The Polish unit of currency is the zloty (PLN), made up of 100 groszy (gr). As at February 06, 1 PLN was equivalent to US$0.31, 0.266 Euros, and GBGBP0.18.

Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 PLN, and coins in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 PLN and 1, 2, 10, 20 & 50 gr.

The cost of living is low in Poland, but incomes are also very low with average annual salaries only around 25% of those in other EU countries. The cost of living varies considerably between the cities and the rural areas, with Warsaw being by far the most expensive location.

Typical costs include:

1 litre of milk 2.6 PLN
Loaf of bread 2 PLN
1.5 litres of mineral water 1.5 PLN
1 kg applies 3 PLN
0.5 kg pasta 4 PLN
1 litre petrol 4 PLN
Small bottle of beer 2.80 PLN
Cafe meal 10-20 PLN
Restaurant meal 25-50 PLN
Monthly rental 100 sq m apartment 1500 PLN

It is normal practice to leave a 10% tip in restaurants, and to give porters and taxi drivers a small tip.