Sweden mandates cash acceptance; Poland already has law

17 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Sweden will require shops to accept cash from July 2026. This shift highlights cash reserves in Poland and what expats should store.

Sweden passed a law requiring grocery stores and pharmacies to accept cash from July 1, 2026. Consequently, this shift made many observers rethink preparedness and emergency money. Moreover, the change forces expats to compare rules and habits across countries.

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cash reserves in Poland: how much to keep and why

Sweden imposed several concrete rules. For example, stores must accept banknotes and coins for purchases up to roughly the equivalent of 2,400 zloty. However, customers cannot pay using more than 25 coins in one transaction. In addition, banks must accept cash deposits from individuals and businesses. Furthermore, regulators expanded options for card payments in offline mode during outages. Therefore, the Riksbank advised every adult to hold at least 1,000 SEK at home. That amount equals about 90 euros and should cover basic food and medicine for about a week.

Why Sweden reversed course and what it means

Sweden once led the world in cashless payments. In 2023, cash in circulation equaled only 0.9% of GDP. By contrast, Poland had nearly 12% in cash circulation. Consequently, authorities in Stockholm concluded that physical notes and coins remain vital. Moreover, officials cited risks from war, cyberattacks, and payment system failures. Therefore, even a highly digital country restored legal protection for cash use.

Poland’s rules and practical advice

Poland already protects the right to pay in cash. The Payment Services Act forbids merchants from forcing cashless-only sales. In addition, national bodies like the Narodowy Bank Polski and the Government Centre for Security recommend keeping an emergency cash stock. For example, they suggest enough money for basic household needs for seven to ten days. In practice, this often means 3,000 to 5,000 PLN for a family of four. Meanwhile, a single person might keep 1,000 to 1,500 PLN. Moreover, Polish guidance treats cash as one of many emergency items alongside a torch and bottled water.

Experts also suggest you pay attention to denominations. For instance, avoid keeping only high-value banknotes like 200 or 500 PLN. Small notes and coins help when shops cannot give change. Therefore, keep a mix of bills and a handful of coins. Also, store the reserve separately from your daily wallet. Consequently, you will not spend it by accident.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland cash is legal and safe to hold at home. ZUS (social insurance) and NFZ (national health insurer) typically use bank transfers for official payments, and offices often accept card or cash for local fees and fines (mandat). In addition, you may need a PESEL (national ID number) to open some local bank accounts. Therefore, expats should open a local account, learn ATM limits, and build a modest emergency stash gradually.

Build your reserve step by step. For example, set aside a small amount from each salary or withdraw a little cash each month. Furthermore, avoid withdrawing a very large sum at once. Moreover, there is no legal limit on how much cash you can keep at home in Poland. Therefore, treat the Swedish move as a reminder, not a reason to panic. Even the most digital societies still rely on notes and coins during crises.

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