Can you use English money in Krakow? Can you pay in pounds?

Thanks to cheap flight connections to Kraków Airport and the relatively low prices for tourists with strong currencies like the British pound, Kraków has become a favourite destination for British travellers. Many first-time visitors wonder: Can I use British pounds in Kraków? Is British currency accepted in Krakow? Can I exchange pounds in Kraków? Let’s dive into the details.

What Currency is used in Kraków?

Poland is a member of the European Union, but unlike many EU countries, it does not use the euro. The official currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). While some places may accept euros, this is usually at an unfavourable exchange rate. British pounds, however, are not accepted in shops or most businesses.

Can You Use British Pounds in Kraków?

The short answer is: Yes and no. While you technically cannot pay with pounds in most shops or restaurants, some tourist-oriented businesses (especially those catering to wealthy Western tourists) may accept them. However, paying in pounds often means you’ll get a poor exchange rate, and you’ll likely end up paying more than the actual price. Take a look at Krakow’s horse-drawn carriage price list in euros and in zloty to see the differences.

Additionally, transactions in foreign currencies are often cash-only and may not come with a receipt, leaving you without proof of payment in case of disputes.

Exchanging British Pounds in Kraków

Poland’s currency is the Polish złoty (PLN), and exchanging British pounds is straightforward. You can exchange your pounds at currency exchange offices (kantors) throughout Kraków. However, here are some tips to avoid scams and get the best rates:

– Avoid airport exchanges: Rates at airports are usually the worst. Wait until you’re in the city centre.
– Compare rates: Look for kantors displaying both the buying (kupno) and selling (sprzedaż) rates. Some may only show one rate to mislead customers.
– Exchange small amounts: Card payments are widely accepted, so you won’t need much cash. Save yourself the hassle of exchanging back leftover złoty.

Tips for Paying with Cards in Kraków

In Poland, card payments are common (if someone tells you otherwise, it means they are trying to mislead you). You can pay everywhere with your card. If they say you can’t pay by card, it is a misrepresentation, as the Polish local press has reported on such cases.

Card payments are widely accepted in Poland, and Kraków is no exception. You can pay by card almost everywhere:- Public transport tickets
– Parking, taxi
– Shops, bakeries, and supermarkets
– Restaurants, cafes, and bars
– Museums, pharmacies, and even doctors’ offices

Be cautious: If a business claims they don’t accept cards, they might be trying to avoid taxes or overcharge you. Always insist on a fiscal receipt (paragon fiskalny), as failing to provide one is a legal offence in Poland and this is the only confirmation of the completion of the transaction that can be the basis for possible claims.

Exchange rates and scams

The exchange rate for British pounds to Polish złoty fluctuates daily. As of now, £20 is roughly worth 100 PLN. To check the official exchange rate, visit the National Bank of Poland’s (NBP) website here.

Avoid scams:
– Be wary of kantors with unusually low rates.
– Always count your money before leaving the exchange office.
– Familiarise yourself with Polish banknotes (photos are available on Wikipedia) to avoid counterfeit currency.

Scams related to currency exchange in Poland are not as common as in Prague, Czech Republic, but they can still happen. Before using an ATM, check with your bank what the charges are for taking money out in cash abroad, perhaps the charges are higher than the exchange rate difference at the exchange office. When paying by card, always choose to pay in zloty rather than pounds if the option to do so arises.

Why you should avoid rxchanging too much cash

– Card payments are king: Contactless payments are the norm in Poland. Using a no-fee card like Revolut or Wise is the most cost-effective way to pay, as it avoids currency conversion fees.
– Leftover złoty: If you exchange too much cash, you might struggle to convert it back to pounds in the UK, and you’ll lose money on the exchange rate twice.
– Safety: Carrying large amounts of cash is never a good idea, especially in crowded tourist areas.

What Money to Bring to Kraków?

– Bring a small amount of złoty: Enough for small purchases or places that don’t accept cards (e.g., street vendors or markets).
– Use a no-fee card: Revolut, Wise, or similar cards are ideal for avoiding conversion fees.
– Avoid pounds: While some tourist services may accept them, you’ll almost always lose out on the exchange rate.

In Poland, it’s best to take złoty or exchange a very small amount into Polish currency. Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Poland, so it’s best to come to Kraków with a card that doesn’t charge a fee for currency conversion during payments. You cant pay using british money in Krakow in shops, gas station, public transport etc.