Prepare Cash: Poland Urges Citizens to Hold Banknotes

9 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland’s new safety guide urges households to keep emergency cash and three-day supplies. Prepare banknotes in various denominations as a backup.

Urgent warning for Poles: the government now recommends keeping emergency cash on hand. Consequently, officials say cards and apps may not work during a long blackout.

Table of Contents

Government warns: emergency cash and why it matters

The recommendation appears in a new official “Safety Guide”. Moreover, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Interior and Administration, and the Government Centre for Security authored it. Therefore, the guide tells households to prepare for at least three days of disruption. In addition, it stresses having banknotes in various denominations.

Why cards and phones can fail

Today many people rely on cards, mobile payments, or BLIK. However, these systems need power and networks to work. Consequently, terminals, store systems, bank authorisation servers, and ATMs all require electricity. Thus, a widespread blackout can stop payment terminals and disable ATMs. Also, phone networks may falter and internet services may fail. Therefore, money on an account may become hard to spend.

Practical household preparations

The guide lists concrete items for a three-day kit. First, store at least three litres of water per person per day. Also, pack ready-to-eat food and a manual can opener. Moreover, include torches, spare batteries, and charged powerbanks. In addition, add a battery or crank radio. Finally, keep a modest emergency cash stash in small notes. Furthermore, different denominations help when shops cannot give change.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: Expats should register key documents and contact numbers. Also, carry a copy of your PESEL or residency ID if you have it (PESEL is Poland’s personal ID number). Moreover, keep a note explaining ZUS and NFZ matters. ZUS is the social insurance institution, and NFZ is the public health fund. In addition, know how to pay a fine (mandat) and where to access cash. Finally, tell your bank you live in Poland and check card network limits.

Why the government issued the guide now

The government cites rising hybrid threats and cyber risks. Moreover, it names possible sabotage, extreme weather, and standard accidents. However, it does not announce any imminent attack. Instead, it aims to prepare citizens for diverse emergencies. Therefore, authorities ask people to treat cash as a backup plan rather than a daily replacement.

Remember that officials did not advise emptying bank accounts. Also, they did not set a universal cash amount to hold. Consequently, households should assess their own needs. Finally, keep calm and plan realistically.

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