Page 270 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

268  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health main cities while rural towns
and the islands are served
Croatian public health services meet the standards of those by local doctors. People
elsewhere in Europe, and in general, tourists run no serious can be transferred by
health risks. There are no endemic diseases but tourists ambulance or helicopter to
should take care against insect bites and over-exposure to the nearest hospital in case
of any emergency.
the sun. Tap water is drinkable all over the country. In inland
regions, de-mining along former lines of confrontation is not
complete. Therefore, travellers should not stray from known Lost and Stolen Property
safe routes in these zones. The crime rate is comparatively Precautions for avoiding theft
low, and there is little street crime, although visitors should and loss of documents and
personal belongings are the
take the usual precautions in busy places to protect valuables.
same as in any other country,
so use your common sense. You
should avoid leaving objects of
for foreign visitors on holiday in value and money unattended
Croatia unless, of course, the law and keep an eye on your
is broken in some way. However, luggage and bags, particularly
it is advisable to carry your in crowded areas. Do not wear
identification documents, such showy, expensive jewellery that
as a passport, with you as the could attract the wrong kind
police have the right to ask of attention.
for identification. When you travel, it is always a
According to an inter national good idea to make a photocopy
agreement, if a tourist is held for of your personal documents
questioning or detained for and keep it in a separate place;
whatever reason, he or she has in this way it will be much easier
the right to contact a diplomatic to obtain a duplicate. In the
representative of his or her event of loss, report the
country (an embassy or circumstances to the police
A Croatian policeman with a police car consulate, see p267) and receive as soon as possible.
assistance in appointing a local
Police
lawyer, preferably English-
Regular Croatian police (policija) speaking. Hospitals and
officers wear dark blue uniforms Any eventual costs and the Pharmacies
and keep a relatively low-profile lawyer’s fee are the respon- All the main cities have a
presence. In addition, there are sibility of the accused. hospital, and the standard of
the seldom seen Intervention health care is on a par with
Police (who wear blue military- In an Emergency other EU countries. For less
style uniforms) and the Special serious problems, visit a
Police or SWAT (who wear khaki In case of emergencies, the pharmacy (ljekarna), which can
military-style uniforms). If you appropriate services to call be identified by the green cross
are a victim of crime, you are listed in the directory above the door. Croatian
should report this to the local opposite. For accidents or other pharmacists are highly qualified
police station and obtain medical emergencies, go to and can dispense medication
a police statement. casualty (hitna pomoć). There not usually available over the
are general hospitals in all the counter back home. Although
What to Be Aware of
The level of safety on the roads
and in public places is good,
and the police are deemed
responsible for the protection
and safety of the country’s
visitors as well as its citizens.
Croatia has a relatively low
crime rate, and violent crime
is comparatively rare. If a petty
theft occurs, it is more likely to
happen in crowded areas such
as bus and railway stations.
It is highly unlikely that the
police will create any problems An ambulance driving past a hospital

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