Foreigners Spent Billions in Poland – Mainly on Shopping and Accommodation

In 2023, foreign spending in Poland reached a level of 44.3 billion PLN, an increase of 18.3% compared to the previous year, according to the GUS report titled “Cross-border movement and spending of foreigners in Poland and Poles abroad”. Foreigners living and working in Poland also spend more money in our country. According to a study by Grupa Progres, their main expenses include rent and purchasing everyday items (food, cleaning products, clothing).

Key findings include:

• According to GUS, in 2023, the number of people crossing the Polish border (entering and leaving our country) totaled 285.1 million.
• Total foreign spending in Poland reached 44.3 billion PLN, an increase of 18.3% compared to 2022.
• Foreigners living and working in Poland also allocate substantial sums towards living in our country. Their main expenses are rent, purchases of products such as food, clothing, and cleaning supplies, utility bills, internet or phone bills, fuel (13%), and credit (according to Grupa Progres survey).
• About 80% of respondents spend an average of 1500-2000 PLN per month on essential products and admit that such purchases and other expenses have increased by about 10-20% annually.
• The study by Grupa Progres also reveals that many foreigners try to budget wisely, often saving what they can to help their families.

According to GUS, the total number of people crossing the Polish border (entering and leaving) in 2023 was 285.1 million, down 6.4% from the previous year (2022: 268 million). Of these, 161.4 million were foreigners, and 123.6 million were Poles (compared to 153.4 million and 114.6 million in 2022, respectively). The majority of traveling foreigners (81.1%) crossed the border and returned the same day. For the majority of surveyed foreigners, the main purpose of their stay in Poland was shopping (59.3%), while 12.2% came for work, and 10.1% were just passing through. Some people came to visit family and friends or rest.

Total foreign spending in Poland reached 44.3 billion PLN in 2023, an increase of 18.3% compared to 2022. The bulk of this amount – 32.5 billion PLN – was spent on shopping (an increase of 15.1% compared to 2022), while services, mainly accommodation and catering, accounted for 11.8 billion PLN (28.3% more). The most popular purchases were non-food items, costing 22.4 billion PLN, whereas food and non-alcoholic drinks cost them 5.7 billion PLN, and alcohol and tobacco products – 4.3 billion PLN. Foreigners spent more on each of these categories than in the previous year: food and non-alcoholic drinks increased by 18.3%, non-food goods by 15.4%, and alcohol and tobacco by 9.7%.

The average spending of a foreigner (non-resident) in Poland in 2023 was 551 PLN, compared to 494 PLN in 2022. Visitors from Ukraine spent the most in Poland (on average 811 PLN per person), while those from Russia spent the least (362 PLN). Those crossing the border from EU countries spent an average of 435 PLN, which is 41.8% more than the average spending of a Pole abroad, which amounted to 307 PLN. Among our neighbors from the EU, visitors from Lithuania spent the most on average (557 PLN), while those from the Czech Republic spent the least (333 PLN).

Significant sums for living in our country are also allocated by foreigners living and working in Poland, according to a study by Grupa Progres. The list of items that consume the largest part of their paycheck includes rent (indicated as the most common answer by 66% of respondents), purchases of products such as food, clothing, cleaning supplies (60%), utility bills, internet or phone bills (28%), fuel (13%), and credit (11%). About 80% of respondents spend approximately 1500-2000 PLN monthly on essentials and admit their expenses, including for such purchases, have grown about 10-20% annually.

“Considering the financial situation of foreigners residing in our country on a daily basis, they also did not avoid the increase in living costs in our country. They are spending more on food, but also accommodation,” says Cezary Maciołek, President of Grupa Progres. “Over time, foreigners become independent and rent their own rooms or apartments, which automatically affects their expenses.”

The study by Grupa Progres also shows that many foreigners try to budget wisely, often saving what they can from temporary work to help their families (48%), start their own business (25%), plan for a wedding and starting a family (8%), invest in education (8%), and plan for holiday trips (6%).

The survey by Grupa Progres titled “Life of Foreigners in Poland 2024” was conducted for the second time (the first took place in the second half of June 2024). In the latest edition, a representative group of N=1000 participated. Respondents were adult foreigners (women and men) – from 62 countries – Europe, Asia, Africa, America (North and South) – actively working and living in Poland. The quantitative study used an online survey (CAWI) and the DAR research tool. The study took place in September 2024.

Source: https://managerplus.pl/obcokrajowcy-wydali-w-polsce-miliardy-glownie-na-zakupy-i-zakwaterowanie-45163