You can pay by card in most places in Croatia, but travelling completely without cash can still lead to a few awkward moments. Hotels, supermarkets, larger restaurants, petrol stations and most attractions generally accept major debit and credit cards.
Still, carrying a small amount of cash in Croatia is a good idea, particularly when visiting markets, smaller cafés, bakeries, rural areas or less busy islands.
Where cards are widely accepted
Card and contactless payments are now common throughout Croatian cities and popular coastal destinations. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, while cards such as Diners Club and American Express may not be accepted everywhere.
Restaurants usually accept cards, but it is still worth checking before ordering, particularly at small family-run establishments. Some businesses display card logos at the entrance or near the till.
Croatia has used the euro since January 2023, so visitors from other eurozone countries do not need to exchange money.
Where you may still need cash in Croatia
Cash remains useful at open-air markets, small cafés, local bakeries, kiosks and some family-run restaurants. It may also be needed for public toilets, small parking areas, beach facilities or purchases from roadside stalls.
Card acceptance can be less predictable in villages, remote areas and on smaller islands. Even when a business normally accepts cards, poor internet coverage or a temporary problem with the payment terminal can make cash the only option.
Tips are also often left in cash, although some restaurants allow customers to add a tip when paying by card.
How much cash should you carry?
There is usually no need to carry a large amount. Around €20 to €50 in smaller notes is generally enough as a backup for an ordinary day, while more may be useful when travelling to remote areas or smaller islands.
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist destinations. If your bank card is not linked to a euro account, an ATM may offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. Check the exchange rate and fees carefully before accepting, as allowing your own bank to perform the conversion may be less expensive.
The short answer is that you can make most everyday payments by card, but keeping some cash in Croatia will make smaller purchases and travel outside the main tourist centres easier.
