On the Adriatic coast, there is an increasing number of ATMs not owned by well-known banks, charging high fees often up to 20%, which mostly affects naive tourists. These ATMs often offer a dynamic currency conversion (DCC) option that is unfavorable to users, and consumer organizations are calling for stricter regulation. The Croatian National Bank does not have the authority to directly control these fees, and the number of complaints is low. It has been proposed that tourist boards create maps of ATMs with information on fees to better inform tourists. Also, legislative changes have been announced that would allow free cash withdrawals at ATMs of other banks, but this will not apply to non-bank ATMs.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize consumer protection, the exploitation of tourists by private ATM operators, and call for stronger regulation and transparency to protect vulnerable consumers. They highlight the negative impact on tourists and the need for government intervention.
Center: Center-leaning reports focus on the factual presentation of the issue, explaining the presence of non-bank ATMs, the fees involved, and the current regulatory framework. They present statements from authorities and industry representatives, and discuss potential legislative changes without strong bias.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may emphasize market freedom and the role of competition, suggesting that fees are determined by market principles and that consumers should be more cautious. They might downplay the need for heavy regulation and highlight personal responsibility of tourists to avoid high-fee ATMs.
