Croatia Currency and Money: All you need to know

The currency in Croatia is the euro (EUR, €). Croatia joined the euro area on 1 January 2023, so the euro is the only legal tender and it replaced the former Croatian kuna (HRK).

For most travellers, money in Croatia is simple: cards work well in cities and tourist areas, but you will still want some cash for small cafés, local markets, rural spots and parts of the islands. This guide shows you the smartest ways to pay, withdraw cash, avoid poor exchange rates (including DCC prompts), and exchange any leftover kuna.

Euro banknotes commonly used in Croatia are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and €200, with coins from 1 cent to €2. The €500 note is still legal tender, but it’s rarely useful for everyday travel (many places won’t want to break it), so stick to smaller notes for convenience.

Croatia currency quick answers

• Official currency: Euro (EUR, €)
• Euro introduced: 1 January 2023 (the euro is the only legal tender)
• Cash in use: Coins are available in denominations of €1 and €2, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and common notes €5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and €200
• Best way to pay: Card is widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carry some cash for small cafés, markets, rural areas and some islands
• Best way to get cash: Use bank-branded ATMs where possible (they’re usually clearer on fees than independent “tourist” ATMs)
• Golden rule at ATMs and card terminals: If asked whether to pay in your home currency or EUR, choose EUR (decline Dynamic Currency Conversion) so your bank/card issuer sets the exchange rate
• Still have Croatian kuna (HRK)? Since 1 January 2024, kuna cash can be exchanged for euros only at the Croatian National Bank, free of charge, using the fixed conversion rate
• Fixed kuna conversion rate: €1 = 7.53450 HRK (used for official kuna-to-euro exchanges)

Quick takeaway: Bring a card with low foreign fees, withdraw a small amount of euros from a bank ATM for “cash-only” moments, and always choose EUR if a terminal or ATM offers a “guaranteed” conversion.

Euro cash in Croatia

Croatia uses the euro for all cash payments. For most travellers, cash matters mainly for small purchases: cafés, bakeries, markets, local buses, beach bars, tips, and occasional cash-only spots in rural areas or smaller islands.

Banknotes and coins you will use most

Euro notes exist in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. In day-to-day travel, smaller notes are the most useful because many places cannot (or will not) break large notes.

• Most useful notes: €10, €20 and €50 (plus €5 for small purchases)
• Most useful coins: €1 and €2, plus 10c-50c for small items
• Try to avoid paying with very large notes: €100+ can be inconvenient in small businesses
• €500 note: still legal tender, but rarely practical for travellers (many businesses won’t accept it)

Practical tip: Keep a few coins handy for quick payments and small add-ons (for example markets and cafés) so you don’t need change every time.

Paying by card vs cash in Croatia

For most travellers, a mix of card + a little cash is the easiest way to pay in Croatia. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tourist businesses, and contactless payments are common in major destinations.

In general, traders in the EU are not allowed to add an extra fee just because you pay with a consumer credit or debit card, so card payments should not come with a separate “card surcharge”. Note that your own bank can still charge foreign transaction fees, depending on your card.

Cash is still useful for small cafes, markets, rural areas and some islands, and it helps when a card terminal is temporarily offline. A practical approach is to use your card for most spending and keep a small cash buffer for day-to-day extras.

Where cards work well

• Hotels, resorts and most private accommodation (apartments, villas, larger guesthouses)
• Restaurants in towns and tourist zones, supermarkets and chain stores
• Fuel stations, pharmacies, intercity transport, many tours and attractions

Where cash is still useful

• Small cafes and bakeries, beach bars, local konobas, kiosks and street food stands
• Green markets, souvenir stalls and small family-run businesses
• Rural areas and smaller islands where terminals may be less common or occasionally offline

Contactless and mobile payments

Contactless card payments are common, and mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay) typically work anywhere contactless card payments are accepted. If a cashier looks unsure, simply say you are paying by card and tap your phone or watch like a contactless card.

Common payment pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): If a terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose EUR to avoid an extra markup.
• Minimum spend: Some small businesses may set a minimum amount for card payments. Keep a small cash buffer to avoid hassle.
• Connectivity issues: On islands or in remote areas, terminals can occasionally fail. A backup card and some cash will save time.
• Card acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are the safest bet. Other networks can be hit-or-miss, so do not rely on a single payment method.

Practical rule of thumb: Carry around €50-€100 in smaller notes plus a few coins, and use your card for everything else.

ATMs in Croatia: how to withdraw cash and avoid extra fees

ATMs are easy to find in Croatia’s cities and tourist areas, and they dispense euros. The main things to watch are (1) ATM access fees, and (2) Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), where the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency at a marked-up rate.

Bank ATMs vs independent “tourist” ATMs

As a rule, try to use bank-branded ATMs (attached to or clearly branded by a Croatian bank). Independent ATMs in tourist hotspots are more likely to add higher access fees and push DCC prompts more aggressively.

If you see an independent ATM and you need cash, you can still use it safely, but read every screen carefully and cancel if the fees or conversion look expensive.

ATM fees and limits: what to expect

• Local ATM access fee: Many Croatian ATMs charge a flat fee for cards issued by other banks. The fee must be shown on-screen before you confirm, so you can cancel if you do not accept it.
• Your bank’s fees: Your home bank may add its own foreign ATM fee or foreign transaction fee on top of the local ATM fee.
• Withdrawal limits: Per-transaction and daily limits vary by ATM and by your bank. If the ATM refuses a large amount, try a smaller amount or another bank ATM.

Cost-saving tip: Make fewer withdrawals by taking out a slightly larger amount once (within your comfort level) instead of multiple small withdrawals that each trigger fees.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): always choose EUR

When withdrawing cash, an ATM may offer to charge you in your home currency (for example USD/GBP/SEK) instead of EUR. This is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and it usually includes a markup. The smarter choice for most travellers is to select EUR and let your card issuer do the conversion.

• Choose: “Charge in EUR” / “Continue without conversion” / “Decline conversion”
• Avoid: “Charge in my home currency” / “Guaranteed exchange rate” / “Conversion with rate displayed”

Consumer research has found travellers can be significantly worse off when accepting DCC offers, and Croatian ATMs commonly present DCC prompts. If you want the best chance of a fair rate, choose EUR.

Where to withdraw (and what to avoid)

• Best places: Bank ATMs on main streets, near supermarkets, inside or next to bank branches, and in shopping centres.
• Use extra caution: ATMs in airports, ferry ports, nightlife strips, and right outside major attractions (often higher fees aimed at tourists).

Quick safety checklist

• Prefer well-lit, high-traffic locations or indoor ATMs (banks, malls).
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• If anything looks tampered with (loose card slot, unusual overlay), cancel and use another ATM.

Exchanging money in Croatia

Because Croatia uses the euro, many travellers do not need to exchange money at all beyond getting a small amount of cash for day-to-day spending. If you are arriving with a non-euro currency (USD, GBP, SEK and similar), you usually have two good options: withdraw euros from a bank ATM, or exchange cash at an bank or official exchange office (“mjenjačnica”).

Best options for exchanging USD, GBP and other currencies

• Best for most travellers: Withdraw euros from a bank-branded ATM using a debit card with low foreign fees.
• Best if you already have cash to exchange: Use an official mjenjačnica or a bank and compare rates (ask about commission before you commit).
• Usually unnecessary: Exchanging a large amount before you arrive. If you want peace of mind, bring a small amount of euros for the first day and use ATMs after.

How to check a fair exchange rate

Before exchanging, check a reference rate so you know the “ballpark” value of your money. The Croatian National Bank publishes euro foreign-exchange reference rates (based on the ECB reference rates), which you can use as a benchmark.

• Check the reference rate for your currency against the euro.
• At the counter, confirm the rate you will receive and whether there is any commission/fee.
• Remember that exchange offices quote buy/sell rates and may apply fees, so the amount you receive will be lower than the reference rate.

What to avoid (common ways travellers overpay)

• Airport and hotel exchanges: convenient, but often less favourable once commission and margins are included.
• “0% commission” claims: may still be expensive if the rate is poor. Always look at the final amount you will receive.
• Letting someone else convert: if an ATM or card terminal offers to convert for you (DCC), choose EUR instead so your bank/card network handles conversion.

Simple traveller checklist

• Carry one payment card for everyday spending and a backup card, plus a small cash buffer.
• Use bank ATMs for euros when you can.
• If you must exchange cash, use an bank or official mjenjačnica (exchange office), verify the final payout, and ask about fees before handing over money.

How much money do you need in Croatia?

How much money you need in Croatia depends mostly on where you travel (for example Dubrovnik and popular islands are pricier than inland towns), season (July-August costs more), and whether you pay mostly by card or prefer cash. A simple plan is to use a card for most purchases and keep enough cash for small cafés, markets, local buses and occasional cash-only places.

Simple daily budget ranges (per person)

These are realistic all-in averages (accommodation, food, local transport, activities) drawn from traveller spending data. Use them as a starting point and adjust up for Dubrovnik/peak summer or down for shoulder season/inland travel.

• Budget: around €45-€60 per day
• Mid-range: around €110-€150 per day
• Comfort/luxury: around €250+ per day

Typical daily cash needs (if you mostly pay by card)

• City break: €20-€40 cash per day is usually enough for small purchases and quick payments in places like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.
• Coastal towns and islands: €30-€60 cash per day is a safer buffer (more small vendors, occasional connectivity issues).
• If you plan to pay cash often: €60-€100 per day can be practical, especially for markets, beach bars and tips.

Tip: If your card has low foreign fees, it’s often cheaper to withdraw a bit more cash in one go (from a bank ATM) rather than making multiple small withdrawals that each trigger fees.

Typical prices for common items

Prices vary by location and season. Expect the highest prices in prime waterfront spots and Dubrovnik Old Town, and better value a few streets back from the main promenades.

Quick planning shortcut: For a 7-day trip, multiply your chosen daily budget by 7, then add a small buffer for day trips, museum tickets, or a few “splurge” meals.

Tipping in Croatia

Tipping in Croatia is optional, but it is appreciated for good service. The most common local habit is simply to round up the bill, while sit-down restaurants often get a small percentage tip if you were happy.

Cafes and bars

• Rounding up to the nearest euro is normal (for example, turn €3.60 into €4.00).
• If you had table service for a while, leaving a bit more is appreciated, but not expected.
• Cash tips are easiest, especially for small amounts.

Restaurants

• In casual places, rounding up is fine.
• In sit-down restaurants, around 5-10% is a common range for good service (more only for exceptional service).
• Check the bill if a service charge is listed before adding extra.
• If paying by card, ask before you pay whether they can add a tip to the card payment - many places still prefer tips in cash.

Taxis, tours and hotel staff

• Taxis: rounding up the fare is the usual approach (or add a small tip if the driver helped with bags).
• Tour guides: not mandatory, but a small per-person tip is appreciated if the tour was great, especially for private guides.
• Hotels: small tips for helpful staff (for example porters or housekeeping) are appreciated, particularly in higher-end hotels.

Simple rule: Round up for small bills, tip 5-10% in restaurants if you are pleased, and do not stress if you choose not to tip - it is not treated as an obligation.

Cash declaration and money rules

For most travellers, money rules in Croatia are straightforward. The main thing to know is the cash declaration threshold when you enter or leave the EU, plus the basics of tax-free shopping if you are visiting from outside the EU.

Travelling with EUR 10,000+ - when you must declare

If you enter or leave the EU (including Croatia) with EUR 10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in another currency), you must declare it to customs.

• Threshold: EUR 10,000 (or equivalent)
• When it applies: entering or leaving the EU
• Where to declare in Croatia: Croatian Customs (Carina) - you can fill out the declaration and submit it at the border, or follow their official instructions

Helpful sources: EU cash rules for travellers and Croatian Customs - bringing cash across the border.

Customs duties and personal goods - quick travel summary

If you are travelling to Croatia from another EU country, you generally do not pay customs duties on personal belongings in your luggage. If you are arriving from outside the EU, allowances apply to goods of non-commercial nature in your personal luggage, and value limits can depend on how you travel (air/sea vs other transport).

• Where to check current limits and rules: Croatian Customs Administration
• Official passenger guidance: Government of Croatia - passenger allowances overview
• More detailed rules: Croatian Customs - relief from duties and restrictions

Tax-free shopping basics (non-EU visitors)

If you live outside the EU, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on certain purchases you take home, as long as you follow the tax-free procedure at your final EU departure point.

• Ask in-store for a tax-free form when you buy (not every shop participates).
• Keep the goods unused and available for inspection when you leave the EU.
• Get customs validation at your last EU exit point, then claim the refund via the provider or retailer process.

Official overview: VAT and tax-free shopping in Croatia.

Design of Croatian euro coins

Croatia has its own series of coins with motifs symbolising its history, tradition, recognition, and culture. The Croatian checkerboard is featured on the background of minted coins, and the HR abbreviation is displayed on the 1, 2, and 5 cent coins in the oldest Slavic script.

Nikola Tesla is displayed on the 10, 20, and 50 cent coins, while a mink is featured on the 1 euro coin as a symbol of monetary tradition dating back to the 13th century. The 2 euro coin depicts a geographical map of Croatia with a verse by Dubrovnik poet Ivan Gundulić.

Still have Croatian kuna (HRK)?

If you still have Croatian kuna from a previous trip, you can still exchange it for euros, but the process changed after the euro changeover. Since 1 January 2024, commercial banks, post offices and FINA no longer exchange kuna for the public. Instead, exchange is handled by the Croatian National Bank (HNB).

Where you can exchange kuna now

• Kuna banknotes: Exchangeable at the Croatian National Bank without a time limit.
• Kuna coins: Exchangeable at the Croatian National Bank until 31 December 2025.
• Cost: The Croatian National Bank’s exchange service is free of charge.

What rate will you get?

Kuna-to-euro exchange uses the fixed conversion rate set for Croatia’s euro changeover: €1 = 7.53450 HRK.

How to exchange kuna (simple traveller steps)

1. Sort what you have: separate banknotes and coins (coins have a hard deadline; banknotes do not).
2. Decide how you want to receive euros: pick-up or delivery options depend on the Croatian National Bank’s current procedure.
3. Use the official HNB instructions: check the Croatian National Bank’s page for the current exchange method, locations and any packaging/ID requirements before you go or send anything.

Travelling soon? What to do with leftover kuna

• If you only have a small amount, you may prefer to keep it and exchange later (banknotes have no time limit).
• If you have coins, prioritise exchanging them before 31 December 2025.
• If you are in Croatia and want convenience, withdraw a small amount of euros at a bank ATM for cash needs instead of trying to “use up” old kuna (kuna is no longer accepted in shops).

Official details and the latest exchange instructions are published by the Croatian National Bank.

FAQ - Croatia currency and money

What currency is used in Croatia?

Croatia uses the euro (EUR, €). The euro became Croatia’s official currency on 1 January 2023 and it is the only legal tender for payments.

Can I pay in US dollars or British pounds in Croatia?

In most places, no. Prices are in euros and businesses expect payment in EUR (cash or card). A few tourist-facing businesses may accept foreign currency, but if they do, the exchange rate is usually poor - it is better to pay in EUR or by card.

Do I need cash in Croatia or is a card enough?

Cards work well in cities and tourist areas, but having some cash is still helpful for small cafés, markets, rural areas, and occasional cash-only situations. A practical approach is card for most spending, plus a small cash buffer (for example €20-€50).

Are ATMs easy to find in Croatia?

Yes. ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas and they dispense euros. For the best experience, use bank-branded ATMs and read the fee screen before you confirm.

How do I avoid bad ATM exchange rates?

Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). If an ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose to be charged in EUR instead. Also consider a card with low foreign fees and make fewer withdrawals to reduce ATM fees.

What should I choose if an ATM asks to charge me in my home currency?

Choose EUR (local currency) and continue without conversion. “Guaranteed rate” or “home currency” options are usually DCC and often include an extra markup.

Can I still exchange Croatian kuna (HRK)?

Yes, but rules changed. The Croatian National Bank (HNB) exchanges kuna banknotes without a time limit and kuna coins until 31 December 2025. Kuna is no longer accepted in shops.

What is the fixed kuna conversion rate?

The fixed conversion rate is €1 = 7.53450 HRK. This is the official rate used when exchanging kuna for euros.

How can I check today’s exchange rate?

Use a reference rate as a benchmark before exchanging cash. The Croatian National Bank publishes euro foreign exchange reference rates, which are useful for comparing against rates offered by exchange offices.

Is Croatia expensive?

Costs vary a lot by destination and season. Popular coastal hotspots and peak summer are more expensive, while inland towns and shoulder season can be much better value. If you are planning your budget, use the “How much money do you need?” section above as a starting point and add extra for day trips and activities.