Warsaw Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Boarding

what to buy in warsaw airport

Warsaw Chopin Airport has a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges to keep travellers entertained during layovers. While the exchange rate at the airport may not be the best, there are plenty of shops to browse, including newsstands, convenience stores, duty-free areas, and souvenir shops. For those looking to grab a bite, there are sit-down restaurants, traditional Polish bakeries, delis, cafes, and healthier options. Additionally, the airport offers access to lounges with food, drinks, WiFi, news, TV, and comfortable seating, with some even providing shower facilities.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Warsaw Chopin Airport
Currency Złoty (Polish Zloty)
Exchange Rate 8.3% below the market rate
Accepted Payment Methods Cash, Debit or Credit Card, Contactless Payment
Shops Baltona Duty Free, Baltona ZOOM, Baltona Starter, Krakowski Kredens, W. Kruk, Multistore, etc.
Shop Products Books, Newspapers, Magazines, Souvenirs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Sweets, Drinks, Perfumes, Cosmetics, Toys, Travel Accessories, Clothing, Jewelry, Gourmet Polish Goods, etc.
Restaurants Flame Restaurant & Bar, Gate One, Johnny Rocket's, McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Paul, etc.
Transport to City Centre Taxi, Bus, Train, Private Transfer
Distance from City Centre Less than 10 kilometres

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Currency exchange

Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is located less than 10 kilometres from the city centre and has excellent transport links. The official currency in Warsaw is the Polish Zloty (PLN zł).

If you need to exchange currency at the airport, it is recommended to skip the currency exchange counters at the baggage reclaim area, as you can get better exchange rates after passing through customs. Money World, located near McDonald's, offers the best exchange rates at the airport. However, even their rates are far from competitive, so it is advised to exchange only a small amount of currency at the airport.

If you have access to an ATM, you can use your bank card to withdraw Polish Zloty. Alternatively, consider getting a Wise Card, which offers better exchange rates on your payments and withdrawals at Warsaw Airport and anywhere else in Poland.

If you are departing from Warsaw and need to exchange Polish Zloty to foreign currency, you can get better rates at the Money World branch in the airport's train station.

Other facilities at Warsaw Chopin Airport include banks, shops, and a Customer Service Centre.

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Duty-free shopping

Warsaw Chopin Airport has a range of shops, including newsstands, convenience stores, duty-free areas, and souvenir shops. The airport's duty-free shopping includes a variety of products, from sweets and drinks to perfumes and cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, and toys.

Baltona Duty-free, located in the non-Schengen zone, offers a wide range of products from various categories and brands. Passengers can purchase items such as perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, and toys within the duty-free allowance. Baltona also operates the smaller Baltona Starter store, which is located in the public area of the airport and offers a more limited range of products, including souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and hot dogs.

In addition to Baltona, passengers can also browse and shop at other duty-free stores in the airport. Krakowski Kredens, for example, is a popular local chain that offers gourmet Polish goods, and W. Kruk is known for its unique jewellery.

It is important to note that there may be restrictions on the quantity of duty-free items you can purchase. For example, at Frederic Chopin Airport, you can buy up to five similar items per boarding pass for personal non-commercial use. To buy more than five items, you will need additional boarding passes.

If you have a longer layover of more than six hours, you may want to consider venturing into Warsaw's city centre, which is not far from the airport. Here, you can explore a variety of shops and attractions, including Old Town, Castle Square, medieval churches, and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.

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Local souvenirs

Warsaw Chopin Airport has a few shops where you can buy souvenirs. Baltona Starter, located in the public area of the airport, sells souvenirs in addition to newspapers, alcohol, tobacco, and snacks. You can also try Baltona ZOOM, which sells books, newspapers, travel accessories, snacks, sweets, and alcoholic and tobacco products.

If you have time, you can head into Warsaw city centre, which is just 10 kilometres away from the airport. The historic heart of the city, Castle Square in Old Town, is a great place to start. Wander through the cobblestone alleyways past cafes and galleries, medieval churches and buildings, all reconstructed after World War II. Here, you'll be able to find more local souvenirs to bring home.

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Food and drink

Warsaw Chopin Airport has a variety of food and drink options to choose from, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely sit-down meal. Here are some options:

Sit-down Restaurants:

  • Flame Restaurant & Bar
  • Gate One
  • Johnny Rocket's

These restaurants offer traditional Polish cuisine, and you can enjoy a relaxing meal before your flight.

International Chains:

  • Paul
  • Costa Coffee
  • McDonald's

These familiar options provide a quick and convenient choice for travellers on the go.

Polish Fare, Bakeries, and Cafes:

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, you can explore traditional Polish bakeries and cafes. These are great places to try local specialties and indulge in some delicious pastries or a cup of coffee.

24-Hour Convenience Stores:

For travellers in a hurry or those looking for a quick snack, Warsaw Chopin Airport also has 24-hour convenience stores. These stores offer a range of food and drink options, including:

  • Baltona Starter: Coffee, tea, or hot dogs.
  • Baltona ZOOM: Books, newspapers, travel accessories, snacks, sweets, and alcoholic beverages.

Airport Lounges:

The airport also has three airport lounges that offer all-inclusive access to food and drinks. These lounges are open to all travellers, regardless of their airline or class of travel. Two of the lounges even offer shower facilities, providing a refreshing option during long layovers.

So, whether you're craving a taste of traditional Polish cuisine or simply looking for a quick snack and a hot drink, Warsaw Chopin Airport has a variety of food and drink options to satisfy your needs.

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Travel insurance

Warsaw Airport Frederic Chopin has a range of facilities to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. While it is not mandatory to have travel insurance when visiting Poland, it is always a good idea to have some form of coverage when travelling abroad.

When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to consider the following:

  • Coverage limits and exclusions: Different insurance policies offer varying levels of coverage. Carefully review the terms and conditions to understand what is covered and what is excluded.
  • Destination and activities: Consider the specific country or region you are travelling to, as well as any high-risk activities you plan to engage in. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment in your destination country and any potential emergency evacuations.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, ensure you disclose them accurately when purchasing travel insurance. Some policies may not cover claims related to pre-existing conditions if they were not declared beforehand.
  • Personal belongings and luggage: Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items. Check the coverage limits and exclusions for personal belongings, especially for valuable items such as electronics or jewellery.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption: Look for policies that offer coverage in case you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies.
  • Duration of your trip: Consider the length of your trip and whether you need annual coverage or a single-trip policy. If you travel frequently, an annual policy may be more cost-effective.

There are several options available for purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Poland:

  • World Nomads: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance that can be purchased before or during your trip. You can make claims online from anywhere in the world.
  • Travel Guard: Travel Guard provides comprehensive travel insurance plans for Poland, including medical expense coverage. Their plans can help protect your travel investment and provide assistance in case of illnesses or accidents.
  • Citi Handlowy: Citi Handlowy offers the "World Without Borders" travel insurance policy, which provides coverage in Europe and worldwide. This insurance can be purchased online in just a few minutes and covers illnesses, accidents, damage to third parties, luggage theft, and more.
  • Baltona Duty-Free: Located in the non-Schengen zone of the airport, Baltona Duty-Free offers a wide range of products, including sweets, drinks, perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, and toys. You may be able to purchase travel insurance or travel accessories from this outlet.

Frequently asked questions

The currency in Poland is the złoty, not the Euro. While most places in Warsaw accept card payments, it's worth having some cash on hand. A good rule of thumb is to have about 300zł (about 65€) with you.

Warsaw Airport has newsstands, convenience stores, duty-free areas, and souvenir shops. You can buy books, newspapers, travel accessories, snacks, sweets, alcohol, and tobacco products.

Yes, Warsaw Chopin Airport has plenty of food options, including traditional Polish fare, bakeries, delis, cafes, and healthier options. International chains include Paul, Costa Coffee, and McDonald's.

Yes, but you'll almost certainly get less for your money at the airport. Check the exchange rate with an online converter and factor in any commission before agreeing to a transaction.

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