Visa

Holders of HKSAR passports or BNO passports are allowed to stay, without visas, in Croatia for 90 days within a 180-day period. Entry requirements for other passport holders, please check the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Croatia www.mvep.gov.hr.

Climate

Croatian is divided into two predominate climate regions: Mediterranean climate in the coastal areas and temperate continental climate in the interior regions.

Cities along the Adriatic coast and the islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate. It is mostly sunny in summer. With a relatively low humidity, it does not feel stifling even though the temperature is high. Wintertime is the rainy season. Total rainfall during winter is usually twice as much as in summer. As temperature rarely drops below 0°C, snowy days are pretty unusual in the coastal area of Croatia.

The Mediterranean climate is also characterized by the winds. The most common ones are Bora ("Bura" in Croatia) and Scirocco ("Jugo" in Croatia). Bora is often cold and dry. A very fierce Bora in winter can bring the apparent temperature down by up to 5°C. Scirocco picks up lots of moisture as it blows across the Mediterranean Sea. When it reaches the coastal area of Croatia, the wind is often warm and humid. The misty days in autumn and winter are often caused by Scirocco.

The Croatia interior, including Lika where Plitvice National Park is located, the capital Zagreb and the northeastern region, is separated from the coast by a series of mountain ranges. The Continental climate is totally different from the Mediterranean one. Compared to the sizzling temperatures in the coastal areas, summer in the Croatia interior is in general cool. But heat waves can bring soaring temperatures at times. Wintertime in the interior is often accompanied by chill and snow. For more updated weather information and forecast in Croatia, please look up www.meteo.hr.

Currency

Croatia has become a EU member country since 1st July 2013 and has entered EUR Zone on 1st January 2023. EUR is official currency in Croatia. The old currency Kuna has been no more avaliable. (The website of the Croatian National Bank www.hnb.hr)

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Taking a cup of coffee in a cafe as an example, the usual marked price of 2 EUR includes VAT. The breakdown of the price is shown clearly on the receipt (coffee price and VAT).

VAT for goods taken abroad is entitled to a refund, if the amount of the bill exceeds 500 HRK. Paid VAT shall be fully refunded as long as the completed VAT-form (PRV-P) is returned to the seller of the goods within 6 months from the date of the invoice. VAT forms have to be presented together with the unopened/unused goods and invoices to the customs at the point of departure (e.g. airport) before exiting the country. The said forms have to be stamped by a customs officer confirming that the goods have been taken outside the country. VAT refund office is usually found immediately after the passport control counters (just follow the sign VAT/TAX REFUND). The paid VAT can be refunded immediately in cash and the amount is available in foreign currency as well.

Telephone and Internet
The country code for Croatia is (385). There are four telecommunication services providers, namely T-mobile, A1, Tele2 and Tomato. Travellers can buy SIM cards upon arrival at the airport. Additional credits can be added to the SIM cards in the retail shops of the respective telecommunication services providers, supermarkets, on-line as well as at the newspaper kiosks called “Tisak”.

The European Parliament has approved abolishment of international roaming charge among EU member countries. Starting from 15 June, 2017, mobile phone users (for phone calls or internet) of all EU member countries shall pay the same prices at home or when they travel anywhere within the European Union.

Electricity

Time Zone

Croatia is in the Central European Time Zone (GMT+1). She is 7 hours behind Hong Kong which is in GMT+8 Time Zone. Croatia observes Daylight Saving/Summer Time. She is therefore 6 hours behind Hong Kong in summer.

Tourist Information Centre
Tourist Information Centres (as shown in the picture) can be found in most city centres and tourist spots. Travellers can ask for local maps, various travel information, transportation details and etc.

Language

Croatian is the official language in Croatia. However, local people have relatively high English standard. Some middle aged people understand certain English while younger generations are completely able to communicate in English. Most of the information and websites useful for tourists are provided also in English.

Useful Telephone Number

Emergency： 112
Police: 192
Fire Brigade： 193
Ambulance： 194
Zagreb Airport： +385 – 1 6265222

National Holidays in Croatia

1st Jan 『New Year』
6th Jan 『Epiphany』
1st May 『Labour Day』
30th May 『Croatian Statehood Day』
22nd Jun 『Anti-Fascist Resistance Day』
5th Aug 『Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day』
15th Aug 『Feast of the Assumption』
1st Nov 『All Saints' Day』
18th Nov『Remembrance Day for Homeland War Victims』
25 – 26th Dec 『Christmas』

Movable Holidays