Official Polish currency ( currency unit) is called zloty. It is equivalent to 100 groschen. Banknotes in circulation in the country come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zlotys. Coins in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 zlotys are widely used. There are also coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groschen. Residents of the country, especially students, due to the low cost of goods, often use coins for daily purchases.

What is zloty?

Since 1995, the Polish currency has been officially called the Polish new zloty. On and in exchange offices It is customary to use the abbreviation PLN. It was in 1995 that the last financial reform in the country was carried out. New banknotes and coins came into use. In accordance with the new legislation, it was decided to carry out exchange transactions at the following rate: 10 thousand old zlotys are equal to 1 new zloty.

After 20 years, many residents of the state still use prices in the old format in conversations. So, 10 million zlotys is only 1 thousand. American dollars and euros are exchanged for zlotys not only in banks and exchange offices, but also in hotels, bus stations, airports and

Poland has been a member of the European Union for almost 20 years, but this fact does not in any way affect the popularity of the national currency. The country is in no hurry to switch to the euro. Polish currency belongs to the category of easily convertible monetary units, and you can freely exchange it for another in almost all countries of the world. Tourists are advised to change euros or dollars not in banks, following European practice, but in special exchange offices. The Polish currency exchange rate there is more attractive. Withdraw funds from Visa cards or Maestro is available at almost any ATM, but sometimes it is much more profitable to pay using cards. When paying for goods or services, conversion will be made at the rate of the tourist’s country.

The name of the Polish currency originated in the 14th-15th centuries. At that time, all foreign gold ducats were called zloty. The first zloty was equal to 60 groschen and was called “polkop”.

Peculiarities

The Polish currency was created with low vision in mind. For this purpose, each banknote has raised symbols that vary depending on the denomination. At 20 zlotys there is a circle, at 50 there is a rhombus, at 100 there is a “+” sign, at 200 there is a triangle. The country's government has repeatedly changed the format of money. If in the XIV-XV centuries, dinars, which replaced the national currency at that time, looked like thick coins, then after a few centuries, the coins became so thin that they even tended to break. In 1924, a new coinage system was approved. For the first time, the zloty was divided into 100 groschen. The cost of the country's currency was estimated at 0.1687 grams of gold.

Polish currency exchange rate today

Today the zloty is almost the most stable domestic Polish zloty, despite the onslaught of the dollar in 2008, successfully survived the crisis.

• 1 euro - 4,020 PLN.
• 1 dollar - 3,775 PLN.
• 1 PLN - 13.1603 rubles.

Currency pairs in which the zloty is present are not very common among small speculators and major players. Low volatility and relative obscurity of the monetary unit are the factors that determined the place of the Polish currency in the country. The state planned to switch to the euro in 2012, but the situation in the world changed all priorities. Only after the state complied with the requirements of the ECB did the zloty become a full participant in the EU financial system. The exchange rate is affected simultaneously by several factors: the general state of affairs in the EU and the sovereign rating of Poland.

The Polish currency is of interest to many people, from those who travel to this country for shopping to those interested in history and collecting coins. Despite the fact that this state is part of the European Union, the euro is not officially used as a currency there, with the exception of some international trade contracts.

The transition to common European money is still only in distant plans, and even then, its implementation remains very vague. Currently, Polish money is called “zloty”. However, this was not always the case, since at different times other forms of money circulated in this territory.

Historical reference

Zlotys and pennies (a small change equal to 1/100 zloty. The emphasis is on the first syllable) were introduced into use in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, as the Polish state was called at that time, quite a long time ago. However, it is also interesting to know what currency Poland had before. So, before the introduction of zlotys, the following took part in commodity-money exchange:

• Polish mark, also known as hryvnia. Equal to 0.21 kg. silver
• Cops. They were borrowed from the neighboring Czech Republic and were equivalent to 0.253 kg of silver.
• Krakow hryvnia. Corresponded to approximately 0.198 kg. silver
• Groshi (as a separate means of payment, at that time not associated with the Zloty).

The very name “zloty” began to appear around the 15th century, mainly to designate coins that were minted abroad, mainly ducats. By the way, it is interesting that in the then Rus' they were called “golden”, which is very consonant with a similar Polish word. Throughout much of history, 1 zł. equaled first 12, and then 30 grosz, and not 100, as in our days.

As for Polish paper money, they first appeared towards the end of the 18th century. Although, it is worth noting that in those days it was metal minted coins that continued to be the most in demand and often used in calculations. It should be noted that this happened after the Partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. That part of the country that became part of the Russian Empire retained the previous Polish currency called the zloty. At the same time, the territories that became part of Prussia began to use the mark.

More or less modern look and general meaning Poland acquired the official currency already in the 20th century. So, it was at the beginning of the last century that the ratio to a penny began to be 1/100 instead of 1/30, as it was before. After World War I and the collapse of the Russian Empire, Poland regained its independence. Government new country began to take measures to normalize the economic situation and stabilize the monetary unit, which had previously been subject to high inflation. Quite stringent measures were introduced, in particular, the import of goods from other countries was significantly limited and steps were taken to increase exports. This yielded results. However, beginning in 1939 II World War canceled out all the efforts of the Polish government and economists.

After the end of the war, a socialist system was established in the country, which, closer to the 1980s, began to experience a deep systemic crisis. Inflation increased and shortages of goods began to arise. All this gradually led to the fall of the Communist Party and the advent of new, market relations in the early 1990s. Of course, this could not but affect the national Polish currency.

However, after successfully carried out reforms the situation stabilized quite quickly. The currency that is now in use in Poland in 2017 was introduced in 1995. At the same time, a redenomination was carried out, during which 4 zeros were removed from the days of the old banknotes. After the country's admission to European Union Talk began that Poland should gradually introduce a common European currency, the euro. However, this has not yet been implemented.

Information about monetary units

Attention! You can see what Polish money in circulation today looks like, not the old ones, in the photo from official website People's Polish Bank.

Money in Poland that is currently in circulation has the following division:

• Coins in denominations of 1, 2, 10, 20, 50 groschen, as well as 1, 2, 5 zloty.

• Banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zlotys. Since 2017, a PLN 500 banknote has been introduced.

It is important to remember that today a significant part of cash payments are carried out through plastic payment cards. More and more people are using international bank cards VISA systems and Master Card, denominated in Polish zloty. With their help, you can pay in supermarkets, and, in principle, anywhere else. However, if necessary, you can withdraw cash from any ATM or bank branch.

Exchange operations

If you arrive in Poland from abroad, you often need to exchange foreign currency(dollars, euros, etc.) with local money. It should be understood that some exchange offices, especially those not related to well-known banks, will charge an additional commission for the exchange. So, be careful.

It is not always an easy task to exchange money on the weekend. The fact is that Saturday is a short day at many exchange offices, and on Sunday they, as a rule, do not work. The exception is airports, train stations and other places where tourists and visitors gather in large numbers. So, if you are planning to come to Poland on Saturday or Sunday, it is advisable to buy some zlotys in your country in advance. Also, take a plastic card.

Important! You can import into or export from the territory of Poland any amount of foreign or national currency. However, if the amount exceeds 10 thousand euros, you will have to fill out a declaration.

collecting coins

Numismatists are not interested in what money is in Poland today, but rather what it was like before. In addition, many of them are interested in commemorative and anniversary series produced specifically for collectors. Polish collectible coins are of high value and are highly valued by experts.

Polish money is represented by paper bills and coins of various denominations. Despite the fact that Poland is a member of the European Union, the state did not change its currency to the euro, although in some places you can find price tags in euros. Foreigners can bring no more than 10 thousand euros per person into the country.

Historical reference

The modern Polish currency was introduced in 1924. Name of money: zloty and penny. The predecessor of the zloty was the Polish mark and kopa.

In the 11th century, one mark was equivalent to 210 grams of silver. In the 14th century, it was replaced by the Krakow hryvnia, which was equal to 198 g of silver. In the same century, the hryvnia was supplemented by the kopa, which was borrowed from the Czech Republic along with Prague groschen. The hryvnia was equal to 48 Polish groschen, and the copa - 60 groschen.

Zlotys appeared around the 15th century. At that time, this was the name given to foreign minted gold coins.

Immediately the zloty was equal to 12-14 silver groschen. Gradually, the amount of silver in groschens decreased; by the middle of the 15th century, the zloty was already equal to 30 groschens. The value of the latter continued to decline, but in 1496 the Polish Sejm approved the ratio of zloty to grosz – 1:30.

Today zlotys are paper bills in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Modern coins are pennies, in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50.

If on paper banknotes princes and kings are depicted, the coins have the coat of arms of Poland stamped on the obverse side, and the denomination on the reverse side. Polish zlotys in denominations of 1, 2, 5 are also represented by coins.

What currency is better to take to Poland?

At the legislative level, the circulation of currencies other than the national one is prohibited in Poland. You can find price tags in euros, but you will only have to pay in zlotys. Only some places can accept euros, but this is rather an exception to the rule.

From the point of view of what kind of money to take to Poland, the choice is simple: definitely zlotys or euros and dollars.

It is profitable to carry the latter only if you already have them. There is no point in making a double exchange. It is better then to immediately exchange the national currency for zlotys in your country.

Exchange offices where other currencies are exchanged are quite rare. In addition, you will lose a lot on the course.

All currency exchange options in Poland

The country is economically stable, therefore sharp jumps there is no exchange rate, only minor fluctuations are observed. But on holidays, weekends and at night the zloty can cost 20% more.

Exchange foreign exchange transactions In Poland, private exchange offices (cantors) also operate. No documents are required. Buying national currency from private individuals is dangerous and illegal.

The euros are most readily exchanged because they are the EU currency. At the bank you can buy zlotys for any currency. Cantors are limited to only the most popular currency exchanges.

There are exchange offices in all places that are most often visited by tourists, as well as at train stations and shopping centers.

They work from 9 or 10 o'clock in the morning until 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening. Offices are closed on holidays and weekends. There are some that operate 24/7. They increase the rate at night and on non-working days.

When changing money, pay attention to what zlotys look like. Wrinkled or torn banknotes may not be accepted.

The course at the offices is usually more profitable. Just before exchanging, always check what rate is indicated on the board (purchases or sales), and whether there are restrictions on the amount. At some exchange offices small amounts can be exchanged at a less favorable rate.

Remittance

If you urgently need a certain amount in Poland, your relatives or friends can transfer you euros or dollars. There are several options for how to do this remittance to Poland from another country. This can be an interbank transfer, using a specialized system that does not require a bank account, or through electronic payments.

The last two options are considered the simplest. The speed of money delivery is from several minutes to one day. If the transfer will be carried out using international systems ( Western Union, MoneyGram and others), then detailed information about tariffs can be found on the official websites.

To transfer money using electronic payment systems, the recipient must have a wallet in this system. You can even make transfers from your mobile phone.

About methods of international transfers Money and the use of electronic payment systems is described in more detail in the article ““.

It is worth considering that in all transfer options there are one-time or daily limits on the transfer amount. You can also clarify this information on the Internet resource.

Financial institutions in Poland

Now it is important that service at the bank is comfortable. There are two main convenience parameters:

1. Possibility of opening an account for a foreigner.
2. Availability of Internet banking.

Almost all Polish banks provide online banking services and work with foreigners. Only the conditions for opening accounts and cards differ.

It should be understood that in Polish financial institutions The concepts of account and card are separated.

For example, if you need to transfer money, you must indicate the account number. And the card is just a way to access the account. There may be several cards for one account or one for several accounts.

All Polish banks have offices in Warsaw. Their branches have also been opened in other cities of the country. The following financial institutions operate in Poland:

• ING Bank Sląski,
• Millennium,
• Pekao Bank
• PKO Bank,
• Bank Zachodni WBK,
• Alior Bank,
• Raiffeisen Polbank,
• Bank BGŻ BNP Paribas,
• Idea Bank,
• Credit Agricole Bank Polska,
• Bank Handlowy (Citi), etc.

Banks offer more attractive conditions within Poland, while rates abroad are not as favorable.

ATMs and cashless payments

In order not to carry large amounts of cash, many tourists prefer to take credit or debit cards. This is very convenient, but first you need to find out from your bank whether your card is serviced abroad. It is also worth understanding that Bank operations in another country will entail additional expenses.

When paying by card in a store or hotel, a double currency conversion occurs. Commonly used bank rate and an additional conversion fee will apply. At ATMs there is also a double conversion, the commission is about 3%. Polish ATMs issue zlotys, very rarely euros. any currency equivalent to more than 10 thousand euros per person, he will have to fill out a declaration. You can carry any amount on a bank card. Such rules have been in force in Poland for a long time; in 2019, nothing has changed in this regard.

Summarize

Today in Poland zlotys and pennies are used. It will not be possible to pay in another currency.

A more favorable exchange rate is offered by offices that are located at every train station and in places where there are large concentrations of tourists.

At exchange offices you can convert common currencies: euros and dollars. Other banknotes can only be exchanged in banks.

When calculating by bank card Additional fees may apply and currency will be converted at the bank rate.

The citizens of this country decided not to give up their national currency, thereby demonstrating its viability.

The formation of the zloty

The first mention of the zloty dates back to the middle of the 15th century. At that time, the state used a different currency - the hryvnia, equal to 48 groschen. But over time, the zloty began to come into use. It was the equivalent of a Venetian ducat worth 30 groschen. In fact, the zloty was then considered the popular name for the golden ducat. During economic reforms Since the 16th century, the monetary unit of Poland received an official name. It became known as the zloty.

Initially, this monetary sign was equal to 12 groschen, but since the state began to save on the silver contained in coins, the rate increased to 30. Over time, its value changed, it became equal to 50 groschen. The history of the zloty is directly related to the formation of the state. Therefore, the Polish currency has undergone many trials. The creation and collapse of wars of conquest by other states - all this agitated the zloty, either depreciating or raising its value. And the introduction of other currencies in this territory did not stop the minting and circulation of the zloty. With the advent of Russian hegemony, and with it Russian ruble, circulation and minting of the national currency continued. Only in this case the coin had an image of the profile of Alexander I or

In 1918, the Poles decided to get rid of all the currencies that had flooded their market, inherited from countries during the First World War. A local brand was introduced into use, but it did not last long. Six years later, the monetary unit of Poland is again the zloty. This time it was equal to 100 groschen.

And even during the years of the occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany, occupation zlotys were in circulation in the country, which actually preserved the previous design. But coins began to be minted from an alloy of zinc and iron.

New history of the zloty

Literally after the liberation of Poland from fascist occupation, new banknotes were issued into circulation. Later they were reissued, and only in 1950 the zloty was denominated at a ratio of 100:1. New coins are also introduced during this period.

From 1974 to 1991, due to the growing economic crisis The zloty depreciated, which led to the appearance of banknotes in denominations of 5000, and later 1 million and 2 million zlotys. Coins also came under attack, changing the minting material from brass to cheaper aluminum.

Modern Poland was introduced in 1995. At the same time, the zloty was denominated 10,000 times.

The circulation of old banknotes and coins continued until the end of 1996, and then they were exchanged in banks for new ones until 2011.

Modern zloty quotes

Since the zloty is not a world reserve currency, its circulation is limited only to Poland. Despite the fact that the state is a member of the European Union, all financial transactions within the country are carried out in the national currency - zloty. It, as before, is equal to 100 groschen, which are minted in denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 units. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 zlotys were also issued.

In general, today the Polish currency is quite stable on the world market. Its exchange rate against the American dollar is slightly less than 4 zlotys per dollar, but it already costs a little over 4.

Should I take dollars to Poland?

Despite the fact that the zloty is the only monetary unit in Poland, if you travel to the country, it is advisable to take euros or American dollars. Their exchange can be easily done without commission at specialized points, which, as a rule, are located in crowded places and have convenient opening hours.

The monetary unit of Poland has a very symbolic name, reflecting the essence of the time when the zloty was born. The name of the unit represented the gold minted coins that came to Poland from foreign countries. In the 14th century, Poland followed suit and began issuing a national unit in the form of gold ducats.

At first, the zloty reflected the essence of the material from which it was made. The name of the unit spread throughout the country and was preserved even at the moment when zlotys began to be exchanged for silver pennies.

Over time, the quality of the pennies dropped significantly, and the actual silver content dwindled. Therefore, restrictions were introduced, after which 1 zloty was equal to 30 groszy. At the end of the 15th century, “zloty” was the name of the national currency, where shape and metal no longer mattered.

The origins of the zloty

The first minting of zlotys in the form of silver coins was carried out in 1564; the monetary unit became more widespread during the reign of John II Casimir (1663). At that time, one zloty was equal to 12 groschen. Moreover, out of a 6.7 gram coin, the silver part was only 3 grams.

The silver coin received its name from the name of its author – “tymf”. However, the tymph did not provide adequate stability and fell out of circulation in 1776.

At the same time it was carried out currency reform, thanks to which the state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth switched to a new unit of circulation - the Cologne foot. The silver content was more than 200 g.

For convenience, it was divided into 10 thalers, which in turn were divided into 8 zlotys. A more developed national currency system led to the creation of a mint located in Warsaw.

The next stage in the historical course of the zloty is its minting in the Kingdom of Poland, which was part of the Russian Empire. The following coins were in circulation:

1. copper coins in denominations of 1 and 3 groschen;
2. coins with a face value of 5.10 zlotys cast from a billon;
3. silver coins;
4. gold coins in denominations of 25 and 50 zlotys.

The Polish zloty underwent significant changes when the Kościuszko Uprising was organized. In 1794, the first paper money was issued for an amount exceeding 6 million zlotys.

The silver standard flourished in Poland and the economy was in a dynamic state. Therefore, in 1815, zlotys became the official monetary unit, which had a fixed exchange rate to the ruble.

Free Krakow and its national currency

From 1815 to 1846, Krakow bore the title of a free city, but after 1846 it was influenced by Austria and incorporated into it. This was accompanied by the release of new coins, both silver and gold. New currency did not live up to expectations and quickly went out of circulation.

In the first years after the end of the First World War, Poland's economy had unfavorable prospects. In addition to national coins, monetary units of neighboring states were in circulation, which undermined the Polish economy.

In order to regulate the situation, zlotys were replaced by the Polish mark. The next stage in the development of the monetary unit was the Polish-Russian war for the right to own the territories of Ukraine. This led to a sharp increase in costs, which National economy wasn't ready.

After the armistice, Poland suffered a wave of inflation. The Polish mark rapidly increased, its ratio became equal to 100 groszy, although previously this value was within 30 groszy.

Beginning in 1924, the zloty was reintroduced into circulation, with the main monetary unit pegged to the dollar. However, this did not help reduce the rate of inflation, so in addition to zlotys, securities, which were also in circulation.

Series of coins and banknotes:

Reform period

Pilsudski's reforms had a huge impact on the development of the zloty, thanks to which the Bank of Poland was under close state control, and the external debt taken from America allowed the situation to stabilize for some time.

Beginning in 1925, the zloty began to depreciate again, but by the end of 1926 it had become a relatively stable currency. Until 1933, there was a heyday for the zloty, which was freely exchanged for foreign currency and gold. The only factor hindering the development of the country was the somewhat overvalued currency exchange rate.

The following commemorative coins were issued at this time:

• 5 zloty coin, issued in 1930;
• 10 zloty coin, issued in 1933;
• silver coins in denominations of 2, 5, 10 zlotys, issued in 1932.

Modern history details

In 1944 These include socialist banknotes that did not catch on and were quickly replaced by post-war coins. In 1974, Poland issues a series of new coins, which began to quickly depreciate, the country is again engulfed by a wave of inflation.