Croatia is one of the most beautiful mediterranean country, situated in the southern Europe, extending from the foothills of the Julian Alps in the north-west and the Pannonian Plain in the east, over the Dinara mountain range in its central region, to the Adriatic coast in the south.
Through the past ages with many empires and historical events, Croatia become a conutry with gorgeous historical and cultural heritage with lots of old fortifications, churches and monuments.
Long Croatian Adriatic coast with thousand of islands, crystal blue sea, rich nature and pleasent climate makes Croatia the most atractive holiday destination.
Southern part of Croatia as well as the parts along the coast have very nice mediterranean climate, with hot and sunny summer (average temperature 27C - 30C), and very pleasent winter (average temperature 5C - 10C), while the inner parts of the country have temperate continenetal climate with lots of snow and rain in winter, and dry, hot summer.
Besides its rich culture, history and tourism, Croatia has famous and tasteful gastronomy. Local foods with domestic olive oil, in combination with mediterranean herbs and great quality vines leaves magnificent and unforgatable taste.

UTILITY INFO:

Time zone: GMT plus one hour in winter, and GMT plus two in summer

Telephone code for Croatia: +385

GSM range: available throughout Croatia

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

Water: Tap water is one of the top quality, and is drinkable throughout Croatia

Travel documents: Passport or other identification document recognised by international agreement. Tourists can stay in Croatia up to three months.
Further information: Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development - http://www.mint.hr

Working hours: Shops and department stores are open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., or to 3 p.m. A smaller number of stores close between noon and 4 p.m. Many stores are also open on Sundays, especially in the summer, and a smaller number in the larger cities are open 24 hours a day. Public services and companies usually work from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Purchase tax reimbursement for foreign citizens: Tourists making purchases in Croatia (apart from petroleum derivatives) which exceed 500 Kuna per receipt may reclaim VAT ("PDV"). At point of purchase the sales person will provide on request a form PDV-P, which should be filled out and stamped, on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt must be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in Kuna can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where the goods were purchased (in which case the tax is refunded immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim.

Customs regulations: Customs regulations of the Republic of Croatia are in line with the standards of European Union countries. Foreign currency is freely brought in and taken out of the country (up to a value of 3.000 euros); up to a value of 15.000 kn for domestic currency. More expensive professional and technical equipment should be registered at the border.

Pets: accompanied by their owner, need to have an International certificate from a registered veterinarian stating that at least 15 days and not more than six months have passed since their vaccination against rabies.

Credit cards: Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, Sport Card International). Cash dispensing machines are ubiquitous.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels and camping grounds.
Euro cheques can be exchanged in banks, although travellers are advised to check with their own banks, as the Euro cheque service is in process of being phased out.

Medical care: Medical assistance is available in hospitals providing a 24-hour emergency service, as well as in clinics in smaller travel destinations.

Post Offices: open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays until 1 p.m. There are Post Offices in the larger cities which are open until 10 p.m. in the summer.

Postage stamps: sold in Post Offices and at newsstands.

Public telephones: can be used only with phone cards, which can be purchased in Post Offices and at newsstands, in hotels and tourist complexes.

Important phone numbers: Police 92, Fire brigade 93, First Aid 94, Information Centre 985, Road Aid 987, Road Aid (mobile) 01/987, HAK – Croatian Automobile Club

National holidays: 1 January - New Year's Day; 6 January – Epiphany; Easter Sunday and Easter Monday; 1 May - International Labour Day; 22 June - Antifascist Day; 5 August - Homeland Thanksgiving Day; 15 August – Assumption; October 8th - Independence Day ; 1 November - All Saints' Day; 25 and 26 December - Christmas Holidays.