The country of Croatia sits along a stretch of the Adriatic. It
borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Montenegro.
It is a country of shipbuilding, food processing and chemical
production. It is also a pleasant stop for tourists.
Croatia has as its currency the kuna. One kuna equals 100 lipa. Croatian currency lists under the initials HRK.
History
Croatia is both an old and a new country. It rose as part of the Slavic States in the 15th century. The name of the currency, “kuna,” indicates the original use of marten pelts as currency. Kuna is the word for marten as linden is the English translation of lipa. The currency, kuna, actually appears during an unpleasant period of Croatian history, the first Independent State of Croatia during WWII.
Prior to its independence in the 1940s and the 1990s, Croatia had a variety of currency. It reflects the position of the country within the European context. During the middle ages, Slavic currency predominated although a little local currency did circulate. Under a viceroy system in the 13th and 14th century, the marten adorned silver coins called banovac.
Yet, the major coinage of the land was that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Later, after the fiasco of WWI, Croats, Serbs and Slovenes joined as the country Yugoslavia. (The original name was the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.). During WWII, the coinage became subject to a German occupation that once again split the country into its separate parts. After the war, however, Marshal Tito reformed Yugoslavia. Para, dinara and ducats comprised the monetary system.
Independence saw the issuing of a new coinage in 1994. The dinar vanished, replaced by the kuna and the lipa. The marten pelts came back to adorn the coinage. Today, there are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 lipa coins as well as 1, 2, 5, and 25 kuna coins. Banknotes circulate in (5), 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 kuna.
Obtaining Croatian Kruna
It is not difficult to obtain Croatian currency today. Banks can help you exchange your money for the local currency. You can also find ATMs or ABMs across most of the country. The only exceptions are the remote islands. The presence of ATMS is clearly demarked by the sign “Bankomat.”
Protecting Your Currency
Crime rates are low in Croatia. Street crime is uncommon and violent crime is rare. You only need to take the usual precautions to ensure the safety of your money.
Using Your Croatian Kruna
Employ the kuna and the lipa in all your purchases when in Croatia. While other forms of money do apply, cash is handy for making those local purchases. At street markets and in far away places, cash is best for negotiation.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- In the former conflict zones, you need to be mindful of landmines. Some dangerous areas have clear designation; others do not.
- Driving in Croatia may be dangerous to your health. This country has one of the highest accident rates on the road.
- Since you are on the Dalmatian coast, visit one of the many islands.
- At Zadar, listen to the “sea organ” and visit the 9th century St.Donat’s Church.
- Sit and relax at one of Zagreb’s many cafés or go to the flower market. There is also the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Zagreb Zoo.
- Make time for Plitivice Lakes National Park BUT do not go off path. There may be landmines.
- At Pula you can catch a rock concert or an opera at the old Roman amphitheater.
- You may also want to go to Poreč with its Gothic and Romanesque homes, 6th century Byzantine mosaics, 1447 Pentagonal Tower and Roman ruins.
Overview
Croatia
is a young and thriving country with low crime rates and some beautiful
attractions. On the Adriatic Sea, it provides opportunities to enjoy a
varied climate and possibilities. Ancient history and the new Croatia
combine to provide tourists with a safe and pleasant environment for
holidays and business.
For travel information see www.croatia.hr.
Currency Summary
Current currency: kuna
100 lipa equals 1 kuna
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 lipa; 1, 2, 5 and 25 kuna
Banknotes: (5), 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kuna.