When in Croatia

The country code of Croatia is 00385/+385, which you should type in if you are calling from a foreign mobile phone, and here is the list of the most important telephone numbers in Croatia:

• 112 – emergency number that will connect you with the main emergency center
• 192 – police
• 193 – firefighters
• 194 – ambulance
• 195 – search and rescue at the sea
• 1987 – road assistance
• 1 4640 800- HAK (Croatian automobile club)
• 11888 – telephone directory
• 18166 – weather forecast
• 18981 – general information
• 11802 – international telephone directory

Language: Croatian people speak Croatian. But, English is popularly spoken in tourist areas and so are German, French, Italian and Spanish.

Power supply: 220 Volts; Frequency: 50 Hz

Water: Tap water is drinkable throughout entire Croatia.

Working hours: Most shops and department stores are open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Public services and companies usually work from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels and camping grounds.

Banking hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays banks are open until 1 p.m. In the larger cities some banks and during the high season in summer (July, August) are also open on Sundays.

ATMs: These machines are readily available and they can only dispense cash in local currency i.e. Kuna. Most ATMs have the option to transact in English and will accept international cards. ATMs can be found in supermarkets, airports, posts offices, train stations and banks. Note that you need a four-digit pin to operate an ATM in Croatia.

Credit Cards: Even though most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it is important to ask up front. Especially with the vendors and small shops you can find in the streets.

Time zone: Croatia is located in the Central European time zone, i.e. six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving time starts at the end of March and lasts till the end of October.

Wi-Fi: You will be able to find strong connection in most of the places you choose as your accommodation, majority of restaurants, bars and hotels. In some cities you will also be able to connect yourself on the public Wi-Fi network, free of charge.

Mobile phones: The popular network providers are Tele2, A1 and T-Mobile. You can purchase their SIM card from their respective offices. Phones without a SIM card can use their mobile apps like WhatsApp and Viber to make calls.

Medical care: Medical assistance is available in hospitals providing a 24-hour emergency service. We do advise you to purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.

Travel documentation: Passport or some other internationally recognized identification document. If you don’t feel like carrying your passport around for safety reasons, feel free to make a copy of it/your any other identification document.

For more information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia. Link: www.mvep.hr/en/

Driver’s license in Croatia: According to Croatian law, U.S. citizens visiting Croatia for tourism or business may use a U.S. driver’s license for up to three months. U.S. citizens with an approved extended tourist visa or a permit for permanent residence may continue to use a U.S. driver’s license for up to twelve months; however, a Croatian driver’s license is required for stays longer than twelve months. A driver must be at least 23 years old and have a valid driver’s license in order to rent a car.

Visas: Traveling with a valid U.S. or Canadian passport entitles you to a three-month stay in Croatia, a visa is not needed.

Further information on visa and other legal questions can be directed to: Diplomatic missions and consular offices of the Republic of Croatia abroad or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia. Croatia has consular offices in both USA and Canada, for contact information please consult the official web pages: www.mvpei.hr