British pounds (GBP) are not widely accepted in Poland, as the official currency is the Polish złoty (PLN). While you can exchange currency at airport or bank kantors (exchange offices), it is best to carry PLN for everyday purchases. Cards are widely accepted, but paying directly in GBP will result in very poor exchange rates.
The currency used in Poland is the Polish zloty and each zloty is subdivided into 100 grosz. Although Poland has been a member of the EU for a while, it's not in the Eurozone. If you see that some Polish businesses accept euros, keep in mind that a markup is probably included in their prices.
In Poland you need Polish Zloty. Some shops near the border may accept Euro, but they will give you a very unfavorable exchange rate. You need to exchange USD or EUR for Zloty for example at exchange booths called Kantor.
While major cities and tourist areas in Poland typically accept debit cards, some smaller shops, local vendors, or remote locations may only accept cash. Carrying some Polish złotys for these situations is always a good idea.
As a general rule of thumb, you should consider tipping around 10-20 PLN (approximately 2-5 USD) per day. If you stayed in a luxury hotel or received exceptional service, it may be appropriate to tip a bit more—around 20-30 PLN (5-7 USD) would be well-received.
You can use your debit card to spend or withdraw cash worldwide. Just use it in the same way you do at home, wherever you see the Visa symbol. We convert card transactions into pounds using the Visa exchange rate. When using your card abroad, you should select to pay in the local currency in order to get this rate.
Cash or Card? Krakow is Poland's most tourist-friendly city, and one of the largest and most international in the country. Athough it's always a good idea to have some cash to hand, you can also pay by card in the majority of establishments, bars, and restaurants, or even on public transport.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Poland?
Should I exchange money before I travel to Poland? Yes, it's a good idea to order Polish Zlote in advance to avoid airport rates and arrive prepared with local currency.
The cost of living in Poland is noticeably more affordable than in the UK and in other European countries such as Portugal and Spain. The table below offers insights into the cost of living in Poland compared to UK, as it compares the average prices of various goods and services.
Debit and credit cards are a primary payment method, with contactless payments being nearly universal for in-person transactions. Instant bank transfers are a very popular e-commerce payment method. Gateways like Przelewy24 facilitate these seamless, real-time payments.
While you may find a few businesses that will accept euros in Poland, bear in mind it's very likely they will include a markup in the price. For that reason, the Polish Zloty is the currency you'll need to exchange your pounds for, ahead of any visit.
Figures from the Bank of England show that there were still 375 million old paper banknotes in circulation in the UK as of June 2025, worth almost £6.6 billion, even though the old paper £20 and £50 notes stopped being legal tender in October 2022.
Whether you're travelling to Warsaw, sightseeing in Krakow or hiking around Zakopane, you can buy Polish Zloty, check the Pound to Zloty rate, and order your travel money with Tesco Travel Money. Choose from 50 currencies in cash or up to 22 currencies with our Multi-currency Cash Passport prepaid card.
The 10 złoty banknote features a portrait of Prince Mieszko I. On the left-hand side of the portrait there are two rosettes inspired by the pattern found on the floor of Gniezno Cathedral, whereas on the right-hand side there is a floral motif found on Romanesque liturgical vessels.
