Shopping in Poland

Shopping in Poland can be a fun and even exciting adventure where you can find an array of wonderful Polish shops and markets offering many items. The most popular Polish items include such things as hand-woven rugs, silverware, glass and enamelware, handmade amber and silver, woodcarvings, clay and metal sculptures, and of course dolls in traditional regional costumes.

Polish shops and markets hours are normally Monday through Friday from 1000 to 1800 and on Saturday from 1000 to 1300. Occasionally you will find a few Polish markets open until 2000 through the week and 1600 on Saturday. A few are even open 24 hours per day known as night shops. Supermarkets and larger department stores are normally open from 1000 to 1900.

Polish currency is the zloty. Denominations of the Polish Zloty are Zl200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 with new coins in the amount of Zl5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy, in which 100 groszy equals one Zloty. You can find several foreign currency exchanges so you can have plenty of Polish currency to buy all the great items you find. The majority of exchanges are found at hotels, border crossings, and bureaux de change. On the other hand, if you have Euros many of the larger hotels and stores accept this currency so you will not have to have your money exchanged for Polish currency.

Along with Euros and Polish currency, many of the Polish shops also accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. If you prefer cash then you can receive cash from your Visa credit card at most of the banks. If you would rather avoid the exchange rate charges, you can also purchase travelers checks at any of the banks. Banks are open on Monday through Friday from 0900 until 1600 and on Saturday from 0900 until 1300, however, in smaller towns the hours may not be the same.

Polish markets commonly called bazary are most often home close to the center of the larger cities and towns. You can find many unique items at Polish markets besides fresh fruits and vegetables such as homemade items handcrafted by local residents.

A Poland shopping trip can be the highlight of any vacation if you love finding all kinds of regional items and handcrafted items to take home as souvenirs or as gifts for family and friends. You may only wish to hit the large shopping malls located in the larger cities such as Warsaw or visit the smaller quaint shops of locals that can offer many items that can be a thrilling experience while shopping in Poland.

Shopping in Poland will take you to art galleries where you can exquisite Polish crafts, antique items, handmade amber jewelry and many other items such as the traditional ceramics from Boleslawiec, oscypek highland cheese, or even items created from sheep fleeces. Poland shopping for these types of items is awesome in the historical centers or the market centers. The most popular shopping excursion has to be in Warsaw along the Royal Way which makes its way from the Royal Castle to Lazienki Park and Palace. Dotting the street are various shops, museums, churches, and restaurants of a delighful array. You will be able to find a variety of gifts for family and friends or even something for yourself.