A meal in Poland typically costs between 25–60 PLN ($6–$15) in an inexpensive restaurant, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range spot is around 160 PLN ($40). Budget travelers can find fast food or milk bar (bar mleczny) meals for 15–30 PLN ($4–$7.50).
Food in Poland is relatively cheap. I think the most expensive is Warsaw and even here you can safely assume to spend 20 PLN for breakfast (coffee + sandwich) and 60 for lunch (main course + some drink). And these are the prices in regular places in the city center.
Based on the average cost of living and prices for goods and services in Poland, we recommend budgeting in the following ranges, depending on your overall budget and travel preferences: Shoestring (absolute minimum needed): 80 - 200 zł /day. Low budget (still watching the wallet): 200 - 300 zł /day.
As a rough guide, though, the cost of a week-long trip to Poland could cost you around £732* including flights, mid-range accommodation and spending money. If you're visiting for the weekend, you could expect to spend around £420* on your trip.
Is it better to use cash or card in Poland? Both methods are widely used. Cash is especially useful in smaller towns and for small transactions, while cards are ideal for larger expenses and provide a higher level of convenience for international travelers.
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.
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.
Yes, eating out in Krakow is generally considered very cheap, especially compared to Western European cities, offering great value with affordable traditional Polish food at milk bars and reasonable prices even in nicer restaurants, though avoiding the main square can save you more. You can find delicious main courses for under €10, and even Michelin-starred dining can be surprisingly inexpensive.
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Poland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist. to visit family or friends.
Poland is famous for its vodka, and bringing home a bottle (or two) is a great idea. Whether you opt for traditional clear vodka or flavored varieties like Żubrówka (bison grass vodka), it's a great way to reminisce about your trip. Many specialty vodkas are not available abroad, making them an exclusive souvenir.
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.
Yes! People speak English in Poland! While traveling on a private tour to Poland with Key To Poland, you don't need to worry about communication issues. There may be occasional instances you may wish to speak with someone who doesn't understand English and we are happy to assist!
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.
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.
In Krakow, the price of a pint of lager can vary depending on the place, but on average, you might expect to pay around 8-12 Polish Zloty. It's always good to check at the specific bars or restaurants you visit for the most accurate prices.
Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America.
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.
