Frequent travelers on Croatia’s motorways, take note: if your journeys bring you here at least a couple of times a year, investing in an ENC might just be the game changer you need. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of acquiring one, let’s first understand what ENC stands for, its advantages, and the process of getting your hands on it.
Understanding the Croatian ENC System
Traveling through Croatia, you’ll encounter toll-gate systems on motorways, where you pay for the distance covered each time you pass. While straightforward, this method can be both expensive and time-consuming, especially during the peak summer months, when lengthy queues at toll gates are common. It’s frustrating to cruise along the motorway, only to come to a standstill for up to fifteen minutes at a toll gate.
Enter the ENC, or Electronic Toll Collection system, a handy device that you attach to your vehicle’s windscreen. This gadget automates the toll payment process on Croatian motorways, allowing you to breeze through specially designated lanes without stopping, as it deducts toll fees directly from a preloaded balance.
Why an ENC is Worth to Invest in
Aside from the sheer convenience of skipping toll booth lines, the ENC system sweetens the deal with a discount on Croatian motorway tolls.
You’ll still pay for the mileage covered but at a reduced rate, saving at least 20% compared to traditional gate payments. This makes the ENC an economical choice even for those who visit Croatia only two to three times a year. For more specifics on Plitvice road toll rates, click on the link.
So, what exactly does ENC stand for?
In Croatian, it translates to Elektronička naplata cestarine, or Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) in English. It provides a smoother, simpler and more cost-effective travel experience across Croatia’s motorways.
Where to Buy ENC in Croatia
As a foreigner, my experience has been that the initial acquisition of an ENC device is the only tricky part. Once you have the device, everything else can be managed online, and topping up your balance is a breeze. However, the first step is to purchase this little plastic box.
According to the Croatian motorway operator’s website, you can only buy ENC can in a few places which are not open 24/7. Essentially, you can only buy the device during weekdays and on Saturday mornings.
From my personal experience, finding the sales points at toll booths as a foreigner can be challenging; I’ve actually given up on it before.
However, what definitely works is visiting the motorway operator’s central office in Zagreb. While it might seem like a bit of a detour, as I’ve mentioned, this is a one-time inconvenience, after which everything else can be handled online.
The address is Širolina Street 4, Zagreb. It’s an office building, and the ENC sales office is located on the ground floor along left-hand side corridors. Upon entering, the reception staff are incredibly helpful and friendly in providing directions, and they speak English. Be prepared to fill out a fairly detailed questionnaire on your first visit, and expect to wait in line. So allocate at least half an hour for the purchase (street parking is paid). Make sure to indicate whether you’re purchasing the ENC device as an individual or as a company.
Ul. Stjepana Širole 4, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Using Your ENC
Upon purchase, you’re provided with a compact plastic box that comes pre-loaded with a certain balance. This box is to be affixed to your vehicle’s windshield using the supplied double-sided tape.
Once installed, the ENC operates seamlessly. At toll stations, look for lanes marked “ENC”. As you approach the barrier, simply reduce your speed; the barrier will lift automatically, and the screen will display your remaining balance.
The Croatian motorway system uses a “ticket system” where you’re issued a ticket at the entrance of each section and then charged based on the distance traveled upon exit. With the ENC, you’ll need to decelerate at both entry and exit points for the system to register your journey and adjust your balance accordingly.
Importantly, the ENC device is not tied to a specific vehicle’s license plate, allowing you to transfer it between different vehicles as needed.
Once you buy the device, you have the option to set up an account and sign in to the HAC ENC application using the email address you provided during the purchase. The app can be downloaded from the following links:
