In Croatian tourist centers on the Adriatic, an increasing number of ATMs are not owned by well-known banks but by independent operators like Euronet, who charge high fees, often up to 20%. Tourists, especially those unaware of these practices, often fall victim to these scams. The problem is further complicated by the dynamic currency conversion (DCC) option, which can lead to significantly unfavorable exchange rates when withdrawing cash. The Croatian National Bank receives few complaints, and the oversight of non-bank ATMs falls under market inspection. There is an initiative to establish a national ATM network that would allow cash withdrawals without fees starting in 2025, but it is unclear whether this will include non-bank ATMs.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize consumer protection, the exploitation of tourists by private ATM operators, and the need for stronger regulation and oversight by financial authorities to prevent predatory fees and scams.
Center: Center-leaning reports focus on factual presentation of the issue, explaining the prevalence of non-bank ATMs, the fees involved, and the ongoing efforts by Croatian authorities to address the problem, including the proposal for a national ATM network.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may highlight the role of free market competition, the responsibility of tourists to be informed, and skepticism towards government intervention, while acknowledging the problem but emphasizing personal accountability.
