Travel Advice for Croatia

Students learn more about Croatia through the balance between academic studies and cultural activities, while advancing in their professional career. While immersed in Croatian culture, students can taste different foods, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, vibrant nightlife, and travel to many historic destinations throughout Croatia, and Central and Southeastern Europe.


Culture
Day-to-day life in Croatia isn't all that different from life in the United States, except for a few minor differences. For one thing, Croats are able to enjoy the luxuries of being from a coastal region. Outdoor seating and leisurely walks can be enjoyed virtually year round. "Going for coffee" is an important pastime that takes more than the standard American "drive-thru" to enjoy. Croats also enjoy a public transportation system, so owning a car isn't really necessary. Students walk or use buses to get them around town, pretty much anywhere; getting from city to city is almost always done by train. Croats do not typically eat the way Americans tend to; they put a lot of importance on everything being fresh and healthy, which means things like TV dinners and junk food are difficult to find. Stores in Croatia tend to hold short hours, which means things will close early. In general, however, you'll find that Croatia isn't as different as you might think.


Clothing
Because our program runs in the Spring, many different types of clothing will be needed. Although it is not as cold as it is here in Rochester, you will want a coat and a few sweaters to get through the month of March. After that you will likely want a Spring/Summer wardrobe to choose from for the rest of your stay. Rain gear is also important to bring along. The general dress code tends to be a little more formal/stylish than college students are used to in the US.


Computers
Bringing a laptop computer is of course the best solution, but if this is not possible, you could use the computer labs provided by ACMT. Even if you or your apartment mates don't have access to the Internet in your apartment while in Croatia, having a computer to work on programming assignments will make your life much easier. Also, if you're going to bring a computer with you, make sure you've got a plug adapter for European outlets. If your computer works on 120V and 240V power, then you'll only need a plug adapter, and if not,you'll need to get a voltage converter as well.


Documents
It's a good idea to make photocopies of your plane tickets, passport, etc. before you leave and carry them with you. While traveling, you should also be sure to give copies of these items to a friend or relative in case yours are misplaced. You may want to scan these items and burn them to a CD, but this is entirely up to you. Having copies of these items on you at all times will not only make replacement easier, but will also help to identify you, since the only universally accepted form of ID in Croatia is your passport.


Money
The official currency of Croatia is the Kuna although the Euro is also widely accepted. You can view current currency exchange rates at www.xe.com. Most stores in Croatia accept credit cards; it is important to remember that traveler's checks are not accepted in many stores, but you will be able to cash them at banks. One way to get money overseas is to have someone transfer money to your American bank account so you can withdraw it at an ATM in Croatia. This is not the only solution, but it seems to be the one which incurs the fewest fees. We recommend you notify your bank and credit card companies of expected use of your cards in Croatia so they do not put a hold on your account.


Banks
You probably won't need to open a bank account while you're in Croatia. ATM's are plentiful and you should have no trouble accessing your funds.


Phone Service
Cell phones can be purchased for a flat fee, with talk and SMS time being purchased on calling cards in variable increments. It is our recommendation that students purchase cell phones while in Croatia, as this has proven to be more economical than converting phones purchased and used here in the US.


Limits on Visitation
Because you will be in Croatia on a tourist Visa, your stay cannot exceed 90 days. If you leave Croatia to travel, be sure to let your student mentor know so that he/she can arrange for proper calculation on your Visa. The days that you travel outside of Croatia do not count toward your 90 day limit.


Accommodations While Traveling
Youth hostels are one of the most economical places to stay. They can be researched and booked from any number of sites on the Internet. Some hostels are much nicer and more accessible than others, so research carefully.


Destinations in Europe
The possibilities are very open here. You can find student-priced airline tickets for much less than you'd pay elsewhere. You can get tickets from the Dubrovnik airport round-trip to many locations for 70 - 100 euro, sometimes even less. Ferries to Bari, Italy are also available during the Spring/Summer months. If you're staying in Croatia once classes conclude, travel to one of these places is definitely worth it.