Is Warsaw Safe in August 2026?

Private currency exchange kiosks (kantors) clustered near Krakowskie Przedmieście and the Old Town Market Place advertise highly competitive rates to draw tourists in, then shortchange them during the transaction through sleight of hand, fast counting, or by swapping high-denomination notes for lower ones mid-count. Some kiosks display a favorable rate on the board but apply hidden fees that only appear on the receipt after the transaction is complete.

How to avoid: Use kantors recommended by your hotel or located inside reputable shopping centers. Always count your money before leaving the counter and check the rate applied against what was displayed. Avoid street-level kiosks near major tourist attractions that advertise rates significantly above the market rate.

Friendly strangers — often posing as fellow tourists — approach solo travelers and invite them to bars with hidden pricing. The bill can be enormous, and some venues have added unauthorized card charges. If you refuse, bouncers may intimidate you into going to an ATM.

How to avoid: Always ask for a menu with prices as soon as you sit down at any bar. Use Google Maps to find reviewed venues and avoid bars not listed there. If approached by overly friendly strangers wanting to show you a "great bar," politely decline.

Unofficial drivers wait outside Warsaw Chopin Airport and approach arriving tourists offering rides. They charge 3–5 times the normal rate — what should be a 50 PLN ride can end up costing over 200 PLN.

How to avoid: Only use licensed taxis from designated taxi ranks inside the terminal, or book via apps like Bolt or Uber before you exit the building. Ignore anyone approaching you directly in the arrivals hall.

Pickpocket teams work trams and buses in central Warsaw, particularly on routes near the Old Town. One person distracts or crowds you while another removes your wallet or phone. Busy tram stops at peak hours are the highest risk.

How to avoid: Keep valuables in a zipped inner pocket or a bag worn at the front. Be extra alert when boarding and exiting trams — that's when crowds are densest. If you feel someone pressing against you unnecessarily, check your pockets immediately.

Scammers impersonate legitimate Warsaw hotels on email and social media, offering discounted rates that do not exist. Victims book and prepay, then arrive to find no reservation or a completely different property. The fake booking confirmation emails are nearly identical to real ones.

How to avoid: Book directly through the hotel website or official phone number. Verify the property on Google Maps and cross-reference phone numbers. Never book based solely on email or Facebook messages claiming special offers.