Money & Cards
Where should I exchange money?
Quick answer
Use a "kantor" (exchange office) in the city centre, not at the airport or in hotels, which give worse rates. Withdrawing zloty from a bank ATM with a low-fee card is usually the best value.
The best rates come from a city-centre "kantor", the small independent exchange offices found on most high streets, or from a bank ATM used with a low-fee card. Airport and hotel exchange desks give the worst rates, so change only what you need there if anything.
Tips for a good rate
- Compare the buy and sell rates shown in the kantor window before handing over money; a wide gap means a poor deal.
- Avoid exchange desks inside the airport terminal and at major stations.
- At an ATM, always choose to be charged in zloty, and decline the machine's own conversion offer.
- Withdraw a larger amount less often to reduce per-transaction fees.
How much to carry
Because cards work almost everywhere, you do not need much cash. A modest amount for tips, markets and small shops is enough for most visits.
Sources
- Currency and exchange in Poland , National Bank of Poland (NBP)
More on Money & Cards
The currency is the Polish zloty (PLN, written "zl"), divided into 100 grosze. Poland does not use the euro. Notes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 zl.
Read the full answerNo, it is one of the better-value countries in Europe. A restaurant main course runs about 40-70 PLN, museum tickets 20-40 PLN, and intercity trains are far cheaper than in Western Europe. Krakow and Warsaw cost more than smaller towns.
Read the full answerCard payments are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops, taxis, trams and market stalls, and contactless is the norm. Carry a little cash only for rural areas, some milk bars and tips.
Read the full answerYes. Both are supported wherever contactless cards work, which is nearly everywhere. Digital banks such as Revolut also work smoothly for spending and ATM withdrawals.
Read the full answerGenerally no. Most places accept only zloty. A handful of tourist spots near borders or airports may take euros, but at a poor rate, so it is best to pay in zloty.
Read the full answer