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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Dubrovnik, Croatia: how to avoid them
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Dubrovnik is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime and a well-trodden old town. The main risks are overcharging in restaurants and bars, aggressive tour sellers, and unofficial airport drivers. Watch your bill, use official transport and taxis, and keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Dubrovnik, Croatia and how to avoid them
1. Unofficial taxi drivers at airport
How it works: Drivers approach arriving passengers inside the terminal and offer rides without meters or official rates. They often charge several times the fair price, especially to the old town. Fares are quoted in vague terms.
How to avoid it: Use the official taxi rank outside and confirm the fare before getting in. Refuse anyone who approaches you personally.
2. Seafood priced by weight
How it works: Restaurants price fish and shellfish per kilogram or per 100 grams without making this clear. The final bill can be 5 to 10 times what diners expected. Some add service charges without stating them upfront.
How to avoid it: Ask the price per portion in writing before ordering. Check the menu for weight-based pricing and service charge notes.
3. Aggressive timeshare and excursion sellers
How it works: Sellers on Stradun and near the Pile Gate approach tourists with free gifts or prize draws that lead to high-pressure timeshare presentations. Others push overpriced day trips to nearby islands without clear pricing.
How to avoid it: Politely decline and keep walking. Book excursions through your accommodation or the official tourist office instead.
4. Poor exchange rates at tourist booths
How it works: Currency exchange booths near the old town charge wide spreads and high commissions, sometimes with separate fees shown only after the transaction. Tourists lose a meaningful amount compared to bank rates.
How to avoid it: Pay by card where possible or withdraw from bank ATMs. If exchanging cash, compare rates and ask about fees before handing over money.
5. Unlisted cover and service charges
How it works: Some cafes and restaurants add a cover charge per person plus a service fee, printed only in small text on the menu or on the bill. Tourists in a hurry often pay without checking.
How to avoid it: Read the full menu including footnotes before sitting down. Check the itemized bill and question any charge you did not agree to.
6. Overpriced water taxi rides
How it works: Water taxis from the old town port to nearby beaches and Lokrum quote high prices without meters. Prices vary widely between operators and change with demand.
How to avoid it: Use the regular ferry lines for Lokrum and nearby islands, which have published fares. Agree on a price before boarding any water taxi.
Official tickets for the top sights in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €45 - €55. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter before departure. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the terminal or offer a flat price well above the official rate.
Best alternative: Airport bus (Pleso prijevoz / Libertas) to the old town bus station and Gruž port area (€9, about 35 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €2.50 (Single ride ticket on Libertas city buses, valid for one trip.)
- Validation rules
- Buy tickets from kiosks, the Libertas ticket office, or the official app before boarding. Validate your ticket in the machine on the bus. Drivers may sell tickets but at a higher price. Fines apply for riding without a valid stamped ticket.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €40. Fine for travelling without a valid ticket, applied by inspectors on the spot.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank card payment is available on Libertas buses. The official Libertas app also sells tickets.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Rounding up and 5 to 10 percent in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers is optional. Tour guides typically expect a modest tip.
Cover and service charges: Some restaurants add a cover charge or service fee shown in fine print on menus. Always check the menu for listed charges and whether the service charge is included. Confirm the price before ordering seafood or wine by weight, as these can be priced per 100 grams or per glass and surprise you on the bill.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in EUR and decline dynamic currency conversion when prompted. Prefer ATMs attached to banks. Independent ATM machines in tourist areas often charge high withdrawal fees. Carry some cash for small purchases, but use cards where convenient.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Old town: Extremely crowded in summer. Keep bags closed and valuables out of reach, especially on Stradun and at the city gates.
- Gruž area and ferry port: Around the ferry terminal late at night, keep your belongings secured and be aware of your surroundings, as pickpocketing is reported near transport hubs.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.