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Best place to get Euros in Zagreb

Hi,

I will be flying into Zagreb and was wondering where I should exchange money.
Any info is much appreciated.
Thanks!

Posted by
21528 posts

Don't exchange money, get EUR currency from your own bank at an ATM in Zagreb.

Posted by
28665 posts

Generally yes, but some banks want you to file a travel notification so they are aware money will be withdrawn from machines outside your home country. Even having done that, I've twice had trouble with my credit union ATM card. It was solvable, but I've learned it's smart to have a telephone number and an email address I can use if something goes wrong. (That has always been on my first attempt to use the card on a trip, not randomly some days later.)

Occasionally an ATM just doesn't work; the likeliest explanation is that it's out of money, in which case you can just go find another machine.

Important: Some ATMs charge fees. I haven't been to Croatia since 2015, so I don't know how prevalent those fees are today. Any fee charged by the ATM will be displayed on the screen. I just cancel the transaction, walk away, and try another ATM.

Also important: Many ATMs will offer you the option of having the withdrawal recorded in dollars at specified exchange rate (which will be shown on the screen). You do not want to do that. You will get a dreadful exchange rate if you make that choice. You should have the withdrawal recorded in the local currency (euro). The same rule goes for using a credit card at a hotel, restaurant, shop or tourist attraction--always insist on paying in euro. The penalty for making the wrong choice can be paying 7% (or even more) extra. This extremely traveler-unfriendly practice is called "Dynamic Currency Conversion", or "DCC".

<< Above paragraph modified to correct reference to kuna; Croatia has been using the euro for several months. >>

Your bank may assess a fee when you use an overseas ATM, and your credit card may impose foreign-transaction fees. Call both institutions to find out what the international fees will be. That can guide you into using credit cards more or less often. (Be careful about carrying around wads of cash, though; that's a risky business with light-fingered pickpockets targeting tourists.)

It's good practice to have two separate ATM cards and at least two credit cards, in case something goes wrong with one. If you have time to open new accounts, it's worth considering, especially if your current accounts are going to charge fees every time you use the cards in Europe.

Posted by
3119 posts

When are you leaving?

I have a Schwab bank card that I use for cash withdrawals. It is on the Plus network (used to be listed on the back of the card, but is not now). Using this card, I pay no fees for withdrawal. I withdraw $300-$400 at a time, IN THE LOCAL CURRENCY. If you are in Euro-land, get the amount deducted in euros. You may be asked if you want to use US$ to withdraw. This is a bad idea, because then the bank uses its own conversion factor. Schwab will convert, and this is usually the best deal.

Try to get a cash withdrawal card which does not charge fees for withdrawal. We use Schwab bank card for withdrawals (no fee) and the Chase Sapphire card for CC purchases (no fee for conversion). If you have time before your trip, get one or another of these cards. Also make sure that the card knows where you are going; your card could be frozen if unexpected locations are found (this is less common these days) .

Croatia is on the Euro now (other posters above state that kunas are used, but this is incorrect). Depending on how long you will stay, take out money. Realize that in today's Europe, credit cards are accepted very widely, and so you may not need much cash. On our recent trip (Italy), we used CC for meals, hotels, and admission to museums. We used cash in bars.

Posted by
21528 posts

If it has a Visa or Mastercard logo on it, should work fine.

Posted by
17 posts

Oh wow, thank you SO much for all the info guys! Really appreciate it! I’m leaving on June 9th, and I just realized I haven’t thought of getting Euro or figuring out how to get it once I arrive in Zagreb since I’m planning on taking a shuttle to the city. I will need to remember what I read here using both credit card and debit card!

Posted by
5687 posts

All the ATMs in Croatia seem to charge a service charge now - something new to me last October on my first return visit in a few years. My bank does rebate all fees, but many will not - plus may charge their own fees. So one visit to an ATM could incur a steep fee, so try to withdraw enough at once to make it worth while. It may be too late to apply for and get a new ATM card e.g. with Schwab if the trip is coming up soon.

There are still a lot of places that are cash-only, so you will definitely need some cash.

Posted by
17 posts

Roughly how much cash is needed for a two week trip? Definitely need for taking buses and ferries to pay for the luggage fees and etc. And I’m sure I would need to get some foods and drinks at smaller places.

Posted by
5687 posts

Even regular restaurants may accept cash only, not just quickly places. I know the Italian restaurant I ate at in Zagreb in October was cash-only. This was common in Split and on the islands too. Don't assume - always ask first at any restaurant before ordering whether they take cards or just cash. Grocery stores generally accept credit cards, though.

So I don't know how much cash you'll need. You'll have to work out a daily budget.

If you use an ATM, I'd also bring some local currency with you to exchange just in case. I always bring a few hundred USD with me to change in case my cards don't work or something.