Currency in Croatia: kuna to euro transition, banks, debit and credit cards & ATMs

If you’re travelling to Croatia from the UK or sending money there, it’s a good idea to know which currency they’re using. You can then plan ahead and convert pounds before your travels or budget in the exchange rate when spending using a card.

While Croatia has been a part of the EU since 2013, they only now, in 2023, became a part of the eurozone.¹ This guide covers all you need to know about the currency in Croatia, which banks are there and where you can withdraw cash, and which debit and credit cards are most commonly used.

And while you’re thinking about spending abroad, check out the Wise card. It’s an easy, safe and potentially cheaper alternative to a typical bank card, because there’s no mark-up on the exchange rate.

You can spend in 150+ countries, and your Wise card will automatically convert your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more about the Wise card

What is the currency in Croatia, kuna or euro?

The currency in Croatia is the euro from 1st of January 2023.¹

The previous currency was the Croatian kuna. But, since July 2020, it had a fixed exchange rate to euro as part of the initiation into the eurozone.¹

When can you use euros in Croatia?

You can use euros officially from the 1st of January 2023.¹ Although, some merchants have accepted euros before, but they likely added a worse exchange rate than the official fixed rate to euros.

Do you need to exchange kuna or euro before travelling to Croatia?

From 1st January 2023, you don’t need to exchange kuna when travelling to Croatia as their currency became euro.

When it comes to exchanging your British pounds to euros, you have several options. These options include exchange bureaus, banks, airport kiosks, hotels and ATMs. However, be prepared to bear some extra costs as you might see a service fee and most likely a marked up exchange rate.

As a general rule, exchange money at airports and hotels as a last resort only. Due to their convenient location, these venues can charge extremely high commissions, and their exchange rates are lower than the mid-market exchange rate. You’re almost guaranteed to get ripped off if you choose one of these options.

But, if you prefer transparent fees and no markups on your currency exchange rate, consider checking out Wise. You can use the Wise card to spend like a local in Croatia, and in 150+ countries in total – all while using the mid-market exchange rate to convert your pounds.

Register with Wise today

What were the characteristics of the Croatian kuna (HRK)?²

Banks in Croatia

If you’re considering a longer stay in Croatia, you can benefit from knowing how to open a local bank account in Croatia.

Let’s take a look at Croatia’s largest banks, both domestic and foreign, where you may be able to open an account without being a resident.

Major Retail Banks in Croatia

Here are the largest domestic banks in Croatia:³

• Zagrebačka banka d.d.
• Hrvatska postanska banka
• Addiko Bank

International Banks Operating in Croatia

Many foreign banks have branches in Croatia. The largest and most common of these branches are:³

• Privredna Banka
• Erste & Steiermärkische Bank
• OTP banka
• Raiffeisenbank

Where can you withdraw cash?

The easiest way to withdraw cash in Croatia is using the ATM network. ATMs, or ‘bankomats’, are readily accessible in most parts of Croatia, especially tourist centres. You can also find ATMs in supermarkets, airports, posts offices, train stations and banks. Note that you need a four-digit pin to operate an ATM in Croatia.

Most ATMs have the option to transact in English and will accept international cards. For extra safety, bring two functioning cards with you, in case one isn't accepted. And also remember to choose to be charged in local currency (euro in Croatia) to avoid paying extra due to Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).

Which credit and debit cards can you use in Croatia?

You can use all the major credit and debit cards in Croatia.⁴

You won’t have an issue using MasterCard, Cirrus or even Diners Club cards. However, using alternative payment methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay is still fairly limited, but has a growing presence.

While card payments are common in Croatia, you can eliminate unpleasant surprises by carrying a small amount of cash on you at all times. Smaller merchants may not always have the option to process cards electronically.

It’s an exciting time for Croatia entering the eurozone and having euro as their legal tender. It certainly makes travelling to the country much easier, as the euro has been around for quite a while now.

Travelling to Croatia from the UK, you still need to exchange some money if you intend to use cash. Still, most merchants also accept major bank card networks, and you can always consider getting the Wise card to take the hassle out of your spending abroad.

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