Figuring out how much cash to bring on board and racing around to find an ATM at the last minute is never enjoyable. The information below will help you understand currency, payment and tip details for our upcoming trip. prepare early so you can sit back and relax whilst onboard:
1. Currency - Euro is the official currency of Croatia, and is used throughout the country.
2. Cash - Cash is usually the preferred method of payment in Croatia, especially on the more remote islands. It's a good idea to bring some Euros in cash with you as this will save you from going to the ATMs.
3. ATMs - There are lots of ATMs in Croatia, however, the fees they charge and the bank's foreign currency conversion rate can be high. We recommend bringing a little more cash with you to reduce the number of times you will need to use ATMs. But in case you really need to use the ATM, here are some tips:
ATM Tip - When using ATM's, they often ask you which currency you would like to use and if you would prefer to use their conversion rate or your bank's rate. Choosing to pay in the local currency (€ Euro in this case) and going with your bank's rate, is typically best for fees.
The best bank machines are the ones that say "Bankomat". These are the bank-owned ATM's. The ones that say "ATM" have been set up for tourists by a third party provider and tend to charge higher fees.
4. The end-of-week tip: This is to be paid in cash. It's a good idea to bring USD from home for your end-of-week crew tip. The tipping rates should be between 10-15% (€1,700 - €2,550) of the cabin price.
A good idea to place the tip in an envelope if you have one.
5. Credit Cards - Some places will accept cards. If so, it's good to use them where possible to reduce visits to the ATM.