Take a look at our Kvarner Shopping Guide below for details about the shopping scene in the Kvarner region. Visiting the market places you can try the local cuisine in Kvarner fresh from the ocean or fields. Our Croatia Shopping Guide provides shopping details for your shopping spree in Croatia.

Kvarner Shopping Guide

Rijeka is where Croatia's largest shopping centre, Rijeka Tower, is located. What's available? Clothes and footwear, boutiques selling branded apparel and sports gear.

A traditional jewellery item from Rijeka is the "morcic" - earrings in the shape of a black, turbanned head. The story goes that women used to wear these as a symbol of the Croats' victory over the Turks in the 16th century. The morcic can also be found in other jewellery items like tiepins, brooches and rings.

Did you know that the fountain pen was invented in Croatia by Slavoljub Penkala, the European scientist, in 1907? Also, cravats were first worn by Croatian soldiers in the 17th century and later became fashionable men's accessories. Pick up these authentic Croatian souvenirs, a Penkala and handmade silk neckties as memorabilia or gifts.

The exquisite lacework of Pag Island, its motifs inspired by the landscape, is another souvenir to cherish. Pag is also famous for its cheese, which you can buy directly from the factory on the island.

Shopping Hours

Shopping hours are from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm, Monday through Friday. And from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm on Saturday. During the high season in July and August, some department stores stay open on Sunday as well, from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm.

Currency

The local currency is the Kuna (1KN = 100 Lipa). Notes come in denominations of KB1000, 500, 200,100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. International credit cards like American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard and Diners Club are generally accepted all over Croatia. Still, do check in advance if credit card payments are acceptable as there are places where cash is preferred. The usual rules apply for changing traveller's checks - a passport or other form of photo identity is required. Encash them at banks and hotels throughout Croatia.

Tax-free Shopping

If your purchases exceed 500 kuna, you are eligible for a PDV (VAT) refund when you leave Croatia. This is applicable to all goods, barring petroleum products. Fill out a PDV-P form at the store where you've shopped and get it stamped immediately. At the time of departure, present this receipt for verification to Customs. You can collect your refund within six months directly from the point of purchase; else, mail the verified receipt to the store along with your bank account number to which the refund should be credited. You should receive the payment within 15 days of the store receiving the claim.

A simpler way to collect your refund is to shop at tax-free outlets. Look for the sticker saying "Croatia Tax-Free Shopping", normally displayed at shop entrances, along with credit and debit card stickers. An international coupon ensures refunds in all member-countries of the tax-free chain, worldwide. If you opt for this facility, a service charge will be deducted from the tax being refunded.

Whilst visiting Kvarner you have many options for Kvarner accommodation and Kvarner Hotels. Our local company offers Hotels in Rijeka, Hotels in Opatija, Hotels in Krk Island, as well as Hotels in Rab Island! Also, be sure to check out a Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park or a Tour of Krk Island.