Finding currency exchange in Gdansk
Finding currency exchange in Gdansk is easy, as there are many of them thorough the city. There are some in the shopping malls, Old Town and of course at the airport. However, there are places where changing money may make your stay in Gdansk very expensive.
What money should you bring to Gdansk
First of all, the currency we use in Gdansk – just like in the whole of Poland, is Zloty (PLN). It is sometimes referred to as Polish New Zloty, as we had a denomination in 1995, but the word “New” doesn’t officially appear either on the coins or on the banknotes. Some big supermarkets, fuel stations and souvenir shops accept EUR – but the rate is significantly worse and you will receive the change in PLN. It doesn’t matter if you bring EUR, USD or GBP to change it. All of them are exchangeable and spread is similar – you can change it into PLN in any money exchange. But if you don’t want to change money into PLN, and just pay with cash – it is only possible in EUR, and only in big supermarkets. It is also very difficult to change coins – and even if it’s possible, the rate is significantly worse than for banknotes.
Changing money in the street
You should never, absolutely never change money in the street. Actually, it’s very unlikely that you are approached to change money, but if you are, just go away. There are plenty of currency exchanges, and in most of them, the spreads are reasonable. It’s not worth risking your money for 2 more groszes for one EUR or USD. Money exchange in the street is risky, avoid it.
Old Polish Zloty
One more reason to avoid changing money in the street is the denomination that took place in Poland in 1995. You might be offered old banknotes that are worth nothing. Be careful also when you buy something in the street and check if the change you get is in proper banknotes.
Changing money at the airport
Although it is tempting to get to the city with PLN in your pocket, changing money at the airport in Gdansk (as at most airports in Poland) is a bad idea. The rates may be even 30% worse than in any currency exchange in Gdansk centre, so you’ll get about 3,5 PLN for one EUR compared to 4,5 PLN in the city. Believe me, unless you really have to, don’t use airport currency exchange. And if you have to, change as little as possible. You shouldn’t worry about how to get to the city without money – there is a ticket machine that accepts cards, and most of the taxis accept cards too. And you can download any taxi app that allows you to pay for the taxi with your card. More on how to get to the city centre.
Some low-reputation money change office
Although there is competition between currency exchanges in the city, you should still be aware that some of them may use tricks to rip you off. Most common is advertising a good rate, but with the small printed “over 1000 EUR”, or advertising only “sell” rate, and buying your currency at the hidden, ridiculously low rate. Always check the National Bank currency rates. Spread around 2-2,5% is quite common and you should be able to change money at this rate. There is no commission on changing money in Poland.
Where to change money
We would not recommend a specific currency exchange in Gdansk. Actually, it’s easier to write where not to change money. Avoid changing money at the airport and in Main/Old Town. Exchanges in the Shopping Centres usually have decent rates, as well as most of those located in the Wrzeszcz district.
Use Revolut card
Instead of bringing EUR to Poland, why don’t you consider opening Revolut account? It’s free unless you want to use Premium options, and it offers better rates you can find anywhere in the city. You may pay in almost every currency with almost no spread and withdraw money from every ATM (about 200 EUR without commission, then 2%). You will not need to look for currency exchange in Gdansk or other cities in Poland, Europe and even in the World.
All you need to do is open Revolut account here. If you want more information about the card, read our article on Revolut card.