Poland's official currency is the zloty (Zl), which is divided into 100 groszy. Poland plans to adopt the euro as its national currency, though ambitious plans to do so by 2007 had to be shelved. The many exchange booths around the city, called
kantors, offer consistent, fair rates that are usually just a groszy or two off the official rate.
Kantors in hotels have the poorest exchange rates. ATMs, also abundant in the city, allow you to use a credit card or a bank card to obtain local currency. For security reasons, it's best to use an indoor ATM. You can find indoor ATMs at major hotels and banks.
It's best not to change zloty abroad, as you will be given a very poor rate, and most European banks will not stock zlotys at all. Note that you need to declare any cash or cash equivalents exceeding 18,175 Zl at the border in writing. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture and fines. Lower amounts of foreign money must be declared verbally to the customs officer if asked.
Taxes
A value-added tax (VAT) of 3%, 7% or 22% is imposed on goods and services in Poland. (It's not always easy to determine which goods will have the greater tax levied, but printed materials and folk art generally are taxed at 3% or 7%.) Nonresidents can obtain a tax refund. The easiest way to do so is by shopping at stores with a "Tax-Free Shopping" sign and spending at least 200 Zl in a single purchase. They will issue a Global Refund Check when you make your purchases. Take these checks to the customs office to get them validated—this can be done at the Warsaw airport, or you can ask your hotel concierge to find a convenient office. Prior to departure, present the validated checks at the cash-refund point at the airport. If you plan to visit other European Union countries after Poland, then you can only apply for your refund at your last EU stop.
Tipping
Tip at least 10% in cabs, restaurants and bars. Some restaurants include the tip (
napiwek) in the bill, so check it first. Tip baggage handlers and bellhops at least 5 Zl per bag.
