Best place to exchange money?

♀

Mar 6, 10, 20:19 #1

I'm going back to Poland to have some dental work finished up in Jelenia Gora. Last time I was there I used ATMS for zloty and it worked out fine. My son is coming with me this time and insists for some reason he wants to carry cash and exchange it at banks for zloty. I was under the impression the ATM rate was cheaper, the exchange rate was better, and of course it's more convenient to use ATMS. But, I could be wrong. Anyone know which is better? Also, banks here in the states are open all day and on saturdays. How about there?

beelzebubThreads: - Posts: 515 Joined: Feb 16, 10 ♂	Edited by: beelzebub Mar 6, 10, 20:25 #2
ATM is always the best exchange rate. Banks depend on the brand and branch. Some Millenium branches are open to 7 or 8pm on Weekdays and Saturday but all are closed on Sunday. Bringing cash dollars is large amounts is stupid since if you lose it or it gets stolen you are screwed.

SuezeekayThreads: 2 Posts: 4 Joined: Mar 6, 10 ♀	Mar 6, 10, 20:38 #3
Thanks. It's never a good idea to carry around large amounts of cash wherever you are but as his mom of course he doesn't listen to me.

♂

Edited by: beelzebub Mar 6, 10, 20:47 #4

Most travelers give stupid advice. About 80% of the stuff people told me I HAD to do when I first went abroad was nonsense. NOBODY uses travelers checks or those lame hidden waist wallets. Just act like you would at home and all will be fine. Sensible is sensible all over.

I spent years living in Warsaw walking around at all hours in all parts of the city and never once had a problem. I still can't figure out what is so dangerous about Praga yet everyone still acts like it is Lebanon.

A hearty "f*ck off" will run most Polish chavs away. They are more talk than action. I am sure they expect an older woman to be an easy target. Just use common sense.

scottie1113Threads: 10 Posts: 813 Joined: Mar 13, 07 ♂	Mar 7, 10, 00:45 #5
I just go to a kantor. Since I seldom exchange money and only in small amounts when i need euros, and the rates are about the same, it works for me.

♂

Apr 15, 10, 12:29 #6

Generally, your best exchange rate is when you make purchases with your card (Visa?) - it's closer to the "commercial rate" (the rate that large instituions get when exchanging funds - your transactions are handled in a similar way).
Second should be most ATMs - the ATMs for EuroNet seem to give me the best rates
Third is the large kantor chains in the city - NEVER at the airport!! - and the smaller ones have a pretty wide range... could be good, could be horrible.
The difference between ATMs and the large Kantors is a matter of a couple of groszy...
$100 at 2.81 vs. 2.83 is 281zl vs. 283zl... 2zl doesn't (shouldn't ;) make a big difference...
On the other hand, Credit Card transactions (purchases) can be a much as 0.10zl better... each purchase probably not making a big difference (unless you're buying a car ;) but, several purchases can add up... also, some US banks are beginning to charge for overseas transactions/conversions at ATMs but, because of the way the system works, it would be very difficult to process overseas credit card transactions (purchases) separately. (i.e. with the Debit-style credit cards).
I've been living in Wroclaw for over 4 years now, and my retirement check still goes to a credit union in Wisconsin and I have been accessing my money via my bank card (Visa Debit) the entire time (both ATM and credit card purchases)... the only bummer is when the card is lost or damaged... getting a replacement while out of country is a ral pain... and you go hungry 'til the card shows up and you have access to your cash... :-/

Fuzzyduck	Apr 15, 10, 14:39 #7
Suezeekay: and of course I prefer ATM RESPECT! Any girl that admits to that is a little gem in my book.

doctorgrenadesThreads: - Posts: 27 Joined: Apr 13, 10 ♂	Edited by: doctorgrenades Apr 15, 10, 15:41 #8
Fuzzyduck: RESPECT! Any girl that admits to that is a little gem in my book. where can i get her number gigidy gigidy

♂

Apr 15, 10, 17:59 #9

i also get the best rate by far in the independent exahanges kiosks. rates in uk/irish banks are a lot worse than in poland. polish banks also charge a high enough commission rate.

have a look around the town. you'll see a couple of kiosks and just compare on that. if you're staying in a hotel just request a safety deposit box and why not just get a taxi back from where you're staying and for a euro or two...

groovygThreads: 1 Posts: 51 Joined: Jun 18, 07 ♂	Edited by: groovyg May 9, 10, 23:37 #10
in poland banks have bad exchange rates comparing to some street shops (called 'kantors'), but you really need to go around the city to find a good shop. the differences between the shops can be 100's of %. seriously. if you don't have patience for this, just use a reputable bank or atm.

WroclawThreads: 74 Posts: 7,272 Joined: Apr 1, 06 ♂ [Moderator]	May 9, 10, 23:48 #11
groovyg: the differences between the shops can be 100's of %. pound - zloty (as an example) If the official rate is given as 4.90 Kantors will offer about 4. 80 you might find one that offers about 4.82 which would be considered good.

Harrys Dad	May 10, 10, 11:07 #12
There is a building with a huge sign INTERACO or similiar on MARCHUKAUSKA street going north by arkadfia there is a kantor there the best prices they give in town or maybe Poland if you exchange over 5000pln you can check the price on internet and they will match that its from my personal experience

POLAND . The Unofficial Guide.	Unanswered \| Archives
POLAND . The Unofficial Guide.	Poland for Expats and Tourists	Witamy, Guest \| PF Members \| Gold Members

Home \| Unanswered \| Archives \| Random \| Statistics	Time in Poland: 14:55 / Feb 9
About Us \| Contact Us \| Rules, Privacy \| Poland Advertising	© 2005-12 PolishForums.com