If you’re standing in the middle of a bustling square in Krakow or checking out the neon lights in Warsaw, you might be tempted to pull out a handful of Euros. After all, Poland is in the EU, right?
Well, yeah, but here is the thing: the Euro isn't the king here. Honestly, if you try to pay for your pierogi with Euros, you’re probably going to get a confused look or a really bad exchange rate. Poland’s actual currency is the Polish złoty, and understanding how it works—and where the pitfalls are—is the difference between a smooth trip and a series of "I got ripped off" moments.
What Currency of Poland Should You Actually Carry?
The official currency of Poland is the złoty (pronounced zwoty). Its currency code is PLN, and you’ll see it written as zł on menus and price tags. Each złoty is divided into 100 groszy (gr), which are the coins that feel like they're worth nothing but definitely add up when you’re trying to use a public restroom or buy a loose postcard.
Currently, the National Bank of Poland (Narodowy Bank Polski) keeps things running with denominations that are pretty easy to handle. You'll find banknotes in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 złoty. There is technically a 500 złoty note, but you’ll rarely see it unless you’re making a massive cash purchase. It’s like the unicorn of Polish money.
As of January 2026, the exchange rates are hovering around:
- 1 EUR = 4.22 PLN
- 1 USD = 3.63 PLN
- 1 GBP = 4.86 PLN
These numbers shift daily, but it gives you a ballpark. If you see a shop offering you 3.5 PLN for your Euro, walk away. They’re basically charging you a "tourist tax" in the form of a terrible rate.
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The "Złoty" Name: A Quick History Lesson
The word złoty literally means "golden." It’s been around in some form since the 1400s. Back then, it was used to describe gold ducats flowing in from places like Italy. Over centuries of wars, partitions, and hyperinflation, the currency has been killed off and resurrected multiple times.
The version we use today—the "New Złoty"—was actually born in 1995. Before that, inflation was so wild that people were literally millionaires but couldn't afford a loaf of bread. The government just chopped four zeros off the old bills. So, 10,000 old "PLZ" became 1 new "PLN." If you ever find an old dusty banknote in an antique shop with "100,000" on it, don't get excited—it's just a souvenir now.
Why Poland Hasn't Switched to the Euro
It’s a hot topic. You'd think being a major EU player would mean adopting the Euro, but Poland is in no rush. Economically, the country is doing its own thing. The Polish central bank likes having control over interest rates and the value of its own money.
Culturally, there's a lot of pride in the złoty. Many locals worry that switching to the Euro would cause prices to skyrocket overnight—a fear seen in other countries that made the jump. While the treaty says Poland must eventually join, there's no set date. So, for the foreseeable future, your Euros stay in the wallet, and your PLN does the heavy lifting.
Cash vs. Card: The Real-World Reality
Poland is surprisingly tech-forward. In fact, it's probably more "cashless" than many parts of the US or UK. You can use your contactless card or phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at almost every coffee shop, grocery store, and museum. There's also a local system called BLIK that locals use to pay with their phones, though you’ll likely stick to your Visa or Mastercard.
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When You 100% Need Cash
Don't be that person who gets stuck without a coin. You still need physical złoty for:
- Small village markets or rural areas.
- Public toilets (many still require a 2 or 5 złoty coin).
- Tipping your tour guide or hotel maid.
- Some smaller "milk bars" (bar mleczny) that prefer cash to keep prices low.
A pro tip: keep a few 10 and 20 złoty notes handy. Trying to pay for a 4 złoty coffee with a 100 złoty bill is a great way to make a barista sigh heavily. Change is a precious commodity in small shops.
The "Kantor" Trap: Where to Exchange Money
If you have a wad of cash from home, you’ll be looking for a Kantor—a currency exchange bureau. They are everywhere. But—and this is a big "but"—not all Kantors are created equal.
Avoid the Airport and Train Station Kantors.
They are notorious for offering rates that are 20% worse than the actual market value. Honestly, it’s better to use an ATM at the airport to get enough for a train ticket and then find a Kantor in the city center.
Look for a Kantor that lists two prices: skup (we buy) and sprzedaż (we sell). If the gap between those two numbers (the spread) is huge, keep walking. In cities like Krakow, look for Kantors on side streets rather than the main square. Some reliable spots like "Kantor Grosz" have built a reputation for being fair, but always double-check the screen before handing over your money.
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The ATM "Scam" (DCC)
When you use a Polish ATM (Bankomat), it might ask you a sneaky question: "Would you like to be charged in your home currency?"
Always say NO. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). If you choose your home currency (like USD or GBP), the ATM provider sets the exchange rate, and it’s always terrible. If you choose "PLN," your bank back home handles the conversion, which is almost always cheaper.
Managing Your Budget in PLN
Poland is still relatively affordable compared to Western Europe, but prices have definitely crept up. To give you a feel for the money:
- A pint of local beer: 12–18 zł
- A solid dinner for two: 100–150 zł
- A tram ticket: 4–6 zł
- A fancy coffee: 15–20 zł
If you're coming from London or New York, you'll feel like a king. If you're coming from Southeast Asia, it might feel a bit pricey.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check your bank fees: Before you fly, see if your bank charges "foreign transaction fees." If they do, get a travel card like Wise or Revolut.
- Notify your bank: Polish ATMs are safe, but a sudden withdrawal in Warsaw might trigger a fraud alert on your account if you haven't told your bank you're traveling.
- Carry a mix: Keep 100 złoty in cash for emergencies and use your card for everything else.
- Download a converter app: Use something like XE or Currency to quickly check if a price is fair while you're standing at a market stall.
The złoty is a stable, reliable currency that reflects Poland’s current economic strength. Once you get used to the "golden" coins and the colorful bills featuring old Polish kings, you'll realize it's one of the easier currencies to navigate in Europe.
Next steps to secure your travel funds:
- Download a live currency converter app and set PLN as a favorite to track the "mid-market" rate.
- Order a travel-specific debit card that offers mid-market exchange rates without hidden markups.
- Upon arrival, look for a bank-owned ATM (like PKO BP or Pekao) rather than an independent one (like Euronet) to minimize withdrawal fees.