Money Exchange in Kraków
If you’re planning a trip to Kraków, you’re probably wondering: what’s the best way to get Polish złoty (PLN)? Should you bring cash, use an ATM, or find a currency exchange office (kantor)? In this guide, we’ll help you avoid tourist traps and get the best value for your money.
💱 What Currency Is Used in Poland?
Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN). You may see it written as “zł” or “PLN”. One złoty is divided into 100 groszy. Poland is not in the Eurozone, so euros are not accepted in most places (except maybe some hotels or tourist spots — usually with a bad rate).
🏧 Option 1: Using an ATM in Kraków
ATMs (called bankomaty in Polish) are everywhere in the city — at the airport, train station, shopping malls, and on most major streets.
Pros:
- Convenient and fast
- Usually gives a fair exchange rate if you refuse the ATM conversion
Important tips:
- Avoid Euronet and Planet Cash ATMs – they often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates.
- Use ATMs operated by major Polish banks (e.g., PKO BP, Santander, ING, mBank, Pekao).
- If the ATM asks “Do you want to convert to your home currency?” → Always choose “No” or “Continue without conversion”. Your bank will do it at a better rate.
ATM fees: Most Polish banks don’t charge for ATM withdrawals, but your home bank might – check this before your trip.
💶 Option 2: Currency Exchange Offices (Kantor)
A kantor is a local exchange office. They are safe, reliable, and often offer better rates than airports or ATMs — but not all are created equal.
Pros:
- Good exchange rates, especially for EUR, USD, GBP
- No commission (but always double-check!)
Cons:
- Some kantors in tourist areas (like the Main Square) offer terrible rates – especially those with “0% commission” signs.
Tips:
- Always ask or check the “buy” rate before handing over your money.
- A fair EUR/PLN rate is usually within 0.05–0.10 PLN of the official exchange rate.
- You can negotiate if you’re exchanging a larger amount (over 500 EUR/USD).
Recommended Kantors in Kraków:
- Kantor Grosz, ul. Sławkowska 4 (just off the Main Square) – great rates and transparent service.
- Kantor Fajny, ul. Długa 8 – near the Old Town, trusted for years.
- Kantor at +1 floor of Galeria Krakowska (shopping mall by the train station) – decent rates, convenient location.
Avoid kantors inside the airport and on the Main Market Square unless absolutely necessary.
💳 What About Paying by Card?
Poland is very card-friendly. In fact, you can use your debit/credit card almost everywhere — including:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops and supermarkets
- Museums and tourist attractions
- Public transport ticket machines
Just make sure your card is enabled for international payments and doesn’t charge high foreign exchange fees.
Contactless (tap to pay) works well, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted.
🔐 Pro Tip: Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion
When paying by card, some machines will ask:
“Pay in your home currency (e.g., EUR/USD) or in PLN?”
Always choose PLN! Paying in your own currency usually gives you a worse exchange rate.
✅ Summary: Best Ways to Get Polish Złoty
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM (Polish bank) | Fast, fair rates | Home bank fees | Everyday cash |
| Kantor (Exchange Office) | Good rates if you choose wisely | Must find a good one | Exchanging larger amounts |
| Card Payment | Widely accepted | FX fees if your bank charges | Most daily expenses |