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Opublikowano: 31 August 2025 
Czas czytania: 8 minut
Everything You Need to Know About Safe Cash Exchange
In today’s global world, currency exchange is a common activity — essential both for travelers and for anyone managing international finances or allocating capital in multiple currencies. A currency exchange office is a place where you can buy or sell foreign cash, but how does a currency exchange office actually work in practice?
Understanding the mechanisms behind exchange rates, transaction processes, and security principles is crucial for anyone who wants to exchange currencies safely and protect their financial well-being.
This article will clear up any doubts, providing a comprehensive guide to how physical currency exchange offices operate.
Currency Exchange Office – The Heart of the Retail Market
A currency exchange office is a financial institution specializing in the buying and selling of foreign currencies. Unlike banks, which offer a wide range of financial services, exchange offices focus exclusively on cash exchange. Their key role is to provide liquidity in the currency market for retail clients and small businesses.
How Does an Exchange Office Work? Operational Basics
The operation of an exchange office is based on simple market principles of supply and demand, adjusted for operating costs. The office buys currencies from some clients (at the buy rate) and sells them to others (at the sell rate). The difference between these two rates represents the exchange office’s margin, i.e., its profit.
Supply and Demand:
Exchange rates in offices are dynamic and change throughout the day, responding to global economic and political developments — much like on the stock market. If demand for a currency (e.g., the U.S. dollar) increases, its price tends to rise, and vice versa.
Connecting Clients:
An exchange office acts as an intermediary that connects the demand for currencies with their supply. Thanks to this, customers don’t have to search for people willing to buy or sell specific currencies — the office ensures readiness to transact at any moment.
Transaction Security:
Reputable stationary exchange offices place strong emphasis on transaction safety, both in terms of physical cash protection and compliance with legal regulations (including AML – Anti-Money Laundering rules).
Exchange Rates: Buying, Selling, and the Currency Spread – Understanding the Exchange Price
The most important element in the functioning of every exchange office is the exchange rate board. Understanding the difference between the buy and sell rates is essential to making a profitable currency exchange.
Buy Rate (Bid) and Sell Rate (Ask)
In every exchange office, you will see two main rates for each currency:
- Buy Rate (Bid):
The price at which the office buys currency from you.
In other words, if you want to sell your euros (EUR) or British pounds (GBP) and receive Polish zlotys (PLN) in return, the office will pay you according to the buy rate.
This is always the lower of the two displayed prices. - Sell Rate (Ask):
The price at which the office sells currency to you.
If you need to buy U.S. dollars (USD) or Ukrainian hryvnias (UAH) and pay for them in PLN, the office will sell them to you according to the sell rate.
This is always the higher of the two displayed prices.
Currency Spread – The Exchange Office’s Margin
The difference between the buy and sell rate is called the currency spread.
It is the margin charged by the exchange office for its services. The smaller the spread, the more favorable the transaction for the customer.
At FinUnion, we ensure that our spreads remain as low as possible — directly translating into better rates for our clients.
Remember, the spread is a natural part of the exchange office’s business model, covering operational expenses, staff wages, cash logistics, security, and market risk associated with exchange rate fluctuations.
Current Euro Rate, Dollar Rate, and Other Currencies – Understanding Rate Dynamics
Exchange rates at exchange offices are dynamic and based on data from the interbank market, stock quotations, and reference rates from central banks (e.g., NBP – National Bank of Poland).
The current euro rate or dollar rate depends on numerous macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.
At FinUnion, our website features an intuitive currency calculator, allowing you to quickly and accurately convert amounts before visiting an exchange office.
It operates using live market data — so you can check the current EUR/PLN, USD/PLN, or other exchange rates before you arrive.
It’s a convenient tool to help you assess which rate will be most beneficial for you.
The Currency Exchange Process in a Physical Office – Safety and Convenience
Exchanging currency at a physical exchange office ensures a high level of safety and discretion, especially compared to online transactions where you don’t handle cash directly.
Step-by-Step Currency Exchange: From Visit to Transaction
- Check Rates Online:
Before visiting, use the FinUnion currency calculator to check the current euro, dollar, or other currency rates. This helps you evaluate today’s exchange rates and understand what the office offers. - Reserve a Rate (Optional):
At FinUnion, you can reserve a selected rate (e.g., euro sell rate or dollar buy rate) for one hour.
To reserve, simply call your preferred location (Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, or Poznań) and provide your desired currency and amount.
A phone number is required for identification.
This option helps you lock in a favorable rate in a volatile market environment, protecting you from unexpected fluctuations. - Visit the Exchange Office:
Go to your chosen branch. At FinUnion, we prioritize safety and professionalism, so all transactions take place in person.
Our locations are secure, monitored, and ensure discretion. - Rate Negotiation (for Higher Amounts):
For maximum client benefit, FinUnion allows price negotiation on larger transactions.
We understand that every saving matters — so we invite you to discuss terms in person, allowing us to offer you an even better, personalized exchange rate. - ID Verification (if required):
In compliance with Polish law (including AML regulations), transactions exceeding the equivalent of 15,000 EUR require presentation of a valid identity document (ID card or passport).
This ensures transaction safety and helps prevent money laundering — a standard procedure in all legally operating exchange offices. - Exchange and Cash Delivery:
Once the rate is confirmed and identity (if needed) verified, the exchange takes place.
You receive your cash immediately — eliminating counterparty risk and ensuring full control over your funds.
At FinUnion, we exchange all major currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and UAH.
Additional Services and Advantages of a Currency Exchange Office
Modern exchange offices offer more than just standard currency exchange.
Exchanging Larger Amounts – Comfort and Security
For your comfort and safety, transactions exceeding the equivalent of 15,000 EUR should be arranged in advance.
Please contact your chosen FinUnion branch to schedule your visit and ensure we are fully prepared with the required cash.
This guarantees discretion and smooth service for high-value transactions.
Buyback of Withdrawn or Rare Currencies
At FinUnion, we also meet non-standard customer needs.
In addition to standard exchanges, we buy withdrawn and uncommon currencies.
If you have old banknotes, withdrawn pounds, or other currencies no longer accepted by banks — contact us!
We’ll do our best to find a solution, repurchase your funds, and help recover capital held in unusual currencies.
This is an important service for clients dealing with rare or discontinued banknotes.
Exchange Rate Forecasts and Market Trends
Dollar and euro exchange rate forecasts depend on a wide range of macroeconomic factors (inflation, interest rates, labor market data), geopolitical developments (wars, elections), and central bank policies (NBP, ECB, Federal Reserve).
Although you can track the current dollar rate and today’s euro rate on our website, and analyze market trends, FinUnion does not provide investment advice.
We supply you with tools and competitive rates so you can make informed decisions about managing your capital in different currencies.
Currency Exchange Office – Your Partner in Safe Cash Transactions
A currency exchange office is an indispensable part of the financial system, offering secure and efficient access to foreign currencies.
Understanding how a currency exchange office works, the difference between buy and sell rates, and how to use currency calculators is key to managing your finances effectively.
At FinUnion, with branches in Warsaw we focus on transparency, professionalism, and transaction safety.
We offer competitive rates, the option to reserve rates, negotiate prices for larger amounts, and buy withdrawn currencies — all to guarantee the highest level of financial security during exchanges of USD, EUR, GBP, UAH, and other currencies.
Need to exchange currency?
Visit FinUnion!
Check today’s euro or dollar rate on our website, use the currency calculator, and make a safe exchange with our experts.
