To enjoy all that Croatia offers, you’ll need a combination of cash and credit cards while traveling. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and other larger cities.
Smaller cities and establishments on the mainland and island — especially konoba or family inns sprinkled across the country — accept cash only. Some apartment owners might even insist that you secure your room with a cash deposit, especially during the country’s peak tourist season. You might even entice a discount from vendors that prefer Croatian kuna.
If you’re taking along a variety of cards, debit cards and cash, read our full guide on spending money while traveling in Croatia.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across Croatia, as are Diners Club and American Express at fewer stores and hotels.
In addition to prime spots at airports, ATMs in Croatian cities and towns are easy to find in banks and supermarkets.
| Merchant acceptance | ATM acceptance | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa |  High | High |
| Mastercard | High | High |
| American Express |  Medium | High |
| Discover | High | Medium |
Whether you incur any fees on your credit card purchases in Croatia largely depends on your credit card. You could pay:
Yes. You can easily avoid this with a travel card. Travel cards typically have no foreign transaction fees. As for DCC, decline if offered to pay in US dollars.
No. Though the country became a part of the European Union in 2013, Croatia hasn’t yet adopted the euro.
To attract travelers from the EU, local Croatian businesses might accept payment in euros. Some taxis, accommodations and restaurants advertise their rates in euros. But euros aren’t legal tender in Croatia, which means no business is obligated to accept them.
While traveling in Croatia, you’ll want to use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Thankfully, most good travel cards don’t charge these fees.
Called Bancomats in Croatia, ATMs are readily found in banks, stores and even larger hotels. Most accept major credit cards, but you’ll want to reserve using your card at an ATM for emergencies.
Unless your bank partners with a Croatian bank, credit card withdrawals are usually processed as cash advances that attract fees as high as $10 or 3% of your withdrawal amount — or more with some cards.
To avoid penalties that come with cash advances, use your debit card to withdraw money at ATMs. Or apply for a card that waives transaction fees internationally, like the debit card that comes with a Schwab High Yield Investor Checking Account.
Much of Europe has move toward chip cards, but both chip and magstripe cards are widely accepted in Croatia.
Even if a business’s card reader is designed for chip cards, you should be able to swipe your magstripe card. Simply swipe your card, enter your PIN and sign your receipt.
If you don’t have a chip card, you might want to ask your bank to replace your magstripe card. While credit card skimming and cloning scams are rare in Croatia, a chip card can provide stronger protection against fraud — and better peace of mind.
Each time you swipe or dip your credit card overseas, you’ll typically pay a foreign transaction fee equal to about 2% to 3% of your purchase amount.
One way to save more money for sightseeing is to apply for a no-fee travel card. Look into these flexible travel cards that can take fees off the table for travelers — and may offer extra incentives for you to get out into the world.
As you plan to relax and unwind on the beautiful Croatian beaches, make sure you’ll be able to use your credit cards without a hitch.
By thinking ahead, you’ll be in the perfect position to relax while taking in the natural drama of Dalmatia and beyond.
See more guides on using a credit card in other countries.
Crime levels in Croatia are low, but you’ll want to remain vigilant to street crime — especially during the summer tourist season. Keep an eye out in busy areas, where you could encounter pickpockets.
Don’t leave your wallet or bag unattended, and watch your belongings especially at the beach. While you’re traveling — especially if traveling solo — wear modest jewelry to avoid attracting the eyes of thieves.
You can use your credit card in Croatia without safety concerns by taking a few basic precautions.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Croatia. Some hotels and establishments may also accept American Express and Discover. However, whichever card you use, you could pay foreign transaction fees.
Avoid this by using a travel credit card, which usually come with no foreign transaction fees. You should also compare Croatia travel money options to find the right payment method for your situation.
Does Croatia restrict how much money I can carry into the country?
Yes. If you’re traveling from the US, you’ll need to declare any amount over 10,000 euros or its equivalent in another currency.
What’s the limit to how much cash I can withdraw from an ATM?
Each bank will impose a different limit. Call your local bank to ask about limits, and pay attention to signs indicating ATM limits during your travels.
How do I send money to Croatia?
Don’t always assume that banks are the best way to send money to Croatia. Banks tend to have less competitive exchange rates coupled with high transfer fees. Check out money transfer services and learn how to send money to Croatia the smart way.
What’s the Croatian to US exchange rate?
Images: Shutterstock
Fidelity Youth Account is a brokerage account for teens, but parents must also use Fidelity.
Strategies to help you make the most of your retirement savings.
Donut earns up to 10% APY, but you must have an iOS device.
This step-by-step guide to using MakersPlace will help you curate a vibrant and unique NFT collection.
Buying Bitcoin as a gift for someone has never been easier. Here’s how to do it safely and stress-free.
Earn up to 5% APY with Eco’s crypto savings account, but funds aren’t insured.
Payment statistics show that 25% of Americans believe that cryptocurrency will take over fiat currency according to an online survey conducted by Finder.
Chase’s new Air Canada card offers a big signup bonus.
Compare Greenlight and Current debit card to see which one is best for your teen.
