Destination: Poland

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

Money & Costs

Though not the bargain it used to be, Poland is still a relatively inexpensive country for travellers. Just how inexpensive, of course, depends largely on what degree of comfort you need, what hotel standards you are used to, what kind of food you eat, where you go, how fast you travel and the means of transport you use. If, for example, you are accustomed to hire cars and plush hotels, you can spend as much as you would in the West.

If you are a budget traveller, however, prepared for basic conditions and willing to endure some discomfort on the road, a daily average of around US$30 to US$35 should be sufficient. This amount would cover accommodation in cheap hotels and hostels, food in budget restaurants, and travel at a reasonable pace by train or bus, and would still leave you a margin for some cultural events, a few beers and occasional taxis. If you plan on camping or staying in youth hostels and eating in cheap bistros and other self-services, it’s feasible to cut this average down to US$20 to US$25 per day, without experiencing too much suffering. It’s important to remember that cities are more expensive than the rural areas, with Warsaw being the most expensive.

Polish currency (the zloty; abbreviated to zl) is convertible and easy to change either way. There’s no longer a currency black market in Poland.

HOW MUCH?

Double room in mid-range hotel: 200zl
Cinema ticket: 16zl
Litre of vodka: 40zl
Tram ticket in Warsaw: 2.40zl
100km bus trip: 14zl
Litre of petrol: 3.85zl
1.5L of bottled water: 2.50zl
0.5L of ?ywiec beer: 6zl
Souvenir T-shirt: 12zl
Zapiekanki (Polish pizza): 3zl

Travelling to Poland?
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance