Krakow, Poland, currency question.
 

I arrive my train from Prague the train arrives at 6.30 in the morning. Where can I get local currency (not by using an ATM) at that hour? Or, wil a taxi driver accept euros/dollar for a ride to my hotel?

Thanks.

Why are you against using an ATM? That is the easiest, cheapest, safest way to get currency.

Only because, I will be extremely tired and I'll need to be extra cautious of my luggage and theft at the train station (have read lots of negative things), I'd rather keep my two hands on my luggage and just get into a cab and to the hotel.

I came into the Krakow train station in May (mid to late afternoon) and was amazed at what a sleepy station it is. There would be slim pickings for thieves given the few numbers of people walking around.

I wasn't looking for a currency exchange but I think there may be one on the lower level of the station near the ATM machine. If there isn't a currency exchange at the station just ask your cab driver to take you to the nearest one by the main square.

I do advise using the ATM but it's your choice.

Maybe I don't get it -- but traveling w/ extra cash on an over night train is somehow safer than using an ATM in the station on arrival?

"I'd rather keep my two hands on my luggage" and you be able to do that exchanging cash? ... Anyway ... Exchange with Taxi driver is a bad idea - you be getting 1-1 if you lucky ... check with hotel before arriving if they have "kantor" exchange booth or some other means of exchanging ( e.g. charging advance to your room ) ... You best bet is really ATM since much be closed that early and opening after 8am...

There is a currency exchange in the main train station, but whether it will be open at 6:30 am is the question. Just place your luggage on the floor in front of you as you're using the ATM.

http://www.cracowonline.com/183,Arri...rakow_main.htm

Where's the hotel? I'm not sure you need a cab; you can walk in about 10 minutes to the old town.

Geez, I've been there several times and hadn't heard I should be nervous in the train station.

2G, Krakow Train Station is relatively safe. I was just there a week ago, and some of the positive changes that I found comparing to the last time I was there, it's the sense of security that you now feel being in Krakow, one of them it's the train station. We took the taxi from the 2nd floor, and there you will also see the mall entrance, although I doubt that many stores or currency exchange offices will be opened that early in the morning, you will be able to pull money safely from an ATM machine nearby.

If the OP does not wish to use an ATM on arrival, then exchange euros for Polish zloty in whatever country he/she is departing from (via train).

I never tried doing that, as I always got local currency before going, but I suspect a driver would accept euro since it is used in Germany and it certainly a common currency there -- how much would be the question, you would probably pay a premium.

I haven't been there in a couple years, but the main train station is not what I'd call sleepy. I suppose any place might be at 6:30, though. A lot of currency exchanges won't be open at that time, I bet.

You are obviously coming on a train from somewhere in Europe, why don't you exchange it there? Of course you'll pay a premium, but you would at a train station currency exchange, also. It's possible some countries won't have zloty, but they might in Germany or CR, I bet.

The currency of Poland is not euros so its likley that many of the taxi drivers would not accept euros, personally i wouldn't bank on it. As someone said, dependant on where you are staying you may not need a cab.

The driver will probably accept dollars or euros but don't count on it. I have been to Krakow many times and have never felt unsafe in any situation. I have walked in the city alone at 3am (I am female) and felt completely safe. If you don't want to get zloty before, I would recommend using the ATM at the station

USA dollars are welcome as well as Euros. The fare should be no more than 30 zlotych. Print oot the name of the hotel...ask the driver to write the fare.."ile?" or "ile kosztowac?". Train station taxi fares are high and often dependent on the rider's appearance. I had one driver offer to take me a few blocks for $50 US. Receipts are now mandatory. Email your hotel and request that they send you a taxi..the driver will have your name on a card.,.better yet..if the hotel is nearby..walk.