How to manage your money in Croatia

August 2018

Whether it’s in search of the clear blue sea that lines the Mediterranean coast, the stroller’s dream that is Zagreb or the party paradise of Outlook Festival, Croatia is becoming a firm favourite for UK travellers.

(This is especially the case for WeSwap users, who, ever since given the chance to use their WeSwap cards worldwide, have been flocking to Croatia in their droves.)

So, with that in mind, we’ve put this handy guide together on how to manage your money in Croatia. Confused about whether to use your card or get out cash? Worried there won’t be any ATMS? Scared of offending someone when you try and haggle in a supermarket?

Well, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Zagreb, Croatia's capital

Croatian money

Kuna (or KN for short) banknote denominations: 1000 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5

Kuna coins: 5, 2, 1

Lipa coins (there are 100 Lipa in 1 Kuna): 50, 20, 10, 2 and 1

Cash or Card

Although ATMs are widely available throughout Croatia (more on that below), we tend to find that it’s a pretty even split between cash and card use. We found that 53% of WeSwap transactions were made on card, with 47% cash withdrawals. Cards are widely accepted but smaller restaurants, shops and private accommodation owners may only take cash.

ATMs in Croatia

As we said above, ATMs (or Bankomats as they’re known over there) are easy to find all over Croatia. They’re most commonly found in, not surprisingly, banks. But are often in supermarkets, train stations, post offices and airports too. If you just can’t track one down, these store locators for Croatian’s main banks should help:

• Zagrebacka Banka ATM locator
• Primorska Banka ATM locator

The sudden rise in Croatian tourism has seen banks and ATM providers looking to cash in on that sweet tourist dollar, so be aware of fees when you’re withdrawing money.

Top tips

1. (Depending on when you’re reading this) like Britain, Croatia is in the EU but doesn’t use the Euro. However, in touristy areas it’s quite likely you’ll see hotels, hostels and some small services priced in Euros. You may even find some places accept British Pounds and US Dollars. For anything official - think tolls, borders, fines – stick with the Kuna.

2. This is something we find ourselves saying over and over, but it’s for a good reason. If you’re given the option to be charged in your own currency or the Kuna. Choose Kuna. If not you’ll be opting in for DCC (or Dynamic Currency Conversion), which can leave you liable to be charged some pretty outrageous exchange rates. Something we’re very against here at WeSwap.

3. Unless you’re at a market stall, haggling is a no-no. Like anywhere else in the world, you’ll look rude (and also completely mad) if you start trying to haggle in a supermarket.

4. Bok means both hi and bye.