Euros or Kunas in Croatia
 

Hi,

All of the hotels/houses have quoted us in Euros. Is it better to pick up Euros while we're at Frankfurt airport or use ATM to get Kuna? Do the shops, restaurants all take both? Is one better than the other (exchange rate). Guessing we'll use our credit cards whenever possible. Thank you.

It's quite common for places just outside the eurozone to quote prices in euros. It also happens in Hungary and the Czech Republic, for example. Sometimes it is done for the consumer's convenience and the conversion rate between the euro and the local currency is done at a fair rate, but often -- probably more often -- the supplier builds in an extra profit by converting at a rate that is bad for the customer. And you would be putting yourself in the position of converting something else (US$?) to euros first, and taking a hit on exchange costs. It looks like a bad idea to me.

Ask your accommodation suppliers to quote prices in Kunas, and clarify with them if you can settle by CC.

Shops and restaurants in Croatia generally operate with Kunas, and if you pay in any other currency you might get a bad rate. Credit cards are widely accepted.

In summary: use Kunas.

Most prices in Croatia are based in Euros but the Kuna is the only accepted currency. The only ones that will take Euros is the owner of a private accommodation (if you are staying in one). Restaurants, hotels, shops are not allowed to take Euros by law.

I would not get Euros at Frankfurt airport because you will get a bad exchange rate. All airport exchange offices give bad rates. Then when you come to Croatia, you will need to change it to Kuna.

I think it is just easier for you to use the ATMs.

Having visited Croatia in 2004, my experiences are in line with Padraig's advice. Use Kunas and buy them there.
There are lots of exchange booths to be found in Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split and Bol (which is on the island of Brac)and Hvar. Use your CCs for hotel bill payments - I found the exchange rate to be better than cash.

All good information. It is curious that all our accomodations (including Regent Esplanade (hotel) in Zagreb quoted us in Euro. Am wondering if they'll calculate the exchange rate back to Kuna - which like Padraig states could be bad for the customer. I will have ATM card and credit card and hope for a good Kuna exchange (for Euro quotes). I will try to confirm the price in Kuna. If I am able to charge, even at private accomodations, will they most likely post it as Kuna? Thanks again everyone

Everybody in Croatia takes Kunas. Some also take Euros, but very much less likely. Many many places do not take credit cards.

I would load up on the kunas, and convert to Euros at a bank on your way out of town/country. Save extra euros for next trip....

My boyfriend found that his ATM withdrawals (debit card) racked up fees up to $10 or more each time. I don't know if this was his bank or "their" bank. My "debit" card through Morgan Stanley has no fees, lucky me... my regular credit card when used to get cash at ATMs has huge fees... so my advice? Call your bank and find out what to expect when using atms in Croatia to get money, and I guess when using the credit card to make restaurant and hotel charges....

ATMs were plentiful and easy to find!