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.
Currency Information:
Currency
Kuna (K) = 100 Lipa. Notes are in denominations of K1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of K25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 4, 2 and 1 lipa.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, by authorized dealers and post offices. ATMs are widespread.
Credit & debit cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.
Travelers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to K15,000 (in banknotes up to K500). The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited.
Exchange rate indicator
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kuna against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date |
May '04 |
Aug '04 |
Nov '04 |
Feb '05 |
| £1.00= |
11.15 |
10.94 |
10.85 |
11.13 |
| $1.00= |
6.24 |
5.93 |
5.73 |
5.89 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0700-1900, Sat 0700-1300. Some banks may open on Sundays in larger cities.
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