Money & Cards
What currency is used in Poland?
Quick answer
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.
The currency is the Polish zloty, written PLN or "zl". One zloty divides into 100 grosze. Poland is in the EU but has kept its own currency, so the euro is not legal tender here.
Notes and coins
Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 zloty. Coins run from 1 grosz up to 5 zloty. The 200 and 500 notes can be awkward to break in small shops, so it helps to keep some 10, 20 and 50 notes for taxis, bakeries and markets.
Do you need cash?
Not much. Card and contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere, so many visitors spend a whole trip on a card and a phone. A small amount of cash still helps for a milk bar, a market stall, a rural bus or a tip. For getting the best rate, see our note on where to exchange money.
Sources
- Banknotes and coins in circulation , National Bank of Poland (NBP)
More on Money & Cards
No, 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 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