In Poland, without a debit card. How not to be eaten by a grue?

March 21, 2022 5:13 PM

What is the best way to get a debit card in Poland, with a small starting sum of cash? If not possible, is there a better way to go?

Someone close to me has lost their debit card in Poland. The card is now canceled, but their bank does not have any locations in Poland. I believe they can obtain cash via Western Union, but I'm not sure the best way to transfer that into a card that they can use once there. Purchase Visa gift cards? Open a small bank account at a local polish bank? What is the best (and quickest) way for them to be able to have access to some sort of card for the next few weeks?

posted by corb to Travel & Transportation around Poland (11 answers total)

Often the bank has a way to Fedex a card to an overseas location (though ironically the issuer of the debit card that I lost in Singapore did not!) I assume that the person has called the bank and established whether this is possible?
posted by doomsey at 5:27 PM on March 21, 2022

Response by poster: I should add that the person does not have a permanent address in Poland, and is not expecting to be at the same location for more than a few days, unfortunately.
posted by corb at 5:29 PM on March 21, 2022

I’ve had things sent ahead if I know where I will be in a few days a few times. Generally best to give the venue a heads-up but generally works fine.
posted by doomsey at 5:32 PM on March 21, 2022

Reputable hotels can often accept deliveries on your behalf to pick up when you arrive, if you give them advance notice.
posted by mhoye at 5:51 PM on March 21, 2022 [4 favorites]

Also credit card company will often send a replacement overnight, even internationally, if asked. At least ask!
posted by shadygrove at 6:02 PM on March 21, 2022

I would contact this person on the phone and make sure this is actually true. Sounds like could be a scammer impersonating friend.
posted by creiszhanson at 7:50 PM on March 21, 2022 [12 favorites]

Most US/Canadian banks have relationships with other international banks. It could be worthwhile for. your friend to ask the bank that issued his card who they deal with in Poland. They might be able to send the card to a local branch for him to pick up, and/or help him with opening an account to deposit or transfer his cash for use while he is there. (Opening up a bank account can be complicated for foreigners in Poland.)

If your friend is close to the US embassy or consulate, they should also be able to give some advice.
posted by rpfields at 7:51 PM on March 21, 2022

Best answer: Opening an account would involve getting the card in the mail (and require proof they're staying in Poland over six months). The same goes for prepaid cards because you can't have an anonymous card in Poland - one bank I checked says it's 8 working days to get theirs in the mail. If this person is going to travel onwards to other countries, I'd recommend either getting a duplicate forwarded from their US bank, or opening a Revolut account (also a few days for the card to arrive).

I'd give a trusted acquaintance's address for the card to arrive, then that person can pop it in an InPost parcel locker and it'll get to any place in Poland within 48 hours tops, usually 24, for all of 11 PLN. (And hey, memail me if there's no other trusted person available.)
posted by I claim sanctuary at 10:48 PM on March 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I have spoken to this person on the phone; it's their voice and they have referenced specific items that would be impossible to impersonate. However, they do not have a follow-on reputable hotel and were planning to book their next one with a card. Suggestions for hotels or hostels that will accept cash only would be helpful as well for what it sounds like the next week. They are not planning to stay in Poland for longer than a month.
posted by corb at 11:00 PM on March 21, 2022

Best answer: Lack of a card should only keep them out of international business hotels and booking online. Calling on the phone should be enough to book a stay and I have never seen a hotel not take cash, hostels even less so. This is low season generally except in Lubelskie and Podkarpackie due to Ukrainian refugees and people aiding them.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:35 PM on March 21, 2022 [2 favorites]

Do they maybe have a banking app that can generate virtual card numbers, like Revolut? Or supports mobile payments? (paying with your phone through NFC)
posted by gakiko at 6:00 AM on March 22, 2022 [1 favorite]