We are traveling to Slovenia & Croatia and will be paying cash for most of the hotels (great discounts). We will be starting in Slovenia for several days (Ljubljana, Bled, Caves) then traveling directly to Plitvice before going to Rovinj. Looking at the exchange rates it seems that it might be a better deal to change Euros for Kunas (since Croatia only accepts Kunas). But we don't know where or how we can do this. Is it possible to do this in Ljubljana? Or Rovinj? We can bring some kunas with us (changed for US dollars) but if it's possible to exchange at a convenient place in Croatia (Bank?) we'd like to do that. Any ideas?
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I'm pretty sure Croatia has ATM machines. There is no reason to bring cash (other than some emergency cash backup or $100 worth of starter cash). Your best rates will always be to use your own bank ATM card, even with its fees (about 2-5% over the actual exchange rate). Using any kind of exchange agency will cost 10% or more. To more directly answer your question: Because everytime you exchange money you pay, it's always best to go from US dollars to the local currency. Be sure to notify your bank of your travels, and bring a backup ATM card.
Posted by
2527 posts
Exchanging cash will be an expensive option. Withdrawing local currency from ATMs is much cheaper. ATMs are in Slovenia and Croatia...not a problem. See also
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/money-travel-tips.htm
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7569 posts
Please use the search function to find other discussion on exchanges and ATM use. The ATM is your best bet you will find. If you are forced to exchange cash (ATM Limit or other factor) there is no direct difference in whether you change euros or Dollars, an equivalent amount of each, based on echange rate between the two, will yield the same amount of Kuna within a penny or two on a hundred Dollars. If you however exchange Dollars into euros, then into Kuna, you will lose significantly, costing you within the range of at least 10%.
Posted by
OP
Jupiter, Florida, United States
23 posts
Thank you for the reminders about ATMs. Does anyone know if they have ATMs at rest stops on the expressways or toll roads like here in the US? Or only at banks?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Was there in may. ATMs are prevalent in Croatia in any city or town of any size. I do not recall seeing any "rest stops on the expressways" (are there really ATMs in rest areas on the US interstate highways where you live? I don't recall ever seeing such a thing here - maybe in Florida, it's been a long time since I was there). I would not count of finding ATMs literally on the highway but you'll find them all over the place as soon as you encounter a town so I wouldn't worry. As others have indicated, "exchanging money" (at home or there) is a big mistake. Get your Euros and Kuna from ATMs (they're everywhere) and worry about other things. BTW, although Kuna is the national currency in Croatia, Euros are widely accepted too in the places you will be going.
Posted by
OP
Jupiter, Florida, United States
23 posts
Thank you for all the suggestions and I will definitely plan on using the ATMs to get more cash as needed. I have asked the Sobe owner in Plitvice if they accept Euros which would be great (the owner of the Sobe at which we are staying in Rovinj does). Otherwise we will plan on taking advantage of the ATMs to get Kunas as needed. Yes, you can find ATMs at the rest stops in Florida. Really.