Croatia

Population:

4.5 million

Time zone:

GMT +1, Croatia also changes its clocks for daylight saving time so it's always +1 to UK time.

Language:

Over 90% of the population are native Croatian speakers, which includes some dialects under the umbrella of the Bosnian-Croatian-Montenegrin-Serbian language. English and German are the most common second languages so it's likely you'll encounter plenty of people with a basic to good knowledge of English, particularly if you're on holiday in the main resorts and cities.

Dialling codes:

+385 to call Croatia from the UK, followed by 01 for Zagreb, 021 for Split, 020 for Dubrovnik, 052 for Istria and 023 for Zadar.

Electricity

220-240V, and standard European 2-pin plugs are used, so remember to take an adapter. If you're planning on using something for long periods of time, like a laptop, you might want to consider buying a 2-pin cord.

Money:

Kuna (Kn), which is divided into 100 Lipa. ATMs are widely available in resorts and cities but be aware that you may need to take cash with you if you head off the beaten track in Croatia. Banks and post offices are great places to go but opening hours are shorter than the exchange offices (Mjenjacnica), and the rates are often similar. Getting some money to take with you can be costly in this case as rates in Croatia are often much better than in the UK, and you can normally pay for Croatian hotels in Euros.

Costs:

Visiting the cities will be more expensive than heading out to the smaller villages but the cost of living here isn't too expensive, especially when compared to the UK. Exchange rates will vastly affect your accommodation price, but apart from that you should be able to spend relatively little if you want a budget Croatia break. Check the public transport options if you're travelling around as there are plenty of options and they work out a great deal cheaper than a hire car.

Tipping:

Tipping customs are very similar to the UK, with small amounts left for informal meals and table-service drinks, and around 10% left after dinner. Hotel porters and tour guides are most likely to expect tips, with the going rate being about 10-20 Kuna per bag or person, and taxi drivers don't expect them, although most people round up the price.

Local customs:

If you're invited into anyone's house to eat, make sure you try to leave a clean plate as it's considered rude to accept an invitation and then shun the food. Likewise, always accept the offering of a drink of the local Rakia (a brandy-like drink). It's normally a good will gesture as the drinks are often homemade.

Safety:

Croatia is by and large a very safe destination, although it's good to always have your wits about you when in the cities as pickpockets target anywhere large groups of tourists go. Roadside emergency breakdown scams are something to watch out for, so if you see someone on the side of the road it's best to call the authorities and let them send help rather than go in yourself. Guys should think twice about going into "gentleman's bars" as drink scams are rife here so it could cost you a lot more than you bargain for. If you're out in isolated areas, land mines can still be an issue so watch for signs.

Health:

There are no required vaccinations and EU citizens can get free health care from the hospitals.

Entry:

UK nationals don't need a visa for stays of up to three months whether you're travelling for business or pleasure.

Current Foreign Office Advice for Croatia