Brigade: 93 During the same period there
Ambulance: 94 will also be broadcasts every
Roadside vehicle assistance: 987 hour on the hour; news and
(When calling from abroad or by reports on the condition of the
mobile phone, call +385 1 987) roads are broadcast directly
National Search and Rescue from the studios of: the Third
Centre: 9155. Programme of Austrian Radio,
The countrywide number for all RAI Uno, British Virgin
emergency situations: 112 Radio, Radio Prague and the
General information: 981 International programme of
Information on local and Croatian Radio – Voice of
intercity numbers: 988 Croatia.
Information on international During the summer Radio
numbers: 902 Prague reporters broadcast
Weather forecast and road news for their nationals staying
conditions: 060 520 520 in Croatia via regional radio
Croatian Automobile Club stations: Radio Split, Radio
(HAK): [phone], Dubrovnik and Radio Rijeka.
Internet: www.hak.hr;
E-mail: [email protected]
CROATIA BY CAR
Radio news in foreign
languages during the tourist Documents: To enter Croatia, a
season driver’s licence, an automobile
Croatian Radio broadcasts registration card and vehicle
programmes in foreign insurance documents (including
languages designed for tourists Green Card) are required.
Permitted speeds: www.omv.hr; www.tifon.hr;
50 km/h - within settled areas www.hak.hr
90 km/h - outside settled areas
110 km/h - on major roadways Highway toll charges:
designed exclusively for motor
vehicles, and on highways Motorways:
130 km/h - on motorways A1 Zagreb-Bosiljevo-Zadar-
80 km/h - for motor vehicles Šibenik-Split-Šestanovac; A2
with a caravan trailer Zagreb-Zaprešić-Krapina-
80 km/h - for buses and buses Macelj; A3 Bregana-Zagreb-
with a light trailer Slavonski Brod-Županja-
Lipovac; A4 Zagreb-Varaždin-
Rain: Please reduce and Goričan, A6 Zagreb-Karlovac-
adjust your speed in wet road Bosiljevo-Vrbovsko and A7
conditions. Rijeka-Rupa
Driving with headlights is Three-lane two-way roads:
obligatory both day and night. Part of the A6 from Vrbovsko-
Rijeka facilities subject to toll
Mobile phones:The use of charges - the Krk bridge (Krčki
mobile telephones while driving most), the future A8 and A9
is forbidden! motorways, the Istarski Y with
toll booths at the Učka tunnel
The use of seat belts is and the Mirna viaduct.
obligatory. Information: www.hak.hr,
www.hac.hr, www.bina-istra.hr,
A refl ective sleeveless jacket www.arz.hr; www.azm.hr
is an obligatory part of each
vehicle’s emergency equipment. Basic obligations in case of a
traffi c accident: First inform the
Fuel stations: Open from 7 a.m. police about the traffi c accident
until 7 or 8 p.m. every day; in (Tel: 92).
the summer season, until 10 p.m. In the event of a traffi c accident
On-duty fuel stations in the which results in minor material
larger cities and on main damage such notifi cation is not
international routes are open 24 obligatory. Secure the site of
hours a day. the accident (set up a triangle)
All fuel stations sell Eurosuper and undertake measures to
95, Super 95, Super 98, Super elimination any new possible
plus 98 and Normal petrol and dangers. Wait for the arrival of
Euro Diesel fuel, and gas (LPG) the police. In the event of any
is also available in major cities, damage to the vehicle, you
and at fuel stations along
motorways.
For information on fuel prices
and a list of centres selling LPG
gas go to: www.ina.hr;
must obtain a police report Split Airport,
on the damage to the vehicle, www.split-airport.hr,
without which you cannot re- Tel: [phone]
cross the state border. Should
you require vehicle repair Zadar Airport,
services, or your vehicle needs www.zadar-airport.hr,
towing, call Road Assistance, at Tel: [phone]
987. If calling from abroad, dial
+385 1 987. Zagreb Airport,
www.zagreb-airport.hr,
How to avoid traffi c jams Tel: [phone]
To avoid unnecessarily
prolonging your journey and Airfi elds for aircraft in public
getting caught in traffi c jams, air traffi c
you are advised to:
- plan your trip by using the Brač Airport,
traffi c organiser in which the www.airport-brac.hr,
days and directions of the Tel: [phone]
highest expected densities of
traffi c are stated, Osijek Airport,
- check on the conditions on www.osijek-airport.hr,
the roads and ferries at HAK Tel: [phone]
(HAK Information Centre: +385
1 4640 800) or on the Second Mali Lošinj Airport,
Programme of Croatian Radio www.airportmalilosinj.hr,
(98.5 Mhz) before starting your Tel: [phone]
trip.
International airports
Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula,
BYAIR Rijeka, Zadar and Osijek. Only
light aircraft can land at the
List of registered airports in Bračand Lošinj airfi elds.
the republic of Croatia
Information: Zagreb +385 1
Airports for aircraft in public 6265 222; Split [phone]
air traffi c 506; Dubrovnik [phone]
377; Pula [phone];
Dubrovnik Airport, Rijeka [phone]; Zadar
www.airport-dubrovnik.hr, [phone]; Osijek +385
Tel: [phone] 514 441, [phone];
Brač+385 21 559 711;
Pula Airport, Lošinj [phone]
www.airport-pula.hr,
Tel: [phone]
Rijeka Airport,
www.rijeka-airport.hr,
Tel: [phone]