Whether you call it withdrawing money, using the ATM, or “getting some cash,” it can be tricky to figure out where to do it abroad without paying unnecessary extra fees — especially in countries that don’t use the Euro.
Don’t worry: here’s exactly where to withdraw cash in Krakow and which ATMs to avoid.
Avoid the First ATM at the Airport
When you arrive at John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice, you’ll probably spot an ATM right away.
Don’t use it. These are often operated by Euronet, a private ATM network that charges high commissions — sometimes up to 13% more than you should be paying.
Instead:
- Head to a bank-operated ATM.
- At Krakow Airport, you’ll find Bank Pekao on Level +1 in the passenger terminal.
- Always choose to withdraw in Polish Zloty (PLN) without currency conversion — more on that below.
Withdrawing Cash in the City Centre
he same rule applies in Krakow’s city centre: Avoid Euronet ATMs.
These stand-alone machines often:
- Suggest very high withdrawal amounts
- Try to push “currency conversion” (which you should never accept)
- Charge up to €8 in extra “transaction fees,” on top of whatever your own bank charges for foreign withdrawals
Instead:
Use ATMs that are part of a major bank. Reliable banks in Krakow include:
- PKO
- BNP Paribas
- Santander
- ING
- Pekao
Tip: On Krakow’s main square, Rynek Główny, there’s a PKO bank branch next to Domino’s Pizza where you can withdraw cash with minimal extra costs.
How to Avoid Extra Charges: Step-by-Step
- Change the ATM language to English or German on the first screen — much easier than navigating Polish.
- Ignore the suggested high withdrawal amounts and select a lower amount if you wish.
- If possible, choose Other Amount to enter your preferred sum.
- When asked about conversion, always choose “Without Conversion” and select PLN (Polish Zloty).
- Never choose Euros for ATM withdrawals or card payments in shops or restaurants — it’s always more expensive.
Withdrawing cash in a foreign currency will always cost a little more, depending on your bank, but choosing local currency minimises those costs.
Insider Tip from MijnTours Kraków
If you join one of our bike tours, we often take a short break near the PKO bank mentioned above.
Our guides will happily explain the best way to use ATMs in Krakow so you can avoid unnecessary charges.
Want to be sure your tour stops there? Just ask your guide at the start.
