Common currency, different experiences: Euro in Croatia and Italy

Until recently, Polish tourists traveling to the Balkans had to remember to exchange zlotys for Croatian kunas. However, this situation has changed dramatically. Since January 1, 2023, the official currency in Croatia is the Euro (EUR). Thus, Croatia joined the Eurozone, becoming its 20th member. Italy, as one of the founding countries, has been using the euro since its inception in cash circulation in 2002.

When traveling by car through Europe, it's worth remembering that a single currency is a huge convenience. You no longer have to worry about exchange rates at border currency exchange offices. However, remember that preparing for the road also involves road tolls. On the Winiety24.eu website, you can purchase the necessary transit permits, which will help you avoid stress on motorways.

Currency in Croatia – Farewell to the Kuna

The process of Croatia adopting the euro had been planned for years. Although the absence of characteristic banknotes with images of historical figures is a novelty for many regular visitors to the Croatian coast, the benefits for tourists are tangible. Above all, the cost of double currency conversion has disappeared.

Prices in Croatia after the Euro introduction

The introduction of the new currency coincided with Europe-wide inflation, which led many tourists to perceive a significant increase in prices. However, it is worth noting that prices in restaurants and shops in Croatia are now similar to those found in popular resorts in Italy or Spain. Typically, you will pay 1.50 to 2.50 EUR for an espresso, and 15 to 30 EUR for a single meal, depending on the prestige of the location.

Currency in Italy – Tradition and Modernity

For over two decades, Italy has remained committed to the euro. For Poles traveling to Italy, this is a very comfortable situation – the euro is readily available at any Polish exchange office. However, Italy is a specific country in terms of payment methods. While in Milan or Rome you can pay by card almost everywhere, in small villages in Sicily or Calabria, cash is still "king."

Cash or card in Italy?

• Small amounts: For coffee or a newspaper in a "Bar" (Italian cafe), it's best to pay with cash.
• Tourist taxes: Many hotels and guesthouses request payment for the tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno) exclusively in cash.
• Motorways: Toll booths on Italian motorways accept cards, but it's advisable to carry small euro denominations in case of a terminal malfunction.

Practical tips for payments while traveling

Regardless of whether your destination is Istria or Tuscany, it's worth adhering to a few rules for safe money travel:

1. Multi-currency card: Using services like Revolut or multi-currency accounts in Polish banks helps avoid high conversion fees charged by traditional banks.
2. Always carry cash: Power outage, terminal failure, or a visit to a local market – in these situations, euros in your wallet are essential.
3. Online vignettes: Before you set off and start spending euros on site, settle road tolls in zlotys. Check the offer for vignettes for Austria and vignettes for Slovakia, which are crucial on the way to Croatia and Italy.

Travel costs: What you need to know?

A trip to Croatia and Italy involves not only on-site expenses but also fuel and motorway costs. In Italy and Croatia, a toll gate system is in place (you pay for kilometers traveled). However, the countries you pass through – Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia – require vignettes.

Thanks to Winiety24.eu, you can purchase all necessary e-vignettes in one place, paying in Polish currency. This saves time and avoids misunderstandings at foreign gas stations, where staff do not always speak English.

Delivery and return policy information at Winiety24.eu