What is the Currency in Poland?

What is the Currency in Poland?

If you’re planning a trip to Poland—whether to explore Kraków’s old town, hike in the Tatra Mountains or visit Warsaw’s museums—it’s useful to understand the local currency and how to manage your money while travelling. This guide is designed for UK visitors and explains what currency is used in Poland, how payments work, and tips to avoid unnecessary costs.

What currency does Poland use?

Poland’s official currency is the Polish Zloty, abbreviated as PLN and symbolised by zł. The zloty is the only legal tender in Poland and is used for all transactions, including accommodation, shopping, food, and travel.

Despite being a member of the European Union, Poland does not use the euro, and there are no official plans for immediate adoption.

How is the Polish zloty structured?

The zloty is a decimal currency, divided into 100 groszy (gr). The most commonly used banknotes include:

• 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zł

Coins include 1, 2 and 5 zł, as well as smaller coins such as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy.

At the time of writing, £1 is worth around 5 PLN, though this can vary. Always check a reliable currency converter before exchanging money or making large payments.

Can you use euros or British pounds in Poland?

No. While some tourist areas or hotels may display prices in euros, all payments must be made in Polish zloty. British pounds and euros are not accepted for purchases.

Some tourist shops might quote prices in euros as a reference, but if you try to pay in foreign currency, you’ll likely be given a poor exchange rate—or declined entirely.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Poland?

Poland is generally card-friendly, especially in cities. Contactless payments, debit and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and public transport ticket machines.

However, some smaller establishments—particularly in rural areas, markets, or local cafés—may be cash-only. It’s sensible to carry some Polish złoty in cash alongside your card for flexibility.

UK travellers should consider using a fee-free travel card, such as Monzo, Starling or Revolut, to avoid additional foreign transaction fees when paying or withdrawing abroad.

Exchanging money in Poland

You can exchange pounds for złoty at exchange bureaus known locally as kantors, which are widespread and usually offer better rates than airports or hotels. Alternatively, withdraw złoty directly from ATMs using your UK card.

Avoid using exchange kiosks at airports, where rates are typically poor. And never accept unsolicited exchange offers on the street.

Tips for managing money in Poland

• Carry a mix of cash and card to suit both urban and rural areas

• Use ATMs affiliated with banks to reduce the risk of hidden fees

• Always pay in local currency (PLN) when offered the choice at card terminals

• Avoid dynamic currency conversion, which often gives a worse rate

• Tipping is common—5–10% is standard in restaurants if service isn’t included

Common mistakes to avoid

Some visitors mistakenly assume that Poland uses the euro. While it is an EU country, it has retained its own currency. Another common error is relying solely on card payments, especially when travelling outside main cities.

Travellers should also check their UK bank’s foreign usage policy before departure to avoid unexpected fees on overseas transactions.

In summary

Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN) as its official currency. While cards are widely accepted in most urban areas, cash is still important—especially in smaller towns and traditional establishments. UK travellers can get the best value by paying in złoty, using fee-free bank cards, and avoiding dynamic currency conversion when making payments.