Bargaining isn’t just a skill - it’s an art form in Croatia. Whether you’re at a bustling market in Zagreb or a seaside stall in Dubrovnik, knowing a few key phrases can mean the difference between walking away with a steal or getting ripped off. Here’s how to negotiate like a pro.
The Basics: Polite Openers
Start on the right foot. Croatians appreciate politeness, so lead with a friendly greeting before diving into negotiations.
Dobar dan
/dôbar dâːn/“Good day”
Koliko košta?
/ˈkoliko ˈkoʃta/“How much does it cost?”
The Negotiation Game
Once you’ve got the price, it’s time to haggle. Croatians expect some back-and-forth, especially in markets.
Možete li snižiti cijenu?
/ˈmoʒete li ˈsniʒiti ˈt͡sijenu/“Can you lower the price?”
To je preskupo
/to je preˈskupo/“That’s too expensive”
Da li možemo na pola?
/da li ˈmoʒemo na ˈpola/“Can we meet halfway?”
Sealing the Deal
If the seller agrees to your price, close with gratitude. If not, know when to walk away.
Hvala, uzet ću to!
/ˈhʋala, ˈuzet t͡ɕu to/“Thank you, I’ll take it!”
Hvala, ali neću danas
/ˈhʋala, ˈali net͡ɕu ˈdanas/“Thanks, but not today”
Where to Practise Your Skills
Not all shops in Croatia welcome haggling. Stick to these spots for the best results:
- Open-air markets: Dolac Market in Zagreb or the Green Market in Split are ideal for bargaining.
- Souvenir stalls: Especially in tourist-heavy areas like Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
- Smaller boutiques: Family-run shops are more open to negotiation than chain stores.
Bonus: Numbers for Precision Haggling
Knowing numbers in Croatian lets you counter with exact amounts. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Number | Croatian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | deset | /ˈdeset/ |
| 20 | dvadeset | /ˈdvadeset/ |
| 50 | pedeset | /ˈpedeset/ |
| 100 | sto | /sto/ |
Pair these with kuna (the currency, pronounced /ˈkuna/) to specify your offer: "Možete li za pedeset kuna?" ("Can you do it for 50 kuna?").
When to Give Up
Some places don’t haggle. Supermarkets, restaurants, and most modern shops have fixed prices. If the seller says "Cijena je fiksna" ("The price is fixed"), respect it and move on.
For more Croatian phrases, check out our guide on Survival Croatian for emergencies or how to tell jokes like a local.
