While the official currency in Gdańsk is the Polish złoty (PLN), you can occasionally use euros (EUR) in tourist-heavy areas, but it is not recommended due to poor exchange rates and high fees. Cash in PLN is essential for small purchases, while card payments are widely accepted.
As Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004, we are obliged to adopt the European currency at some point. However, we haven't done it yet and we continue using Polish Złoty (PLN / zł) where 1 Polish Złoty equals 100 Polish groszy (gr).
It's generally better to use Zloty when going to markets, bars, and other local places in Poland. While some tourist areas may accept Euros, you'll often get a better exchange rate and avoid extra fees by using the local currency. Plus, using Zloty will make transactions smoother at smaller vendors and markets.
If you're taking a trip there, it's easy to get Polish zloty currency at the Post Office. Buy your travel money online or order currency in any participating branch. It's also one of 22 currencies you can load onto a Travel Money Card.
While it might sound like it's better to pay in pounds when you're abroad to avoid a non-sterling transaction fee, it's usually still cheaper to pay in the local currency. That's because when you choose to pay in the local currency, your card issuer will set the exchange rate.
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.
Taxis in Gdańsk typically take cash or credit cards. Can I pay for my ride with Uber with either payment option? Yes. In addition to the cash payment option, you can add a credit card as a payment method in your Uber account to pay for your ride in Gdańsk.
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. Even if it seems more convenient for you to pay in euros, we recommend always paying in Polish zloty.
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.
When visiting Poland, DO validate public transport tickets, dress modestly in churches, learn basic Polish phrases, and be punctual; DON'T drink alcohol in public, call Poles "Eastern Europeans," smile at strangers, or discuss sensitive history casually, while always respecting cultural norms like removing shoes at home and being mindful of tipping customs.
Do you tip in Poland? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Poland - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.
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.
Generally, Gdańsk is considered slightly cheaper or very comparable in cost to Krakow, with some sources showing Gdańsk as having a lower overall cost of living index, though tourist areas in both cities can be pricey, especially for nightlife, while food often remains affordable in both. Krakow is known for being a budget-friendly cultural hub, while Gdańsk offers a similar vibe with a seaside twist, meaning significant price differences are unlikely for general travel, notes.
Tap water in Gdańsk is safe, regularly tested, and perfectly suitable for drinking! It comes from deep underground sources known for their high purity and is carefully treated to ensure quality. Its safety is monitored by Gdańska Infrastruktura Wodociągowo-Kanalizacyjna (GIWK).
If you're planning to visit and only speak English, you'll find that Gdańsk is generally quite English-friendly. English is widely spoken among younger people and in tourist-focused areas, making it easier for international visitors to navigate the city.
