Foreign travel advice and safety!
Updated: Apr 13, 2020
These tips are primarily intended for the citizens of United Kingdom, but everyone should be aware of risks and security when traveling. Some of these safety travel advice may be outdated so keep in mind that the following article is for information purposes only. At the bottom of this article, we'll post the most important telephone numbers and news.
Safety travel advice by GOV.UK about Croatia:
Crime Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare. Some tourists have been the victims of overcharging in so-called ‘Gentlemen’s Clubs’, sometimes amounting to thousands of Euros. Victims can be threatened with violence if they refuse to pay. Take care in busy tourist areas, where pickpockets are known to operate. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Don’t leave valuables unattended, particularly on the beach. Use a hotel safe if possible. Report all incidents of crime to the local police station and get a police report. Police station's telephone numbers and addresses can be found inside our mobile app All in Makarska Riviera, Android and iOS users can download it for free!
Local Travel
If you are hiking in the mountains seek expert advice from local guides, however tame the mountain might seem to you. The weather in the Croatian mountains can change quickly, even in summer and temperatures can get very low overnight. There have been reports of hikers getting lost in the mountains when they have gone out alone and left marked paths. If you do find yourself in trouble inform the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service Hotline on 091 721 0011.
Road travel
You don’t need a Green Card to drive in Croatia, but if you are driving to or through Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the 20 km strip of coastline at Neum on the Dalmatian coastal highway, make sure that you have a Green Card that includes cover for Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can’t buy insurance for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Neum border crossing. It is illegal to drive with more than 0.05% of alcohol in the blood system. You must drive with dipped headlights from the last weekend in October until last weekend in March, even during the daytime. You must not use a mobile phone whilst driving.
It’s obligatory to carry a fluorescent vest in your car whilst driving in Croatia. You must keep the vest in the car and not in the boot. You should wear the vest while attending to a breakdown. All passengers must wear seat belts and special seats are required for infants. Children under the age of 12 may not sit in the front seat.
Sea travel There is zero tolerance on alcohol consumption if you are in charge of a yacht or boat. The penalties for being caught drunk in charge of a boat are heavy. Yacht/boat skippers have been arrested for entering a non-designated entry port without informing the authorities. If you are sailing to Croatia enter only at a designated port/harbor. If this is not possible, contact the local harbor master or the police before entering. The Croatian Government requires all skippers to have an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
Health
If you’re visiting Croatia you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Croatian nationals. Health center's telephone numbers and addresses can be found inside our mobile app All in Makarska Riviera, and Android and iOS users can download it for free!
Money
Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks and hotels. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are easily exchanged for local currency. There are plenty of ATMs. In 2011 there were reports of an increase in the number of forged Croatian Kuna banknotes, especially 200 and 500 notes. Only exchange money at reliable places like banks and ATMs.
Natural disasters: Earthquakes Small tremors are recorded several times a month throughout the year without consequences.
Forest fires Forest fires are very common during Croatia’s hot and dry summers. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland and forest areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, don’t light barbecues and don’t leave any rubbish, particularly empty bottles, behind. Accidentally fires in Makarska Riviera are not common, but when they happen, our fire brigades are well equipped and prepared. Every place located at the Makarska Riviera has its own fire brigade. Just in case, here's the list:
Fire Brigade Makarska +385 21 603 980
Public Fire Brigade Makarska +385 21 603 980
Fire Brigade Tucepi +385 21 623 303
Fire Brigade Podgora +385 21 625 603
Fire Brigade Baska Voda +385 21 620 088
Fire Brigade Brela +385 21 618 540
Fire Brigade Drvenik +385 21 628 179
If you see the fire and you don't know what's going on, don't hesitate to dial one of these numbers listed above, Makarska Riviera's firefighters are well known for their preparedness and readiness to help.
All the important telephone numbers and addresses can be found inside our mobile app All in Makarska Riviera, and Android and iOS users can download it for free!
Just in case, make sure to have them at your fingertips. Pharmacies, fire departments, health centers and police stations are listed, as well as the post offices in Makarska Riviera area!
We recommend that you carry your passport (or, if a resident your Croatian ID card) at all times. They are the only officially recognized form of identification in Croatia.
Keep a photocopy of the biographical details page in a safe place, including details of your next of kin. If your passport is lost or stolen you should report it to the police and get a police report.
Good to know:
112 - a common emergency telephone number that can be dialed free of charge from most mobile phones and, in some countries, fixed telephones in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, fire and rescue, police). There's no need to dial country prefix ahead of 112, this phone number is internationally recognized.
DOS and DONT'S
Do not light the fire outdoors
Don't go hiking alone and not prepared
Do not swim too far from shore
Read instructions carefully and stay informed
Make sure your smartphone battery is full when you are moving away
Tell your friends where you are going and when