Bank Account and SIM Card in Poland
How students open a bank account and get a prepaid SIM card in Poland. Amounts are in Polish zloty (PLN).
PKO Bank Polski
Recent Transactions
Example: groceries
Example: prepaid SIM top-up
Example account and phone screen
Student Banking in Poland
Several Polish banks open accounts for foreign students.
- Open at a branch with your passport
- Online banking in the iPKO website and the IKO app
- You can start your application online or by phone
Before you open an account
Banks ask for different papers, so call the bank before you visit.
How to Open a Bank Account in Poland
Most banks open accounts at a branch.
Pick a bank
Compare fees and English support. Account fees are often PLN 15 to PLN 20 a month. Some banks do not charge students.
Bring your papers
Your passport, plus often your residence permit or visa, a lease (rental contract) or proof of study.
Sign and start
At PKO Bank Polski, the branch staff open the account and you sign the agreement at once.
Tips
You can start online or by phone, but Polish law asks banks to check your identity in person. So plan to visit a branch.
SIM Cards in Poland
You can buy a prepaid SIM card and add money to it when you need it.
Orange sells prepaid plans with no contract. You can register the SIM card in a shop or online.
Best Student Deal:
Orange prepaid: PLN 31 for 31 days
Buy a starter pack
Buy a prepaid starter pack in a phone shop, kiosk or grocery store.
Register the number
Register it in the shop or online, with your passport.
Top up
Add money to your number when you need it.
- You must register a prepaid SIM card. You need only your passport and the SIM card.
- With Orange, you get extra data each time you top up online.
Tips for Money and Phone
Simple steps for your first weeks.
Open a Polish account
A foreign card usually works in Poland, but a Polish account avoids extra currency and transfer fees.
Ask before you go
Call the bank first. Ask which papers it needs, whether a PESEL number (Poland's personal ID number) is needed, and if it has English online banking.
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