
As you explore Poland's vibrant capital, Warsaw, you'll need to know the local currency to navigate the city smoothly. The official currency of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN).
You can exchange your money for Polish złoty at a currency exchange office or use an ATM to withdraw cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in Warsaw, especially in tourist areas.
The exchange rate for Polish złoty can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check the current rate before your trip. You can also use currency exchange apps or online tools to get an estimate.
In Warsaw, you can find currency exchange offices at the airport, major train stations, and in the city center. Some banks and hotels also offer currency exchange services.
Currency Types
When traveling to Poland, it's essential to understand the local currency. Polish zloty coins are a must-have during your stay.
There are three units of Polish zloty in coin format: 1 zloty, 5 zloty, and 10 zloty.
You'll likely receive coins for any amount less than 10 zloty, as bank notes only start at this denomination.
Polish zloty coins are widely used, so be prepared to have a wallet full of them during your visit.
Using Currency in Poland
Using currency in Poland can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The official currency of Poland is the zloty, and it's widely used and accepted throughout the country.
You can exchange currency for zloty at official exchanges, such as banks, automated teller machines (ATMs), or currency exchanges. The Polish currency to USD exchange rate is over zł4 to $1, so it's always a good idea to check the rates before making a transaction.
There are also currency kiosks, known as "kantor", that specialize in buying and selling foreign currency. You can find them in cities, towns, and shopping malls, and they usually have the rates displayed outside.
When to Use Groszy?
You'll still come across public toilets in Poland that require a payment, and some even have attendants with a coin bowl, so it's good to have some groszy on hand for those situations.
These coins are worth very little, just 1/20th of an English penny, so it's not like you'll be breaking the bank.
Some tourist sights outside the city may still have these types of toilets, so it's worth being prepared.
You might want to think twice before using groszy to tip, as it could be perceived as a small or insulting amount.
It's best to accept groszy in change when buying things in cash and then store them in a coin jar for your next visit to Poland.
Buy Currency in Poland
If you're planning to buy currency in Poland, there are several options available to you. You can exchange currency at a bank, automated teller machine (ATM), or at currency exchanges.
Some ATMs may convert your money at a more favorable rate than you can get back home, but you'd need to locate the correct banks that offer the best rates. It's always a good idea to have some cash when you arrive in a foreign country, but using ATMs can be a convenient option.
You can also buy Polish currency in Poland at a currency kiosk, known as a "kantor." These kiosks are a very common sight in Polish cities, towns, and shopping malls, and they usually have the rates displayed outside.
One word of advice is to avoid using a kantor in the heart of any tourist spot, as the rates are likely to be hiked up. Instead, look for ones just off the main tourist centers, which usually offer better rates.
Here's a comparison of the different options for buying currency in Poland:
It's worth noting that buying Polish currency in Poland is generally the best option, as exchange rates are better in Poland. You can also buy currency at home, but this may not be the most competitive rate on the market.
How to Exchange Currency
You can exchange currency in Poland at a bank, automated teller machine (ATM), or at currency exchanges.
If you want to exchange currency in Poland, banks are a good option as they will exchange your foreign currency for Polish currency.
Hotels can sometimes offer currency exchange services, but be vigilant about the rates they charge as they can sometimes be expensive.
Currency kiosks, known as "kantor", are a very common sight in Polish cities, towns, and shopping malls, and usually have the rates displayed outside.
It's always a good idea to compare exchange rates before making a purchase, but the difference between rates at different exchange counters is usually only around £1 for £100, so it's not worth the hassle of driving around for the best rate.
Specialist foreign exchange companies can offer a better exchange rate than the high street, but there will usually be a delivery charge for the service, which can skew the exchange rate in their favour.
You can buy Polish currency online from specialist foreign exchange companies, but be aware that there may be a delivery charge and that charge can affect the exchange rate.
A specialist travel credit card can be a good option if you shop around, but be aware that if you use these cards to withdraw cash from a machine in Poland, most of these type of cards will charge you interest, even if you pay the amount off in full.
The Polish currency to USD exchange rate is over zł4 to $1, which is a good rate to keep in mind when exchanging currency.
Understanding Currency
The Polish zloty is the official currency of Poland, and it's been around since 1919, although it wasn't circulated until 1924.
The Central Bank of Poland, Narodowy Bank Polski, is responsible for issuing and maintaining the currency. They're also in charge of implementing fiscal and monetary policy to keep the economy running smoothly.
Banknotes are issued in denominations of zł10, zł20, zł50, zł100, zł200, and zł500, while coins are minted in values of zł1, zł2, and zł5.
A single zloty is divided into 100 groszy, with coins minted in groszy values of one, two, five, 10, 20, and 50.
The Polish zloty free floats in the forex markets, which means its value isn't pegged to any other currency.
The most common pairings for the zloty in currency trades are with the U.S. dollar, euro, Swiss franc, British pound, and Australian dollar.
Special Considerations
Poland's central bank, the NBP, has a target inflation rate of 2.5%, plus or minus 1%, since 2004.
Inflation in Poland rose to 5.1% in 2021, a significant increase from 3.4% in 2020. This is a notable change, especially considering the country's GDP growth rate of 6.8% that same year.
The maximum amount that can be withdrawn in cash per day in Poland is one thousand Polish Zloty. This daily limit is something to keep in mind when exchanging currencies.
The maximum daily bet that can be placed might be raised to PLN 3,000 if the customer so requests. This is a specific rule to be aware of, especially for those planning to engage in high-stakes activities.
Poland became a European Union member state in 2004, with the eventual adoption of the euro being a requirement. However, there is no target date for conversion to the euro, and the rise of euro-skeptic political parties in parliament makes this move unlikely in the near term.
If this caught your attention, see: 1 Poland Currency
History and Information
The Polish zloty has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with its current form marking the fourth iteration of the currency.
The first zloty period was from the 14th to the 15th centuries, where the zloty initially indicated any gold coin, and it became the official currency in 1528.
The second zloty was introduced in 1924, but it was plagued by hyperinflation after World War I, causing the conversion rate to 1,800,000 markas.
The country continued to print and use the zloty during World War II and the Soviet occupation, and the zloty was pegged to the U.S. dollar.
The third zloty period began in 1950, with new banknotes carrying the symbol PLZ, but it was still plagued by inflation, forcing Poland into debt until 1994.
In 1995, the redenomination of all money happened, and the old PLZ ceased to be legal tender, marking the beginning of the fourth zloty period.
Here's a brief overview of the different zloty periods:
The current zloty is the official legal tender of Poland, and it's issued by the Narodowy Bank Polski (Central Bank of Poland), which also has the exclusive rights to produce the currency.
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