The currency in Croatia is the euro. This is a relatively new development with the euro only becoming the official currency of Croatia on January 1 2023.
In this article, we will share important details about using the euro while visiting Croatia and answer questions that we receive from our members on the topic.
This article is part of our free series on using various forms of money, foreign currency accounts, and international payments.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Currency in Croatia
- How to Send Money to Croatia?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
Currency in Croatia
The currency in Croatia is the euro with the currency symbol € and the ISO 4217 Code EUR. The euro has been the official currency of Croatia since January 1, 2023, when it replaced the Croatian Kuna (HRK).
Not surprisingly, Croatia is the newest country to adopt the euro and join the Eurozone. That said, Croatia has been a member of the European Union (EU) since 2013 and joined the Euro Exchange Rate Mechanism in 2020. So, the country has continuously taken steps towards the adoption of the euro for over a decade.
Prior to adopting the euro, the official currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna (HRK). The Kuna was the official currency of Croatia starting in 1994. Prior to the Kuna, the legal tender in Croatia was the Yugoslavia dinar, which was replaced after Croatia’s independence.
How to Send Money to Croatia?
In order to send money to Croatia, individuals and businesses can choose from a wide range of options, including conventional transfer methods and more obscure options.
Not surprisingly, the first option that most people consider is sending a bank transfer. If you are sending funds from outside of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), bank transfers involve sending a transfer through the SWIFT network.
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, which is a network of international banks that facilitate international transfers across the globe.
Alternatively, if you are sending funds from within the Single Euro Payments Area, you will likely be sending a SEPA transfer.
The main difference between a SWIFT transfer and a SEPA transfer is the cost of sending, SWIFT is often an expensive transfer option when compared to the low-cost option of sending SEPA transfers. However, SEPA transfers are only available between banks within SEPA countries.
That said, there is a wide range of alternative transfer methods to choose from when sending money to Croatia, including the following.
Options for Sending Money to Croatia
- International transfer services
- Money order services
- Paypal or other peer-to-peer transfer services
- Cryptocurrency transfers
- Sending physical checks
Here is a closer look at a few of the most popular options in great detail.
International Transfer Services
There is a wide range of international transfer services to choose from when sending money to Croatia. In most cases, these services are delivered through digital platforms and mobile applications.
In addition to offering convenience, international transfer services are also one of the lowest-cost options available. Additionally, if you choose to use one of the larger transfer services, your transfers will be secure with large licensed financial institutions.
Money Order Services
International money orders are available in most countries. However, it’s important to note that they are often more expensive than some of the other options available.
That said, money orders are secure and offer an immediate solution to sending funds. When using a large money order service provider, you can also arrange for money to be picked up in cash or to have it deposited directly into a bank account.
Peer-to-Peer Transfer Services
Peer-to-peer transfer services are another option for sending money to Croatia. In fact, they are one of the fastest and most affordable ways to transfer funds.
However, peer-to-peer transfer services do require both parties to have accounts with the same platform. Additionally, they can often be more challenging to fund and withdraw funds from than traditional bank accounts.
How to Choose a Method for Sending Money to Croatia?
As you can see, each of the options above has different pros and cons. So, it’s important to consider your specific objectives and situation when selecting a method to send money to Croatia.
Additionally, you should consider all of the options available. When doing so, consider the security, cost, and delay in your funds arriving at the intended recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people looking into the currency of Croatia. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can I Use Euros in Croatia?
Yes, you can use euros in Croatia. In fact, the euro is the official currency of Croatia and is the only legal tender accepted in the country.
What’s the Best Way to Get Euro in Croatia?
The best way to get euros in Croatia is to visit a commercial bank or Automated Teller Machine and withdraw euros. Because the euro is the official currency in Croatia, you will not face any international exchange fees when withdrawing money from a euro account in another Eurozone country.
What Is the Best Currency to Use in Croatia?
The best currency to use in Croatia is the euro, which is the official currency of the country. In certain instances, you may be able to use other currencies as well. However, you will likely face higher exchange rates at retailers compared to exchanging your currency before arriving in the country.
Can I Still Use Kuna in Croatia?
No, you cannot use the Kuna in Croatia anymore at retailers or for commercial purposes. The period for commercial and retail use ended at midnight on January 14 2023. That said, physical currency can continue to be exchanged until December 31 2023 at the Postal Bank and the Financial Agency. From January 1 2024 the Croatian National Bank will exchange kuna banknotes to euros without any fees or limits.
Is Croatia More Expensive With Euro?
Based on reporting from Croatia, retailers across the country took the official changeover from the Kuna to the euro as an opportunity to increase their prices. This has resulted in a surge of negative sentiment from local consumers, and will likely translate to higher prices for tourists as well.
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