Travel documents: Passport or some other identity document recognised through international agreement which proves the identity and citizenship of the bearer.

Custom regulations: Custom provisions of the Republic of Croatia have been harmonised with those of countries of the European Union. Foreign currency may be freely taken in and out of the country; local currency up to an amount of 15.000 Kuna. More valuable professional and technical equipment must be declared at the border.

Accompanied dogs and cats must have international certificate issued by vegetarian testifying that at least 15 days, but not more than six months, have expired since vaccination against rabies.

Refund of tax - PDV (VAT) when leaving the country is made to foreign nationals for individual goods purchased in Croatia for amounts in excess of 500 Kunas, on presentation of "Tax-cheque" form. This form is provided on request by sales assistant, when items are purchased.

More info at: Customs Administrations, Republic of Croatia.
www.carina.hr

Currency: Kuna (1 Kuna = 100 lipa). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies, hotels, camps, marinas, cheques can be cashed in banks.

Credit cards: Hotels accept all major credit cards; Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Visa. Most restaurants and shops accept; Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Visa.

Post and telecommunications: Post offices are open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays, in smaller centres from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. ; some offices work a split shift. In most towns and tourists centres, on-duty post offices are open on Saturdays and Sundays until 9 p.m.

Postage stamps may also be purchased from newspaper and tobacco kiosks. Phone cards are used in all public telephones and may be purchased from post offices and from newspaper and tobacco kiosks. International calls may be made directly from public telephones.

Shops and public services - working hours: Most shops are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. until 2 or 3 p.m. on Suterdays. Some shops work split-shift system from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. , and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. During summer time many shops stay open until 10 p.m. , even on Sundays.

Power supply: 220 V, 50Hz

Tap water: Tap water is portable throughout Croatia.

Public holidays:
• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 6 January - Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day
• 25 June - Statehood day
• 5 August -Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day
• 15 August - Assumption Day
• 8 October - Independence Day
• 1 November - All Saints' Day
• 25/26 December - Christmas Holidays

Petrol stations: Open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day; in the summer season, until 10 p.m. On duty petrol stations in the larger cities and on main international routes are open 24 hours a day.

All petrol stations sell Eurosuper 95, Super 95, Super 98, Super plus 98, Normal and Euro Diesel and, in larger towns, gas. More info at: www.ina.hr, www.hak.hr, www.omvistrabenz.hr

Important telephone numbers:
International country code for Croatia : + 385
Police: 92
Fire Brigade: 93
Ambulance: 94
Roadside vehicle assistance: 987
General information: 981
Information on local and intercity numbers: 988
Information on international numbers: 902
Weather forecast and road conditions: 060.520.520

Croatian Angels - a single telephone number throughout Croati:
from which tourists can obtain important information: 062.999.999
If calling from abroad, dial +385.62.999.999

This information service is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian, from 25 March to 15 October.