Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to Croatia

With a gorgeous coastline and over 1,100 islands, Croatia is one of Europe's top seaside destinations. But it's much, much more than just sea and sunshine. Croatia has everything from picture-perfect, historic walled cities to spectacular Roman ruins, imposing castles, un-spoilt national parks and some of the clearest waters you’ll find anywhere on the Adriatic. Fantastic cuisine (including exquisite seafood on the coast and truffles in Istria), good local wines and a buzzing café culture all add to the appeal. The country's capital, Zagreb, is truly Central European. Everything from the architecture to the hearty culinary offer reflects the region's centuries-old ties with Austro-Hungary and the city also makes a good base for visiting the historic castles and vineyards of Zagorje. Throughout Croatia travel guide there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, numerous museums and dozens of festivals. Rugged mountain ranges such as Velebit and Gorski kotar are a haven for hiking, while the Adriatic offers ideal conditions for sailing, scuba-diving and sea-kayaking. Those in search of a more restful holiday can enjoy hours of sunshine on the beach - and remember, as Europe's top naturist destination, Croatia is one place you can finally get that all-over tan.

PASSPORTS & VISA INFORMATION:
A passport is required. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the conclusion of the tour. US and Canadian citizens traveling on US and Canadian passports do not require to obtain a visa in advance for stays of up to 90 days.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Best time to visit: 
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.

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. It is a good idea to pack waterproofs at any time of year.

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.

Language
The official language is Croatian (Hrvatski). Ethnic minorities living in Croatia also speak Serbian, Slovenian, Hungarian and Italian. People working in tourism generally speak excellent English, plus some Italian and German.

Currency information:
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
Croatian KUNA is official currency in Croatia. 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.

Travellers cheques:
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.

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.

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’ll 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.

Eating

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)

• Pršut i paški sir (air-dried ham similar to Italian prosciutto and sheep's cheese from the island of Pag) platters are served as an appetiser.
• Salata od hobotnice (octopus salad) is made from octopus, potato, onion, chopped parsley, olive oil, crushed garlic and lemon juice.
• Crni riýot (black risotto) is made from cuttlefish cooked in its own ink.
• Janjetina (roast lamb) is popular all over Croatia, and it’s not unusual to see whole lamb roasting on a spit at roadside eateries.
• Tartufi (truffles) feature heavily on the menu in Istria.