Planning a trip to Poland? Whether you’re heading to Kraków for its historic old town, Warsaw for a city break, or the Tatra Mountains for hiking, it helps to know exactly what money you’ll be using once you land. Understanding the local currency can save you time, stress, and even money, allowing you to focus on what matters most: enjoying the country’s rich culture, beautiful scenery, and delicious food.
The official Polish currency is the Polish złoty, abbreviated as PLN or sometimes written as zł. The word złoty literally means “golden” in Polish, and it has a long history that reflects the country’s complex economic past. Whether you are exchanging cash before you go or planning to withdraw money on arrival, having a clear understanding of how the złoty works is essential for any traveller.
A Brief History of the Złoty
The Polish zloty has been around in some form for centuries. The name itself comes from the gold coins that were used in Poland as early as the 14th century. Today’s złoty was introduced after major economic reforms in 1995, replacing the old currency at a rate of 10,000 old złotys to one new złoty.
This history means that while Polish currency works off a modern and stable system, it has experienced periods of rapid inflation and economic upheaval in the past. For travellers, the key takeaway is that the złoty is fully stable today and easy to use across the country, whether you are in a city or a smaller town.
Notes and Coins You’ll Encounter
The Polish zloty comes in both coins and notes. The coins include:
1 złoty
2 złotys
5 złotys
Smaller denominations called grosz: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 groszy
The notes include 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 złotys, with a 500 złoty note in circulation, although it is rarely used in everyday transactions.
When reading prices, you will often see numbers written like this: 12,50 zł. That comma is the Polish way of showing the equivalent of pence, so this is 12 złotys and 50 groszy. Understanding the basic coins and notes before you travel will make shopping, paying for meals, and taking public transport much easier.
Why Poland Doesn’t Use the Euro
Although Poland is a member of the European Union, it has not adopted the euro as its official currency. There is no fixed date for this change, so for the foreseeable future, the złoty will remain the national currency.
For travellers, this means you will need to exchange pounds or other currencies for złotys when visiting Poland. You can do this before you travel, at the airport, or via ATMs once you arrive. Being aware of the local currency will help you budget effectively and avoid unnecessary fees.
Can You Use Euros in Poland?
While some hotels, airports, and major tourist attractions might accept euros, this is rare. You are unlikely to be able to pay in euros at cafés, restaurants, public transport, or smaller shops. Even when euros are accepted, you may not get a good exchange rate, so it is always better to use the official currency for day-to-day spending.
If you want to avoid confusion and additional costs, it is worth carrying some local currency in cash. Having at least a small amount of złotys on hand can make your first few hours in the country much easier, especially for taxis, snacks, or public transport.
Paying by Card in Poland
Card payments are very common in Poland, particularly in cities. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly common.
That said, there are situations where cash is still preferred. Market stalls, small shops, local cafés, and rural areas may only accept cash. If you are planning to visit these places, it is a good idea to keep some złotys handy in your wallet.
Getting Cash in Poland
ATMs are widely available throughout Poland, from major airports to train stations and shopping centres. Some of the most reliable banks for withdrawals include PKO Bank Polski, Santander, and mBank.
When using an ATM, you may be offered the option to see the withdrawal amount in pounds. This is called “dynamic currency conversion.” It is generally better to decline this and choose to be charged in local currency. You will usually get a better exchange rate by letting your bank handle the conversion.
Exchanging Money Before You Travel
If you prefer to arrive prepared, you can buy Polish złotys before you travel. Ordering online from TravelCash or using our currency exchange locations in person gives you better Zloty exchange rates than buying at the airport. You should make sure you have enough cash for taxis, initial meals, and small purchases on arrival. Once you are settled, card payments can be used to cover most of your expenses if preferred.
Budgeting for Common Expenses
Understanding the local currency also helps with budgeting. Here are some typical costs you might encounter:
A coffee or soft drink: 8-12 zł
Lunch at a casual restaurant: 20-40 zł
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: 50-100 zł per person
Taxi within a city: 15-50 zł depending on distance
Train tickets for longer journeys: 40-150 zł
These are approximate prices and can vary depending on location and season, but they give a useful reference point for planning your spending.
Using Cash in Different Regions
Cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk are very card-friendly. You can often get by without using cash at all, especially if you stick to larger shops, restaurants, and attractions.
In smaller towns or rural areas, cash becomes more important. Local cafés, farmers’ markets, and independent shops may not accept cards, so having some złotys on hand is wise. This also applies to bus tickets in smaller towns, where ticket machines may not accept cards.
Cultural Insights and Money
Poland has a strong tradition of cash payments, particularly in markets and small businesses. This is not about distrust of cards but simply reflects everyday practice. Using the local currency also shows respect and makes interactions smoother. Small gestures like rounding up a bill or giving a tip in cash are appreciated.
Tipping in Poland
Tipping is common in Poland, although not compulsory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% is standard. In cafés or bars, leaving the change is perfectly acceptable. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, but it is less formal than in some other countries.
Safety Tips
When handling cash in Poland, standard precautions apply. Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas, and avoid counting money openly in crowded spaces. Keep your wallet or purse secure, especially in tourist hotspots, to reduce the risk of pickpocketing.
Be cautious with street money exchangers or unofficial services. Always use reputable banks or authorised exchange services to avoid poor rates or scams.
Using Credit and Debit Cards Abroad
Using a card in Poland is straightforward if you have a bank that supports international payments. Contactless payments are convenient for smaller purchases, while chip-and-PIN is standard for larger transactions.
Remember to check with your bank for fees on foreign transactions or ATM withdrawals. Some UK cards offer fee-free international withdrawals, which can save you money during your trip.
Planning Your Money Ahead
Before travelling to Poland, consider how much cash you need versus what you will pay by card. For most travellers, a combination works best: a few hundred złotys for small expenses, with the rest on a debit or credit card.
If you plan on visiting remote areas, hiking in the mountains, or using local markets, carrying extra cash is sensible. Otherwise, urban areas are very card friendly.
As covered, the official Polish currency is the Polish złoty (PLN). While cards are widely accepted, keeping some cash on hand for smaller transactions is important. By understanding the coins and notes, knowing when and where to use cash, and planning your spending ahead, you can travel confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.
With a mix of local notes and contactless convenience, spending in Poland is simple. Once you have the basics sorted, you can focus on enjoying the food, culture, and charm that make Poland such a rewarding destination.
Poland is a country of beautiful cities, welcoming people, and stunning landscapes. Having a solid understanding of the local currency will make your visit smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more memorable.
If you're looking for the best deals on Polish zloty or other foreign currency, Travel Cash is the UK's best value supplier of travel money online, with great exchange rates at 0% commission. You can order your travel money online or take a look at our stores page to visit in person.
