What's the best currency to take to Poland?

You’ve probably sorted out your flights, your accommodation, and your itinerary for your trip to Poland. But there’s one important detail that often gets overlooked until the last minute: currency. If you're asking yourself what currency is used in Poland and how you can manage your spending there without losing money to large exchange fees, you've come to the right place.

Navigating your options can feel complicated, but it doesn't have to be. We believe that clarity around money is essential for any trip, especially when dealing with currency exchange.

Ready to explore Polish currency use, convert British Pounds to Polish Złoty, and start spending like a local?

Fair usage limits and weekend fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

What's the currency used in Poland?

Before you travel, the first and most important step is to know the currency used in Poland. Despite being a member of the European Union, Poland hasn't adopted the euro (€). The vast majority of transactions rely on the local currency. Getting to grips with the currency will allow you to have a smooth and cost-effective trip.

Understanding the Polish Złoty (PLN) and its use

The official currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). It's the standard legal tender and is used for most day-to-day transactions. The currency name złoty literally translates to golden. Its subdivisions are grosz (gr), with 100 grosz equalling 1 złoty.

Here are some key details about PLN:

• Symbol: zł or PLN
• Banknotes: commonly issued in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 notes
• Coins: you can get coins for 1, 2, and 5 złoty, along with various grosz amounts (1gr, 2gr, 5gr, 10gr, 20gr, and 50gr)

Converting GBP to PLN at a competitive rate

For UK customers, the conversion from GBP to PLN is an ongoing financial concern. Exchange rates are constantly moving, and the mid-market rate is the benchmark. Traditional currency exchange offices (kantors) and banks rarely offer this rate.

For example, if the current mid-market exchange rate is approximately zł5.0 for every £1, an exchange bureau might offer you a rate closer to zł4.7 per £1, keeping the difference as profit. This seemingly small gap can accumulate quickly over a multi-day holiday, costing you a notable portion of your budget.

When planning your trip, you should be aware that while the złoty is a stable currency, exchange bureaux in the UK will still apply a significant margin if you try to pre-purchase cash. This means that a reliable, digital solution for on-arrival exchange is often the most practical strategy.

A modern travel money card like ours aims to provide you with a rate that's as close to the mid-market value as possible, avoiding the expensive margin applied by traditional currency exchangers and allowing you to track your money with real-time exchange rates.

You should also avoid exchanging currency at the airport upon arrival unless absolutely necessary, as these locations are known for having the highest rates and markups. Don't waste your precious travel budget on inflated airport rates.

18+, T&Cs apply.

Cash vs card: how much cash should I take to Poland?

A major decision for any traveller is balancing the security of digital spending with the necessity of cash. In Poland, the correct strategy is overwhelmingly card-first, with cash playing a minor role. Poland has one of the highest rates of card and contactless payment adoption in Europe.

Payment acceptance: where cards work and where they don't

Card acceptance, particularly Visa and Mastercard, is reliable across the entire country, from major cities like Warsaw and Kraków to smaller towns. Contactless payments (via card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) are the norm in most places.

You can reliably expect to use your card at:

• Hotels and large restaurants: virtually universally accepted
• Supermarkets and branded stores: including all large international and national retail chains
• Petrol stations and major transport hubs: train and bus tickets can almost always be bought by card
• Modern public transport: ticket machines often accept card payments, though cash might be required for buying a ticket directly from the driver on some older bus lines

However, you must be prepared to use cash for:

• Visiting small, independent vendors: some small market stalls, farmers’ markets, and food trucks may only accept cash
• Tipping: while many restaurants allow tipping by card, smaller service transactions (like for a taxi driver or a cafe server) are easier and sometimes expected in cash
• Older establishments: small, family-run shops or very local corner shops may not have a card terminal

The consensus is clear: a card is for convenience, security, and most purchases, but carrying a small amount of cash is essential for the few places where digital payment isn't an option. For this reason, always carry a decent cash backup, especially when heading outside major tourist areas.

The essential need for small notes

A specific tip for handling currency in Poland is the necessity of carrying smaller notes (zł10, zł20, and zł50). While major shops and banks have no issue with 100 or 200 notes, using a large note to pay for a small item in a small shop or food stall is impractical.

Can I use British pounds (GBP) or euros (EUR) in Poland?

The question of using foreign currencies in Poland is understandable, particularly since the euro is widely accepted elsewhere in the EU. While technically possible in certain tourist situations, relying on foreign cash isn’t a great idea and should be avoided for daily spending.

The cost of convenience: when foreign cash is accepted

In major tourist hubs, such as certain souvenir shops in Kraków’s Old Town or some hotels, both the EUR and GBP may be accepted. This comes at a high cost, though, as the exchange rate applied by the merchant is normally heavily skewed in their favour to cover their margin and the hassle of exchanging the foreign money.

• Euros (EUR): while Poland is in the EU, the euro isn't legal tender. If a merchant accepts euros, you can expect a very poor conversion rate. Don't rely on it.
• British pounds (GBP): these are even less accepted than euros and should only be considered for emergency exchanges at a kantor, not for transactions.

When it comes to accommodation, paying for your room in the currency you were originally quoted is best to protect yourself from an unfavourable exchange rate. You should always ask to be quoted in your preferred foreign currency, or your home currency, before booking. With us, you can hold 36 currencies in-app, giving you a choice of currencies to be quoted in (e.g. GBP, EUR, and more).

Relying on foreign currency for convenience exposes you to poor conversion rates and means you risk carrying large amounts of cash around.

Compliance check: cash limits on entry and exit

If you do choose to carry cash, you must be aware of the official limits set for the EU border. Non-compliance can lead to serious issues.

You can bring in any amount of cash to Poland, but you must declare any amount equivalent to more than €10,000 (or the equivalent in GBP and other currencies) to customs officials upon entry or exit from the EU.

These rules, combined with Poland’s high card acceptance, make a digital travel card the safest and most efficient solution for managing the bulk of your travel budget.

With us, you can hold PLN in your account. This means you can exchange your GBP to PLN at any time before your trip, and carry as much PLN as you want in-app.

Avoiding additional costs: traditional bank and ATM fees

For UK customers, relying on high street bank cards for travel money often comes with a series of costs that quickly eat up your holiday spending money. Using a modern multi-currency card is the simplest way to avoid these pitfalls.

The dynamic currency conversion (DCC) trap

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) is a common process where a card reader or ATM offers you the choice to pay in your home currency (GBP) or the local currency (PLN).

While paying in GBP might seem simple and easy, choosing your home currency means the local merchant or ATM provider is setting the exchange rate. This DCC rate is almost always unfavourable, resulting in you paying more than you would if you had simply chosen the local currency (PLN) and let your card provider handle the conversion.

Always choose the local currency (PLN) when you’re given this option in Poland. It allows your card provider, rather than the local merchant, to manage the conversion, which is typically more advantageous for you.

ATM withdrawal fees and limits in Poland

Cash withdrawals from ATMs are only sometimes necessary in Poland, but they often incur 2 added costs: fees from your UK bank and fees from the local Polish ATM operator.

• Your bank’s fee: most UK banks charge a foreign transaction fee and a flat cash withdrawal fee every time you use a foreign ATM.
• The ATM operator’s fee: many Polish banks charge a fee for using their machines with a foreign card. Look out for the fee notice on the screen before you confirm the transaction. These fees can vary, but generally range from zł10–20 per withdrawal, and they add up quickly.

In addition to fees, many ATMs in Poland impose local withdrawal limits (often zł800–1,000).

Here are a few tips to minimise ATM issues:

• Choose wisely: bank-owned ATMs (like those from PKO Bank Polski or Santander) tend to be more reliable and may have higher limits than independent operators like Euronet
• Back-to-back withdrawals: if an ATM imposes a low limit, some systems will allow you to perform consecutive withdrawals up to your own bank’s daily limit
• Timing matters: avoid leaving large ATM runs until the morning, as machines in tourist areas can run out of cash after heavy use

Tourists in Poland often overpay on currency exchange and ATM fees, so using services like ours that offer competitive rates and clear fee structures is important if you want to stick to your budget.

No ATM withdrawals fees within plan limits. T&Cs apply. Third party may charge ATM fees.

Your smarter, safer alternative for Polish currency

We offer a modern solution that provides clarity and control over your money, ensuring more of your budget goes towards enjoying your holiday in Poland.

Spending with our travel money card: clarity and security

Our travel money card offers a secure and flexible alternative, so you don't have to carry large amounts of cash or risk high fees with a traditional card. You can pre-load PLN into your account, or simply spend from your GBP balance, and we'll convert the money automatically at a competitive rate. Here’s why it makes sense:

• Competitive exchange rates: we offer currency conversion at competitive rates, allowing you to convert GBP to PLN or spend in GBP with your card, meaning you avoid the inflated rates charged by exchange bureaux and foreign banks.¹
• In-app control: if your card goes missing or you suspect an issue, you can instantly freeze and unfreeze it in-app. This gives you peace of mind while exploring Poland.
• Fee-free withdrawals: we offer fee-free ATM withdrawals for our in-network ATMs up to your plan limit. You can find those surcharge-free ATMs in-app. You may still face a fee from the local Polish ATM operators for ATMs outside our network.

Tracking the PLN to GBP rate in real-time

When you need to see exactly how much you’re spending in British pounds, our in-app features provide instant, real-time conversions. If you're tracking your spending against your holiday budget, you can always check the precise PLN to GBP exchange rate applied to your transactions. This helps you stay in control of your finances throughout your trip, avoiding guesswork and surprises. You can even use our in-app budget planner to help you keep track of your spending while abroad.

Practical takeaway: your Polish currency checklist

To summarise your currency strategy for a seamless trip, use this checklist to plan your payments:

Paying securely for high-cost purchases

Using your card for large purchases offers an important layer of security that you can't get with cash. This is especially true when buying high-value items, such as jewellery or high-end amber, which is a popular souvenir in Poland.

When you’re not sure of the quality or true market value of an expensive item in Poland, paying by card (Visa or Mastercard) gives you proof of the transaction. This is essential if you need to dispute the purchase due to damage, fraud, or misrepresentation. We also offer robust security measures to protect your card and account.

These are our tips:

• Expensive items: use your Revolut card for things like jewellery, high-end souvenirs, or expensive goods.
• Security: avoid giving your card to anyone to process behind a counter or in another room. Make sure the transaction is processed in front of you.

Paying by card adds an important safety net, and means you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash.

By adopting a smart, card-first approach with a reliable provider like us, and supplementing with small notes in the local currency, you can navigate the Polish payment landscape with confidence and save money on fees.

Ready to travel and spend like a local?

Bring us with you to Poland and start spending smarter:

1. Download the app: get Revolut in the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up: follow the simple steps to open and verify your account in minutes.
3. Add money: add money to your new account from your existing UK bank account or debit card.
4. Order your travel money card: order your physical card and set up virtual cards for safer spending. Card delivery fees apply.
5. Use in Poland: when you arrive, use your card for competitive rates, or withdraw PLN from a bank-owned ATM within your plan’s limits.

The information provided is accurate as of 23 October 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.