Entering Croatia
Most visitors to Croatia are usually from the neighboring countries of Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Germany and so on, so they usually travel by car. From northern Europe, the easiest way to get to Croatia would be to drive to Munich and then enter Austria, down to Graz, cross into Slovenia, and then head for Croatia which is signposted as soon as you leave Maribor. For those coming by plane, the main airports are Zagreb, Pula, Split, Dubrovnik and Rijeka Airport (which is in fact on the nearby island of Krk). Foreign visitors do not normally require visas to enter Croatia - to check if you require a visa, visit the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' webpage. If you do need one, please contact the Croatian Embassy in your country for more information on how to obtain a visa.

Money
The Croatian currency is the Kuna, which is divided into 100 lipas. (The word "Kuna" means marten, a weasel-like animal, whose fur Croats used for payment many centuries ago. The lipa is a lime tree, but we don't know the connection here!) The Kuna is overvalued but is nevertheless a stable currency. The current exchange rate between the kuna and various world currencies can be found at the Croatian National Bank. We receive numerous queries with regards to the best foreign currency to take to Croatia. Our first piece of advice would be to take a bank card/cash card instead - this avoids the need to travel with large-ish amounts of cash, and ATMs are readily available in all resorts, towns and cities in Croatia, in banks, supermarkets, airports and elsewhere. As a foreign card is inserted into the machine, you will most likely be presented you with a choice of languages - no need to navigate through Croatian-language menus! The exchange rate you'll receive is good, and there may only be a small service charge (which depends on your bank back home). Otherwise, taking whatever currency is most suitable/easy for you is fine - i.e. if you're arriving from the U.S., just bring along your US Dollars! Likewise, take your UK Pounds if coming from the UK - no need to change your Pounds into US Dollars (or vice versa) to change into Kunas when in Croatia. UK Pounds, US Dollars and Euros are easily changeable in Croatia, although other currencies can be changed too. Hotel exchange rates are usually quite poor, so you'll probably be better off changing your money in a bank or in one of numerous Bureau de Change dotted around towns.

Health
The health service is of a good standard. You have to pay for seeing a doctor or being treated in a hospital. Certain countries, such as Britain, have reciprocal medical arrangements whereby, in principal, you should not have to pay for any emergency treatment. It is therefore useful to wave your passport first and mention this!

Safety
It is quite safe to travel all over Croatia and mugging and thefts are not a problem. You can safely walk in any town at night, but use your common sense, as always. In some coastal resorts, as is common all over the Mediterranean, single women may be approached or wolf-whistled at. Say no firmly and you will not be bothered. In case of any problems, approach a policeman or even a soldier, who will assist you. Both the Croatian police and the army are well disciplined. If you have a language problem, approach a younger person (teenagers/students) as they all speak some English and will be eager to help.

Accommodation
The high season, July and August, is more expensive. In April, May, September and October, prices are reduced by up to 50%. Hotels are of good value, but top class accommodation is expensive.

Food & Drink
You get the standard fare as in many other central European or Mediterranean countries (pizza, pasta, meat dishes, fish). All food is safe to eat as restaurants are regularly inspected, and there is no problem with drinking water. Seafood is a specialty along the Croatian coastline, unsurprisingly! Croatian beers are of a high quality. Try Zagreb's Ozujsko pivo or Karlovacko pivo or Tuborg, brewed under license in Croatia. In Dalmatia, some red wines such as Faros or Dingac are exquisite. You should also try Croatia's favorite brandy sljivovica, made from plums, or travarica, a herbal brandy.

Other information
Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Croatia uses the standard European 2 point plugs. The system is metric.

The telephone code for Croatia is 385.