In Croatia, the standard voltage is 220 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type C/F. Some hotels do have 110-volt outlets to accommodate USA pins/plugs. However, it is best to take a Converter and Adapter Plug Set (usually available for under $30 at retail stores such as Target or Walmart).

CurrencyKuna (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.The import and export of local currency are limited to Kn15,000. The import and export of foreign currency are unlimited but it is compulsory to declare upon arrival the amounts that exceed the equivalent of €10,000 or approximately $11,000.Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, by authorized dealers and post offices.BankingBanking hours: Mon-Fri 0700-1900, Sat 0700-1300.American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted andATMs are widespread.To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.

Food is almost universally safe, and tap water is fine to 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.5% – 10%tip is sufficient (and is expected in the more upmarket restaurants), otherwise just round up the bill by a few kuna.

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 80s or in the 90s 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.

Zagreb (ZAG),Rijeka (RJK), Split (SPU), Pula (PUY) and Dubrovnik (DBV) international airportsall receive domestic flights Domestic services also run to Zadar (www.zadar-airport.hr) and Osijek (www.osijek-airport.hr), which both handle some international traffic, and the smaller airports on the islands of Brac (www.airport-brac.hr) and Los¡inj (www.airportmalilosinj.hr). The main domestic routes operated by Croatia Airlines (www.croatiaairlines.hr) are Zagreb-Dubrovnik and Zagreb-Split.Note: Buying domestic tickets whilst in Croatia can sometimes be cheaper than online.International and local car hire facilities are available in Croatia's airports, cities, bigger towns and leading resorts. There is a good motorway network (though it doesn’t yet extend down the coast to Dubrovnik). In some areas the road quality decreases somewhat, and the main coastal highway gets extremely congested during peak season. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 110kph (62mph) on highways, 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 90kph (50mph) outside built-up areas. Heavy fines are imposed for speeding. The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%. It is compulsory for front and rear passengers to wear seat belts. It is illegal to use a handheld mobile telephone while driving. Headlights should be turned on at all times. Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.National or International Driving Permit. All motorists should also carry a valid passport or national identity card as proof of identity at all times. A Green Card should be carried by visitors (except EU nationals) taking their own car into Croatia. National registration in country of origin is required for all foreign vehicles. Third party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and a valid credit card is also needed.Registered taxis are easy to find, safe and since fares were regulated recently, they are reasonably priced.Local tourist agencies in many main centres hire bikes, and some local tourist boards (eg Zagreb County,www.tzzz.hr) have cycle routes and maps online.Regular coaches operate between most towns (see Zagreb bus station website, www.akz.hr).Most towns and cities have a comprehensive local bus network; trams operate in many cities (Zagreb, Split, Osijek, etc). The historic centre of some towns (Split, Dubrovnik) are pedestrianised and pleasantly car-free.Croatian Railways (www.hznet.hr) operates trains in Croatia. The main rail routes are Zagreb-Split, Zagreb-Rijeka and Zagreb-Osijek. There are no trains to Dubrovnik. It is generally quicker to travel by bus. An upgrading of the track between Zagreb and Split now means that this journey can be done in 5 hours 25 minutes.Jadrolinija (tel: (051) 666 111; www.jadrolinija.hr) is the main provider of car and passenger ferries and catamarans in Croatia. There are regular connections between the main ports and the offshore islands. A coastal service runs all the way from Rijeka in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, via Split, Stari Grad and Korcula.

Lightweights and beachwear (including sun protection) are recommended for summer. Medium weights for winter with heavy, warm clothing for inland areas. It is a good idea to pack waterproofs at any time of year.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Precautions should be taken against tick bites. For anyone planning to spend long periods of time in forested areas, carrying a pair of tick tweezers is advised, and immunization against tick-borne encephalitis is also a possible precaution.

Croatia is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations. Visitors should also avoid "gentlemen's clubs" because, in the past, such establishments have presented foreign customers with inflated bills and threatened those who refuse to pay.War hostilities ended in all parts of the country in 1995; however, de-mining of areas along former confrontation lines will continue until at least 2018. Mined areas are well-marked with Croatian-language warning signs using the international symbol for mines: a skull and crossbones inside a red, upside-down triangle. Drivers in former conflict areas should stay on paved roads to reduce the risk of encountering unmarked mines and unexploded ordnance.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

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.National Emergency Numbers:Dial 112 for all emergencies.192 – Police194 – Ambulance193 – Fire195 – Search and rescue at sea1987 – Road helpPublic Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan 01 – New Year’s DayJan 06 – EpiphanyApr 17 – Easter Monday (Date varies every year. Falls on the Monday after Easter)May 01 – International Workers DayJun 15 – Corpus Christi (Date varies every year. Falls on the second Thursday after Whitsun)Jun 22 – Anti-Fascist Struggle DayJun 25 – Statehood DayAug 05 – Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving DayAug 15 – Assumption of MaryOct 08 – Independence DayNov 01 – All Saints’ DayDec 06 – Constitution DayDec 25 – Christmas DayDec 26 – St. Stephens DaySocial Conventions:People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport.VAT:The standard VAT rate in Croatia is 25%.There is a reduced VAT rate of 13% for accommodation, food, and newspapers. VAT at a rate of 5% is applicable for to selected foodstuffs, books and medical equipment.Time Zone:Croatia is on Central European Time and is 6 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.Tipping:Tipping is not obligatory or done often in Croatia. It is our recommendation that the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity. We are pleased to provide you with the following guidelines. Please feel free to offer more if you receive superlative service.Drivers & One Day Guides:About 10-15 Kunas per day.It’s important the driver guide or driver will normally remove himself at meal times. However, this time can be awkward for both guides and clients so if the clients would like to invite the guide or driver to join them they should make it very clear and would be expected to pay for the meal.Transfers:Tips are not normally given for airport transfers.Restaurants:Generally, there are three options, outlined on the menu.• A Service Charge of x % will apply" – this means what it says, your final bill will be subject to an additional charge; no further tips are necessary.• "Service included" – this means that the prices are a flat rate, no tips are required and the prices are final. Again if the server has been attentive a $5 or $10 left on the table will always be appreciated.• If none of these apply servers will usually expect a tip of around 10%Hotels:Service is always included and in general, no tips are expected but they are welcome nonetheless. For excellent or unusual services a few Euros (the classic "fiver", a $5 bill) are appropriate left for the housemaid or the porter who brings your bags up.Taxis:Tips are not really expected but no taxi driver will object if you round the bill up a bit.Bars:If you try to tip in a bar you'll more than likely earn a happy but incredulous stare!US Embassy:U.S. Embassy ZagrebUlica Thomasa Jeffersona 2 10010 Zagreb, CroatiaTel: +(385) (1) 661-2200Emergency After-Hours Tel: +(385) (1) 661-2400Fax: +(385) (1) 665-8933Emai: ZagrebACS@state.gov