In Croatie, the euro is now the official currency. You can pay easily in most places. Currency exchange is also straightforward, with numerous options available at exchange bureaus, banks, and ATMs.

The euro as Croatie's new official currency

Since January 1, 2023, Croatie has adopted the euro. The conversion rate is 7.53450 kunas per 1 euro. To facilitate this transition, prices were displayed in both euros and kunas for one year. Post offices and banks exchanged old coins and banknotes free of charge until December 31, 2023. The new euro coins feature unique symbols: a marten on the 1 euro coin, tributes to Nikola Tesla on the 10, 20, and 50 cent coins, and a map of Croatie on the 2 euro coin.

How to pay in Croatie?

In Croatie, cash payments are frequent, particularly in small shops and local markets. It's therefore recommended to carry a few banknotes with you, especially in rural areas where some merchants prefer cash. For larger purchases, a debit or credit card is the safest and most convenient method. Pay close attention to prices in tourist shops as they can vary considerably between coastal areas and the interior of the country.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and large retail stores. American Express cards are less common, especially in small shops and traditional restaurants. To rent a car, a credit card is necessary as debit cards are generally not accepted.

ATMs, called "bankomats", are plentiful in city centers and shopping malls. To reduce withdrawal fees, use those of major banks such as Zagrebačka Banka or Privredna Banka Zagreb. Finally, remember to notify your bank before departure to activate international payments and prevent your card from being blocked.

The cost of living in Croatie today

This country is considerably less expensive compared to France. Prices are on average 34% lower. A meal in a traditional restaurant costs, for example, between €15 and €20 per person, and a local beer around €3. Prices vary by region: Dubrovnik and Split are more expensive than Zagreb or Zadar.

Accommodation is where you save the most. A 50m² apartment rents for around €500 per month in central Zagreb. Transportation remains affordable, with bus tickets at €1.40 per trip. Local food products such as fruits and vegetables are also attractively priced at markets.

Currency conversion and current exchange rates

The fixed parity between the euro and the former Croatian kuna is 7.53450 kunas per 1 euro. Travelers outside the eurozone will find exchange bureaus in cities, with better rates than at airports.

For better rates, visit banks Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm. Commissions vary from 0.5% to 3% depending on the provider. To save money, use specialized online services to order euros before departure as their rates are often more favorable than those at exchange bureaus.