Beer

We’ll be honest with you, there’s not much in the way of the local brew, and what there is does not bare making special note of. The good news: it’s almost always a few Kunas cheaper and found absolutely everywhere (Ožujsko signs appear approximately every four metres). Though other options are offered (see Pivnica Medvedgrad), they are few and very far between. The two most common local beers are Ožujsko and Karlovačko, both of which bare an uncanny similarity to that watery standard of USA, Bud Light. Wine on the other hand, is both a pastime and source of national pride, though the locals express a disgruntled frustration when they speak about it: the white and red fermented grape liquids are definitely on the expensive side. Interestingly it is the term crni, Croatian for black, which is used to indicate a red wine. Croatian white wines are more often the subjects of critical acclaim. Rakija reserves a unique space in the heads and hearts of the locals; the words ‘evil’ and ‘special’ resound alternately and often depending on the person you’re speaking with. This liquid of conflicting opinions takes on numerous forms, the product of fermentation of various natural herbs, grasses and fruits. Its manifestation varies depending on the part of the country you’re in, and you’re advised to sample many.

Customs

All major items brought into the country (laptops, boats, sauna equipment) must be declared; to do so ensures you will be allowed to take them back when you leave. Keep receipts in order to qualify for a VAT refund at all border customs offices. Any Croatian art or cultural works must recive export approval before purchase. For further details www.carina.hr or call +385-1 610 23 25/610 24 61.

Electricity

That especially sturdy and vice-like 220 Volts, AC, 50Hz is the plug of choice in these parts. Bring a converter for those appliances you just can’t leave behind (i.e. crimping irons, soldering guns, strobe-lights, etc.).

Floors

For the hopeless Yanks out there (we know that’s not all of you), you (A) walk off the street onto the ground floor of a building and (B) climb the steps up one level, at which point you are standing on the first floor. This fascinating system is in operation all over Europe (essay exams will be handed out at the end of your trip).

Money

The obligatory assortment of coloured rectangles featuring older gentlemen with varied outcroppings of facial hair design is the order of the day around here. The Croatian currency is the kuna, established in 1993. One kuna is worth 100 lipa. Kuna ‘notes’ come in 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 denominations. Coins are delivered in 25 (akin to a US$2 bill in its prevalence), 5, 2 and 1Kn amounts and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lipa amounts. And hey, before you start using the 1 lipa coin as a kind of landscaping agent on the base of your fish aquarium please remember, once you collect nine of those babies you’ve got yourself just over one US penny! Zagreb doesn’t deviate from standards all over the world as they apply to the use of credit cards. MasterCard and Visa are accepted practically everywhere, and your Diner’s Club and American Express cards can be utilized in a fair number of establishments too.

Religion

The country is almost entirely populated by Roman Catholics - 89.63% in (April 2001). Religion is almost Croatia’s defining feature (see the Croatia Through The Ages). Oddly, one of the most prominent features in the main square is the Serbian Orthodox Church… now discuss the significance of its presence amongst yourselves.

Safety

An amazingly quiet and well-mannered community, the streets are less active than many a stretch in Antarctica on any given weeknight past 23:00. Crime figures rank Croatia and Zagreb significantly below most of Europe, specifically as they apply to violence. The train stations do not inspire the expected ‘run-for-your-life’ sensation that is so often the case in cities the size of Zagreb. Though Zagreb is a very safe city, the best advice asks you to employ your best common sense.

Toilets

You ‘had to go’ forty-five minutes ago... now your sweat and tear-stained face of utter desperation lets those you pass in the streets know that the situation has moved from bad to worse. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Unfortunately, public toilets or WCs (pronounced ‘vay-say’) are few and far between, and when you find one a standard 3Kn charge is tacked onto the privilege. Your best bet: take a seat at a café, order yourself a beverage and then hustle through the appropriate door - gospodin or muški for men,dame or ženski for women.

Visas
Citizens from Australasia, EU, North America and South America are allowed into Croatia without a visa.
.Everybody else needs a visa, which must be obtained before entering the republic. These cannot be obtained at any land borders. For more visa information contact the Consular Department of the Croatian Foreign Ministry at Trg N.S. Zrinskog 7-8, tel. 456 99 64, fax 458 17 95, www.mvp.hr. You are required to register with the police, a matter taken care of by hotels, hostels and campsites. If you’re staying with friends you have a 24 hour period to fill-out some paperwork at the police station (tel. 92) - be sure to bring your passport!