What is the currency in Slovenia? What is the best way to pay for purchases?
Slovenia’s official currency is the euro, so bring either euro cash or a bank (or preferably multi-currency) card. To make a payment, you can use:
- Credit/debit card
- cash
- mobile apps such as Google Pay and Apple Pay
- and other uncommon methods, for example, cryptocurrency.
Now, let’s go into more detail.
Payment by bank card
If you bring dollars or other hard currencies with you, you can always exchange them. The currency exchange offices familiar to Russians (in Slovenian, menjalnica) on the street. However, you can exchange currency at a bank, the post office, the train station, or Ljubljana Airport. Keep in mind that banks have shorter hours (from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or even until 1:00 p.m.), as is the case throughout Europe.
So it’s best to have a euro bank card or a multi-currency card like Revolut or Wise.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; just ask: “Ali lahko plačam s kartico?” (Can I pay with a card?). You can use a card to pay for a taxi ride, a meal at a restaurant, or your lodging (even private property owners are now equipped with POS terminals and will accept card payments). By the way, the law requires you to always take a receipt.
Don’t be surprised (although it really is strange, especially for Russians) if the server who takes your card to process the payment asks for your PIN (if your card doesn’t support contactless payment). That’s just how things are here—simple and straightforward. We’re not saying you should give out your PIN; we’re just letting you know that this might happen, and you shouldn’t immediately jump to conclusions about the server.
Cryptocurrency payment
Slovenia is an advanced country when it comes cryptocurrencies: to cryptocurrencies: in some online stores, you can pay with cryptocurrency or exchange crypto at ATMs. For instance, at SkyEye ATMs located in Kranj, Medvoda, Ljubljana and its nearby areas, as well as in Krško, Brežica and Maribor. You can buy or sell Etherand Bitcoin cryptocurrencies through them at any time.
You can also do this through Bitnik ATMs: it installed the first Bitcoin ATMs back in 2014, which are still operational.
You can find your nearest ATM on Google Maps through the query Kriptomat orBitcoin bankomat.
Cash payment
Based on 2021 statistics, the most popular payment method in Slovenia is still cash payments: 73% were cash payments and 24% card payments. Although the situation is evolving (with 45% of transactions made by card in 2023), cash remains the predominant means of payment for now. (see the histogram below. Source ECB Europa.eu
So it is advised to always have paper bills and some coins in your wallet. The fact is that some older models of parking meters still only accept coins as payment.
In some cafes, especially along the coast, they might not accept your card either, and instead suggest you go to the nearest ATM to withdraw cash. So it’s best to always check before ordering to see if they accept card payments.
Withdrawal Fees
ATM withdrawal fees can sometimes be very high. In any case, the ATM will display the fee amount on the screen, and the transaction will only proceed after your confirmation.
The good news is that in banks or post offices, you can withdraw amounts exceeding 1000 euros.
Personal Matters
There is no limit on the total amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country, but large amounts are subject to mandatory inspection.
Declaration-free limit: up to 10,000 euros (or the equivalent in another currency) per person.
Mandatory Declaration: If the amount of cash is 10,000 euros or more, it must be declared in writing to customs upon entry into the EU. [1, 2]
What is included in the definition of “cash”: As a rule, this applies not only to paper banknotes and coins, but also to traveler’s checks, promissory notes, money transfers, and gold coins with a high gold content. [1, 2]
No, it’s not required. And no one will add this item to your bill. But if you leave a couple of coins, the server will appreciate it. Some POS terminals even have tip options—you just need to select one.
No, the law prohibits that. But on the other hand, if you pay in cash at a market or somewhere like that, they might give you a discount (the so-called “gotovinski popust”). All you have to do is ask. “Is there a discount if I pay with cash?” (E kaj popusta che plačam z gotovino? — Is there a discount if I pay in cash?)
Yes. As of January 1, 2022, the limit for Slovenian citizens is 1000 euros.
However, for foreign tourists (even if they are citizens of the EU and the European Economic Area), this limit is 15,000 euros.
Yes, “mixed’ payments remain allowed, covering the entire amount partially using traceable payment systems (ATMs, cards, bank transfers, etc.), and partially in cash. For example, a bill totaling 1900 euros: 900 euros in cash, 1000 euros by card. For example a bill totaling 1900 euros: 900 euros in cash, 1000 euros by card.
Car Rental in Italy with a Debit Card. Book Now & Pay Your Way!
Car Rental in Italy with a Debit Card Book Now & Pay Your Way! Select & Book now Many international rental companies still require a
Renting a Car in Italy as an American: What to Know
Renting a Car in Italy as an American What to Know Before Your Trip to Italy Need a car in Venice, Treviso or Trieste? Essential
Car Rental for Winter Olympic Games 2026 in Italy
Car Rental for the Winter Olympic Games 2026 in Italy Are you planning a trip to the XXV Winter Olympic Games 2026 in Milan and
