Are you planning a Croatian getaway? Before you hit the beautiful beaches or explore historic sites, there’s one crucial element of your trip you need to consider - how to access your funds while roaming the picturesque streets of Croatia. After all, there’s nothing worse than being stranded with no cash and no way of accessing more!
At Crown Currency Exchange, we believe that no matter where you’re headed, your holiday should be as stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to using Australian credit and debit cards in Croatian ATMS. Here, you’ll learn whether it’s possible, how much you may be charged, and a ton of helpful information that will ensure you get the best out of your Croatian adventure.
We know that even the best-laid plans are susceptible to disruption, so if you find yourself in a position with no choice but to use an ATM in Croatia, it’s important you feel safe and secure while doing so. Here are our top tips for this.
One of the most important things you can do to assure your safety when using an ATM in Croatia is to look at where it’s located and observe what’s going on in the area. While you may think it’s safer to use an ATM in a quiet area that is tucked out of sight, this can actually make you a bigger target for theft. Instead, choose an ATM in a busier, well-lit area where any would-be thieves will be deterred from trying their luck! Likewise, if you feel anyone is loitering near the ATM or something just doesn’t feel safe, trust your instincts and choose another.
If you feel you’ve found an ATM in a safe place to use, the next thing you should do is inspect it before you insert your card. Look for any signs of damage or tampering, especially around the card reader, as well as any strange-looking devices attached to it. These could be card skimmers or traps, which are designed to steal your information, so if anything seems out of place, avoid that ATM and report it to the local authorities.
Another important thing you need to do when using an ATM in Croatia is to cover the keypad with your hand when prompted to enter it, as this will prevent anyone around you from being able to look at it or record it. It’s also a good idea to position your body in a way that blocks the screen from view, keeping your sensitive account information and the details of your transaction protected in the process.
After you’ve made your transaction and placed your money somewhere safe, keep an eye on your account activity in the following days. Look for signs of cash withdrawals you don’t recall making or any online purchases you didn’t authorise, and if you spot anything unusual, contact your bank or credit card provider straight away.
Any holiday needs a certain amount of planning, not just around how to access your money but across activities, budgeting, and getting to your destination. This can feel quite daunting for some people, but with our top tips, it’s never been easier to plan the perfect Croatian holiday and rest assured that you’ve covered yourself for every eventuality.
The first thing you need to do, and arguably the most important, is research what documents you need in order to visit Croatia. Australian citizens don’t currently require a visa to visit Croatia, which makes things a lot easier, but there are still certain criteria you need to meet, including having at least six months left before the expiration date on your passport. If you don’t have this, you’ll need to renew your passport before booking your trip.
It’s also a good idea to think about the time of year you’d like to visit Croatia in line with what you’d like to see and do. The summer months (June to August) are the peak tourist season in Croatia, and the warm weather and buzzing atmosphere entice travellers from all over the world, which, in turn, means prices are higher and there are more crowds. However, throughout all other seasons, things are usually much quieter, which means activity and accommodation costs are lower.
Once you know what time of year you’d like to visit Croatia, research some top attractions, cities, and regions to figure out what you’d like to do and see. Whether you’re drawn to historic sites, sandy beaches, or national parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Croatia, and you can easily plan an itinerary that allows you to see and do a plethora of exciting things.
You should also create a travel budget that falls in line with your itinerary, with portions allocated to travel expenses, food, accommodation, and activities. You should also add an extra 10%-20% to your total budget to allow for any unforeseen circumstances and to cover any costs that were unexpectedly high.
Another thing you should do before your trip is do a little research on Croatia’s customs and etiquette. This includes greetings, which is usually a handshake, and tipping, which, while not obligatory, is appreciated. Taking the time to do this will make it possible to show your respect for the services you’ve received and remove the risk of seeming impolite.
No matter how carefully you plan and budget, you can never guarantee what life might throw at you, and for this reason, it’s a very good idea to purchase travel insurance before you visit Croatia. This will cover you for a multitude of unfortunate events, including cancelled flights and accommodation, lost luggage, medical expenses, and more. There are, however, some things that travel insurance can’t cover, such as a lost passport or dealing with criminal charges, and in this instance, you’ll need to contact The Australian Embassy in The Republic of Croatia.
Accessing your money while you’re in Croatia isn’t particularly difficult, especially since ATMs will allow cash withdrawals from international debit and credit cards. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll be charged for each transaction you make, which, over time, can cost quite a lot of money.
So, to save as much money as possible and be prepared for any eventuality, it’s best to take cash to Croatia. At Crown Currency Exchange, you’ll find the best rates on AUD to EUR with no commission fees or hidden costs. Head to one of our many convenient locations today, speak with our team of money exchange experts, and you’ll be one step closer to the Croatian holiday you’ve been dreaming of!