Is it really expensive at Balice Airport?

Yes. Public comparisons and local interventions have shown that the euro spread at the airport can reach around 15–20%, which means a noticeably worse rate than in Krakow city centre.

Where can I exchange euros closest to the main railway station?

Kantor-Exchange at 5 Pawia Street is about 150 m from Krakow Główny. In the centre, Kantor Starowiślna 6 also offers competitive rates.

Travelling to Krakow and planning to exchange currency? Find out whether it’s better to do it right after landing at Balice Airport or in exchange offices in the city centre — the rate differences might surprise you.

Comparison of exchange offices: Krakow Balice Airport vs Krakow city centre — where is currency exchange cheaper?

Krakow Airport vs City Centre: how much do you lose exchanging money at Balice?

Q: Can I pay by card in Krakow?

Most places in Krakow accept cards, but smaller stalls on the Main Square still often prefer cash. Avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) to prevent extra fees.

Updated: 7 August 2025 • Rate sources: Interchange at Balice Airport and Kantor Starowiślna 6 (live rates 4.22 PLN/EUR · 3.61 PLN/USD on 7 Aug 2025).

1. Why do travellers exchange currency at the airport?

The first exchange desk after landing can be tempting: “zero commission”, “competitive rates”. In reality, the spread can exceed 15–20% because airport operators pay high rents and rely on travellers being in a hurry.

2. Rate table: Balice vs Krakow city centre (7 Aug 2025)

Currency	Exchange Balice Airport	Exchange Starowiślna 6	Difference (% more at airport)
EUR	3.80 PLN	4.22 PLN	≈ 11%
USD	3.20 PLN	3.61 PLN	≈ 11.3%
GBP	4.45 PLN	4.83 PLN	≈ 7.8%
CHF	4.05 PLN	4.49 PLN	≈ 9.8%

On an exchange of €300, the difference is over 126 PLN — enough for dinner in Kazimierz.

Infographic: euro, dollar, pound and franc rates — Krakow Balice Airport vs city centre, 7 Aug 2025 — Rate sources: Interchange Balice & Kantor Starowiślna 6.

3. Savings calculator

The bigger the amount, the bigger the loss at the airport. Example for 1,000 USD:

Balice: 1,000 × 3.20 = 3,200 PLN
City centre: 1,000 × 3.61 = 3,610 PLN

Difference: 410 PLN — enough for a KrakowCard or a return IC train ticket to Warsaw.

Simple savings calculator: 1,000 USD — airport vs Krakow city centre

4. Where to exchange cheaply and safely in the city centre?

Kantor Starowiślna 6 — 300 m from Wawel, spread < 2%. (4.9★ on Google)
Kantor Grosz (Wielopole Street) — good for larger amounts.
Kantor-Exchange chain — negotiation above €1,000.

Map: route from Balice Airport to Krakow city centre and recommended exchange offices — The regional rail brings you to the centre in 25 minutes. Exchange cash only once you arrive.

5. How not to overpay — 5 quick tips

Exchange only a small amount at the airport (e.g., public transport ticket); do the rest in the centre.
Check the rate online and reserve by phone — Starowiślna 6 locks your rate for 60 minutes.
Avoid DCC when paying by card.
Negotiate for amounts > €/$/£1,000.
Ask about fees — a reputable exchange office does not charge commission or “tax”.

Humorous graphic: overpaying at the airport vs better city-centre exchange rates

FAQ — frequently asked questions

❓ Is Balice really that expensive?

Yes. A 2022 local councillor intervention showed euro spreads around 15%.

❓ Can I pay by card in Krakow?

Most places accept cards, but smaller market stalls still prefer cash.

❓ Where can I exchange euros closest to the main station?

Kantor-Exchange (5 Pawia St) — about 150 m from Krakow Główny.