Is it best to use cash or card in Croatia?

Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised and are accepted in most tourist areas; however, it's always a good idea to have a small amount of cash if you're travelling off the beaten track.



In 2026, Croatia is firmly integrated into the Eurozone, and card payments are the primary method for most transactions in cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Contactless technology is ubiquitous in hotels, major restaurants, and supermarkets. However, you should still carry a small amount of Euro cash for specific "offline" scenarios. Small souvenir stalls, local bakeries (pekara), and rural transport on the islands often remain cash-only. Additionally, while tipping on a card is becoming more common, cash is still the preferred way to show appreciation at local cafes. If you venture into smaller coastal villages or remote mountain regions, you may find that the "cash is king" mentality persists. A good rule of thumb for 2026 is to use a travel-focused credit card with no foreign transaction fees for 90% of your spending, while keeping about €50 in small bills tucked away for local markets or the occasional "cash-only" gelateria.

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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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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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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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It depends on your travel style and spending habits, but a moderate budget could range from €1000 to €1500 for a week for accommodation, meals, entertainment, and some activities. If you're on a backpacker budget, it's possible to visit the country for about €500 a week.

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The key payment instruments in the Croatia cards and payments market are cash, cards, credit transfers, and direct debits. In 2022, cash was the major payment instrument followed by cards and credit transfers. Croatia is a cash-based economy, with cash typically used for day-to-day, low-value transactions.

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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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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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How to Avoid ATM Fees When Traveling Abroad
  1. Use an ATM in Your Bank's International Network. ...
  2. Use Your Debit Card to Get Cash Back at a Store. ...
  3. Don't Use the ATM's Conversion Offer. ...
  4. Use a Bank That Doesn't Charge International ATM Fees. ...
  5. Use a Bank That Refunds ATM Fees. ...
  6. Use a Credit Card Without a Foreign Transaction Fee.


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