Croatia – Banking

Local Banks in Croatia

Croatia has several local banks that provide a wide range of banking services to their customers. These banks include:

1. Zagrebacka banka

• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.zaba.hr/home/en
  • Phone: +385 1 3789 789

2. Erste & Steiermärkische Bank

• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.erstebank.hr/en/personal
  • Phone: +385 72 20 20 20

3. Hrvatska po_tanska banka

• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.hpb.hr/en
  • Phone: +385 1 4891 000

4. Privredna banka Zagreb

• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.pbz.hr/en
  • Phone: +385 1 63 63 463

International Banks in Croatia

Major UK and USA banks have a limited presence in Croatia. These banks include:

1. UniCredit Bank

• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.unicreditbank.hr/en
  • Phone: +385 1 3788 888

2. Raiffeisenbank Austria

• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.rba.hr/en
  • Phone: +385 72 02 5000

3. OTP Bank

• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.otpbanka.hr/en
  • Phone: +385 1 4929 300

Accounts and Services for Expats

Some banks in Croatia offer accounts and services specifically aimed at expats. These accounts provide many benefits and features to make banking easier for expats. Some of the banks that offer these services include:

1. Zagrebacka banka

• The bank offers an Expatriate Package that includes a no-annual-fee account, international money transfers, and free ATM withdrawals worldwide.
• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.zaba.hr/home/en/expat-package

2. Erste & Steiermärkische Bank

• The bank offers a Foreign Currency Account for expats with foreign currency income. This account includes a debit card and online banking.
• Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.erstebank.hr/en/personal/accounts-and-cards/savings-accounts/foreign-currency-account

Typical Bank Opening Hours

The typical bank opening hours in Croatia are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Areas of Concern for Expats

Expats should be aware of the following areas of concern regarding the banking system in Croatia:

1. Fees

• Banks in Croatia charge fees for many banking services, including ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, and account maintenance. Expats should compare the fees of different banks before choosing a bank.

2. Identification

• When opening a bank account in Croatia, expats must provide valid identification documents such as a passport or ID.

3. Language Barrier

• Most bank employees in Croatia speak Croatian, and expats who do not speak the language may find it challenging to communicate with their bank.

4. Currency Exchange

• Croatia uses the kuna as its currency, and expats should be aware of the exchange rate and potential currency exchange fees.

Opening a Bank Account

If you are an expat looking to open a bank account in Croatia, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Bank

• Research the different banks in Croatia and compare their services and fees. Choose a bank that meets your needs.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• You will need to provide identification documents such as a passport or ID. You may also need to provide proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.

Step 3: Apply for an Account

• You can apply for an account online or in person at a branch. Follow the bank’s instructions and provide all required information.

Step 4: Fund Your Account

• Once your account is opened, you can fund it by transferring money from your home country or depositing cash or cheques at a branch.

Step 5: Activate Your Account

• You may need to activate your account by making a deposit or using your debit card for the first time.

In conclusion, Croatia has several local and international banks that provide a wide range of banking services to their customers. Expats can benefit from accounts and services specifically aimed at them, but they should be aware of the fees, identification requirements, language barrier, and currency exchange issues when banking in Croatia. If you are an expat looking to open a bank account, follow the steps outlined above to make the process easier.