Croatia - Eastern Europe - page 187

outlying areas and suburbs. Most lines eventually end up at the main train station, Trg
Ban Jela c i 5 a, or both.
Tickets can be purchased at Tisak news kiosks for 8kn ($1.40/75p) or on board for
10kn ($1.75/90p). Tickets are good for 90 minutes each way and must be validated
with a time stamp at the orange machines on board. Random control checks keep
cheaters in check and if you are caught without a ticket or with an unvalidated ticket,
the fine is 150kn ($26/£14) on the spot, more if you don't have the money in hand.
Note: Keep a tram/bus route map with you whenever using the system so you can
locate the routes' end streets and determine if the vehicle is going in your direction.
Almost none of the tram and bus operators speak English.
BY TAXI Taxis are expensive in Zagreb and charge a 25kn ($4.50/£2.40) flat fee
plus 7kn ($1) for every 3 ⁄ 5 of a mile. A 20% surcharge is added to that on Sunday and
at night, which makes taxis a very expensive way to travel. However, if you must use
a cab, you can call one at & 01/668-25-05. It's a good idea to try to negotiate a price
for your trip before you hop in.
ON FOOT Walking is by far the best (and healthiest) way to see Zagreb. Crime is
low and you can safely get to almost any museum or restaurant in the central town
within half an hour by walking.
FAST FACTS: Zagreb
American Express American Express services are available through Atlas Travel
at Zrinjevac 17, 10000 Zagreb ( & 01/481-39-33; fax [phone]). There is also
an Amex office at Lastovska 23 ( & 01/612-44-22 ).
ATMs & Currency Exchange You can withdraw cash using American Express,
Diners Club, Maestro/MasterCard, Cirrus, and Visa at ATMs (Bankomats)
installed all over Zagreb. Change money or traveler's checks at most banks,
exchange offices, and travel agencies for a 1.5% or greater fee. The fee is even
higher if you change money at a hotel. A-Tours at the main bus station ( & 01/
600-86-66 ) is the exchange office with the longest hours. It is open from 6am
to 10pm every day.
Business Hours Most banks open at 9am and stay open until 7pm or later Mon-
day to Saturday. The airport branch of Zagrebacka Bank is open on Sunday.
Offices generally are open from 8am to 5pm; some have Saturday hours, usu-
ally until 1pm. Store hours vary, with many closing from 2 to 5pm or some other
interval during the day, but smaller stores open at 9am, and close 8pm Monday
to Saturday and all day Sunday. Stores in larger malls are open 7 days a week
but most don't reopen after the weekend until 2pm on Monday so employees
can restock shelves.
Emergencies For police dial & 92; for an ambulance, & 94; and to report a
fire, & 93. For road assistance, dial & 987; for the Croatian Auto Club, dial
& 01/464-08-00.
Internet Access Croatia has embraced computer technology in a big way, and
Internet access is easy to find. Try Ch@rlie's in the shadow of the Hotel
Dubrovnik at Ljudevita Gaja 4a ( & 01/488-02-33 ). The staff is helpful and you