MONEY
Currency
1 kuna = 100 lipa. Currency abbreviation: kn, HRK (ISO code).
Banknotes are in circulation with a value of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Kn.
There are coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 Kn and in 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Lipa. (1 and 2 Lipa coins are no longer in circulation).
Credit cards
Most major credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, petrol stations and shops (American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa). Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
With the EC / Maestro card and PIN number, cash in the local currency can be withdrawn from ATMs across Europe. ATMs at which cash in the local currency can be withdrawn with credit or ec / Maestro cards are widespread in Croatia. In many European countries it is also possible to pay in shops with the ec / Maestro card. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted in Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
The same applies to the German Sparcard, the successor to the postal savings book as a means of procuring currency in other European countries. With the Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from European ATMs with the Plus logo. Further details from all Postbank branches.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
The banks are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and in large cities until 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers inside and outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare cash from the equivalent of € 10,000 (including travelers checks, other currencies or checks made out to third parties).
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices or post offices as well as most travel agencies, hotels, marinas and campsites.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business is more formal in Croatia, a country located in Europe according to thefreegeography. But behind the image of Western rationality hides a crippling bureaucracy. There should hardly be any language difficulties, as German and English are widely used as second languages. After the introduction you should hand over your card (if possible with job title and academic title). Brokers, consultants, appraisers and lawyers offer their services to foreign companies on site. It is advisable to check them carefully before using their service.
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Economy
German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Zamenhoffova 2, HR-10000 Zagreb
Tel: (01) 631 16 00.
Internet: www.ahk.hr
Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Central Europe
c / o SOFI, Stauffacherstraße 45, CH-8026 Zurich
Tel: (044) 249 30 50.
Internet: www.sec-chamber.ch or www.sofi.ch
Croatian Chamber of Commerce
Trg Rooseveltov 2, HR-10000 Zagreb
Tel: (01) 456 15 55.
Internet: www.hgk.hr
Business contacts
German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Zamenhoffova 2, HR-10000 Zagreb
Tel: (01) 631 16 00.
Internet: www.ahk.hr
Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Central Europe
c / o SOFI, Stauffacherstraße 45, CH-8026 Zurich
Tel: (044) 249 30 50.
Internet: www.sec-chamber.ch or www.sofi.ch
Croatian Chamber of Commerce
Trg Rooseveltov 2, HR-10000 Zagreb
Tel: (01) 456 15 55.
Internet: www.hgk.hr
SHOP
Overview
Traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, wood carving and pottery, crystal, leather goods and porcelain. Visitors will be reimbursed the sales tax within one year if the value of the purchased goods exceeds 500 kn.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Especially in the holiday areas in Istria there is a wide range of entertainment. Discos, casinos, but also traditional folklore events provide variety. Many hotels have their own entertainment programs.
CULTURE
Religion
86% of the population are Roman Catholic; 4.4% Orthodox; Muslim, Protestant and Jewish minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: Shake hands to greet and say goodbye. Even if most Croatians speak a little English, it is welcome if the guest can speak a few words in Croatian.
Smoking: There is an absolute ban on smoking in all public buildings. Some restaurants and pubs have separate smoking rooms.
Tipping: 10% tips are common in hotels, restaurants and taxis.
Safety: In the border areas with Serbia and Bosnia, it is advised not to leave the paths and streets. There is still a risk of encountering isolated landmines here.
