Poland, a member of the European Union but not of the eurozone, retains its national currency: the zloty (PLN). Preparing a little cash before you leave remains very useful, especially as soon as you venture away from the major cities.
The Polish zloty: a currency to know before you leave
Many travellers assume they can pay in euros in Poland, as in other European Union countries. This is a common mistake: despite being an EU member, Poland has not adopted the euro and uses the zloty (złoty), whose international code is PLN. One zloty is divided into 100 groszy. You will come across banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 zlotys, as well as coins of 1, 2 and 5 zlotys and a few groszy.
A few tourist shops in Warsaw or Kraków accept euros, but almost always at a conversion rate set by the merchant, rarely in your favour. To avoid paying more, it is better to have zlotys obtained at a clear rate. The zloty is a relatively stable currency, but its value against the euro varies every day: it is therefore wise to keep an eye on the rate before you depart.
An affordable destination, where cash still has its place
Poland is one of the best-value travel destinations in Europe. Restaurants, transport, museums and accommodation are often more affordable there than in Western Europe, making it an ideal setting for a city break in Kraków or a road trip through the Masurian lakes.
In the big cities, bank cards are very widespread: contactless payment is the norm, even for small amounts. Poland is even ahead of the curve on mobile payment, with its local system BLIK, which is everywhere but reserved for holders of a Polish account. For a foreign visitor, cards and cash therefore remain the go-to means of payment. And as soon as you leave the urban centres, cash becomes essential again:
- small markets (targ) and fresh-produce stalls, which are common and very typical;
- villages in the regions of Masuria, the Tatras or Podlasie;
- family-run guesthouses, mountain refuges and farm inns;
- certain local buses, independent taxis and paid toilets;
- shrines and religious sites, where you sometimes pay in cash.
Having a few hundred zlotys on hand saves you from hunting for a cash machine at the wrong moment and depending on the banking network.
Cash machines on site: beware of the DCC trap
Automatic cash machines (bankomat) are plentiful in the cities. Two habits help you avoid unnecessary fees. First, be wary of independent machines, such as Euronet, which offer a withdrawal with "guaranteed conversion": always refuse the conversion into euros displayed on the screen (the well-known DCC, for Dynamic Currency Conversion) and choose to pay in zlotys; your bank will then apply a fairer rate. Second, favour machines attached to genuine banks, which generally charge lower fees.
Tips, payments and local customs
Tipping is common practice in Poland, without being mandatory. At a restaurant, people often leave around 10% for good service. One thing to know: if you say "dziękuję" (thank you) when settling the bill in cash, the waiter may understand that you are leaving the change as a tip. It is therefore better to clearly state the amount you wish to pay.
As for cash budgeting, plan to cover small everyday expenses: a coffee, a street snack (the famous zapiekanka), a tram ticket or a museum entry. For larger purchases and hotels, a card does the job very well.
Customs rule: remember to declare cash above €10,000
Be aware that above €10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) carried in cash when entering or leaving the European Union, a customs declaration is mandatory. For a typical tourist stay, you will remain well below this threshold, but it is good to know if you are travelling with a large sum.
Preparing your currency exchange before departure, with complete peace of mind
Exchanging your euros for zlotys before you leave means arriving with peace of mind, without being subjected to airport rates or searching for a reliable cash machine in the middle of the night. At Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you obtain your zlotys commission-free, among more than 53 available currencies. You can browse our currencies and reserve your amount online, then come and collect it in store.
Our single branch is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, accessible by the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) as well as by the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame station). We are open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, which gives you plenty of flexibility to prepare for your trip, even at the last minute.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay in euros in Poland?
Rarely, and almost always at an unfavourable rate set by the merchant. The official currency is the zloty (PLN): it is better to pay in zlotys, in cash or by card, to avoid overpaying.
Do you need to plan for a lot of cash for a trip to Poland?
In the big cities, cards are accepted almost everywhere. Outside them, in villages, markets and rural areas, cash remains essential: keeping a few hundred zlotys in reserve is strongly recommended.
Is it better to exchange your euros in France or in Poland?
Exchanging part of your budget before departure guarantees you a clear, commission-free rate and spares you the trap-laden cash machines or airport bureaus. On site, withdraw in zlotys at the cash machine, refusing the conversion into euros offered on the screen.
Prepare for your trip to Poland with complete peace of mind: reserve your zlotys online and collect them at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, open 7 days a week, commission-free.
