Travel Currency Calculator — How Much Money to Take 2026

The amount depends on trip length and daily budget. For a 7-day trip with a PLN 200 daily budget you need PLN 1,400, which at PLN 4.30 per unit gives approx. 325 units. Add a 10–15% reserve for unexpected expenses.

The best rates are usually at online and city-centre exchange offices in Poland. Airport exchange can be 5–10% more expensive. Have some cash before departure and withdraw the rest from ATMs with a multi-currency card.

The commission (spread) is the difference between buy and sell rates. On a PLN 1,400 budget a 1.5% commission costs approx. PLN 21. The larger the amount, the more worthwhile it is to compare exchange offices.

A multi-currency card often gives a near-market rate and is safe. Cash is useful for small expenses and tips. Optimally keep 30–40% of the budget in cash, the rest on card. Always choose settlement in the local currency (avoid DCC).

For safety, do not carry the whole trip amount. Keep cash for 1–2 days of expenses, the rest in a safe or on a card. Split funds between places so losing one does not leave you without money.

In cheaper countries (Balkans, Southeast Asia) PLN 100–150/day is enough, in Western Europe PLN 250–400, and in Scandinavia or Switzerland even PLN 500+. The budget should cover food, transport, attractions and small purchases.

Yes, rates change daily. On longer trips it pays to exchange larger amounts when the rate is favourable. Check the current rate in the NBP table, your bank or an online exchange app just before exchanging.

To estimate how much currency you receive for your zloty budget, enter the office sell rate (the rate at which the office sells you the currency). This is usually higher than the buy rate.

Use bank ATMs rather than independent machines. Reject conversion to PLN (DCC) — choose the local currency. Multi-currency accounts and some personal accounts offer free foreign withdrawals.

The calculator estimates the total budget, the approximate currency amount at the given rate and the commission cost. It does not include hidden spread, ATM fees or rate fluctuations. Treat the result as an indicative starting point.