Kuna and lipa: the former Croatian currency

Country & culture guide

Croatia’s currency journey from Kuna to Euro marks an important chapter in its European integration. Learn about the former Croatian currency, whose name derives from the marten animal used for payments in medieval times, see what the coins and banknotes looked like, and get practical tips for transactions in today’s Euro-using Croatia.

Kuna Lipa

Useful facts about the Croatian Kuna

  • In Croatian a Kuna is an indigenous weasel-like animal (English: marten), whose pelt Croats used as payment in medieval times.
  • The word Lipa means linden tree.
  • One kuna was divided into 100 lipas.
  • Wherever prices were listed in Croatia the word Kuna was abbreviated simply to kn.

What did Croatian money look like?

Smaller kuna denominations (1kn, 2kn and 5kn) were silver coins with pictures of animals

On the 5 kuna coin there was a picture of a bear, and you’d sometimes hear a Croatian ask for a 5 kuna coin by saying Imaš medu? (Do you have a bear?).

Higher kuna denominations (e.g. 10kn, 20kn, 50kn, 100kn) were banknotes which feature portraits of famous Croatians.

The design of the banknotes closely resembled the final generation of Deutschmarks.

Lipa denominations (e.g. less than 1kn) were copper coins with pictures of indigenous Croatian plants and flowers.

Croatia and the Euro

Croatia adopted the Euro as its official currency in January 2023. While the transition was underway, it was possible to pay in Euros in certain cases with smaller, privately run businesses (e.g., family-run restaurants, souvenir shops, private accommodation).

With the Euro now in full effect, all official transactions (e.g., transport, hotels, car rentals) are conducted in Euros. If you plan to visit Croatia, you can expect a seamless experience using the Euro, similar to other EU countries!

By the way: If you want to learn Croatian, our language school is the right place for you!

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Do you know the following useful words and phrases?

novac – money

mjenjačnica – Bureaux de Change

kovanica – coin

novčanica – banknote

račun – receipt

ostatak – change (money)

Mogu li platiti u eurima? – Can I pay in Euros?

Gdje je mjenjačnica? – Where’s the Bureaux de Change?

Mogu li promijeniti novac? – Can I change some money?

Koliko košta … ? – How much does … cost?



Culture & Travel in Croatia

Explore the culture, nature and unique travel experiences of Croatia in our Culture & Travel Guide.

  • Glagolitsa

    Country & culture guide

    Discover the Glagolitic alphabet, Croatia’s ancient script dating to the 9th century, and its historical significance in Slavic culture.

  • Croatian Inventions

    Country & culture guide

    Explore Croatia’s contributions to world innovation including Penkala’s mechanical pencil, the necktie, and Vrančić’s parachute.

  • Croatian Food

    Country & culture guide

    Discover Croatia’s diverse regional cuisines, from coastal Mediterranean flavors to hearty continental dishes across different areas.

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