The official currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). So if you’re planning a trip – whether you’re shopping for souvenirs in Warsaw or snacking on pierogi in Krakow – you’ll want to take some Polish złoty along with you.

It’s important to understand Poland’s national currency in order to get the most from your trip – and your money. So, we’ve delved into everything you need to know, from Polish złoty to pounds exchange rates, average costs in Poland, accepted payment methods and more.

Plus, you can order your Polish złoty online from Marks & Spencer Travel Money, ready to spend on your travels*.

What currency does Poland use?

The Polish zloty – identified by the symbol zł – has been the legal tender of Poland ever since it was introduced in the 1900s to replace the marka. One zloty is made up of 100 groszy, and Poland’s currency is available as both coins and banknotes.

Coins include:

1 gr, 2 gr, 5 gr, 10 gr, 20 gr, 50 gr, 1 zł, 2 zł, 5 zł

Banknotes include:

10 zł, 20 zł, 50 zł, 100 zł, 200 zł, 19 zł, 500 zł

Is Polish Zloty used anywhere else in the world? 

Poland is the only country that uses the Polish zloty, so you won’t be able to spend the currency anywhere else. 

What is the current exchange rate for Polish zloty? 

Currency exchange rates change all the time – multiple times a day – and the Polish zloty is no exception. Take a look at the latest Polish zloty to GBP exchange rate and see how much Travel Money your pounds will get you today, but bear in mind it’s likely to be a different amount tomorrow.

Can you use euros in Poland?  

While Poland is part of the EU, euros aren’t accepted there. The country has kept its national currency and there are no immediate plans to join the list of countries that currently use the euro.

While you may find a few businesses that will accept euros in Poland, bear in mind it’s very likely they will include a markup in the price. For that reason, the Polish Zloty is the currency you’ll need to exchange your pounds for, ahead of any visit.

What payment methods are accepted in Poland?

Businesses in Poland are all set up to accept the same payment methods you use in the UK, so you shouldn’t have any big surprises. Having said that, card payments can be tricky in rural areas or at small, local markets, so the amount of Travel Money you’ll need to take in cash will depend on your travel itinerary.

Cash

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. 

In fact, even at some of the bigger markets – like Krakow’s famous Christmas market at Rynek Glowny – you’ll find some vendors prefer cash to card payments. Just try to make sure you have a range of Polish zloty denominations so you can shop for small trinkets and souvenirs, and read our guide to travelling with cash for more advice.

Debit, credit and prepaid cards

Card payments are a common form of payment in Poland, and Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted credit and debit card types. You may find that fewer places accept American Express, so it’s worth making sure you have an alternative option as a back-up. 

Bear in mind that credit and debit card providers can charge a non-sterling transaction fee for using your card abroad, as well as a cash advance fee if you’re withdrawing cash from an ATM. And make sure you understand the difference between paying in the local currency versus pounds when you’re using your card abroad, as each option comes with a different exchange rate.

Digital wallets

Mobile payments are also widely used in Poland, and almost 19% of card payments were made using mobile devices in the second quarter of 2024. That same year, Poland’s own mobile payment method – BLIK – became the most preferred digital payment method, according to Statista. While BLIK can only be used if you have a Polish bank account, you’ll find Google Pay and Apple Pay are used in most large retailers and restaurants.

How much money should I take with me to Poland?

The cost of living in Poland is significantly lower than it is in the UK – by around 31.1% according to Numbeo at the time of writing in October 2025 – so you’re likely to find your money goes further here. 

But how much money you need to take with you will depend on your plans and whether you’re staying in a major city, which will tend to be more expensive, or a rural area, which may be cheaper.

To give you an idea, here are some average costs in Poland vs the UK, converted into pounds*:

• A mid-range three-course meal for two: £65.00 in the UK vs £37.38 (183.12 zł) in Poland
• A small domestic draught beer: £5.00 in the UK vs £3.06 (15.00 zł) in Poland
• A regular cappuccino: £3.45 in the UK vs £2.78 (13.62 zł) in Poland
• A one-way ticket on local transport: £2.50 in the UK vs 90p (4.40 zł) in Poland

*Example prices from Numbeo.com correct as at September 2025.

Buying Polish zloty with M&S Travel Money

Ready to go? Order your Polish zloty online for Click & Collect from your nearest participating M&S store*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.