Currency in Poland: PLN Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Poland with the Polish zloty.
What's in this Poland currency guide?
What currency is used in Poland?
The official currency of Poland (country code: PL) is the Polish zloty, with symbol zł and currency code PLN.
What is a good Polish zloty exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Polish zloty
The Polish zloty, which is subdivided into 100 groszy, has an interesting but troubled history, beginning as early as the 14th century. It was once replaced as Poland’s currency and later reintroduced, and has also been redenominated several times. In Polish, the word “zloty” means “golden”.
The most recent redenomination of the zloty followed a period of hyperinflation in Poland in 1990, a year in which the annual inflation rate reached nearly 600% and monthly inflation exceeded 50%. After a period of price stability in the early 1990s (we use “stability” loosely as inflation was still above 30% in 1994), a redenomination took place in January 1995 and the old polish zloty (ISO: PLZ) was changed to the new zloty (ISO: PLN) at a rate of 10,000-to-1.
One of the conditions of Poland’s acceptance into the European Union in 2004 was that at some point it adopted the euro as its national currency. Since Poland has not yet joined ERM-II (a requirement for euro adoption), it is unlikely that the single currency will be used in Poland earlier than 2020. Poland’s former Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechociński said as much in 2014.
Since 1995, the zloty’s valuation has remained relatively stable. Against the US dollar, the currency was weakest in both May and October 2000 when USD/PLN reached 4.73. The currency was strongest in July 2008 when USD/PLN fell to just 2.01. Since the euro's introduction in 1999, EUR/PLN has traded between 3.19 and 4.94.
For more PLN information check out our selection of Polish zloty news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Poland?
The domestic currency in Poland is the Polish zloty.
What is the Polish zloty currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Polish zloty is PLN — symbol is zł.
What does the Polish zloty look like?
Here is an example Polish zloty banknote:
Which countries use the Polish zloty?
It is the domestic currency in Poland.
Is the Polish zloty a closed currency?
No, the Polish zloty is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of CAD and PLN?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for CAD to PLN (Canadian dollar to Polish zloty)*.
| CAD | PLN |
|---|---|
| C$ 1,000 | zł 2,644 |
| C$ 5,000 | zł 13,222 |
| C$ 20,000 | zł 52,886 |
| C$ 100,000 | zł 264,430 |
| CAD | PLN |
|---|---|
| C$ 378.20 | zł 1,000 |
| C$ 1,891 | zł 5,000 |
| C$ 7,564 | zł 20,000 |
| C$ 37,820 | zł 100,000 |
More amounts
*Converted at the current CADPLN interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Poland
Using Wise for Polish zloty travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Polish zloty otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Polish zloty cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the PLN cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Poland: Travel Guide
Traveling to Poland requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Poland is a beautiful country located in Central Europe with a rich history and culture. It is a great destination for travelers and expats alike, offering something for everyone. The country is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. Poland is a safe and welcoming country with plenty to offer visitors.
Best things to do and see in Poland
There are many things to see and do in Poland. Some of the most popular attractions include:
1. Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum
2. Take a dip in the Baltic Sea
3. Stroll through the Old Town of Warsaw
4. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine
5. climbing the Rysy peak in the Tatra Mountains
Top Travel tips for Poland
1.Plan your trip in advance and book your accommodation and flights early, as Poland can be a popular tourist destination.
2.Make sure you have a valid passport and visa for Poland if you are coming from outside the European Union.
3.Pack a good range of clothing as the weather in Poland can be unpredictable, especially in the summer months.
4.Be prepared for some language barriers as not everyone in Poland speaks English. However, most people in the tourism industry should be able to speak English to some degree.
5. Poland is a safe country to travel to, but it is always advisable to take out travel insurance before you go.
6.When visiting Poland, be respectful of religious sites and traditions, as well as the country's World War II history.
Is it safe in Poland?
Poland is relatively safe, although like any country, it has its share of crime. The most common types of crimes are property crimes such as theft and vandalism, and violent crimes such as assault and robbery. There is also a threat of terrorism, but this is typically concentrated in the larger cities.
Everyday Costs in in Poland
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Poland? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Poland (PL)
For travelers considering a week-long adventure in Poland, it's wise to budget adequately for a mid-range stay. A comfortable estimate for daily expenses would be around 300-400 PLN (approximately 65-90 USD), bringing the total to about 2,100-2,800 PLN (around 470-620 USD) for the week. Here’s a breakdown of typical daily expenses you might encounter:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 40-80 PLN
- ☕ Coffee: 10-15 PLN
- 🚍 Public transport fare: 3-5 PLN
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 30-50 PLN
- 🛏️ Budget hotel or Airbnb: 150-300 PLN
Overall, while Poland offers good value for travelers, it's generally considered cheaper than visiting the United States and about on par with costs in Canada. In contrast, Poland tends to be more economical than the UK or Australia, making it an appealing destination for European explorations without breaking the bank.
Expat Living in Poland
For expats, understanding the local cost of living is crucial. Typical monthly living costs in Poland can range from 2,500-4,500 PLN (550-1,000 USD), depending on lifestyle choices and location, with urban centers like Warsaw or Kraków on the higher end. When it comes to banking, using local banks is advisable for day-to-day needs. Polish banks accept the majority of major international credit and debit cards, although it can be beneficial to withdraw cash for smaller purchases in local markets or cafes.
For sending and receiving money, platforms such as Wise and OFX often provide better rates than traditional banks for international transfers, making them a preferred choice for expats. Regarding currency exchange, it’s typically more advantageous to use these online services over exchanging money at local banks or currency exchange desks, as they tend to offer more favorable rates. However, having some cash on hand for daily expenses remains essential, so a balanced approach will serve expats well while transitioning into life in Poland.
USD/PLN Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/PLN change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Recent Polish zloty Market News
The Polish zloty has fallen nearly 3 per cent against the euro since the National Bank of Poland’s shock decision to slash interest rates in September.
Poland’s central bank governor Adam Glapiński said the decision was based on a “radically changed” economic outlook, with the prospects of a recession in Germany particularly worrisome for Polish exports.
Poland is connected by the umbilical cord to Germany, which is in a sort of stagflation.
The German economy has been deteriorating rapidly, with industrial production falling more sharply than forecast.
In Polish economy and zloty have been impacted by War in Ukraine. The Zloty was trading at around 4.0 to the USD before Russia invaded Ukraine.
For more PLN information read our News and guides to the Polish zloty.
Send Money to Poland - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Poland you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Poland
When sending money to Poland it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Polish zloty amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted PLN amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Poland.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Polish zloty deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Poland
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Polish zloty currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the PLN exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Polish zloty bank account: A local PLN bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Poland. It may also be more convenient to use a local PLN bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Poland. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Poland. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Poland, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Poland.
What is the cost of living in Poland?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the cost of living in Poland will vary depending on the individual's lifestyle and location within the country. However, according to numbeo.com, the cost of living in Poland is generally 12.57% lower than in the United States.
How is the expat life in Poland?
There are many expats in Poland and they seem to enjoy the country and the people. The cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of things to do and see.
Any laws in Poland that foreigners should be aware of?
There are no specific laws in Poland that foreigners should be aware of. However, it is always advisable to consult with a local attorney or law firm to get specific advice on any legal matter.
What is doing business like in Poland?
Doing business in Poland is much like doing business in most Western European countries. The business culture is relatively formal, and business deals are usually conducted in a polite and professional manner. There is a strong focus on building relationships, and it is important to take the time to get to know your potential business partners before starting any formal negotiations. Poland also has a very well-developed infrastructure, and businesses can generally expect a high level of service and efficiency.
How is the economy in Poland?
The economy in Poland is growing steadily. Unemployment is relatively low, and inflation is under control. GDP per capita is still relatively low compared to other European countries, but it is gradually catching up. The country has seen a lot of foreign investment in recent years, and this is helping to spur economic growth.