Scam in PolandChanging money
Poor-value currency exchange in Poland
How it works
Some exchange offices give much worse rates than other offices. Orange Interchange branches are singled out for poor rates. Airport exchange desks can also have large margins.
Warning signs
- The exchange desk is in a busy tourist spot, station or airport.
- The office has orange Interchange branding.
- The amount offered is much lower than at other exchange offices.
How to avoid it
- Compare rates at more than one exchange office.
- Ask exactly how many złoty you will receive before handing over money.
- Avoid Interchange branches.
- Where practical, compare airport rates with city-centre exchange offices.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and ask the office to explain the calculation. If the amount differs from what you agreed, document it and report suspected fraud to police.
- 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 poor-value currency exchange scam in Poland?
Some exchange offices give much worse rates than other offices. Orange Interchange branches are singled out for poor rates. Airport exchange desks can also have large margins.
How can I spot it early?
The exchange desk is in a busy tourist spot, station or airport. The office has orange Interchange branding. The amount offered is much lower than at other exchange offices.
How do I avoid poor-value currency exchange in Poland?
Compare rates at more than one exchange office. Ask exactly how many złoty you will receive before handing over money. Avoid Interchange branches. Where practical, compare airport rates with city-centre exchange offices.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and ask the office to explain the calculation. If the amount differs from what you agreed, document it and report suspected fraud to police.
Where in Poland does this happen?
Tourist areas, train stations, Interchange exchange offices, Katowice Airport and Kraków Airport
How much can it cost me?
Katowice Airport exchange margins are described as 20–30% higher than city-centre money changers. Kraków Airport rates are described as 15–20% either side of the bank rate.
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