The currency of Croatia is the euro (EUR), symbolised by the sign € and divided into 100 cents. Croatia switched from its former currency, the Croatian kuna, to the euro on 1 January 2023, becoming the 20th country to join the eurozone. As of 2026, one US dollar is worth roughly 0.92 euros, though the exact rate moves daily on foreign exchange markets.
When Croatia adopted the euro
Croatia introduced the euro on 1 January 2023, exactly ten years after joining the European Union in 2013. The changeover replaced the kuna at a fixed conversion rate of 7.53450 kuna to 1 euro, a figure locked in by the European Council so that prices, wages, savings and debts all converted cleanly. To ease the transition, shops displayed dual prices in both kuna and euros for months on either side of the switch, and a short period allowed people to pay in kuna while receiving change in euros.
The timing was significant for another reason: on the very same day, Croatia also joined the Schengen Area, the borderless travel zone covering most of Europe. Joining the eurozone and Schengen simultaneously made both travel and commerce with neighbouring countries far simpler, removing currency exchange and routine border checks in one stroke.
From the kuna to the euro
Before the euro, Croatia used the kuna from 1994, when it was introduced after independence to replace the earlier Croatian dinar. The kuna took its name from the marten, a weasel-like forest animal whose valuable pelts were used as a unit of trade in medieval Croatia and the surrounding region. That history made the kuna a point of national pride, so its retirement after nearly three decades was an emotional milestone as much as an economic one.
The kuna was divided into 100 lipa, named after the linden (lime) tree. Although the banknotes and coins are no longer legal tender, the Croatian National Bank arranged a long redemption window: kuna coins could be exchanged for euros through the end of 2025, while banknotes can be converted for far longer, ensuring no one lost money simply by holding onto old cash.
Croatian euro coins and notes
Euro banknotes are identical across every eurozone country, so the notes used in Croatia are the same ones spent in France, Germany or Spain. They come in seven denominations, each a distinct colour and size:
- €5 – grey
- €10 – red
- €20 – blue
- €50 – orange
- €100 – green
- €200 – yellow-brown
- €500 – purple (no longer issued, but still legal tender)
Euro coins, however, carry a shared European face and a national design on the reverse, and this is where Croatia put its own stamp on the currency. The Croatian one- and two-euro coins feature a map of the country and a chequerboard motif from the national coat of arms; the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins show the inventor Nikola Tesla, who was born in what is now Croatia; the €1 coin depicts a marten in a nod to the old kuna; and the smallest coins (1, 2 and 5 cents) display the Glagolitic script, one of the oldest Slavic alphabets. Like all euro coins, the Croatian designs can be spent anywhere in the eurozone.
Using money in Croatia today
For visitors, the euro makes a trip to Croatia noticeably more convenient, especially for travellers arriving from other eurozone nations who no longer need to change money at all. Card payments are widely accepted in cities and along the popular Adriatic coast, from Dubrovnik and Split to the islands, and contactless is common. Cash remains handy for small purchases, local markets, rural areas and tipping, and ATMs are plentiful in towns and tourist hubs. Travellers should watch for "dynamic currency conversion" prompts at card terminals and ATMs, which offer to bill in your home currency at a poor rate—choosing to be charged in euros is usually cheaper. You can learn more in our croatia country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Croatia still use the kuna?
No. The kuna stopped being legal tender when the euro was adopted on 1 January 2023. Kuna coins could be exchanged at the Croatian National Bank until the end of 2025, and banknotes can be converted for a much longer period, but you cannot spend kuna in shops.
What is the symbol and code for Croatia's currency?
Croatia uses the euro, whose symbol is € and whose three-letter ISO code is EUR. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.
Can I use US dollars or British pounds in Croatia?
Generally no. Prices are set in euros and most businesses accept only euros or card payments. You should exchange foreign cash for euros or rely on a card, as dollars and pounds are not commonly accepted for everyday purchases.
Who issues the euros used in Croatia?
Monetary policy for the euro is set by the European Central Bank, while the Croatian National Bank acts as the country's member of the eurosystem, helping issue currency and oversee banks within Croatia.