Money & Cards
Can I pay in euros?
Quick answer
Generally 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.
Generally no. Poland uses the zloty, and most shops, restaurants and ticket machines accept only zloty. Do not plan on spending euros here.
The few exceptions
Some hotels, airport shops and tourist-strip venues near the German border will take euro notes, but the rate they give is poor and you often receive change in zloty anyway. The better approach is to pay by card or withdraw a little zloty from an ATM. For the best value on cash, use a kantor exchange office rather than the airport.
Sources
- Currency of 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 answerUse 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.
Read the full answer