Getting Euros for Your Trip to Croatia

Great news for travellers: Croatia joined the Eurozone on January 1, 2023, replacing the Croatian Kuna (HRK) with the Euro. This makes travel much simpler — no more exotic currency conversions!

Croatia has embraced the Euro transition well. You'll find the same Euro notes and coins used across Europe. Prices are displayed in Euros throughout the country.

Key insight for 2026: While card acceptance has improved significantly, Croatia remains more cash-dependent than Western Europe. Island destinations, konobas (traditional taverns), and rural areas often prefer cash. Don't rely on cards alone, especially when island-hopping.

Best Ways to Get Euros for Croatia

1. Multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) — Best for flexibility. Pay by card where accepted and withdraw cash when needed.
2. Order Euros online before travel — Essential for island-hopping. Have cash ready before heading off the beaten track.
3. Croatian bank ATMs — Zagrebačka banka (ZABA), PBZ, and Erste ATMs don't charge foreign card fees.
4. UK specialist bureaux — Good rates for Euros before travel.
5. Exchange offices in Croatia — Found in tourist areas. Rates vary — compare before exchanging.
6. Airport exchanges — Poor rates at Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik airports. Avoid if possible.

Using Cards in Croatia

Where Cards Usually Work

• Hotels & resorts: Universal card acceptance
• Restaurants in tourist areas: Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb restaurants mostly accept cards
• Supermarkets: Konzum, Lidl, Spar — all accept cards
• Tourist attractions: Plitvice Lakes, Diocletian's Palace tickets — cards accepted
• Larger shops: Card acceptance good in cities

Where Cash is Essential

• Konobas (traditional taverns): Many prefer or only accept cash
• Island businesses: Smaller islands often more cash-dependent
• Markets: Fresh food markets, souvenir stalls
• Beach bars & kiosks: Often cash-only
• Small ferries & boats: Local boat trips often cash-only
• Rural areas: Villages and countryside businesses
• Parking meters: Some older meters are cash-only

ATMs in Croatia

Best ATMs

• Zagrebačka banka (ZABA): Widely available. No foreign card fees.
• PBZ (Privredna banka Zagreb): Good network. Fee-free withdrawals.
• Erste Bank: Common in cities. No fees for foreign cards.
• OTP banka: Growing network. Generally fee-free.

ATMs to Avoid

• Euronet: Found in tourist hotspots. Charges €4-6 fees.
• Non-bank ATMs: Street-corner machines often charge fees.

Island ATM Tips

ATMs on smaller islands may be limited or have queues in peak season. Withdraw cash on the mainland before island-hopping. Some tiny islands may have no ATM at all.

How Much Cash to Bring

• Dubrovnik/Split city break: €100-150 backup
• Island-hopping: €200-300+ (many cash-only businesses)
• Week-long trip: €150-250 for incidentals
• Rural/sailing trip: €300+ (limited card infrastructure)

Daily Spending Guide

• Budget: €50-80/day — hostels, bakery lunches, local konobas
• Mid-range: €100-180/day — good apartments, seafood restaurants, boat trips
• Comfortable: €200-350/day — boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours

Note: Dubrovnik Old Town is expensive — expect 30-50% higher prices than elsewhere in Croatia.

Tipping in Croatia

• Restaurants: 10-15% for good service. Service is not usually included.
• Cafés: Round up or leave small change
• Taxis: Round up to nearest Euro
• Tour guides: €5-10 for half-day tours
• Boat crews: €5-20 depending on trip length
• Hotels: €1-2 per bag for porters