When travelling to Poland, it is important to remember that payments are made in the national currency, the Polish złoty, rather than in euros. Poland is not part of the eurozone, so a basic understanding of the local currency is useful.
Poland uses złoty and grosz. One złoty (PLN) equals 100 groszy. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 groszy are now rarely used, while 10-, 20- and 50-grosz coins remain common. There are also coins worth 1, 2 and 5 złoty. The 5-złoty coin resembles a 2-euro coin at first glance, although it is slightly smaller.
You can view Polish banknotes on the official website of the National Bank of Poland.
Each banknote features an important Polish ruler familiar to every Polish schoolchild.
10 PLN: This grey-brown note shows Mieszko I, Poland's first ruler, who was baptised in 966. This event marks the beginning of Poland as part of Christian Europe and of a state with more than a thousand years of history.
20 PLN: The pink-red banknote depicts Bolesław Chrobry, Poland's first crowned king. In the year 1000 he met Emperor Otto III in Gniezno to discuss a shared European future.
50 PLN: This blue banknote is closely associated with Krakow and portrays King Casimir the Great (1333–1370). He is remembered by the saying that he "found Poland built of wood and left it built of stone". Casimir founded Krakow's university in 1364 and welcomed European monarchs to the famous Wierzynek banquet. The reverse shows medieval Krakow and Kazimierz.
100 PLN: The green banknote shows Władysław Jagiełło (1386–1434), remembered for defeating the Teutonic Order at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The reverse depicts the Order's cloak and two swords beneath the Polish eagle, referring to the swords presented to the king before the battle.
200 PLN: The yellow banknote honours Sigismund the Old (1506–1548), a major Renaissance ruler. During his reign Poland experienced a cultural golden age, and the Wawel Royal Castle acquired much of the form admired today.
How do I convert euros into złoty?
As an approximate rule, divide Polish prices by four. Exchange rates change, so check the current rate on the website of the National Bank of Poland.
Where can I obtain złoty?
Currency exchange offices: Kantor exchange offices are a common and convenient way to exchange euros for złoty. Rates are often similar, but it is sensible to compare several offices, especially before exchanging a larger amount. Numerous exchange offices can be found in Polish city centres. Always check the displayed rate and count the money you receive.
Cash machines: Cash can also be withdrawn from the many ATMs found in city centres such as Wroclaw. Euronet and other operators are widespread. Before travelling, ask your bank which machines and cards offer the lowest fees. Most ATMs provide English and often German-language menus.
Card payments: Cashless payment is accepted in the great majority of shops, restaurants and service outlets. Some larger businesses also accept euros, but any change will normally be given in złoty.
Learn more about our trips to Wroclaw here.
