Practical information

Passport and Visa

  • Poland is a member state of the European Union and a member of Schengen Area.
    All international visitors from non-EU countries must present a valid passport when entering and may be required for Visa.
  • Relevant information can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland website.
    • The list of Visa-free countries is available here.
    • Detail Visa for Schengen Area information can be found here.
  • A letter of invitation can be provided upon request - see Registration section.

Currency and payments

  • The Polish currency is zloty (zl). Its international code is PLN.
  • 1 zloty = 100 groszy (gr).
    There are banknotes: 200 zl, 100 zl, 50 zl, 20 zl, 10 zl
    and coins: 5 zl, 2 zl, 1 zl, 50 gr, 20 gr, 10 gr, 5 gr, 2 gr, 1 gr (see Banknotes and coins).
  • Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airports, hotel receptions, banks and in small exchange offices called "kantor".
  • Please be aware that the rates at some exchange offices may be unfavorable, especially in tourist areas or at the airports. A list of rates at some exchange offices in Krakow can be found on the Quantor website.
  • Coarse exchange rates of PLN are:
    • 1 EUR ≈ 4.25 PLN
    • 1 USD ≈ 3.75 PLN
  • Current average exchange rates can be found on the National Bank of Poland website.
  • International credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, Eurocard) are accepted in a majority of hotels, shops and restaurants, and can be used in most ATMs (called "bankomat").

Public transport in Krakow
Private car in Krakow

Emergencies

  • The general emergency telephone number in Poland is 112.
  • Police: 997
  • Ambulance: 999
  • Fire brigade: 998
  • City guards: 986
  • Medical information: +48 12 661 22 40