Banks and currency exchange

Bank and exchange offices (Kantor) are located in the city centre close to the hotels. The currency of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). While some shops in major tourist areas might accept euros, it is highly recommended to use the local currency or pay by card. Bank opening hours are usually Monday-Friday: 9:00-17:00 or 18:00. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Currency exchange at Kantor

Exchange rates are usually much better at private exchange offices called “Kantor” than at banks or airports. There are numerous offices around the Main Railway Station (Wrocław Główny) and the Market Square (Rynek).

Note: Always check the rate and final amount before completing the transaction.

Credit cards, contactless payments, and ATMs

Poland is one of the world leaders in cashless payments. Virtually all shops, restaurants, taxis, and public transport accept major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) as well as contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). You can easily buy bus/tram tickets inside the vehicles using a contactless card. ATMs (Bankomat) accepting international cards are conveniently located all over the city.

Dietary restrictions

Participants who have informed us beforehand about dietary restrictions are kindly requested to contact the catering staff at the venue to have their lunch.

Emergency phone numbers (Poland)

(Use +48 when calling from a non-Polish phone number)

• General Emergency Number (Mobile & Landline): 112

• Ambulance: 999

• Fire Brigade: 998

• Police: 997

24/7 Medical Care & Pharmacy:

• General Health Care Helpline (NFZ): 800 190 590 (Information about open pharmacies and medical services available in English).

• Emergency Room (SOR): University Clinical Hospital, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław.

• 24/7 Pharmacy (Apteka Całodobowa): Apteka “Pod Lwami”, Rynek 59, 50-116 Wrocław (+48 71 343 67 24).

Voltage

Electricity in Poland is 230V AC, 50Hz. Plugs are the standard European type with two round pins (Type C and Type E).

Postal service

The Polish post office is called Poczta Polska. Branches are widely available across the city, with the Main Post Office (Poczta Główna) located at ul. Krasińskiego 1, open from Monday to Friday until late evening.

Shopping hours

Shops in Wrocław are usually open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 (shopping malls). Smaller grocery shops might open earlier (around 6:00 or 7:00).

Important: In Poland, most Sundays are non-commercial, meaning large supermarkets and shopping malls will be closed on Sunday, June 20, 2027. Only small convenience stores (like Żabka) or petrol stations will remain open.

Dining out in Wrocław and tipping

Wrocław has a vibrant culinary scene, centered around the Market Square (Rynek). Most restaurants are open from 11:00 or 12:00 until midnight, though kitchens may close around 22:00 or 23:00. Tipping: Service is rarely included in the bill. If you are satisfied with the service, a standard tip of 10% is highly appreciated and customary. You can usually add the tip to your card payment, but cash is preferred for tips.