The Polish zloty is the monetary unit of Poland. National currency of Poland Poland monetary

First, let's consider the issue of purchasing zlotys for national currencies. We will talk about banks in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, where you can purchase Polish money. Of course, there are many more such financial institutions than we can present in one article, but these banks have been tried by us, and their services are described from the point of view of real experience.

Terms of service and prices are current at the time of writing and are subject to change. depending on the requirements of laws, foreign policy aspects and other factors.

The three banks with the widest network of branches where you can buy zloty are:

  • Ukrgasbank;
  • Ukreximbank;
  • Credit Agricole Bank.

At the same time, the selling rate in relation to the zloty is the same for all three institutions.

But the purchase rate for zloty varies significantly.

In addition to the official course, some banks may charge an additional percentage for conversion. In addition, the amount of currency is often limited (only those zlotys that were previously sold by the population are sold). Therefore, all details must be clarified at a specific exchange point.

In Russia

In the territory Russian Federation Most banks claim to work with zlotys. For example, you can exchange currency in the following branches:

  • Sberbank;
  • VTB 24;
  • UNISTREAM.

The courses are approximately the same. However due to low demand for the Polish zloty, this currency is imported into branches in small quantities, which strongly depends on the distance of Poland from a particular city. If it is not difficult to find currency in banks in Kaliningrad, then in Moscow it is not present in all branches, and in Vladivostok you will have to run hard to collect the required amount.


There were cases when Sberbank even stated that they did not work with zlotys, but in a neighboring branch of the same bank it was easy to buy several banknotes.

Most Russians (except for residents of Kaliningrad) prefer to travel through Belarus. In some cases, it makes sense to exchange money in this country.

The demand for zloty in the Republic of Belarus is quite high, which is why currency exchange services are widespread. Almost all Belarusian banks are engaged in conversion.

Let's mention just a few:

  • Belinvestbank;
  • Absolut Bank;
  • VTB Bank (Belarus);
  • Belarusbank;
  • Belgazprombank;
  • Belinvestbank;
  • BNB-Bank.

The spread of rates is quite large, so it is necessary to compare the prices of several specific banks at the time of exchange. For example, in our experience, the most favorable exchange rate was at BNB Bank, and the most unprofitable one is in Belarusbank.

Some banks will be able to sell zlotys not only for Belarusian rubles, but also for Russian rubles or hryvnia, although the exchange rate may not be interesting.

On the border

If it is not millions that are to be exchanged, but adequate amounts (for purchases, accommodation, food, etc.), then favorable rates are also available on the Polish side.

As a rule, these are small exchangers that stand alone or are located in stores. Eg:

  1. During the transition to Brest– the exchange point is located approximately 50 meters from the border.
  2. In Terespol– almost immediately behind the checkpoint, a small white building.
  3. In Slavatych– drive through the intersection, on the right there will be a gas station where the exchanger operates.

Selling zlotys

The sale of zlotys is possible in the same institutions as the purchase. You just need to take into account some nuances.

The purchase rate in Ukrainian banks is very different.

Eg, Ukrgasbank bought Polish currency for almost 1 UAH. lower than their colleagues at Ukreximbank.

Be sure to check exchange parameters before selling and check the presence of direct and hidden commissions.

Let us repeat, there were funny cases when, when trying to sell zloty, in a branch of one of the banks they asked:

« What is this?", and did not take the currency.

Don’t be upset - that time we managed to sell zlotys at a fairly favorable rate in a nearby branch of the same bank.

By analogy with Ukrainian banks, it is worth carefully comparing the exchange parameters - a good selling rate does not mean a profit when buying, and vice versa.

Moreover, in our case, it was BNB-Bank that offered the most interesting prices for both operations.

Currency exchange in Poland

Many people prefer to travel to Poland with dollars or euros. This is convenient in many ways: at a minimum, you don’t need to buy zlotys at home, and American and European currencies are easily available. However, the question arises where to exchange this money for zlotys already in Poland?

For some goods or services you may be charged in euros, but sellers often announce such an extortionate exchange rate that losses of 20-25% are quite likely. It is better to officially exchange money.

It is most convenient to have a foreign currency account card. Then direct conversion is possible at any ATM or store. You will only be charged commissions for interbank transactions.

A card in national currency is less profitable, because a double conversion may follow: your currency is the dollar or the euro is the zloty. At each stage, interest will be taken by both banks.

This word - Kantor - in Poland is called exchange offices. These are relatively small enterprises whose activities, as a rule, are limited to this exchange.

They can be located separately or inside stations, shops, shopping centers, historical places and even underground passages.

By the way, the euro-zloty exchange rate was very favorable at the “underground exchange office” near the Centrum metro station in Warsaw.

There is an opinion that the larger the exchanger, the less favorable the rate - this is not true. How false is the statement that courses at train stations and airports are unprofitable. It all depends on the specific office.


But still a certain pattern of exchange rate differences can be traced:
  1. The most favorable exchange rate of the Polish zloty in the east of the Republic of Poland. As you move towards the western border, the benefit gradually decreases.
  2. On weekends and holidays, most exchangers do not work, so the remaining ones significantly inflate the rate. It's better to wait until Monday to exchange.
  3. It is more profitable to exchange euros for zlotys; the dollar exchange rate in some organizations is not always adequate.

The exchange rate is different everywhere and is set by the exchangers themselves, but within the limits established by law from the rate of the Central Bank of the Republic of Poland.

The above mentioned offices are not banks.

In Poland, you cannot routinely go to any bank branch and change currency. Some banks do not handle cash exchange at all.

However, in some departments such operations are possible, but the courses may be less profitable than in private offices.

As a rule, banks where exchange exists are equipped with signs clearly indicating the possibility of such a procedure.

Black market

Hand-held currency exchange is still offered in Poland, although much less frequently than a few years ago. One thing you should know - such exchange is illegal and in case of fraud, you will not be able to make a claim against anyone.

How much does it cost to change into dollars and euros today?

To understand existing rates, we bring to your attention an online currency converter for today. Official data are presented; prices at specific exchangers/banks may vary.

Online calculator (converter)

Using the currency calculator is simple - just select the currencies (dollar, euro, hryvnia, Russian or Belarusian rubles) and indicate the amount of interest:

var fm = "PLN";var to = "USD";var tz = "2";var sz = "1×1";var lg = "ru";var st = "danger";var lr = "1" ;

Also you can look at current rates of major currencies:

var fm = "PLN";var to = "UAH,RUB,BYN,EUR,USD";var tz = "2";var sz = "1×275";var lg = "ru";var st = "danger ";var cd = 0;var am = 100

Buying sell zlotys or exchanging other currencies both in Poland and at home is not difficult. However, you need to carefully monitor the rates so that the operation takes place in the most profitable way for you.

Many travelers, before visiting Poland, want to know what currency is valid on its territory. Since Poland is part of the European Union, prices for some types of goods are indicated in euros. But the country has not yet switched to full payment in European currency. Most payments are made in zlotys, the official Polish currency, which has been in force since 1924. But the history of the existence of the Polish currency is quite old.

Back in the 14th century, the currency of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth began to develop. And its complete stability has only recently been established. It is worth noting that in everyday life there are both zlotys and pennies (like our small change).

The beginning of the formation of currency in Poland

From the very beginning there were no pennies or zlotys. In the 14th century, currency appeared in the form of Polish marks, which contained silver weighing 210 grams. The cops also showed up.

100 years later, the Krakow hryvnia appeared instead of stamps. Only in comparison with stamps, the silver content in them was 12 grams less. During the same period, pennies borrowed from the Czech Republic appeared in everyday life in Poland. Appearing in the 15th century, the Polish zloty was a gold coin of foreign origin. Initially, the zloty was equal to 12 groschen. But the price of the currency gradually fell, the equivalent of pennies to zlotys increased. In the 16th century there were 30 groschen in one zloty. This ratio remained for a long time.

Currency of Poland in the 17th – 19th centuries

Although the zloty was the main Polish currency at that time, it was possible to pay using paper notes that appeared in the country. Due to the small content of precious metals in paper money, the main currency remained the penny and the zloty. Since part of Poland was part of Russia, some Russian financiers tried to promote a proposal to limit the financial autonomy of the Polish state and introduce a different currency in the country. But all these proposals were not implemented.

Currency of Poland in the 20th century

At the beginning of the century, the ratio of zlotys to groschen became more stable. As official currency unit The state became zloty in 1924. In 1930, commemorative coins were issued.

But after the end of the First World War, the stability of the exchange rate changed. To improve the situation and stabilize the currency, Polish leaders issue a decree to increase exports and reduce imports. But the second World War changed position again local money. With the onset of the economic crisis, they completely depreciated. And in the 80s, the inflation rate reached 100%.

But in the 90s, with the transition to a new market economy, a new stage of development began for the currency.

Currency of Poland in the modern period

The economy in Poland began to stabilize in the 90s of the 20th century. And in 1995, the country began to issue banknotes and pennies, which have not changed to this day. This currency becomes competitive, since the exchange rate relative to the previous currency was reduced by 10,000 times. And since that time, nothing has changed in the formation of the Polish currency, only commemorative coins were issued.

Poland has been a member of the EU since 2004, but has not yet adopted the currency of the European Community. This is due to the fact that the European Union has introduced economic requirements that the state does not yet meet. In 2012, the Polish government's plans included the issue of switching to the euro. But this never happened, so the transition remained in perspective.

It is worth noting that some parties in Poland are against the transition to the euro currency. They are afraid that the country will lose independence in financial policy.

Polish Currency

Today, the official currency in Poland is the zloty and also the grosz. In trade there are coins with denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groschen. There are banknotes with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 zlotys.

In Poland you can pay with a plastic card. They are very common in the country. But it is desirable that the card be of the international payment system VISA or MasterCard. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs, the network of which is highly developed in the country. And if the bank doesn't charge a fee for using the card in other countries, you won't need cash. But you need to take into account that in small towns there are no ATMs, and you can only pay in cash.

Also, many stores have cash registers where you can pay in euros.

Currency exchange

Tourists arriving in the country can change money directly at the airport, Polish banks, and exchange offices, where a small percentage is charged. When exchanging at private exchange points, you should be careful not to fall for the scams of scammers.

You just need to worry about currency in advance if your arrival falls on a weekend.

Since the exchange offices have a shortened day on Saturday, and the day off is on Sunday. You should not exchange currency with strangers. There is a risk of deception, or they will take a large percentage for the exchange.

It’s worth knowing that you can’t change Belarusian rubles in Poland everywhere, so it’s better to bring foreign currency with you. By the way, some retail establishments in Poland accept euros for payment.

It is allowed to import currency into Poland in unlimited quantities, but if the amount of money is more than ten thousand euros, you must fill out a declaration.

The same rules apply to the export of foreign currency.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

National currency of Poland- Polish zloty PLN. One Polish zloty consists of 100 grosz. You can pay in Poland only national currency.

Each banknote has a specific symbol to help people with low vision recognize its meaning. The banknotes depict former reigning kings of Poland.

Appearance of the currency of Poland

Money in Poland

Cash money in Poland exist in paper bills and coins. Plastic cards in use (preferably debit): Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, car rental companies, etc. Traveler's checks are also accepted almost everywhere.

Answering the question, “ what money to take to Poland?", we can say that the easiest currencies accepted for exchange are € and $. In some supermarkets (TESCO) at special cash desks, which are marked with a EURO icon, you can pay in this currency.

How much money to take to Poland?

Answering the question, “ how much money to take to Poland?", we can say that prices in Poland remain quite low for travelers. Of course, if you are going to rent a car and rent a room in a luxury hotel, it will cost the same as in Western Europe.

Approximate prices in Poland:

  • Liter of gasoline - 1.35 €
  • Car rental per day (without driver) - 40 €
  • Directions to public transport - 1 €
  • Lunch in a cafe per person - 6 €
  • Coca-Cola 1 l - 1 €
  • Vodka 0.5 l - 5 €
  • Cigarettes - 3 €

Currency exchange in Poland

You can exchange currency in Poland at specialized exchange offices (called Kantor or Kantor wymiany walut), who work 7 days a week in big cities. Exchange offices in banks are rare, and besides, the exchange rate there is less favorable.

remember, that Kantors may refuse to exchange if there are any inscriptions or seals on the bills (for example, handwritten numbers).

You can also exchange money at the post office, which is open until 18:00 on weekdays.

Transfer money to Poland

Transferring money to Poland can be done via bank transfer and express money transfers such as Western Union (www.westernunion.com).

Banks of Poland

Majority banks in Poland open from 08:30 to 13:00, central offices open until 17:00, and also on Saturday, but only until 14:00.

Central Bank of Poland is the National Bank of Poland. Also in the country there are smaller national and international banks: Citibank, Bank Przemyslowo-Handlowy, Bank Slaski, ING Barings, Raiffeisen Bank, Millennium Bank, Nordea Bank, HSBC Bank.

Curious to know what the Polish currency is called? Although the country has been in the European Union for 10 years, it still uses its national currency - the Polish zloty. The zloty is used throughout the country, and all payments are made in it. This currency is quite stable. Today the zloty to euro exchange rate is 1:4, and for one dollar they give 30 zlotys.

Monetary unit of Poland: name and a little history

The history of Polish money began about three and a half centuries ago. John II Casimir was the first to mint zlotys as the currency of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The zloty is the monetary unit of Poland. The term itself appeared in the 15th century. This was the name given to all foreign coins entering the country. Probably the word “zloty” originally reflected the essence of the material from which money was made (from Polish zloty). The first coins contained 0.29 grams of pure gold.

U modern man The zloty of the 17th century would have caused bewilderment and shock. After all, in fact it was made of silver, not gold. Initially, they gave about 30 groschen for one zloty. And only from the middle of the 20th century did it begin to cost 100. At the end of the 18th century, paper Polish money, the denomination of which was traditionally expressed in zlotys, began to be printed for the first time.

Zloty today

The following is known about the Polish zloty:

  • The issuer and territory of currency circulation is the Republic of Poland.
  • The modern monetary unit of Poland was introduced in 1924.
  • International designation - PLN.
  • The Polish mark is the predecessor currency.

Banknotes and coins in circulation:

  • Coins that are actively used are: 50, 10, 20, 1, 5 and 2 groschen, as well as 5, 1 and 2 zlotys.
  • Banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20 and 10 zlotys.

The Polish coat of arms is minted on the obverse of the coins, and their denomination is on the reverse.

The rulers of Poland appear on the obverse of the banknotes. On the 100 zloty note - Władysław II Jagiello, on the 10 zloty banknote Mieszko I is depicted, on the 50 zloty note - Casimir III the Great, on the 20 zloty banknote - Bolesław I the Brave.

In 2014, the national bank updated all banknotes. And in 2016, a new monetary unit of Poland came into circulation - 200 zlotys. It depicts Sigismund I the Old. Modern banknotes have the most advanced protective elements.

In 2004, the country became part of the European Union. In the future, it is planned to switch from the national currency to the euro, but for now all payments are made only in zlotys.

Exchange

Do not forget that the monetary unit of Poland is the zloty. And if you are planning to visit this country, you should take reliable currency (euros or dollars) with you, as they are easy to change here. Local exchangers convert any European currency, including hryvnia and rubles. But the exchange rate here is unfavorable, so you may end up losing.

Where can you change currency? Incredible, but true: Polish banks do not change currency. For this purpose, there are many exchange offices, which are called “cantor”. But there is a small problem, because they only work on weekdays (most of them). If you arrive on the weekend, you will most likely be able to change currency at an unfavorable rate. Therefore, it is worth coming to Poland on weekdays, or changing a certain amount of money into zlotys before the trip.

But, before looking for an exchanger, you should look at the website http://zlata.ws/kantory/. Here you can select the city you need, for example Krakow. And then track the exchange rate for that day. It is updated in the morning and evening.

Numismatics

The monetary unit of Poland is highly valued among numismatists. For them, the state mints commemorative coins, and even entire collections.

The “History of the Polish Cavalry” set includes 5 coins. The weight of one coin is slightly more than 8 grams, and the diameter is 27 millimeters. Metal - northern gold (an alloy of aluminum and copper). The set shows the changes in Polish cavalry from the Middle Ages to the period of the First World War.

There is a set “History of the Zloty”. There are only 4 coins in it, but they can be safely attributed specifically to the historical period of Poland.

The “Cruisers” Set is unusual. The coins depict missile boats, destroyers, cruisers, frigates, submarines and transport ships. In general, everything it can boast of Navy Poland.

For all fauna lovers there is the “Animals” set. Here are the latest and relatively inexpensive coins.

Series " Historical cities Poland" was released in 2007. It consists of 32 coins, on which you can see the real pearls of the country, including Plock, Nysa, Bochnia and many other cities.

What is the currency in Poland - many people think about this before traveling to this country. Could this be the euro? After all, Poland is part of the European Union. Indeed, the country plans to switch to the euro, but this has not happened yet. The official currency of Poland has been the zloty since 1924. Traditionally, money in Poland circulates in coins and banknotes. There are coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groschen (1 zloty = 100 groschen), as well as 1, 2 and 5 zloty. Banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 zlotys.

What currency to take to Poland

It is preferable to take dollars or euros from foreign currencies to this country. It is with these currencies that you can make a profitable exchange, while avoiding problems with the exchange. As for the ruble, this is not the most the best option. Even if you manage to find where to exchange the ruble for zloty, the exchange rate will be very unfavorable.
The import of currency into Poland is unlimited, i.e. You can enter any amount of money. However, there are some conditions; when importing an amount of more than 10 thousand euros, you must fill out a declaration. The same rules apply to the export of currency from the country.

Currency exchange in Poland

Tourists have many options for exchanging currency. Local money in Poland can be obtained at airports, banks, exchange offices (it should be taken into account that there are private exchange offices in the country, you need to be careful with them, because you can run into scammers). Also, do not hesitate to ask additional questions, for example – How many zlotys will I receive after the exchange? What is the transaction fee? Etc.

Plastic cards

Bank cards very common in Poland, i.e. There will be no problems with paying for services using the card. Of course, it is preferable to have a card of international payment systems - VISA, MasterCard. There is also a developed network of ATMs where you can withdraw cash. However, if the bank allows you to pay for services in other countries without charging a commission, then you will practically not need cash.
In addition, many stores have separate cash registers where you can pay for purchases in euros.

Why Poland doesn't switch to the euro

Poland joined the EU back in 2004, but has not yet adopted the euro. This is due to the fact that the country does not meet the economic requirements established by the European Union. It was planned to switch to the euro in 2012, but this did not happen; now, according to some data, the transition to the euro is predicted after 2014. It is worth adding that some Polish parties are against the transition to the euro; they explain this by saying that the country will lose independence in financial policy.