Is Croatia cashless?

Payment Considerations in Split, Croatia Restaurants and Shops: Most restaurants and shops in Split accept card payments, including international cards. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets that may prefer cash transactions.



As of 2026, Croatia is widely accessible via cards, but it is not yet a truly cashless society. While major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in tourist hubs like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb accept Visa and Mastercard (and increasingly Apple/Google Pay), cash is still highly preferred—and often required—for smaller transactions. You will likely need Euros for local "konobas" (taverns), small bakeries, open-air markets, street vendors, and public toilets. Tipping is also predominantly handled in cash. In more remote islands or rural villages, card machines can be rare or frequently "out of order." A good rule of thumb for travelers is to carry a mix of payment methods: use your card for large expenses to get the best exchange rate, but keep about €20 to €50 in small bills and coins on you at all times for the daily essentials that keep the local economy moving.

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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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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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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 is a part of Croatian culture. When going out and about, or using the services of any local staff, tips are neither compulsory nor expected – but are very much appreciated! Croatia is yet to join the Euro, and continues to use its own Croatian currency the Kuna.

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Currency: Kuna The kuna is still the country's currency, even though Croatia became a member of the European Union on 1 July 2013. However, the euro is increasingly accepted particularly for large amounts. If you travel to Croatia by car, you'll find that you can also pay toll charges in euros.

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The cost of living in Croatia is more affordable than in the United States. Moving from a medium-cost city in the United States to Zagreb would save you 50%. However, rental prices are more expensive in any of the summer tourist meccas on the coast.

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For Croatia there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Croatia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

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It's common for Croatian ATMs to charge a flat fee for use by non-customers of the bank that owns the ATM. Your home bank may also charge a flat fee or percentage as a withdrawal fee, as well as foreign transaction fees when you use your card abroad.

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Are there any tips to avoiding ATM fees in Croatia? You could luck out and find a fee-free ATM, but that's unlikely. You should avoid ATMs in airports and hotels, as they tend to have high fees to target tourists. You can also get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees and reimburses you for ATM fees.

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Public toilets Some of them are free of charge year-round. Public toilets on the coast usually have a charge, so be prepared to pay about 0,50 to 1 euro. When paying, you will have to give the money to a staff member or pay it via machine at the entrance so be sure to have some change in your pocket.

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