How can I change 100 PLN bank notes for smaller currency?

Hello everybody,

I've been through an issue since I've been living in Poland.

Basically, when I exchange euros for some zlotys, they always give 100 PLN bank notes. When I want to buy something, they always refuse my 100 bank notes, arguing that they do not have the change. Even in some big supermarkets, like Carrefour, they sometimes prefer that I give small amounts.

I tried to ask people of Kantor to give me small bank notes but they do not want. Only 100 PLN bank notes.

My question is : How to break your 100 PLN notes without problems/rip-off ?

Thank you very much

Just shop in big markets in shopping malls or deposit your cash in your bank and later withdraw banknotes of your choice from ATM.

MacDonald's always take my hundred zloty notes without even blinking
Another good thing to do is if you are paying at a supermarket and want to pay with a large note give them a handful of coins so they only give you notes in change then at least you won't deplete their till too badly

I now try to pay for most things by credit card to avoid the problem

As someone else said, not usually a problem, just give them coins plus the note.

EG

Suma 3.52
Hand them 100.02 or 100.52
Or hand them 103.52 and see if they give you a funny look! :D

(This procedure simplifies the change they give you into notes or notes plus 1 coin.)

I totally agree with the McD's suggestion. Never a problem, plus it's always good to start your day with fast food :)

Thank you for your answers all of you, it will be very useful.

I don't like fast food so I will take only a coffee or a drink instead :)

can somebody please help me spend a million Zloty....

Your best bet is in discounters - Lidl, Biedronka, or Netto or places like Macs, KFC - their models rely on using capacity as much as possible and processing people quickly at the till so they train staff not to waste time by asking for change.

What is really getting on my nerves is that when I stop at a paystation on a motorway they are asking for change ! Surely the whole point is to make your journey as quick as possible.

Never had this problem anywhere in Poland.

Markets, taxi drivers, restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, never a problem.

At some self service car washes I saw a machine to break notes, because the machine only takes coins. But you will probably get 20 5zloty :)

I have, in one of the discount supermarkets when I just bought 8 or 9zl of stuff and wanted to change a 100. But, it's fairly unusual for them to roll their eyes, especially if coins are offered with the note.

The funny thing is that Biedronka, not accepting card payment, often lacks coins to pay back.
Other issue is - and I am living here well over 10 years - what to do with the 1gr, 2gr, 5gr coins...Our daughters are collecting them in a big vase...for some new sneakers I guess :). But honestly speaking they are pretty useless.

I agree with this sentiment. I generally like to keep everything 20gr and under in cups and jars about the house. Must have about 60PLN worth kicking about. But I am not 100% what the script is taking it to the bank. I also don't really want to be the guy at the front of a huge biedronka queue paying in all change. Can I go to the bank and get little plastic money bags to bag it all up and bring it back to them? Someone said just bring it all together, but a)if I do that and the bank says no then I have lugged it about for no reason and b)seems a bit inconsiderate to the bank clerk and people behind me while they have to count through it.

What does everyone else do with their little change?

Pay in your lovely 100 PLN bank notes and use your credit card instead. Boycot the Ladyb***. These bastards still don't accept credit cards ;)

have you ever dealt with the credit card companies?
I have and they want their pound of flesh.
You want low prices?
Come with cash.

I'm sure you know that we call credit card any card (atm cards too).


they ask me for 35zl per year


no I want quick service and no coins :)

Not sure what you mean. I use an American VISA card which has no FTF and it works fine. I pay off the balance each month and don't get charged any yearly fee.