Scam in PolandCards and ATMs
ATM conversion markups and withdrawal fees in Poland
How it works
An ATM may offer to convert a withdrawal into your home currency at a poor rate. A separate withdrawal fee may also apply. These are cost traps; a displayed fee alone does not mean fraud.
Warning signs
- The ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.
- The screen shows a percentage conversion charge or a separate withdrawal fee.
How to avoid it
- Decline the ATM's currency conversion and choose to be charged in złoty.
- Read the fee screen before confirming.
- Cancel and compare another ATM if the charges are too high.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and check the final amount with your card issuer. Report any charge you did not authorise.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- Call 112 if you are in immediate danger, injured or suspect your drink was spiked.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages, vehicle details and the time and location.
- Report the scam or theft to police promptly. Ask for a report reference for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer, relevant booking provider or rental company. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
Questions
What is the aTM conversion markups and withdrawal fees scam in Poland?
An ATM may offer to convert a withdrawal into your home currency at a poor rate. A separate withdrawal fee may also apply. These are cost traps; a displayed fee alone does not mean fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. The screen shows a percentage conversion charge or a separate withdrawal fee.
How do I avoid aTM conversion markups and withdrawal fees in Poland?
Decline the ATM's currency conversion and choose to be charged in złoty. Read the fee screen before confirming. Cancel and compare another ATM if the charges are too high.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and check the final amount with your card issuer. Report any charge you did not authorise.
Where in Poland does this happen?
ATMs across Poland
How much can it cost me?
Older figures from July 2022 list withdrawal fees of about 15–18 zł and/or conversion fees of about 12–14%. Another listed choice was 9 zł or 11%. Check the screen for the actual charge.
How common is this scam in Poland?
Common. Poland is generally safe for visitors, but taxi overcharging and poor exchange rates are recurring tourist traps. Pickpockets target some stations and busy transport routes, while certain nightlife scams involve large bills, spiked drinks or abuse.
Who can I report it to?
Police (Policja): report scams and theft promptly at a police station. For urgent police help, call 112. The separate police number listed is 997. Warsaw City Guard (Straż Miejska): for taxi problems in Warsaw, call 986 or +48 (22) 986 from a mobile phone. Keep the receipt and vehicle details. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised charges. Keep supporting receipts and messages. Ride-booking or tour provider: report the incident through the provider's official support channel. Include the booking record, driver or guide details, and evidence of the charge. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact channels if your passport was stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer or rental company: contact the claims or emergency assistance team. Supply the police report reference and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Poland?
Police, ambulance and fire emergencies: 112, Police (Policja): 997, Ambulance (Pogotowie): 999, Firefighters (Straż Pożarna): 998, Municipal Guards (Straż Miejska), in large cities: 986, Warsaw City Guard, mobile-phone contact for taxi problems: +48 (22) 986.
Reviewed by @snuck