Croatia Successfully Completes Its Euro Changeover, EU Commission Confirms
The Commission of the European Union has announced that Croatia has successfully completed its euro changeover.
Such an announcement from the Commission was made after the 14-day dual circulation period, during which payments could be made both in kuna and euro and it was stressed that from now on payments can only be made in euro, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to the Commission, a survey that has been carried out by the latter on January 13 and 14 has shown that 89 per cent of cash payments in shops were made in euro.
Moreover, the same survey has revealed that 99 per cent of transactions resulted in Croatians getting their change back in euro, which means that in no time there will not be any kuna left in circulation.
“Virtually all (99 per cent) transactions resulted in consumers receiving their change in euro only. 67 per cent of Croatian citizens polled said they already carry only euro banknotes, with 68 per cent saying they only carry euro coins,” the statement of the Commission reads.
Regarding the retail sector, the Commission noted that it coped well during the time that it has to handle the two currencies and noted that no major problems at the tills have been reported. Furthermore, it said that the conversion of cash dispensers also went smoothly, suggesting that there were no problems.
Even though the changeover process has been described as smooth, the Croatian authorities took several measures to make sure that the consumers were protected as well as addressed concerns about abusive price increases during the period that kuna was being changed with euro.
All businesses have been obliged to display prices both in kuna and euro since September 5, 2022, and this requirement will remain in place until December 31, 2023. Furthermore, an inspection body has been tasked to monitor as well as control the prices and take measures in case they encounter any violations.
Regarding the exchange of kuna, it has been stressed once again that it can be exchanged for euro coins and banknotes until June 30, 2023, at the Financial Agency and post offices.
On the other hand, the exchange of kuna coins as well as banknotes at commercial banks will be possible until the end of this year, December 31, 2023.
Croatia joined Schengen Area and Eurozone on January 1, 2023. The move was welcomed by the EU Commission, which said that this marks an important milestone for Croatia as well as the Schengen Area and the EU.
>> Changes Tourists Should Be Aware of When Travelling to Croatia Since January 1, 2023
