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Split
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Split – a brief overview
Sandwiched between the Adriatic Sea and the Dinaric Mountains, Split is a gorgeous sun-dappled gem of a place and was once the retirement home of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. His mighty palace, built 1,700 years ago, still stands and remains the beating heart of the city, thanks to the warren of winding streets and airy plazas within. But while Diocletian dominates, there’s more to Split than Romans.
From a spectacular Gothic papal palace and a Christian church built on the remains of an imperial mausoleum to some of the best seafood in Croatia, there’s plenty to do – and that’s before you get to its proximity to Dalmatia’s incredible golden sand beaches and pretty network of picturesque islands.
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Top 10 sights in Split
© Ian Furniss / Alamy
Golden Gate
Dioklecijanova
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Once the entrance to Diocletian’s grand palace, much of which still exists, the imposing Golden Gate marks, according to local lore, the spot where the Roman Emperor first entered the city 1,700 years ago.
Papalic Palace (Split City Museum)
Papalićeva 1
21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 171 021
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21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 171 021
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0900-2100 (May-Oct)
Sat-Mon 0900-1600 (May-Oct)
Tue-Fri 0900-1700 (Nov-Apr)
Sat 0900-1300 (Nov-Apr)
A flamboyant piece of 15th-century Gothic architecture, Split’s Papalic Palace now houses the city museum, where you can find an impressively large collection of Roman and medieval relics.
Cathedral of St Domnius
Svetog Duje 5
21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 342 589
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21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 342 589
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Opening times:
Daily 0800-2000 (Jul-Aug)
Daily 0700-1200 and 1700-1900 (Sep-May)
In a neatly ironic twist, the cathedral began life as the mausoleum of Diocletian – a man who made it his mission to persecute as many Christians as possible. Converted in the seventh century, it also houses an impressive collection of gold and silver artefacts.
Diocletian’s Palace
Dioklecijanova 5
Split
Croatia
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Split
Croatia
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Opening times:
Various
The vast retirement home of the Emperor Diocletian is now a buzzing network of stall-lined streets dotted with monuments, among them the imposing Mausoleum.
Meštrović Gallery
Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 46
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0900-1900 (May-Sep)
Tue-Sat 0900-1600 (Oct-Apr)Sun 1000-1500 (Oct-Apr)
This gallery houses lots of the work of Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
Split Synagogue
Židovski prolaz 1
21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 345 672
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21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 345 672
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Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-2000 (May-Nov)
Mon-Fri 1000-1500 (Apr)
Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (Dec-Mar)
Europe’s third-oldest functioning synagogue began life in the 16th century and occupies a pair of medieval houses in what was once Split’s ghetto.
Narodni trg
Narodni trg
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Linked to Diocletian’s Palace via the Zeljezna Vrata (Iron Gate), Narodni trg or People’s Square is a pretty 15th-century pedestrianised space fringed with quaint cafés.
Archaeological Museum
Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25
21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 329 340
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21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 329 340
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1400 and 1600-2000 (Jun-Sep)
Mon-Fri 0900-1400 and 1600-2000 (Oct-Apr
)Sat 0900-1400 (Oct-Apr)
One of the most impressive collections of Roman artefacts in Europe, Split’s Archaeological Museum houses many of the treasures unearthed in nearby Salona.
Ethnographic Museum
Iza Vestibula 4
21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 344 164
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21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 344 164
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0930-1900 (Jun-Sep)
Sun 1000-1300 (Jun-Sep)
Mon-Fri 0900-1400 (Oct-May)
Sat 0900-1300 (Oct-May)
Housed within Diocletian’s apartment in the southern part outside the palace, the Ethnographic Museum contains a small collection of Dalmatian folk art, costumes and handicrafts.
Gripe Fortress (Croatian Maritime Museum)
Glagoljaša 18
21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 347 346
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21000 Split
Croatia
Tel: +385 21 347 346
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Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1900 (mid-Jun to mid-Sep)
Sat 0900-1400 (mid-Jun to mid-Sep)
Mon-Wed and Fri 0900-1430 (mid-Sep to mid-Jun)
Thu 0900-1900 (mid-Sep to mid-Jun)
Sat 0900-1300 (mid-Sep to mid-Jun)
Now Split’s maritime museum, the 17th-century Gripe Fortress is 10 minutes by foot from Diocletian’s Palace. Inside, you can see the world’s oldest torpedo as well as an impressively large collection of anchors.
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Good to know
Country information
Country overview
With a gorgeous coastline and over 1,100 islands, Croatia is one of Europe’s top seaside destinations.
But it’s much, much more than just sea and sunshine.
Geography
Croatia stretches along the Adriatic coast, narrowing north-south, with a larger inland area (Slavonia) running west-east from Zagreb to the border with Serbia. The northern two-thirds of this border are formed by the River Drava, the east by the Danube, the southern part by the Sava.
The country borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast and Bosnia & Herzegovina (southeast from Zagreb; northeast from the Adriatic coastline). The coastline is highly indented, with over 1100 islands and islets lying offshore.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 4,28 mio.
Population Density (per sq km): 75
Capital: Zagreb
Population: 790.000
Language
The official language is Croatian (Hrvatski). Ethnic minorities living in Croatia also speak Serbian, Slovenian, Hungarian and Italian. People working in tourism generally speak excellent English, plus some Italian and German.
Currency
Kuna (HRK; symbol Kn) = 100 Lipa. Notes are in denominations of Kn1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Kn25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lipa.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs as in most of Western Europe.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
2019
Nova Godina (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2019
Bogojavljenje (Epiphania): 6 January 2019
Uskrsna nedjelja (Easter Sunday): 21 April 2019
Uskrsni ponedjeljak (Easter Monday): 22 April 2019
Praznik rada (Labour Day): 1 May 2019
Tijelovo (Corpus Christi): 20 June 2019
Dan antifasisticke borbe (Anti-Fascist Resistance Day): 22 June 2019
Dan drzavnosti (Statehood Day): 25 June 2019
Dan domovinske zahvalnosti (Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day): 5 August 2019
Velika Gospa (Assumption Day): 15 August 2019
Dan neovisnosti (Independence Day): 8 October 2019
Dan svih svetih (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2019
Bozic (Christmas): 25 December 2019
Sveti Stjepan (St. Stephen’s Day): 26 December 2019
2020
Nova Godina (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Bogojavljenje (Epiphania): 6 January 2020
Uskrsna nedjelja (Easter Sunday): 12 April 2020
Uskrsni ponedjeljak (Easter Monday): 13 April 2020
Praznik rada (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
Tijelovo (Corpus Christi): 11 June 2020
Dan antifasisticke borbe (Anti-Fascist Resistance Day): 22 June 2020
Dan drzavnosti (Statehood Day): 25 June 2020
Dan domovinske zahvalnosti (Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day): 5 August 2020
Velika Gospa (Assumption Day): 15 August 2020
Dan neovisnosti (Independence Day): 8 October 2020
Dan svih svetih (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2020
Bozic (Christmas): 25 December 2020
Sveti Stjepan (St. Stephen’s Day): 26 December 2020
All information subject to change.
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Nightlife in Split
Split doesn’t have the most buzzy of nightlife, with a peaceful glass of wine in a spot overlooking the sea as about as exciting as it gets.
Nevertheless, there’s plenty of choice.
Vanilla
Poljudsko šetalište
Split
Croatia
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Split
Croatia
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Overlooking the beach, upscale Vanilla serves great cocktails and has a good selection of wine.
Figa
Ulica Andrije Buvine 1
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Nestled within Diocletian’s Palace, this café-bar mixes delicious cocktails and is great for people watching.
Gaga
Iza Loža 5
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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A coffee shop by day and a buzzing bar by night, Gaga is usually packed with locals.
Quasimodo
Ulica Ivana Gundulića 26
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Nondescript from without, Quasimodo is nevertheless the best place to see live jazz and blues in Split.
Academia Ghetto Club
Dosud ulica 10
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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A gallery-turned-bar, the Academia Ghetto Club is the stylish locals’ drinking den of choice.
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Restaurants in Split
As with Dubrovnik, seafood is the staple fare in Split, although you don’t have to look hard to find alternatives.
Along with Croatian food, highlights include the many excellent Italian and Japanese options.
Restoran Boban
Ulica Petra Hektorovića 49
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Price: Expensive
Split’s most expensive restaurant does excellent seafood and serves nearly everything with truffles.
Restoran Diocles
Iza vestibula 4a
Split 21000
Croatia
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Split 21000
Croatia
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Price: Expensive
Lovely Old Town restaurant with outdoor courtyard seating, good wine, and tasty Mediterranean small plates.
Enoteka Terra
Prilaz Braće Kaliterna 6
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Price: Moderate
Tapas Croatian-style top the bill of fare but more substantial dishes are also on the menu.
Restoran Tifani
Poljana Kraljice Jelene 5
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Price: Moderate
Dalmatian classics have been given a modern makeover on the menu of this central restaurant.
Kod Jože
Sredmanuška ulica 4
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Price: Cheap
Well-presented local fare, including delicious langoustines, served up in hearty portions.
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Calendar of events
Split Carnival
28 February – 5 March 2019
Venue: Streets of Split
Famed for their colourful parades and exuberant celebrations, the coastal towns of Croatia celebrate Carnival in style. Split is no exception, and the days leading up to Lent see colourful parades in the streets, music and dancing. The carnival tradition is a little different here to elsewhere in the country. Masked balls and firework displays, pierrots, harlequins and historic plays still form an important part of proceedings as they did in ages past, based on the model of the original carnivals of Venice.
Olympic Sailing Week
April 2019
Website
Venue: Uvala Baluni Boatyard
Split is an ancient maritime city where sailing is in the blood and the local character is very much influenced by the sea. The first regatta took place here in 1924, but the Olympic Sailing Week didn’t start until 2005. This is an international regatta for the categories: Finn, Laser Men, Laser Radial Women, Star, Yingling Women, 470 Men, 470 Women and 49’er. The competition format follows ISAF guidelines for the Olympic Games regatta and ISAF Grade 1 regattas. A week’s great sailing and camaraderie awaits keen sailors in Split.
Croatia Boat Show
10 – 14 April 2019
Website
Venue: Riva, Split harbour and Uvala baluni
A nine-day celebration of all things nautical in the waters in and around the city.
Ultra Europe
12 – 14 July 2019
Website
Venue: Poljuf Stadium
The world’s premier dance music event comes to Croatia for the first time. The first two days take place in Split, followed by a third day at the island of Hvar, a short ferry ride away. Over 60,000 revellers are expected to descend upon Croatia for the debut event, which is set to take place annually for the next five years. Names on the bill this year include Afrojack, Avicii, Armin Van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Carl Cox and Erick Morillo.
Split Summer Festival
13 July – 13 August 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Dance, music and theatre grace open-air stages around town during the city’s biggest celebration of the arts. A great time to be in Split.
Days of Diocletian
August 2019
Venue: Various venues
The emperor’s old palace comes alive during this 10-day festival commemorating the once omnipotent ruler. The highlight is the reappearance of Diocletian himself in full period garb. Through the streets of the former palace, passers-by stroll around in togas and tunics, vintage carriages pass along the waterfront, taking Emperor Diocletian and his suite to the Peristile, where the emperor addresses his citizens as he once did. Expect delicious cuisine spread and colourful stalls laden with delicacies and handicrafts.
Split Film Festival
October 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Platform for unknown directors and screenwriters from around the globe.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
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Hotels in Split
Split was once famous for its paucity of places to stay but things are changing as boutique hotels and cosy hostels spring up, and the big chains move in.
Happily, there really is something for every budget.
Sleep Inn Split
Sinjska 5
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Category: Moderate
Smart, sleek, air-conditioned rooms in a 15th-century building bang in the centre of Split.
Divota Apartment Hotel
Plinarska ulica 75
21000 Split
Croatia
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21000 Split
Croatia
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Category: Moderate
Slick white furnishings dominate the stylish rooms and fully equipped apartments in this Old Town apart-hotel.
Villa Pinocchio Podstrana
Grljevačka 26
Podstrana
Croatia
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Podstrana
Croatia
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Category: Cheap
It’s a few kilometres out of town, but Villa Pinocchio’s beachside location is unbeatable – and affordable too.
Flight and accommodation
Good to know
Best time to visit
Today: Thursday, 21.02.2019 21:00 UTC
partly cloudy
temperature
11°C
wind direction
northwind speed
4.375 mph7 days forecast
Saturday
23.02.2019
4°C / -1°C
Sunday
24.02.2019
10°C / 5°C
Monday
25.02.2019
13°C / 9°C
Tuesday
26.02.2019
14°C / 9°C
Wednesday
27.02.2019
14°C / 11°C
Thursday
28.02.2019
16°C / 9°C
Friday
01.03.2019
17°C / 12°C
Climate & best time to visit Croatia
Croatia has a varied climate, with continental climate conditions inland and Mediterranean influence on the Adriatic coast. Peak season is July – August, with temperatures in the high 20s or in the 30s in places like Split, but you can expect plenty of sunshine from roughly May to October on the coast, and the shoulder seasons (May-June and September) are among the best times to visit Croatia. Inland is also hot in the summer but can be bitterly cold in the winter with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. Winter on the coast is milder but can be quite rainy.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17 °C | -9 °C | 10 °C | 5 °C | 63 % | 83 mm | 9 | 4.1 h |
| Feb | 19 °C | -8 °C | 11 °C | 5 °C | 64 % | 68 mm | 8 | 5.0 h |
| Mar | 22 °C | -6 °C | 13 °C | 7 °C | 61 % | 75 mm | 8 | 5.7 h |
| Apr | 26 °C | 1 °C | 17 °C | 10 °C | 57 % | 66 mm | 8 | 7.1 h |
| May | 33 °C | 4 °C | 22 °C | 15 °C | 59 % | 56 mm | 6 | 8.7 h |
| Jun | 36 °C | 10 °C | 26 °C | 18 °C | 57 % | 51 mm | 6 | 10.0 h |
| Jul | 38 °C | 12 °C | 29 °C | 21 °C | 51 % | 28 mm | 3 | 11.1 h |
| Aug | 37 °C | 11 °C | 29 °C | 21 °C | 52 % | 50 mm | 4 | 10.2 h |
| Sep | 34 °C | 7 °C | 25 °C | 18 °C | 57 % | 61 mm | 5 | 8.3 h |
| Oct | 30 °C | 3 °C | 20 °C | 14 °C | 68 % | 79 mm | 7 | 6.5 h |
| Nov | 22 °C | -4 °C | 14 °C | 9 °C | 64 % | 108 mm | 10 | 4.4 h |
| Dec | 17 °C | -6 °C | 11 °C | 6 °C | 63 % | 100 mm | 10 | 3.0 h |
| year | 38 °C | -9 °C | 19 °C | 12 °C | 63 % | 825 mm | 84 | 7.1 h |
Flight and accommodation
Good to know
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +385
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
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Shopping in Split
Key Areas
Split has no shortage of places to shop, although the most exciting spots are largely found within Diocletian’s Palace. The underground chambers between Riva and Peristil are particularly good if you’re looking for local handicrafts, with paintings, handmade lace and quirky sculptures all available. Bigger fashion chains and designer boutiques are located in and around Marmontova.
Markets
Stari Pazar is home to a bustling local market that opens every day of the week and, along with local produce, sells interesting handicrafts. Also worth visiting is Ribarnica on Obrov – a fish market worth visiting for the people-watching opportunities and atmosphere alone.
Shopping Centres
City Centre one (Vukovarska 207) is Split’s largest mall and along with big-name international brands, houses the local Cineplex cinema. Joker (Put Brodarice) offers a more run-of-the-mill selection of shops and a large supermarket.
Flight and accommodation
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Traveller etiquette
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.
Flight and accommodation
Good to know
Health
Food & Drink
Food is almost universally safe, and tap water is fine to drink.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against hepatitis B and tuberculosis are sometimes advised. Precautions should be taken against tick bites. For anyone planning to spend long periods of time in forested areas, carrying a pair of tick tweezers is advised, and immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis is also a possible precaution. Rabies is present. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Flight and accommodation
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Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.