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Do I need cash for Dubrovnik?

Like most destinations within the EU, most businesses accept card payments without any problem. But carrying an adequate amount of cash with you will ensure that you are covered for your expenses and can help with your budgeting. Check your bank's fees for international transactions before traveling, as this can vary.



In 2026, Dubrovnik has become almost entirely a cashless-friendly city, but carrying a small amount of "emergency" cash is still a high-value strategy. Since Croatia adopted the Euro (€), digital payment acceptance has reached nearly 95% in the Old Town, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and even the "Dubrovnik Pass" kiosks for the city walls. Most local businesses prefer contactless "tap-to-pay" methods via credit cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay. However, you will still encounter "cash-only" situations in niche scenarios: some very small "hole-in-the-wall" bars (konobas) in the steep alleyways, local fruit markets, and public toilets may still require physical coins. Additionally, if you plan to take a local bus or tip a tour guide, having small denominations of Euros is essential. A 2026 "pro-tip" is to avoid the "Euronet" blue-and-yellow ATMs scattered around the Stradun, as they charge exorbitant conversion fees; instead, use a bank-affiliated ATM (like OTP or PBZ) if you need to withdraw cash, and always choose to be "charged in the local currency" (Euros) to get the best exchange rate from your home bank.

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It's important to note that while card payments are widely accepted, some smaller establishments, local markets, or remote areas may prefer cash transactions. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting more rural or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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How Much Cash Should I Bring? We recommend bringing 800-1000 USD per person for an 8-10 day trip.

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It's important to note that while card payments are widely accepted, some smaller establishments, local markets, or remote areas may prefer cash transactions. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting more rural or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Croatia's unit of currency is Euro (code EUR). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1, 2 Euro. There are notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 Euro. You can pay in Euro at any place or for any service or product you use.

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You'll unlikely witness or become a victim of a violent crime, but petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, so use your common sense and take normal precautions to get out of trouble. Although we'll educate you on how to stay safe in Dubrovnik, your safety and the security of your belongings are up to you.

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Costs of Food and Drink in Croatia Croatian food is both delicious and, in most places, excellent value. In the very best restaurants of major tourist destinations Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar, a two-course dinner excluding drinks and tips will be around US$80.

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Generally with city breaks we take minimal cash and use card for all transactions. Our last 4 breaks we have only had to use cash once in a tiny local town in Portugal. We have a travel guide we have on Dubrovnik that says cash is preferred but that book is possibly from before covid.

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Tipping etiquette in Croatian restaurants follows a fairly standard guideline. Showing appreciation through a tip is always welcomed. When dining at a pizzeria or konoba, a tip of 5% or more is appropriate. For a nice restaurant dinner, we recommend leaving a tip of 10% or more.

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