Quick answer
Poland uses the złoty (zł, PLN), not the euro. Cards, including contactless and phone payments, are accepted almost everywhere, so you need little cash. The two golden rules: when a card terminal or cash machine offers to charge you in your own currency, say no and pay in złoty; and avoid changing money at airport and hotel exchange desks, which usually offer poor rates. If you live in Poland, a local bank account gives you BLIK, the mobile payment system almost everyone uses.
Money in Poland is simple once you know a few local habits. This guide explains the currency, paying by card, using cash machines, exchanging money and what changes when you live here.
The Polish złoty
- Currency: the złoty, written zł in Poland and PLN internationally. One złoty is 100 groszy (gr).
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy, and 1, 2 and 5 zł.
- Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zł, each in a different colour with a raised shape that helps blind and partially sighted people tell them apart.
- Euros: Poland is in the EU but does not use the euro. Some shops and hotels in big cities and border areas accept euros, but at poor rates. Outside tourist areas you need złoty.
For the official daily exchange rate, check the table of the National Bank of Poland (NBP); it is a good benchmark when comparing exchange offers.
Paying by card
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, from supermarkets to museums, trams and market stalls. Visa and Mastercard are the most common. Contactless card and phone payments are standard.
Always choose złoty, not your home currency
Card terminals and cash machines often offer to charge you in your home currency, for example in euros or pounds, and show you the amount converted on the spot. This is called dynamic currency conversion, and it usually comes with a worse exchange rate than your own bank’s. Always choose PLN / złoty.
Cash machines
- Cash machines (bankomat) are everywhere, including airports, stations and supermarkets, and work around the clock.
- You may pay two fees: one charged by your home bank and one by the machine’s operator. Check the screen before you confirm.
- If the machine offers to convert the amount into your home currency, decline and choose złoty.
- Fewer, larger withdrawals reduce the cost of fixed per-withdrawal fees.
Exchanging money
Exchange offices are called kantor. They are common in city centres, often open on weekdays from about 9:00 to 19:00 and on Saturday mornings, with some open longer in tourist areas.
- Avoid airport and hotel exchange desks: their rates are usually poor.
- Compare the buy and sell rates on the board with the NBP rate of the day. The smaller the gap, the better the deal.
Living in Poland: bank account and BLIK
If you move to Poland, a Polish bank account makes daily life easier: rent, bills and salaries are paid by bank transfer, and you gain access to BLIK. BLIK is a payment system built into Polish banking apps: you generate a six-digit code in the app to pay online or in shops, or send money to friends using just their phone number. Many Polish websites expect it.
- EU and EFTA citizens can usually open an account with a passport or ID card.
- Other foreigners usually need a passport plus a residence card or visa.
- A PESEL number helps but is not always required, and you need a Polish phone number to activate the app.
Step-by-step details are in our practical guide to Poland. What things cost is covered in our guide to the cost of living in Poland.
Paying for transport
- Trains: pay by card in the PKP Intercity and Koleo apps; see our guide to trains in Poland.
- City transport: ticket machines on board most trams and buses accept contactless cards, and apps such as Jakdojade sell tickets; see the guides to Kraków and Katowice.
FAQ
Can I pay in euros in Poland?
Sometimes, in tourist areas, but at a poor rate. Pay in złoty, by card or with cash.
Do I need cash in Poland?
Very little. A small amount is handy for some market stalls, toilets or small shops, but almost everything can be paid by card.
Should I choose my home currency or złoty at the card terminal?
Złoty. Choosing your home currency usually means a worse exchange rate.
Last checked: 17 October 2026. This is general information, not financial advice.