Money in Krakow is easy once you know three things: Poland uses the złoty, not the euro; cards work almost everywhere; and you should always pay in złoty when a machine offers to convert the amount. Here is everything a stag group needs to know about paying in Krakow.
The currency: Polish złoty
Poland is in the EU but uses the Polish złoty (PLN, zł). In November 2026 one euro was worth about 4.4 PLN. A few tourist places accept euros, but at a poor rate, so pay in złoty.
Cards and contactless
Cards and phone payments work in almost all bars, restaurants and shops in the centre. Keep some cash for the club cloakroom, small bars, street food and tips.
ATMs: how not to lose money
- When an ATM or card machine asks whether to charge you in your own currency or in PLN, always choose PLN. The machine’s own conversion is more expensive.
- Independent ATMs such as Euronet are common in the Old Town and often push the conversion. Bank ATMs (for example PKO BP, Pekao, Santander, ING or mBank) are usually a better choice.
- Check the fee on the screen before you confirm.
Exchange offices
An exchange office is called a kantor. Rates differ a lot, so compare before you change money, and avoid changing large amounts at the airport.
Tipping
In restaurants a tip of around 10% is normal for good service. In bars, rounding up is enough. Note that in Poland saying “thank you” when you hand over the money can mean “keep the change”.
Money for the whole group
Collecting money from 15 people is one of the jobs the best man hates. Booking the weekend in one place keeps it simple: one deposit, then the rest one month before arrival. See How much does a stag do in Krakow cost? and Krakow stag do cost calculator.
Money in Krakow: FAQ
What currency is used in Krakow?
The Polish złoty (PLN). The euro is not the official currency.
Should I pay in PLN or my own currency?
Always in PLN. If you choose your own currency, the machine converts at a worse rate.
Do I need cash in Krakow?
A little. Cards work almost everywhere, but cash is handy for cloakrooms, small bars and tips.
How do we book?
Send us an inquiry with your dates and group size and we put the whole weekend together. We usually ask for a €100 deposit; for larger groups the deposit can be up to €50 per person (your travel agent confirms the exact amount). The rest is paid one month before arrival.
