Money in Poland

Polish Złoty (PLN) — not in the Eurozone; 1 EUR ≈ 4.25 PLN; exchange at kantory (Polish exchange bureaux) for the best rates — better than banks; kantory are widespread in city centres, shopping centres, and near train stations in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań; avoid exchange at the airport and in hotel lobbies — rates are notably worse; EUR, GBP, USD, and CHF exchangeable

Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN) and is not part of the Eurozone. 1 EUR ≈ 4.25 PLN (floating). The best exchange rates in Poland are found at kantory — independent exchange offices found throughout city centres, shopping centres, and near train stations. Kantory typically offer significantly better rates than banks, airports, or hotel lobbies. EUR, GBP, USD, and CHF are exchangeable at kantory in all major cities. Avoid exchanging at Warsaw Chopin Airport or Kraków Balice Airport — rates are 5–10% worse. ATM withdrawal in PLN is often a better option than exchanging cash.

ATMs widespread throughout Poland — PKO BP, Santander, mBank, ING, Millennium, BNP Paribas; always choose PLN at the ATM prompt, not EUR, to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC); Euronet ATMs (yellow machines) are convenient but charge higher fees — prefer bank ATMs; Wise and Revolut recommended for fee-free withdrawals

ATMs are widespread throughout Poland. PKO BP, Santander, mBank, ING, Millennium, and BNP Paribas have ATMs in all major cities and towns. In Warsaw, ATMs are at every shopping centre (Galeria Mokotów, Blue City, Złote Tarasy) and on major streets. Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Poznań have excellent coverage. Note: Euronet ATMs (yellow machines) are ubiquitous but charge higher transaction fees — prefer ATMs of Polish banks. Always select PLN at the prompt, not EUR — dynamic currency conversion (DCC) offers poor exchange rates. Wise and Revolut work seamlessly in Poland for fee-free withdrawals.

Excellent card infrastructure — Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere including small restaurants, cafés, and trams; Apple Pay and Google Pay work extensively throughout Poland; BLIK (Polish mobile payment) requires a Polish bank account — tourists cannot use; always pay in PLN to avoid DCC; contactless payment widely preferred; one of the most cashless countries in Eastern Europe

Poland has exceptional card infrastructure. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually all restaurants, cafés, shops, hotels, supermarkets, and public transport (Warsaw Metro and trams accept contactless). Apple Pay and Google Pay work extensively throughout Poland — one of the best environments for contactless mobile payments in Eastern Europe. BLIK is Poland's dominant mobile payment system, enabling phone-number-based transfers — but it requires a Polish bank account and Polish SIM, so tourists cannot use BLIK. Always choose PLN when paying by card — DCC is very common in Warsaw tourist areas and charges unfavourable conversion rates.

Very affordable: budget hostel Warsaw/Kraków PLN 60–120/night (EUR 14–28); mid-range hotel PLN 300–700/night; restaurant main course PLN 35–80; street food zapiekanka or obwarzanek PLN 8–15; Wawel Castle Kraków PLN 25–45; Warsaw–Kraków intercity train PLN 49–120; very affordable for Western European visitors with EUR or CHF

Poland is very affordable for Western European visitors. Budget hostel in Warsaw or Kraków: PLN 60–120/night (EUR 14–28). Mid-range hotel: PLN 300–700/night (EUR 70–165). Quality hotel: PLN 700–1,500/night. Restaurant main course: PLN 35–80 (EUR 8–19). Budget milk bar (bar mleczny) lunch: PLN 15–30 — traditional Polish set menus at extraordinary value. Beer at a bar: PLN 12–20. Street food (zapiekanka, obwarzanek): PLN 8–15. Warsaw Chopin Museum: PLN 30. Wawel Castle (Kraków) exhibitions: PLN 25–45. PKP Intercity train Warsaw–Kraków: PLN 49–120. Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated at restaurants; round up for taxis.