Czy można zapłacić kartą?
chi MOZH-na za-PWA-chich KAR-toh?
Can I pay by card?
Poland · Money
What Currency Does Poland Use?
Poland uses the Polish złoty — code PLN. Poland is in the EU, but it does not currently use the euro.
Currency information checked 14 August 2026
SHORT ANSWER
Polish złoty (PLN).
1 złoty = 100 groszy. You will see prices written as zł, for example 24,90 zł.
Currency code
PLN
Symbol
zł
1 złoty
100 gr
The European Union's official country profile lists Poland's currency as the Polish złoty (PLN). The European Commission also confirms that Poland is not yet a member of the euro area.
EURO IN POLAND
Can I pay in euros?
Do not plan your trip around paying in euros.
Some hotels, souvenir shops or tourist businesses may choose to accept EUR, especially near borders or in tourist centres. They do not have to, and the exchange rate they use may be poor.
Even if a price can be paid in euro, Polish businesses normally price goods in PLN and may return change in PLN. Card payment in PLN is usually much simpler.
How to pay by card in PolandHOW MUCH IS PLN WORTH?
Do not memorize a fixed conversion.
Exchange rates move every day. For a reliable reference, use the National Bank of Poland (NBP) current exchange-rate table. Remember that a bank, card issuer, ATM or exchange office will normally offer a retail rate that differs from the NBP reference rate.
Use NBP as a benchmark
Current NBP rates ↗
Before changing a larger amount of cash, check the current NBP EUR/PLN, GBP/PLN or USD/PLN rate. Then compare the actual offer you are getting.
KANTOR = EXCHANGE OFFICE
How to read a Polish exchange-rate board
An exchange office in Poland is called a kantor. The two columns that confuse visitors are KUPNO (the kantor buys the foreign currency from you) and SPRZEDAŻ (the kantor sells the foreign currency to you).
CurrencyKUPNOSPRZEDAŻ
EURexampleexample
GBPexampleexample
USDexampleexample
You have €100 and want PLN
The kantor is buying your euros. Look at the KUPNO EUR rate.
You have PLN and want euros
The kantor is selling euros to you. Look at the SPRZEDAŻ EUR rate.
Compare the spread
A very large gap between buy and sell rates is a warning that the offer may be poor.
EASY TEST
Before handing over cash, ask exactly how many złoty you will receive.
Do not rely only on a large number advertised outside. Confirm the final amount and whether there is any commission.
ATMs
Withdrawing cash: choose PLN.
If an ATM asks whether you want the withdrawal converted into EUR, GBP or USD, that is usually Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Unless you have checked the rate and deliberately want it, the practical default is to decline that conversion and withdraw in PLN.
There can be two different costs.
The ATM itself may charge a fee, and your own bank may separately charge for foreign cash withdrawals. Declining DCC does not remove those possible fees.
POLISH CASH
What do the notes and coins look like?
Banknotes
10 · 20 · 50 · 100 · 200 · 500 zł
Złoty coins
1 · 2 · 5 zł
Grosz coins
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 gr
NBP-issued banknotes and coins denominated in złoty and grosz are legal tender in Poland.
NBP: Polish banknotes ↗USEFUL PHRASES
At a shop or exchange office
Ile dostanę za sto euro?
EE-leh dos-TA-neh za sto EH-uro?
How much will I get for 100 euros?
FAQ
Polish currency: quick answers
Does Poland use euros?
No. Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN) and is not currently in the euro area.
Can shops accept euros anyway?
Some may choose to, but you should not rely on it. The rate may also be worse than paying normally in PLN.
What does “zł” mean?
It is the symbol used for the Polish złoty. For example, 25 zł means 25 Polish złoty.
What is a grosz?
One złoty is divided into 100 groszy. “gr” is used for grosz coins.
Is it better to exchange cash or use a card?
That depends on your bank/card fees. For many travellers a good no-FX-fee card is convenient, with a small cash backup. Compare your card's terms with the actual cash exchange rate.