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Should I have cash 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, while Croatia has fully transitioned to the Euro (€) and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and supermarkets, carrying some cash is still highly recommended. Many small "Konobas" (local taverns), open-air markets, souvenir stalls, and ice cream parlors—especially on the islands like Hvar or Vis—may still have "Cash Only" policies or minimum spend requirements for cards. Additionally, cash is useful for tipping (which is customary but not mandatory), paying for small parking fees, or taking local buses in rural areas. In 2026, it is best to use a fee-free travel card to withdraw small amounts of Euros from "official" bank ATMs (like OTP or PBZ) to avoid the high fees of independent "tourist ATMs" often found on the street. Having roughly €20–€40 in small bills on your person at any time will ensure you are never stuck when exploring the hidden corners of the Dalmatian coast.

People Also Ask

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

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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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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.

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You should know that Croatia's drinking water is high in quality thanks to the numerous spring water sources throughout the country. So yes, tap water is OK to drink in Croatia.

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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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It is true that Dubrovnik is more expensive than other destinations in Croatia. This is heavily due to Dubrovnik serving as the main filming location for Star Wars and Game of Thrones, which has led to a huge increase in visitors making it the most popular destination in Croatia.

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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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With your salary, you'll probably spend €300-€400 on food. Count €150 Eur/month on other necessary stuff. The cost of living in Croatia, for a single person, will be between €1,000 - €1,500 per month. For a couple, the amount would be lower, at around €1,800 per month.

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The highest sea temperatures in Croatia are during the summer month of August. However, you can swim between June and September in Croatia. The swimming season typically opens during the warmer days in May, if the air temperatures reach the summer level.

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Impressively, 78% of Croats speak at least one language in addition to Croatian. English is the most commonly spoken second language, with around 60% of the population being comfortable in it. So, your chances of finding English speakers while you're exploring Croatia are pretty good!

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