Money in Krakow: Złoty, Cards, ATMs and What to Tip
Money in Krakow runs on the złoty, Poland’s own currency — the country hasn’t adopted the euro, which catches some first-time visitors off guard. Cards are widely accepted, cash still matters in specific situations, and tipping norms differ from what many Western visitors expect. This post sits alongside our full guide to getting to Krakow and the practical things to know and covers the practical basics.
Złoty, Not Euros
Poland’s currency is the złoty (PLN), and despite EU membership, it hasn’t switched to the euro. Some tourist-facing businesses near the Main Square occasionally accept euros at a poor exchange rate, but you’ll do noticeably better paying in złoty everywhere, using a card or withdrawing local currency rather than relying on euro cash.
Cards Versus Cash
Contactless card payment is standard across Krakow, including at markets, milk bars, and most small businesses, so you can comfortably rely on a card for the bulk of spending. Cash still matters for a handful of situations: some very small or older establishments, certain public toilets, and tipping, where cash is generally preferred over adding a tip to a card payment.
Withdrawing Cash and Avoiding Bad Exchange Rates
ATMs are widespread, and withdrawing from a bank-affiliated machine gets a fair exchange rate. It’s worth avoiding the standalone currency exchange kiosks and dynamic currency conversion prompts (the option to be charged in your home currency instead of złoty) that some ATMs and card terminals offer — both tend to carry a worse effective rate than a straightforward złoty transaction.
What to Tip in Krakow
Tipping in restaurants generally runs around 10%, and it’s appreciated but not as rigidly expected as in the US. Rounding up or leaving small change is normal for cafés and casual spots. For tour guides and drivers, a modest cash tip is a nice gesture rather than an obligation, and most locals wouldn’t consider it strictly required.
What Locals Notice
What locals notice about visitor money habits is how often people over-tip out of unfamiliarity with local norms, or under-prepare by assuming euros will work everywhere. Krakow residents tip modestly and pay by card for almost everything, reserving cash mainly for markets and casual spots.
Getting Złoty Before You Land
It’s rarely worth buying złoty before arrival — home-country exchange counters typically offer worse rates than a Krakow ATM will. Arriving with a small amount of cash or none at all and withdrawing on arrival, using a bank-affiliated machine rather than the branded exchange kiosks near the airport arrivals hall, is the more cost-effective approach for most travellers.
Quick Money Reference
- Currency: złoty (PLN), not euros — pay in local currency for the best rate
- Cards: widely accepted, safe to rely on for most spending
- Cash: worth carrying for tipping, small vendors, and some toilets
- Tipping: around 10% at restaurants, modest and optional for guides and drivers
What to Read Next
- Getting to Krakow and Practical Things to Know: the full pillar guide
- How Much Does a Trip to Krakow Cost? A Realistic Daily Budget
Does Krakow use the euro?
No. Poland’s currency is the złoty (PLN). Some tourist businesses near the Main Square accept euros, but at a poor exchange rate, so paying in złoty is almost always better.
How much should you tip in Krakow?
Around 10% at restaurants is standard and appreciated, though not as rigidly expected as in the US. Rounding up at cafés and casual spots is normal.
Can you use a card everywhere in Krakow?
Mostly, yes — contactless payment is standard. It’s still worth carrying some cash for tipping, small vendors, and certain public toilets.
Plan your visit: Google Maps
