Krakow Travel Guide

Although in 2005 Poland joined European Community, it still holds its local currency which is Złoty (that can be translates as: Golden) and equals one hundred grosz (groshes).
1 Zł or 1 PLN = 100 gr.
There are plans to change the currency to Euro in the near future, but recently postponed at least till 2012.

Money Exchange

Private exchange agencies called ‘Kantor’ are very popular and sometimes they offer better rates than banks.
The banks usually charge some commission and sometimes specify the lowest amount of money to exchange.
Although there is an exchange at the airport and in some hotels, they usually offer lower rate than the agencies in the centre.
There is supposed to be no commission in ‘Kantors’, but it is better check it before changing money.
There are some agencies around the Main Market Square that also have lower rate prepared for the tourists, but with some extra minutes spent you can find a really good one.
Actually some ‘Kantor’s’ don’t get much turnover profit but are owned by the shops which are interested in buying the foreign currency for their own needs,
hence the reason of good exchange rates.
Now in March 2009 one euro is around 4,70 ZŁ and 1 USA dollar is 3,30.

Travelers Cheques

Not very popular, but slowly gain the presence in Poland. There are some banks that accept travelers cheques and there is an American Express Office near the Square.

Credit Cards

Most of popular credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants and the hotels, and the accepted card labels are put on the front window.

The present exchange rate
Polish Zloty Exchange Rates