Vignette chaos: Tips for NRW holidaymakers on the way to Croatia!

Vignette chaos: Tips for NRW holidaymakers on the way to Croatia!

A holidaymaker from North Rhine-Westphalia is planning a car trip to Rovinj, Croatia, in July. In the Facebook group “Holidays in Istria” he is looking for advice on getting a vignette to organize his trip through Austria and Slovenia. The discussion in the group shows that Croatia is highly valued as a popular holiday destination for Germans, especially because of its beaches and historical places. Nevertheless, the vignette question causes disagreement among users.

The recommendations for purchasing a vignette are varied. According to group members, the vignette for Slovenia can be purchased online from DARS. For Austria, travelers should create a customer account with ASFINAG and book the flex tariff. In addition, the vignettes are available for different periods of time, while in Croatia the toll is collected manually. Many users recommend setting up customer accounts with both providers in order to remain more flexible.

Discussion and willingness to help

The discussion in the Facebook group is fueled by a user's sarcastic comment on the vignette question, sparking a heated debate. Some members defend the starting point of these requests and emphasize the willingness to help within the group. This shows that there are different opinions about how to deal with questions, which influences the culture of discussion in the group as a whole.

In addition to the discussion about vignettes, there is important information about tolls in Croatia that travelers should consider. The toll is paid at toll stations. At the beginning of the toll route you receive a ticket that must be paid when you leave the section. Payment is possible in cash, credit or debit card. The motorway companies HAC, Bina-Istra.com and AZM manage the relevant routes.

Electronic payment via the Croatian Electronic Toll Collect System (ETC, also known as ENC) is also available. For this purpose, travelers can purchase a transponder that costs 15 euros and, depending on the model, offers a price advantage of up to 13%. This transponder is valid for an unlimited period and can be obtained from HAC, Bina-Istra and at various sales points at toll stations. It is also possible to activate the transponder for toll billing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, since October 2024, the ADAC toll box can no longer be used for electronic toll billing in Croatia.

Preparing for the trip to Croatia not only requires dealing with the appropriate vignettes, but also with the toll systems of the countries in transit. Given the amount of information and advice available, it is advisable to be well informed in advance.