National specialities:
• Much Croatian food contains cheese and oil, often mixed with other ingredients in pies or 'donuts'.
• The Adriatic coast is renowned for its 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).
National drinks:
• The regional wines are good.
• Italian espresso is popular and cheap.
Tipping: 10 per cent is expected in hotels, restaurants and taxis.

Traditional handicrafts like embroidery, woodcarvings and ceramics make good souvenirs. Tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than HRK500. Visitors should ensure that all receipts are retained after any purchase is made, as financial police 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.