Poland Travel Guide

Poland — Shopping

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Shopping

More than any thing else, arts and crafts are the main things to shop for on a visit to Poland. Particularly popular items that are widely available include glass and enamelware, handwoven rugs, silverware, handmade jewelry with amber and silver, dolls in regional costumes, woodcarvings and clay and metal sculptures. The nationwide chain Cepelia (www.cepelia.pl) is the place to head first - its shops stock a good range of local handicrafts. Another much loved item available widely is amber, especially in the north of the country in and around Gdansk. This can be sold in many forms, from large lumps to exquisitely carved necklaces.

For more standard shopping experiences, Warsaw and Krakow are the best bets. Both cities have a large number of department and clothing stores, many of which are international chains. Warsaw also has the country's best selection of art on sale, ranging from smart art galleries to informal art markets.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800/2000 and Sat 1000-1300/1600. ‘Night shops' open 24 hours. Supermarkets and department stores are usually open daily 1000-1900.

Currency

Zloty (PLN; symbol zł) = 100 groszy. Notes are in denominations of zł200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. The new coins are in denominations of zł5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at all border crossing points, hotels and bureau de change, some of which are open 24 hours. Hotel rates and goods in large stores may also be listed in Euros, but payment is nearly always expected in Zloty.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in larger establishments. Cash can be obtained from Visa credit and debit cards at banks and from ATMS. Maestro cards are also accepted by some ATMs.

Travelers Checks

Readily exchanged but usually more expensive and troublesome than ATM withdrawals. Also, exchanging traveler's checks in Poland has been reported to be problematic.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Amounts over €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if traveling from or to countries outside the European Union.