Top payment methods in Croatia: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Croatia? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Croatia, with a population of around 3.85 million people, has a GDP of approximately 98.95 billion making it the 73rd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Croatia is the Euro (EUR)
The economy is dominated by the services sector, especially tourism along its Adriatic coast, as well as light manufacturing. As a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, it is highly integrated with other EU countries, notably Italy and Germany.
| Country | Croatia |
|---|---|
| Population | 3.85 million |
| GDP (USD) | 98.95 billion |
| Global Ranking | 73rd |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Croatia?
The most common non-cash payment method in Croatia for everyday retail transactions is the debit card. Despite the high adoption of cards, physical cash in the form of the Euro remains a very popular and trusted payment method for daily expenses, especially in local markets and for smaller purchases. For paying bills and completing online store payments, bank transfers are a standard and widely used method.
How to pay in Croatia
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Croatia.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Euro) | Having adopted the Euro in 2023, cash remains a very popular and frequently used payment method for all types of transactions, from dining to retail. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | Debit and credit cards are a primary payment method and are widely accepted everywhere, including at small businesses and for online payments. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | Digital wallets that link to credit or debit cards are available and growing in popularity for convenient contactless payments. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | SEPA bank transfers are a standard method for paying bills, rent, and making other official or large-value payments. | Online |
Traveling beyond Croatia? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Croatia?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Croatia.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.