Buying & Selling Polish Zloty - Do's & Dont's
Team BigDoor24 - Thursday, November 14, 2019 Tags: Buy General Information Polish Mortgage Sell
It's all about the spread, 'bout the spread, 'bout the spread ...
If you are in Poland for the weekend it is unlikely you will spend enough to make any real difference to how you buy your Zloty but for anyone staying a little longer, it's worth figuring out the most efficient way of changing your currency.
It's all about the spread
The spread is the difference between what Zloty sells and buys for. For example - EUR/ PLN 4.20 - 4.30 means that the exchange will sell you 4.20 PLN for every 1 Euro and buy your PLN for 1 Euro for every PLN 4.30 exchanged.
With this in mind then you don't actually have to know what the current exchange rate is or even the price in another location. The smaller the spread, the difference between the two prices, is the best indication of getting best value.
It is for this reason that it is safe to say that you should never exchange money in any high street bank. In many instances you will find that, using the above example, their price could be something like 3.90 - 4.70. This is the financial equivalent of punching you in the face when you step inside.
Kantor - FX Money Exchange Store
Kantors are littered throughout all Polish cities and they are by far and away the best place to exchange your cash. You should expect a price of 4.25 - 4.30, again using the above example, and sometimes as good as 4.27 - 4.29.
**Online **
When you want to transfer money from home it may be best to use one of the dedicated FX platforms like RKantor.com which tends to be quite competitive.
Cards
Using cards like Revolut or N26 claim to take away a lot of the hassle with good value currency transfers built in.
Ask a local
Because many Poles have their home loans in non-Zloty currencies they are very aware of the best places to exchange their money. It may be best to ask them which particular local Kantors or online services tend to consistently give the best rates.
The Polish Zloty
It's a well managed and fairly stable currency so you shouldn't expect any large swings. The best advice might be to just change your money when you need to rather than waiting for a better price unless you require a substantial amount changed. If you do require a larger amount changed or you are planning a Polish Mortgage in a currency other than Zloty, speak to your bank (make sure they are giving you a good rate, not always applicable) or use an online service.
ATM
Unless you are desperate but really .. just don't. The rate of exchange, particularly at the Euro ATM's, are close to criminal.
Happy Hunting !
Team BigDoor24
About BigDoor24.pl