World Country Guide

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Food & Drink
The Adriatic coast is renowned for the variety of seafood dishes, including scampi, prstaci (shellfish) and brodet (mixed fish stewed with rice), all cooked in olive oil and served with vegetables. In the interior, visitors should sample manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup). Much Croatian food contains cheese and oil, often mixed with other ingredients in pies or 'donuts'.
The regional wines are good. Italian espresso is also popular and cheap.

Shopping
Traditional handicrafts like embroidery, woodcarvings and ceramics make good souvenirs. Tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than K500. Visitors should ensure that all receipts are retained after any purchase is made, as financial police do have the power to fine visitors without relevant documents. This is to prevent VAT evasion by shopkeepers. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat 0800-1400/1500. Some shops in cities may now open on Sundays.

Special Events
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Croatia in 2005; for further details contact the Croatian National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section):
Jan International Carnival of Rijeka. Feb-Mar Kvarner Riviera Carnival. Apr Kontrapunkt Future Jazz Festival, Zagreb. Jun-Jul International Children’s Festival, Sibenik. Jul Urban Festival, Zagreb; Zagreb International Folk Festival. Jul-Aug Zagreb Summer Festival; Dubrovnik Summer Festival; Split Summer Festival; Istrian Cultural Summer. Aug-Sep International Puppet Festival, Zagreb. Sep Vinkovci Autumn Festival. Sep-Oct Varazdin Baroque Evenings.

Social Conventions
People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport. Photography: Certain restrictions exist. Tipping: 10 per cent is expected in hotels, restaurants and taxis.