💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Krakow: card acceptance by neighborhood, where to find ATMs and fair-rate kantors, how to pay for trams, and what to carry for market visits and day trips. For Poland-wide ATM advice, DCC warnings, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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Order PLN → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Krakow?
Not much. Krakow is surprisingly card-friendly. Poland has embraced contactless payments faster than most of Western Europe, and even small businesses, milk bars (bar mleczny), and street food vendors often accept cards. You could spend days in Krakow using only your card. Carrying zł50–100 (about $12–25) covers the rare cash-only situation.
Where You Might Need Cash
Stary Kleparz market stalls (some produce and flower vendors prefer cash). Plac Nowy zapiekanka (open-face baguette) stands in Kazimierz (most now take cards, but a few holdouts remain). Public restrooms (zł1–2 at tourist sites and the train station). Street performers and buskers. Church donations and candle lighting. Some older taxis (always ask before getting in).
Where Cards Work Fine
Restaurants and cafes across all neighborhoods, including small ones. Milk bars (bar mleczny, traditional cheap canteens). Hotels and hostels. Museums (Wawel Castle, Rynek Underground, Schindler's Factory). Trams and buses (contactless tap on the validator). Supermarkets (Biedronka, Żabka, Carrefour). Uber and Bolt (card via app). Shops on Floriańska and Grodzka streets. Card acceptance in Krakow is on par with or better than cities like Prague or Budapest.
Paying by Card in Krakow
Card acceptance is excellent. Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. Amex is accepted at hotels and larger restaurants but often declined at smaller spots. Contactless (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is the standard payment method. Poland uses the zloty (PLN), not the euro, so make sure your card has no foreign transaction fees for the best deal.
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
The historic center around Rynek Główny (Main Square) has excellent card acceptance. Restaurants, cafes, and bars around the square and along Floriańska, Grodzka, and Szewska streets all take cards. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) souvenir stalls accept cards (with occasional minimums). St. Mary's Basilica (zł15 tower climb, card accepted) and Rynek Underground Museum (zł28, card accepted) take cards.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
Krakow's trendiest neighborhood has excellent card acceptance at its many restaurants, bars, cafes, and vintage shops. Plac Nowy (New Square) has the famous zapiekanka stands, most of which now accept cards. The Old Synagogue (zł15) and Galicia Jewish Museum (zł18) accept cards. The Saturday flea market around Plac Nowy is more cash-dependent for small purchases.
Wawel Hill
Wawel Castle has multiple exhibitions with separate tickets (zł25–40 each, card accepted at ticket offices or online). The Wawel Cathedral (zł15) accepts cards. The Dragon's Den (zł5) accepts cash only at the bottom exit. The souvenir shops and cafes near the castle accept cards.
Podgórze & Schindler's Factory
The neighborhood across the river has the Schindler's Factory Museum (zł28, book online with card, often sold out). MOCAK contemporary art museum (zł14, card accepted). Restaurants and cafes along ulica Kalwaryjska and Plac Bohaterów Getta accept cards. The Ghetto Heroes Square memorial chairs are free to visit.
Stary Kleparz Market
The covered market north of the Old Town has a mix. Larger food stalls, meat counters, and cheese vendors accept cards. Smaller produce vendors, flower sellers, and the very cheapest stalls may prefer cash for purchases under zł10–15. The market is great for picnic supplies and local food at lower prices than the Old Town. Bring zł20–50 for a market visit.
Galeria Krakowska & Malls
Galeria Krakowska (connected to the main train station) is fully card-friendly: shops, restaurants, cinema, and supermarket. Galeria Bonarka and Galeria Kazimierz shopping centers are also fully card-friendly. Supermarkets inside the malls (Carrefour, Auchan) accept contactless for any amount.
Where to Exchange Money in Krakow
The Poland guide covers exchange strategy in detail. In Krakow, the best exchange rates are at kantors (exchange offices) on side streets, not on the main square.
Best Kantors
Look for kantors on ulica Szewska, ulica Sławkowska, and ulica Grodzka (one or two streets off the main square). Compare rates at two or three before exchanging. Good kantors display tight buy/sell spreads. Exchange enough for a few days at a time rather than small amounts frequently.
⚠ Avoid These Exchange Traps
The kantors directly on Rynek Główny (the main square) and at the airport give rates 10–15% worse than side-street kantors. Some tourist-area kantors advertise "0% commission" but hide the markup in the rate. Always check how many zloty you will receive per dollar or euro before agreeing. If the rate seems too good on the sign outside, the fine print may show a different rate for amounts under $500.
ATMs in Krakow
For Poland-wide ATM advice and DCC warnings, see the Poland guide.
Look for these logos. Polish bank ATMs generally do not charge fees on their end.
PKO BP
Pekao
mBank
INGWhere to Find ATMs
Bank ATMs are found throughout the Old Town, on Grodzka, Floriańska, and near the train station. Galeria Krakowska (inside the station) has ATMs from multiple banks. In Kazimierz, ATMs are along ulica Starowiślna and near Plac Nowy. Always withdraw in zloty (PLN) and decline DCC.
⚠ Avoid Euronet ATMs
Bright yellow and blue Euronet ATMs are clustered around the main square, train station, and Kazimierz. They charge zł15–25 in withdrawal fees and aggressively push DCC, which adds another 5–10% markup. Polish bank ATMs are a short walk away and charge no fees.
Paying for Trams, Buses & Taxis
MPK Trams & Buses
Krakow has an efficient tram and bus network. A 20-minute single ticket costs zł4. A 50-minute ticket costs zł6. A 24-hour pass costs zł17. Buy at ticket machines at tram stops (coins and cards), at kiosks (Relay, Kolporter), or through the mKKM or Jakdojade app (credit card). You can also tap a contactless bank card directly on the validator when boarding (charged at the 20-minute rate). Validate your ticket immediately after boarding.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Uber and Bolt are the best way to get taxis in Krakow. Both accept card payment through the app. A ride from the Old Town to the airport costs roughly zł60–90. Traditional taxis should use meters (look for the official city taxi sign). If taking a traditional taxi, confirm they accept cards before getting in. Avoid unmarked taxis at the train station and airport.
Airport Transfers
Krakow Airport (KRK) is 11 km west of the center. Train: zł12 to Główny station, 20 minutes (buy at machines, card accepted). Bus 208/252: zł6, 40 minutes. Uber/Bolt: zł60–90, card via app. Taxi: zł80–120 (metered, ask about card acceptance). The train is the best option for the center.
Tipping in Krakow
The Poland guide covers Polish tipping norms. At restaurants, 10% is standard for good service. Tell the server your total including tip when paying (e.g., if the bill is zł85, say "sto" for zł100). At cafes and bars, rounding up is sufficient. Tour guides (Auschwitz, Wieliczka) appreciate zł20–50 per person. Hotel porters expect zł5–10 per bag. Tip in cash when possible.
Prices in Krakow
Krakow is one of Europe's best-value destinations. Even the tourist-center restaurants are affordable by Western European standards. Move one street off the main square and prices drop further.
| Item | Price (PLN) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Beer (0.5L, bar) | zł10–18 | $2.50–4.50 |
| Zapiekanka (Plac Nowy) | zł12–20 | $3–5 |
| Obwarzanek (pretzel ring) | zł2–4 | $0.50–1 |
| Milk bar lunch (bar mleczny) | zł15–25 | $3.75–6.25 |
| Restaurant lunch | zł30–50 | $7.50–12.50 |
| Dinner (mid-range, with drinks) | zł60–120 | $15–30 |
| Tram single ticket (20 min) | zł4 | $1 |
| 24-hour transport pass | zł17 | $4.25 |
| Wawel Castle exhibition | zł25–40 | $6.25–10 |
| Schindler's Factory | zł28 | $7 |
| Rynek Underground Museum | zł28 | $7 |
| Wieliczka Salt Mine tour | zł120–140 | $30–35 |
| Auschwitz guided tour | zł100–130 | $25–32.50 |
| Train to airport | zł12 | $3 |
USD estimates based on approximately zł4 = $1. Rates fluctuate. Main square restaurants charge 30–50% more than side-street equivalents.
Day Trips from Krakow
Auschwitz-Birkenau (1.5 hours by bus)
Entry is free, but a guided tour (zł100–130, book at visit.auschwitz.org with card) is strongly recommended and often required in peak season. Organized tour packages (transport + guide) cost zł150–250 (book online with card). Independent minibuses from the main bus station cost zł30–50 each way (cash or card at the counter). The on-site cafeteria and bookshop accept cards. Book well in advance.
Wieliczka Salt Mine (30 minutes by train/bus)
Bus 304 from Galeria Krakowska or a short train ride (zł5–8). The mine tour costs zł120–140 (book online with card at wieliczka-saltmine.com, or buy at the entrance with card). Tours are in multiple languages and last about 2.5 hours. The underground gift shop and restaurant accept cards. A souvenir made of salt makes a unique gift.
Zakopane & Tatra Mountains (2 hours by bus)
FlixBus or PKS bus from the main bus station costs zł15–30 each way (card online or at the counter). Zakopane's main street (Krupówki) is a bustling pedestrian area with restaurants and shops that accept cards. The Gubalkówka funicular (zł20 return) and Kasprowy Wierch cable car (zł80–100 return) accept cards. Oscypek (smoked cheese) from street vendors is cash (zł5–15). Bring zł50–100 for a mountain day.
Krakow Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town dining | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Even small restaurants take cards |
| Kazimierz bars | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Trendy neighborhood, fully card-friendly |
| Wawel Castle | ✅ Everywhere | zł5 Dragon's Den | Book online to skip queues |
| Stary Kleparz market | ✅ Most / ❌ Small stalls | zł20–50 | Smallest vendors prefer cash |
| Tram / bus | ✅ Contactless tap | Not needed | Tap bank card on validator |
| Auschwitz day trip | ✅ Book online | zł20–50 backup | Book well in advance |
| Wieliczka Salt Mine | ✅ Book online | Not needed | Gift shop takes cards too |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Krakow?
Not much. Krakow is very card-friendly. Poland has embraced contactless payments, and even small shops, milk bars, and street food vendors often accept cards. The main exceptions are some market stalls, street performers, and public restrooms. Carrying zł50–100 (about $12–25) covers most cash situations.
What currency does Krakow use?
Poland uses the Polish zloty (PLN), not the euro. As of 2026, 1 USD equals roughly 4 PLN. Do not exchange money at the airport or at the kantors on the main square, which give poor rates. The best rates are at kantors on side streets like Szewska, Sławkowska, or Grodzka. ATMs dispense zloty and offer fair rates if you decline DCC.
How do I pay for trams and buses in Krakow?
Buy tickets at machines at tram stops (coins and cards accepted), at kiosks, or through the mKKM or Jakdojade app (credit card). A 20-minute single ticket costs zł4. A 24-hour pass costs zł17. You can also tap a contactless bank card directly on the validator when boarding. Validate your ticket immediately after boarding.
How much does it cost to visit Auschwitz from Krakow?
Entry is free, but guided tours (zł100–130) are strongly recommended and can be booked at visit.auschwitz.org with a card. Organized tour packages (transport + guide) cost zł150–250 (book online). Independent minibuses cost zł30–50 each way. The on-site cafeteria and bookshop accept cards. Book well in advance.
Where should I exchange money in Krakow?
At kantors on side streets away from the main square. Good kantors are on ulica Szewska, Sławkowska, and Grodzka. Compare rates at two or three before exchanging. Avoid the kantors directly on Rynek Główny and at the airport, which give 10–15% worse rates. ATMs are a good alternative if you decline DCC.
Is Krakow expensive?
No. Krakow is one of Europe's best-value cities. A beer costs zł10–18 ($2.50–4.50). A milk bar lunch costs zł15–25 ($3.75–6.25). A sit-down dinner with drinks runs zł60–120 ($15–30). Museum entry is zł15–40 ($3.75–10). Budget zł200–400 ($50–100) per day for comfortable sightseeing with meals.
Which ATMs should I use in Krakow?
PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, and mBank ATMs are reliable. Always withdraw in zloty (PLN), not your home currency. Declining DCC saves you 5–10%. Avoid Euronet ATMs around the main square and train station, which charge high fees and push DCC. Polish bank ATMs generally charge no fees.
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