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Cash Needed?

Posted by (CT by way of FL) on

I know, I know, I should just get cash at an ATM upon arrival. But I will be less anxious if I hit the ground with some złoty in my pocket. The question is, how much?

I know from reading this forum that a lot of countries in Europe have switched to being largely cashless societies during the pandemic. I also remember paying for a lot of things in cash when I was last in Poland - But that was in 2010. To those who have been recently - what is the state of cash in Poland? To help - I will be in Katowice and Krakow. I'll need to buy a ticket to get from the airport to Krakow Main Station (which I know from an earlier thread I can buy with my credit card on the bus) and a train ticket to Katowice. In Katowice, I really just need to buy food (restaurants) and maybe tram tickets (and some snacks at the library there). Then back to Krakow, where I'll be attending a conference.

My thought was to bring $100 worth of złoty, but that's nearly 500PLN, which seems excessive. Although I could always just spend it on things in the Cloth Hall - Unless the Cloth Hall has gone cashless.

Anyways - Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Posted by
23267 posts

My benchmark, regardless of country, is local currency equal to about 100 US dollars in pocket when I land. It is handy for the taxi, or a quick snack.

Posted by
1506 posts

We've been in Poland since September 13. At the airport we got 240 in PLN because of the denominations in PLN that the ATM dispensed. We still have 150 PLN. Some fast food kiosks, some toilets, possibly some taxis (we mostly used Uber) may require cash but we have been using credit cards for almost everything, even small purchases. We didn't go to Katowice but did spend time in Krakow. We leave in three days and plan to spend the remaining PLN on our last day.

I hope our experience is helpful.

Posted by
3904 posts

Much of urban Poland has moved to contactless/cashless payments since the pandemic, 100-200 zloty should be good as a "just in case".

I've been to Katowice a few times, you'll have no problem finding food, most recently this past April.

Posted by
2319 posts

Last time I was in Gdansk, I was headed to the outer reaches via a tram - cash in hand ready to make the purchase ONLY to be greeted with a Contactless Pay symbol ... YES!

Posted by
4076 posts

I was just there for a whole month and spent a total of $230 (1,000zl) in cash - and not all of that required being cash. Some I used cash just because I had it.

Posted by
190 posts

Thanks, All!

My bank required a minimum of $100 for an online order, so that's what I did (actually, it came to a few dollars more because the bank gave me a $2 discount on something or other, but then that pushed me below $100 so I had to ACTUALLY order $105 to pay $103. Oh, Banks!). I figure I can find ways to spend it, even if it's at the airport flying home, and I'll be glad to already have it in my pocket. Looking forward to the trip!

Thanks again!

Posted by
70 posts

We are in Poland now and have been for a few days. Everything is via credit card. Maybe get a few hundred PLN, just in case, but you likely won’t use much if any.

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