Tourists in Croatia cheated out of their cash

JamesJul 5th, 2006 - 12:55:19

I just returned from Croatia, specifically Dubrovnik. I did find that prices in tourist spots are inflated (as in most any other tourist spot in the world). Unmarked taxi drivers will overcharge you. However, in dealing with local people outside of the tourist spots, I found them to be quite honest, friendly and helpful. I used a Bankomat (ATM) to get Kuna (Croatian currency) directly from my bank account, so I had no exchange rate problems. I took 2 excursions using a reputable company and had no problems at all. I fell and broke my wrist and I was pleased with the medical care I received and how inexpensive it was. I took the local buses at very modest rates and I stayed outside of the city with a local family (rented a room). They were very friendly, helpful, honest and fair. You must be careful about where you buy things and who you deal with. I never was cheated out of any change on a transaction as all prices were clearly marked in Kuna and I paid in Kuna. All persons I dealt with always counted the change back to me and gave me a receipt. I know that buying drinks from vendors in the 'Old Town' are going to be higher priced because of the tourists and I just live with that or carry my own water. I also know that tourist restaurants are going to be higher priced and try to avoid them.

All in all, I had 2 very good trips to Croatia and was only 'cheated' by paying higher prices in tourist spots. I am sure that greedy, con-artists are at work there to take advantage like many other places in the world, but I believe they are few in number. I, thankfully, have not run into that myself.

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JEFFNJul 10th, 2006 - 17:47:24

I have lived in Croatia for the past 5 1/2 years, originally from the USA. Whereas I feel that prices in tourist areas are higher, I find Croatians to be extremely honest and there is practically no crime. What is out of control is the Croatian media who thrive on making absurd accusations just to tell a juicy story. Croatia is a wonderful tourist destination and tourists should not be afraid of being ripped off while here...however, stay away from the local press!

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jjjimmyyyyyJul 12th, 2006 - 11:34:50

Croatia is an up and coming King Dominion...!!! Sure there are high prices for the tourist...I was a tourist not only 4 weeks ago....Man, that place is beautiful and the people are overall charming...!!! This would be a place for any american to prosper with a Daqueri Palace for drinks, A mexican resteraunt...Maybe even surf and turf...Its to bad that im just an average middle class man...traveling the arena right now living in Italy....because if i had a chance...I would help Croatia prosper...And by the way....The people that complain about high priced tourism are usually the better to do individuals trying to be a better business man than the business man!!!!

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KatjaAug 21st, 2006 - 23:23:44

I spent a lot of time in Croatia at different times and found the people friendly and helpful as well. The thing to do is find out the actual prices of things ahead of time. Then just walk away if you are overcharged. That's what the locals do, and it can be done politely. Useing the Bankomat and paying in local currency is always a good move, so is making friends with local people, and having them help you when you make purchases. If you are in a typical tourist environment in ANY country it's going to cost more. Croatia and the other Balkans nations are worth seeing and need the business.

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