Money, Cards and Tipping in Croatia

Croatia replaced the kuna with the euro on 1 January 2023, so travellers from other eurozone countries need no currency exchange at all. Prices are shown in euros everywhere. You may still see kuna mentioned in older guidebooks and online reviews; ignore those prices.

Croatian euro coins carry national designs, such as a map of Croatia on the 2 euro coin and the pine marten (kuna) on the 1 euro coin, the animal that gave the old currency its name. They are valid across the eurozone, like any euro coin.

Debit and credit cards, and phone payments, are accepted in most restaurants, shops, supermarkets, bars and marinas along the Dalmatian coast. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely taken. Some places accept American Express, but do not rely on it.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Tell your bank you are travelling, so your card is not blocked.
• Check your card's foreign transaction fees. Some banks and travel cards charge nothing; others add a fee to every payment.
• Carry a second card in case one is lost, blocked or declined.
• Card machines on islands occasionally lose connection, especially in remote bays. Have a cash back-up.

Cash is still handy in Croatia, particularly on a sailing trip that visits small islands and quiet bays. You may need it for:

• small cafés, bakeries and ice-cream kiosks
• family-run konobas (traditional taverns) in small harbours
• market stalls selling fruit, cheese, honey and olive oil
• water taxis and small boat services
• some mooring buoys or town quays where an attendant collects fees
• tips

You do not need to carry large sums. A modest amount for a few days, topped up from an ATM in a larger town, works well. Keep it in a waterproof pouch, since everything on a yacht gets damp sooner or later. Our packing list covers this.

ATMs (bankomat) are easy to find in Split, Hvar, Korčula and other towns, though smaller island villages may have only one or none. Withdraw cash when you pass through a larger harbour.

Two ways to avoid unnecessary charges:

1. Choose euros. When an ATM or card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and choose euros. This offer is called dynamic currency conversion, and its exchange rate is usually worse than your own bank's.
2. Prefer bank ATMs. Standalone ATMs in tourist areas, often run by private operators, can charge higher fees than machines attached to a bank branch. Read the screen before you confirm.

Avoid changing money at airport or tourist exchange desks unless you have to, as rates are often poor.

Tipping in Croatia is appreciated but not expected in the way it is in some countries. Service is not usually added to the bill.

• Restaurants: rounding up or leaving around 10% for good service is common. Leave more if service was excellent, or nothing if it was poor.
• Cafés and bars: rounding up or leaving small change is normal.
• Taxis: rounding up the fare is a common courtesy.
• Tours and guides: a small tip for a good guide is welcome.

Tips are often left in cash, as not every card machine lets you add one.

Other costs you may meet during a sailing week include marina and mooring fees, national and nature park fees, meals ashore and a shared food and drinks kitty on board. Check dates and prices for what your trip includes, and read our guide to the cost of a sailing holiday in Croatia to budget for the rest.