The unit of currency used in Croatia is the kuna. In the Croatian language kuna actually means marten, which it is a very small furry animal quite closely related to both weasels and mink. Because the pelts of the marten were very highly prized in medieval times, they were used as an informal standard of currency. This has resulted in the currency commonly known by the word for the pelt of a marten.
The kuna dates back to 1939 although the first coins and notes were not issued until 1941.
Croatia was first settled in the early part of the 7th century, however since that time it has been part of the Kingdom of Hungary and then later the Kingdom of Serbia and following on from that, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. This chequered history means that as a state it is actually quite new.
The introduction of the kuna was an integral part of the creation of the 'Independent State Croatia', which took place in 1941, after Yugoslavia had been attacked by the Axis forces. The Axis Forces were the countries that were opposed to the Allies during the Second World War and were namely Germany, Italy and of course Japan.
Politically therefore, it was important that this new independent state had its own currency and so the kuna came into being.
The kuna was further subdivided into 100 banica. When it was first introduced it replaced the Yugoslav dinar, which had been in circulation and it was it set against the German Reichsmark.
Setting it against the German currency, gave it a strong strategic advantage.
However, use of the Yugoslavian dinar, was widespread after the Second World War as opposed to the kuna.
The kuna as we know it today, was introduced as recently as 1994 when the Yugoslav dinar was replaced with the Croatian dinar ,which was the official currency of Croatia between the years 1991 and 1994.
The exchange rate for the dinar and the kuna was 1 kuna to 1000 dinara. Each kuna is divided into 100 lipa. The word lipa means lime tree in Croatian. The kuna is issued and regulated by the Croatian National Bank but the coins are produced by the Croatian Monetary Institute.
Interestingly, the choice of the word kuna to describe the currency was actually quite controversial, particularly to the Serb minority living in Croatia. However, the Croatian government ignored all objections and decided that it would be called the kuna.
Due to the fact that Croatia is a modern, vibrant and very much a European country, you really won't have a problem accessing kuna. There are lots of ATM machines, where you can withdraw kuna without any problems.
Most places will accept credit cards and debit cards. However, if you intend to use your credit card, remember that you may pay more interest on your credit card than you would with a debit card. But, if you are using a debit card, then you need to ensure that your bank is aware that your card will be used in Croatia, so that they do not stop your card if they suspect that it is being used fraudulently.
Although credit card use is widespread, you may find that in some of the smaller shops and cafes, cash is preferred to credit cards. Sometimes there may be minimum that spending limits before you can use your credit card, which means that for small purchases it is always better to carry some cash.
In the two studios such as Dubrovnik or Zagreb, you'll find that ATM machines are plentiful, however in some of the smaller towns and particularly the rural villages, you may find that you have to search for an ATM machine. So if you are going off the beaten track and leaving the tourist areas behind you, then again, carry a little cash with you.
Some people referred to Croatia as 'Cost Cutting Croatia' because it offers such amazingly good value for money. Most people who visit Croatia are usually from neighbouring countries such as or Austria, Italy, and Germany. This gives Croatia a very vibrant and cosmopolitan feel to it.
With so many visitors coming from Europe, Croatia is certainly well placed to welcome visitors and travellers and you will find that in the main tourist areas there is certainly plenty to buy with your kuna and lots of stunning scenery as well.
There are two distinct areas within Croatia, the coastal region and the inland region. The coastal region has a lot more tourists who visit every year and it is quite tourist orientated since most of the income of this region is derived from tourism.
If you go inland, then you will find that it is much more rural and far less developed than the coastal region.
This actually gives Croatia a very unique feel, since it is possible to have all the tourist facilities and all the facilities of a city in Zagreb and then you can go out to the country and feel as if you have just stepped back in time, almost as if you have stepped into another world.
This is one of the reasons why it is a good idea to hire a car while you are in Croatia, because this gives you the independence to be able to get out and about on your own.
In the tourist areas you will find that English is spoken widely as is the German language, indeed, you will also find that most menus are available in both English and German. However, if you do go into the rural areas you will find that people do not speak much English and also eating out can be a little bit more difficult, because the menus will not be in English. This makes eating out in the countryside quite an exciting experience, because you're never quite sure what you're getting!
In terms of value for money eating out and drinking is really very reasonable. Croatia has become slightly more expensive over the last few years, but it is still very cheap in comparative terms, when looking at the rest of Europe.
When people think about Croatia, many people think about beach holidays and little villages tucked all along the coastline, where you can just relax, have a few drinks, top up your suntan and generally unwind.
Yet there are other aspects to Croatia. All types of holidays are available. You can even have a trip to Croatia and have your teeth fixed at a very reasonable cost! There are lots of different types of activities on offer, for those who prefer more traditional holiday activities.
Diving in Croatia is quite a popular activity. The water tends to be very clear and there is a lot of sea life, there are also some underwater cliffs and caves with lots of shipwrecks to explore. There are over 150 licensed a diving centres throughout Croatia and these can be used to get lessons or hire equipment.
For those who are quite adventurous why not think about taking a trip white water rafting? Usually white water rafting takes place during the months of May through to October. Sometimes you may find that it isn't possible to go white water rafting in July due to the water levels, which may be too low, but otherwise it is possible at any point during the summer season. There are a number of rivers where it is possible to go whitewater rafting.
Hiking is also very popular in Croatia. There are lots are walks for those who are quite fit and for those are not. In fact, even if you just go for a lazy holiday, you will probably find that you do quite a lot of walking.
Some people combine a beach holiday with a second week where they do some activities such as sailing or walking, which in some ways gives you the best of both worlds.
Camping holidays in Croatia are quite popular and people say that the campsites are some of the best in Europe, with some excellent facilities and a very warm and friendly atmosphere. Campsites are also quite plentiful within Croatia and offer extremely good value for money, for all budgets.
Shopping in areas such as Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik is quite good, since lots of items are on offer for the tourists and the prices are quite reasonable. In the less developed areas, you may find that the availability of things is more restricted, but the shops are still quite interesting. Costs in the tourist areas tend to be more expensive than in the country, but you have a much greater choice in the shops in these areas or of course in Zagreb.
Croatia is a very safe country and there is a very low risk of you being a victim of crime. It is true that within the tourist areas pickpockets have been known to operate, but overall the risks are quite low. Obviously at night you should be careful and make sure that you do not carry large amounts of cash around with you, but you should be quite safe.
In the tourist areas people may approach you and ask you for money or ask you to buy something from them. Do not feel pressurised, be firm and polite and usually they will just drift off, without causing you any aggravation. This kind of activity is no more prevalent than in any area where locals perceive tourists to be quite wealthy.
Croatia has experienced quite a troubled past and for some time was not really able to accommodate visitors. However, in recent years Croatia has become a favourite destination for people from all over the world. The people are generally a very friendly people and they are quite hospitable towards visitors.
Some of Croatia has been developed to provide facilities for tourists but there are still large parts of Croatia, which remain undeveloped and for travellers who like to see the real country and how people live in that country, the inland areas can provide a fascinating insight into this very interesting country.