The Euro Is Here

On January 1, 2023, Croatia officially adopted the Euro (€) as its national currency, replacing the Croatian Kuna (HRK) that had been in use since 1994. The fixed conversion rate was set at 1 EUR = 7.53450 HRK.

The Transition Timeline

The changeover was carefully managed to minimize confusion:

• September – December 2022 — Dual pricing was introduced across Croatia. All shops, restaurants, and service providers displayed prices in both Kuna and Euro at the fixed rate of 1 EUR = 7.53450 HRK, giving people time to adjust.
• January 1–14, 2023 — During the first two weeks, both currencies were accepted for cash payments, but change was given in euros only. This two-week overlap ensured a smooth transition.
• After January 14, 2023 — Kuna payments ceased entirely in shops and businesses. The Euro became the sole legal tender for all transactions.

Exchanging Leftover Kuna

If you had Kuna left over from previous trips, there were options:

• Throughout 2023 — Commercial banks exchanged Kuna banknotes and coins to Euro commission-free.
• From 2024 onward — Only the Croatian National Bank (HNB) exchanges Kuna. Banknotes can be exchanged indefinitely, while coins can be exchanged for 3 more years (until end of 2025).

What This Means for Tourists

For visitors from Eurozone countries, the change is entirely positive — no more currency exchange fees, no mental arithmetic converting prices, and no leftover foreign coins at the end of your holiday. The Euro you carry in Germany, France, Spain, or Italy works exactly the same way in Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik.

For visitors from outside the Eurozone, the Euro is still far easier to obtain and manage than the Kuna ever was. ATMs dispense euros, card payments are universal, and prices are instantly comparable across European destinations.