In China, where we lived before coming to Croatia, we had gotten very used to swiping our phones at cafes, restaurants and retail outlets, using our WeChat or Alipay accounts to electronically make payment. There wasn’t much that we needed cash for in our day-to-day lives. We got very used to the convenience of not needing to carry around a wallet full of coins. And we were saved the inconvenience of having to tackle which coin was what. A game that got very frustrating very fast!
CROATIA – 2016
Coming to Croatia in 2016, it was a shock to realise that cash was still very much King here. Most of the little places that soon became favourites of ours (many spots that STILL ARE favourites!) were cash only. We LOVED the green markets, with all the fresh fruit and vegetables, local eggs to buy with feathers still stuck to them, and the local rotisserie chicken place that also sold crispy roasted potatoes as well. And yep, all of those places took cash only. Back then it was kuna, a completely new currency to us. We were back in the world of having to carry coins, which was weird.
We acclimatised quickly. And here are a few things we learned about paying for things here in Croatia today:
CROATIA – TODAY
THE BILL
You will often get asked if you’re paying cash or card, and then if you’re paying card, Visa or Mastercard. These are not arbitrary questions. This information is required by the Croatian fiscal system, in many cases before the bill can be printed.
So, if you first said you’re paying by card and change your mind once they have printed the bill, they will have to go back into the system and redo the bill for you. And in the rush and heat of summer, that can often come with push back or a bit of an attitude. Many tourists and foreigners don’t realise why, as in many countries a bill is a bill no matter how it is paid! Knowing details like this can help you to not get frustrated and makes for smoother communications with whoever is serving you.
Note: AMEX is not widely accepted on the islands. While some establishments may say yes they take it when you arrive, once the bill is to be settled they will be unable to process your payment by AMEX and will require another card. We haven’t yet figured out why this happens and it does! No judgement just FYI.
SPLITTING THE BILL
Splitting the bill is not commonly done here. Some businesses have wised up and have a system in place for more than one bill per table. But generally, if you ask to split the bill, you will get a frown and a “we dont do that”. Be prepared for no split bills, and then pleasantly surprised when they say that they can do it for you.
CASH
Card is accepted here a lot more than it was when we first came in 2016. We now also have tap to pay and ApplePay functions too. And cash is still very important, especially to smaller businesses and more out of the way businesses, especially on the islands. The fees associated with card payments are still very high here so not all businesses opt in.
If you are on a sailing boat moored in a pretty bay, for example, with only one very casual and rustic restaurant, it is highly likely they will only take cash. So be prepared. Have cash on hand and confirm with your Skipper or local contact so you know where you will need to withdraw any extra cash based.
Hot tip with cash: If you’re paying something small in cash and you want to use up your coins but you are hesitant A you don’t know the coins and it can take you so long to figure it out… Don’t bother! Just scoop a bunch of coins out and offer them to the person you’re buying from. They will happily pick out the coins they need!
Hot tip with cash two: If you have bigger bills try to break them up at the bigger supermarkets etc before heading to the islands. Often change is hard to come by and it just needs one or two people in a day to wipe out the shops total coin reserves.
ATMS
A quick note here, when withdrawing money from the ATM, try to use official banks ATM machines. They should have a sign of one of Croatian banks like Zagrebacka, Privredna OTP, Erste, or Adikko bank. These ATM machines are usually near a bank’s branch offices.
We tend to recommend to visitors to avoid Blue & Yellow EuroMat ATMS. Check out this difference from withdrawals in Dubrovnik in 2024 [thank you Derek Johnson – Dubrovnik Croatia Travel Facebook Group]
TIPPING
We are often asked by guests and visitors to Croatia, what is the deal with tipping here?
Tipping is a very contentious topic and the answer is very simple: Tipping is not compulsory here in Croatia.
Tipping is neither obligatory nor part of the Croatian culture. Back when we used the Croatian kuna as our currency, it was customary to round your bill up and leave the cash on the table. And yet even then, it was never expected. We don’t believe you should never feel pressured to tip, and we generally steer our clients clear of any establishment where staff members demand or expect tips. That kind of service in our opinion, is not ok.
AND TO MAKE IT CLEAR, we are not anti-tipping. Neither is the culture here and tipping a certain percentage is not a requirement. If you feel inclined to tip, please do! Tipping here in Croatia is used as a gesture of appreciation for excellent service AND any tip you choose to leave will always be very much appreciated.
CASH TIPS
Tipping is usually done in cash, although new systems are being introduced to allow businesses to accept electronic tips. And if there is a particular person who helped you that you would like to show your appreciation to, a cash tip given discreetly and directly to them is the best way in our opinion to make sure the person who has provided the amazing service is the one who gets rewarded. Or if it’s for everyone, just leave it with your bill or on the table.
And this goes for all service providers you may come into contact with during your time here. Including us! We do stress that many front-of-house and service staff work very long hours in the summer heat, as their jobs are usually only limited to the summer months. That also goes for tour guides, any good taxi drivers that you may find, wait staff… the list goes on!
If you happen across someone who is run off their feet and still goes out of their way to provide you with outstanding service, a token of your appreciation in the form of a tip will no doubt make their day!
DOCKING/MOORING
We just wanted to add here that every marina/docking/mooring is different. Some you can pay by credit card. Others will only accept cash (and credit card payments are becoming more common with each passing year). Many town quays will have you pay the fee by credit card and utilities in cash. For us we will “tip” for a great place on the dock. On a mooring, you will be visited by the local staff running the moorings, they will be expecting a cash payment on arrival. Being flexible for you is the key.
NOTE: Currency in Croatia is Euro
So, there are a few quirks about paying in Croatia that it pays to know. And most of it is relatively straightforward.
Whether you’re savouring fresh produce at a green market or dining in a cozy konoba, having both cash and card at the ready will ensure you’re always prepared for whatever comes your way.
Happy sailing, we’re here to help you enjoy every moment in this beautiful country on and off the water!
