Kosovo’s mix of historic charm, mountainous landscapes, and lively café culture makes it a fascinating destination, where understanding payments ensures a hassle-free trip. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Pristina, hiking in Rugova Valley, or enjoying traditional Kosovo cuisine, this guide covers everything you need to know—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Kosovo (Euro (EUR)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid hidden fees and make the most of your time in Kosovo’s welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
How to pay in Kosovo – cash or card?
In Kosovo, cash remains the most widely used payment method, although card payments are growing in popularity, especially in urban areas. Kosovo uses the Euro (€) as its official currency, and cash transactions still dominate daily life, particularly for smaller purchases. However, as of 2022, about 45% of all payment transactions were done using cards, showing a significant increase in the use of credit and debit cards. The country has made strides in digital payment adoption, with mobile payments and contactless card transactions becoming more common in urban and tourist areas.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and taxis primarily operate on cash payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at local markets, craft stalls, and street vendors are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets commonly accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Kosovo
Euro (EUR) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Kosovo. Paying or withdrawing money in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While credit card usage is increasing, Kosovo remains a predominantly cash-based economy. Some businesses and smaller vendors prefer cash transactions. But if you pay in US Dollars or Pounds instead of Euros, exchange rates in these transactions will be poor. So pay in EUR unless you like losing a lot of money!
US Dollars or Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Kosovo
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Kosovo. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Kosovo
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Kosovo
If you’re withdrawing money in Kosovo from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Kosovo
Bringing a small amount of Euros (EUR) before traveling to Kosovo is recommended for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in Kosovo, so if you already have Euros, you don’t need to exchange money in advance.
Withdrawing EUR from ATMs in Kosovo is a convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
Since credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. However, for smaller businesses and rural areas, having some cash on hand is useful.
If you need more cash, banks and licensed exchange bureaus in Kosovo offer competitive exchange rates, though avoid airport exchanges as their rates may be less favorable.
Where to withdraw money in Kosovo
You can withdraw money in Mozambique at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Kosovo are those owned by popular banks such as:
TEB
NLB Banka
Banka Ekonomike
Raiffeisenbank
BKTThere are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Kosovo.
Where to exchange currency in Kosovo
Common places to exchange currency in Kosovo are licenced exchange bureaus or banks. In Kosovo, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Këmbimore. As of recent data, there are 43 exchange offices registered with the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK). These are typically located in major cities, tourist areas, and shopping centers. You can also exchange at banks like Raiffeisen Bank, ProCredit Bank.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Kosovo.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is it safe carrying cash in Kosovo
Carrying money in Kosovo is generally safe but exercise some caution. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation. Don’t carry large sums of cash and be discreet when handling money.
To keep your cash safe:
Carry only necessary amounts: Withdraw small amounts as needed.
Use secure storage: Utilize hotel safes for passports and excess cash.
Be alert: Exercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs; opt for machines in well-lit, secure locations.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Kosovo
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
