A dinner in Poland typically costs between 40-70 PLN per person for a main course at a mid-range restaurant. A full two-course meal with drinks usually ranges from 100-200 PLN for two people, depending on location and restaurant type. Budget options (e.g., pierogi) are 25-35 PLN, while fine dining can exceed 150 PLN per person.
You can pay 500 zlotys for a low-budget smartphone if you need a spare one after relocating to Poland. One 500-zloty banknote can cover up to ten months of a premium Netflix membership in Poland.
Cash is widely used in Poland, and it accounted for around 42% of all payments in the second quarter of 2024. That means it's handy to have some banknotes in the local currency when you're there, particularly if you're visiting rural areas or planning to shop at local markets.
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.
For example, about 200 or 300 zlotys per person in a good amount to buy some souvenirs and to have some cash in case we want to do some activity that we did not have scheduled. RECOMMENDED TOTAL: 3.100 Zlotys for two people a week.
What Can 100 Zloty ($24.04) Buy in Kraków, Poland? 🇵🇱
Is it better to pay in złoty or euro?
DDC allows you to pay in euros but it uses the merchant or ATM's exchange rate, which generally isn't favourable, and different from the mid-market rate. So, you should always select the local currency (Polish złoty) when making payments, and your home bank or provider will do the conversion for you.
– people with income above PLN 20,000 gross per month; people who earn over PLN 50,000 gross per month; and those whose monthly earnings exceed PLN 83,300 gross, which means that their annual gross income is greater than PLN 1 million. “We are observing a constant increase in the number of wealthy people in Poland.
Expect to pay 40-70zł for a main course at a mid-range restaurant, or 25-35zł for traditional Polish dishes like pierogis or schnitzel at local establishments. A full meal with drinks for two typically runs 150-200zł at an average restaurant.
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.
There are products such as potatoes, sugar and certain meats which have always been cheap in Poland. Compared with prices in supermarkets in other EU countries, staple food items in Poland are very reasonably priced.
Many restaurants offer a lunch menu that includes two courses and sometimes a dessert and beverage. The price is around 30-35 zł which is a good value for the money. Dinner for two in a good restaurant will cost around 200 zł with drinks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
