Croatia

Passport and Entry Requirements - Australian and New Zealand passport holders are granted a 3-month tourist visa on arrival. Passports requite a 6-month validity and evidence of onward tickets and sufficient funds may be requested.

Health - No vaccinations are required unless arriving from infected areas.

Duty Free - 1 litre of spirits, 250gms of tobacco or 250 cigarettes, 250ml of perfume.

Banking Hours – 8am-7om Monday-Friday. ATMs are very widespread in Croatia and accept all major international EFT and credit cards.

Medical Services - Highly professional standards. Travel insurance coverage is essential as medical costs vary.

Currency - Kuna. 1 AUD= approx 4.39 Kuna (May 2008). Best currency to bring to Croatia for exchange purposes is the Euro. As Kunas are not readily exchangeable outside Croatia, it is best to change all Kunas prior to departure. Foreign currency may be exchanged at most post offices.

Phone and Post - Croatia has a modern and reliable postal and telecommunication system. Phone cards are widely used for public phones. Check with your Croatian tourism expert for mobile availability.

Tipping - Tipping in Croatia is becoming more commonplace, especially in upscale restaurants. In the past, tipping was welcome but not expected. Today, however, in newer, upscale places, an extra 10% or 15% is considered polite.

Climate – Long, warm to hot and dry summer in late May–Sep, and a cool wet winter Dec-Mar. Croatia has attractive spring and Autumn weather.

Voltage and Plugs - 220 volts AC 50 herz with a 2 cylindrical pronged plug.

Safety - Croatia presents no more security risks than travelling within Australia. Care with valuables and avoidance of ostentatious displays of wealth apply in Croatia as they do anywhere in the world. Discretion about regional political issues is wise.

Dress - Dress as you would in Australia, but when visiting religious sites modest dress is expected. Balkan winters can be very cold so pack accordingly.

Shopping - The major benefit of shopping in Croatia is that goods tends to be less expensive than in most neighbouring European countries largely due to the exchange rates. Good buys include local handicrafts and Jewellery.

Transport - Croatia is most easily reached from Australia by combining Singapore Airlines/ Lufthansa, Lauda Air and Malaysian Airlines with Croatian Airlines. Croatia can be reached by private or rental car, coach, rail and ferry from anywhere in Europe. Croatia boasts excellent rail and coach services and a first class road network for self-drive travellers.

Driving - Right-hand side of the road. All traffic signs are in Latin script. International or valid Australian license accepted for car rental.

Accommodation - Croatia has a comprehensive range of well-maintained accommodation options ranging from budget Youth Hostels and B & Bs to five star hotels and resorts. Croatian accommodation rates are less expensive than comparable properties in other parts of Europe.

Major Attractions - Croatia’s Adriatic coast is world renowned for its beauty, its many harbours, beaches, bays and over 900 islands. Dubrovnik is an one of Europe’s best preserved Renaissance port cities. The Plitvice Lakes are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage tourism attraction. Croatia’s attractive inland capital Zagreb is well worth investigating.

Food and Drink - Croatia offers a wide range of European and international cuisine. Strong influences from Hungary, Italy and Balkans. Spit roasted meat especially popular. Tap water is drinkable and bottled water is widely available. There are no restrictions on alcohol, however overindulgence is unwise.

Entertainment - Zagreb is the main cultural centre of Croatia. With 18 theatres and 12 concert halls it offers a variety of cultural activities. Opera, concert, ballet, and theatre performances are presented regularly. Cinemas, bars, discotheques and nightclubs are all available in the larger towns and coastal tourist areas.

Public Holidays -