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Travelling in Poland
(basic information about the country, its customs and money)
At a glance
Language: Polish
Other popular languages spoken: English, German, Russian, French
Time: GMT/UTC plus one hour
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz AC Euro socket style
Weights & measures: Metric
Currency: 1 zloty (PLN) = 100 grosz (1 GBP " 5.7 PLN, 1 EUR " 4 PLN)
The Republic of Poland
Poland (Polska) is located in the heart of Europe and covers
an area of 312,700 square kilometres. Its boundaries are formed by the Baltic
Sea to the north, Germany to the west, the Czech and Slovak
Republics to the south and Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia
to the east.
Although Poland's topography is characterized mainly by lowland plains,
its variable landscape includes important mountain chains, such as
the Sudety and Tatra Mountains. Hundreds of freshwater lakes
are hidden away in the northern part of the country: the Pomeranian and
Mazurian Lake Districts are set amidst picturesque hills and primeval forests.
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Source:Polish National Tourist
Office in London
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Poland has 38 million inhabitants, 1,650,000 of whom live in the
capital city of Warsaw (Warszawa) and other major cities, such as Cracow
(Krakow), Szczecin, Gdansk, Poznan,
Lodz, Wroclaw.
The official language is Polish.
Touching the Baltic Sea in the north, Poland offers 528 km of coastline
with sandy beaches.
Poland is a parliamentary republic and is divided into 16 administrative provinces (województwa). Since 1989, the country has been undergoing an important transformation into a market economy.
On 1 May 2004 Poland joined the European Union.
Passport and visas
EU visitors should
carry a passport or another valid identity document confirming
the nationality of the bearer.
Money
Poland is not a member of the Euro currency system. The Polish currency
is Zloty = 100 Groszy. To find out about the current exchange
rates, please click here.
Credit cards & ATM. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, travel agencies,
airlines and petrol stations accept payments with credit cards. Stickers
on the doors and windows of businesses usually indicate which credit cards
will be accepted for payment.
There are over 8.500 automatic teller machines (ATM) in Poland. They accept
the following cards: Visa, Visa Electron, PLUS, Eurocard/MasterCard,
Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, PolCard, PolCard Bis, PolCard
Tempo Cash:
May be obtained with the use of credit cards in ATMs or through banks. Click
to see the banknotes
and coins
currently in circulation.
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Foreign exchange:
Major foreign currencies may be exchanged for Polish Zlotys at banks
or exchange counters, identified by the name KANTOR, operated by
larger hotels, at border crossings or across towns and cities. Banks in
larger cities are usually open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays and until 1
pm on Saturdays.
KANTORS are usually open from 9 am to 7 pm weekdays and until 2 pm on Saturdays.
24-hour services are usually available in larger major tourist centres such
as train stations, border crossings and airports.You can import and export
foreign currency without any restrictions up to € 10,000.
Travellers Cheques:
Major travellers cheques can be exchanged (for a commission) at most of
the locations above, with the exception of KANTORS. Eurocheques are accepted
in accordance with standard international practice.
Tipping:
It is customary to leave a tip of l0 to 15 % in restaurants and cafes. Tips
for porter's services in hotels and train stations are customary, but amounts
for services rendered are at the traveller's discretion.
Customs and customs duties
On arrival:
There is no customs checks for EU nationals.
Customs information regarding the import of foreign currency and products
manufactured outside the EU and/or in quantities exceeding personal use
can be found on the Ministry
of Finance website.
The following items may be imported into Poland by persons of 18 years of
age and over without incurring customs duty:
250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 3 litres of alcoholic beverages
and an unlimited amount of money, but the sum of money must be declared
at customs control. It is forbidden to bring to Poland: any goods that could
destroy the natural environment, pornographic materials and drugs. The export
of antiques, works of art and certain other items from Poland is prohibited.
A customs declaration must be presented at the border.
You are allowed to bring in $100 worth of souvenirs duty free.
Queries related to specific customs & excise matters can be addressed to:CUSTOMS
INFORMATION SERVICE
e-mail: Informacja.celna@mofnet.gov.pl
Driving
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To drive a motor vehicle in Poland, EU nationals need a valid ID,
vehicle registration documents (log book) and a driving licence.
If you are driving someone else's car, it is useful to be able to
show that you have the owner's permission to use the borrowed car.
As for the driver's licence, a valid EU licence is accepted. Here
are the basic traffic
regulations to be observed in Poland.
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Traffic regulations
In Poland right-hand traffic is obligatory and traffic regulations are the
same as in other European Union countries. Here is a brief summary:
- 60 km/h for vehicles or sets of vehicles throughout built-up areas,
- 20 km/h for local traffic of vehicles or sets of vehicles throughout residential
zones,
For automobiles. motorcycles and trucks (up to. 3.5 t GVW);
- 130 km/h on motorways,
- 100 km/h on dual carriageways,
- 100 km/h on single and dual carriageway roads with at least two lanes
in each direction,
- 90 km/h on all other roads.
For all vehicles or sets of vehicles not mentioned above:
- 80 km/h on motorways and dual carriageway roads with at least two lanes
in each direction,
- 70 km/h on all other roads.
Notice: 40 km/h is the maximum speed limit for all motorcycles (with or
without a sidecar) and mopeds when a child is transported.
Vehicle Size Restrictions:
- Height - 4.0 m
- Width - 2 5 m
- Length with trailer - 18.35 m
- Maximum length of a single vehicle - 12.0 m
Seat belts
Both the driver and front and rear passengers must keep their seat belts
on at all times while the vehicle is moving, except for persons having an
appropriate doctor' s certificate and women in late months of pregnancy.
Safety helmets
Motorcycle and moped drivers and their passengers must wear safety helmets
at all times.
Children
Children up to 10 years are not allowed to occupy the front seat, unless
seated in a special safety chair. If the seat belts cannot be used because
of child's weight or size, a special safety seat must be provided.
If an air bag is fitted in front of the passenger seat, a child may not
be seated in its safety chair with its back towards the front of the vehicle.
Lights
When visibility is poor (fog, rain or generally in other adverse conditions)
the driver must:
- switch on the side light or fog lights or both.
- give short horn signals outside built-up areas while passing or overtaking
other vehicles.
Rear fog lights may be used if visibility is reduced to 50 m. These lights
should be turned off as soon as visibility improves.
Side lights must always be switched on in normal weather conditions from
dusk till dawn, and at all times from 1 October to the end of February.
Side lights must also be used in unlit tunnels.
Motorcycle and moped riders must have lights on at all times.
Other
The use of steel-studded tyres is forbidden. Snow chains are allowed only
on snow covered roads.
Driving under the influence of intoxicating substances is strictly forbidden.
Mobile phones may be used while driving only if they are fitted with a hands-free
kit.
Foreign registered vehicles should have a country code sticker attached
to the back of the vehicle. The driver should be able to produce to the
traffic police a valid driving licence, vehicle registration and an insurance
document.
Roadside document checks may be carried out only by uniformed police officers
in clearly marked police patrol cars.
Documents required
EU nationals are required to carry a valid national or international driving
licence and the vehicle's log book. Consult your insurance agent about the
requirements regarding your motoring cover.
Health
and vaccination
Emergency:
As an EU national you are entitled to receive medical care should you become
ill or have an accident in Poland. It is recommended that you carry with
you the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Most hospitals can offer
all forms of treatment and modern diagnostic equipment. Private clinics
are also available.
IMPORTANT:
The E111 form for travellers to Europe is changing to the European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC). As of 31st December 2005 the E111 became invalid
and all travellers to Europe must hold an EHIC.
Vaccination:
Not required, but you might want some form of health insurance.
Drugs:
Drugs generally available in the UK can be also obtained in Poland. If you
need repeated prescription drugs, consult your GP to obtain the necessary
prescriptions before departure.
Language
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English, German and Russian are among the better known foreign languages
spoken in Poland, especially in the larger urban centres and hotels.
English (and also German) is particularly popular among the younger
generation (older people prefer German). Most tourist facilities employ
at least one English speaker.
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But to make your visit to Poland even more rewarding we would encourage you to learn some basic Polish words and phrases.
English, German and Russian are among the better known foreign languages spoken in Poland, especially in the larger urban centres and hotels. English (and also German) is particularly popular among the younger generation (older people prefer German). Most tourist facilities employ at least one English speaker. But to make your visit to Poland even more rewarding we would encourage you to learn some basic Polish words and phrases.
Just how do you pronounce Polish words?
Unlike English, Polish is pronounced phonetically. Once you understand where to break up the word, and that the second-to-last syllable is always stressed, you'll do okay (we've underlined the stressed syllable to help). If confused, just look it up in a good dictionary.
Polish vowels at least are quite easy and are always pronounced as follows:
a - closer to standard southern British English 'u' (butter) than 'a' (cat)
ą - like the French 'on' or in English 'ong' - it's very nasal
e - as in 'egg'
ę - e followed by a 'wwww' and ending with the French nasal 'ng' - ask a
Pole!
i - a bit longer than 'ship' and shorter than 'sheep'
o - as in 'orange
ó - as in 'cool'
u - as ó
Start with something simple: (remember how to pronounce the vowels!):
Yes: Tak ('tack')
No: Nie ('nyeh')
OK: Dobrze ('dob' then 'shuh')
Excuse me: Przepraszam (difficult to pronounce - 'pshe' followed
by 'pra' and 'sham')
What: Co (often used like an English 'what??' and pronounced 'tso')
Where: Gdzie ( 'guh' and 'je')When: Kiedy ( 'ki yeh di')
Who: Kto ( 'k' and 'to')
Why: Dlaczego ('dla' and 'che' and 'go')
How: Jak (just like 'yuk' in southern English or in Scottish)
Poles like greetings. Remember how to say 'good day'. You can even say
it at night - it has such universality here.
Good day: Dzien dobry ('jean' and 'dobri')
Hi: Cześć (use this one on friends only: 'che sh ch' but run it all together
as one sound)
Bye: Cześć (works like 'ciao', making informal comings and goings easy)
Good bye: Do widzenia ('dovid zen ya' comes close enough)
I don't speak Polish: Nie mówię po polsku ('nie' as above, 'movi-eh' then
'po', and 'pol skoo')
I don't understand: Nie rozumiem ( 'nye' and 'ro zoo mi em')
Help me please: Proszę mi pomoc ('pro-sheh 'mi' 'po mots')
Please write that down: Prosze to napisać ( 'pro-sheh' 'mi' 'na pi sach')
Dialling
Long Distance Dialling:
If calling long distance within Poland, dial a '0' and wait. Eventually,
you'll hear a faint tone; that's your signal to then dial the city code
and phone number. If dialling outside of Poland, do the same thing, but
dial '0' again when you get the second tone followed by the country code,
and then the rest of the number. Poland can be reached from the UK by dialling
00, then 48 + city code (without 0) and the phone number.
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If calling long distance within Poland, dial a '0' and wait. Eventually,
you'll hear a faint tone; that's your signal to then dial the city
code and phone number. If dialling outside of Poland, do the same
thing, but dial '0' again when you get the second tone followed by
the country code, and then the rest of the number.
Poland can be reached from the UK by dialling 00, then 48 + city code
(without 0) and the phone number. |
Dialling local numbers in Poland:
Remember, when dialling from inside Poland, first dial 0 followed by the
area code (91 for Szczecin) and the number. You need to dial the area code
even if you're in the city itself.
Mobile phones:
Most of Poland's mobile service suppliers offer roaming facilities. Network
coverage in Poland is generally good. Expect patchy performance only in
rural areas far away from large cities.
Emergency phone numbers::
997 - police
998 - fire-brigade
999 - medical emergency service / ambulance
112 - mobile phone emergency number
981 - road assistance
Internet access
Use an ISP, or (if you're travelling with a laptop) the telecom company (TP S.A.) and pay the cost of a local call.
Dial-Up Networking:
server type: "PPP: Internet, Windows NT Server, Windows 98"
protocols: "TCP/IP"
TCP/IP Properties: "IP Address 194.204.152.34"
use tel. 0202122
login: ppp
password: ppp
High-speed and wireless Internet
Most hotels offer high-speed and wireless Internet access free of charge in all guest and meeting rooms.
Public holidays
- 1 January - New Year's Day
- 1 May - May Day
- 3 May - Constitution Day
- 15 August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- 1 November - All Saints Day
- 11 November - Independence Day
- 25 & 26 December - Christmas Days
Moveable Feasts:
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2005
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2006
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2007
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2008
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2009
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| Easter |
27 & 28 March
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16 & 17 April
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8 & 9 April
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23 &24 March
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12 & 13 April
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| Ascension |
5 May
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25 May
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17 May
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1 May
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21 May
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| Corpus Christi |
26 May
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15 June
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7 June
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22 May
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11 June
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Customs
Poles are renowned for their hospitality. They have a good sense of humour,
similar to that of the British; however, they are very sensitive about their
history and have a very strong sense of national pride.
Statistically, the vast majority of Poles are Catholic, although, despite
current opinion, extreme Catholics are actually somewhat of a rarity.
In Poland, chivalry is not yet dead, with men typically showing respect
for women in public places by opening doors for them, pulling out chairs
in restaurants or giving up seats in buses. Some even go so far as to kiss
a lady on the hand by way of greeting, although this is now considered rather
old-fashioned and usually a handshake is enough.
Despite the changes wrought following the fall of communism, Poles are still
very attached to their traditions, with family ties particularly important.
Families like to get together on public holidays, with Christmas being the
most popular time for celebration. At home, the decorations are usually
put up only a few days before Christmas, and do not come down again until
the end of January. Christmas dinner is eaten on Christmas Eve and starts
when the first star can be seen in the sky, but before everyone sits down
to eat they gather round the table to share a traditional wafer and wish
each other well. There is an unwritten rule that there should be 12 different
dishes on the table - one for each of the disciples - and that all of the
food should be meat-free (although fish forms the main course). Another
tradition is that there should be one extra place set for any unexpected
guest who might drop by.
Poles are very attached to their social life, especially when it involves
family and friends, and sometimes neighbours. Young people in particular
enjoy meeting each other at the pub, in coffee shops or at nightclubs. On
certain days of the year it is extremely difficult to find a place in any
of the pubs and restaurants; in particular New Year's Eve, Shrove Tuesday
(the last evening before Lent starts) and St Andrew's Day (30 November).
On these days, pubs and clubs organise special events, often with dancing
and live music. For those who prefer a less hectic evening out, there are
countless private parties in flats or houses on these days.
Unlike most other European countries, Poles celebrate name days over birthdays,
although this is gradually changing among younger people. Most calendars
show the names celebrated for any given day, and card shops generally sell
more name day cards than birthday cards. An exception would be the 18th
birthday, which is usually celebrated with a big party since a young person
comes of age on this day.
If you happen to be invited to someone's house, it is a good idea to take
some flowers along (but not Chrysanthemums, as these are associated with
funerals!). For birthday parties or special occasions, a bottle of good
wine or spirits will always be appreciated, although it is not compulsory
to take anything.
During the period from Christmas to Lent (known as Carnival), there are
plenty of opportunities for a good party. As well as all the events at pubs
and private parties, companies organise 'Christmas tree' parties for children.
Polish children are particularly spoilt when it comes to Christmas, and
get presents three times over the Christmas period: on 6th December (St
Nicholas' Day), on Christmas Eve and then in January at the Christmas tree
party. Other popular present-giving days are Grandmothers' Day (21st January),
Grandfathers' Day (21st February), Mothers' Day (26th May) Children's Day
(1st June) and even Teachers' Day or Nurses' Day. In Poland, no-one is left
out!
Smoking is banned in public places, although there are special smoking areas
in pubs and restaurants.
Food
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Eating out in Szczecin is not an expensive affair, by Western standards;
a good main course can be had from around 30-50zł (approx. £ 5 to £ 9). Of
course, at the top end you should expect to pay over 100zł (approx. £ 18)
per head for dinner; however, you can get a filling meal at a 'Milk Bar'
for as little as 10zł (£ 1.80). A cup of coffee and a slice of cake will
cost around 10 - 15 zł (approx. £ 2 to £ 2.50), while a pint at the pub will
set you back somewhere in the region of 4 - 10zł (between approx. 70p and
£ 1.80), depending on the quality of the ale and the drinking establishment.
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Restaurant prices are fairly standard throughout Poland, the two main exceptions
being Warsaw and Kraków, especially in the central tourist areas, where
prices can be double that of other cities and regions.
The best time to visit a pub or restaurant is at lunch time, between 12
pm and 3 pm, when there are countless promotions and special offers. (This
is because Poles traditionally do not go out for lunch and prefer to have
their main meal after they finish work at about 3 o'clock). It is not uncommon
to have 2 for the price of 1 or 50% off at these times. Service is usually
not included in the bill; a 10% tip is the general norm, but not compulsory.
In common with most Europeans Poles enjoy Mediterranean food, but recently
more exotic cuisines such as Chinese, Thai or Japanese have made an appearance
and are gaining in popularity, as are salad bars and vegetarian options,
which have been available for quite some time.
There is also a growing tendency to have 'light' or 'healthy' choices for
those who are watching their waistline.
While Polish cuisine may not traditionally be described as 'light', it remains
highly regarded amongst tourists. Below are some of the most popular dishes
which should definitely be sampled:
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Traditional Polish cousine.
Source: "Karczma Polska" Restaurant
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Poles are quite keen on their starters such as marynowane ryby w śmietanie
(marinated fish in sour cream), koreczki śledziowe (salted and rolled
herring fillets) and cured and smoked meats, such as kabanos (long,
thin and highly spiced sausage) and kiełbasa myśliwska (hunter's sausage
- made with pork and game).
Soups play an important part at mealtimes and are usually rich and
very thick.
Soups such as barszcz (beetroot soup, excellent with sour cream) or
żurek (traditional Polish soup made from fermented rye) are often
served in cups, mugs or even in a loaf of bread with a side order
of small hotpastries stuffed with meat or cabbage. |
Other Polish specialities worth trying are bigos (a kind of stew made from
pickled and fresh cabbage, onions and pieces of meat - delicious!) or zrazy
zawijane (stuffed beefsteak rolls in sour cream) served with kasza gryczana
(buckwheat groats - similar to bulghur wheat), golonka (knuckle of pork
- not for those with small appetites!) and pierogi (large ravioli with a
variety of sweet or savoury fillings such as meat, cabbage and mushrooms
or fruit). There is also a wide range of fish dishes, in particular freshwater
fish such as carp or pike-perch, along with eel and herring served in countless
different combinations.
Tourists also seem to enjoy Polish cakes and pastries, in particular sernik
(cheesecake) baba (yeast cake), pierniki (small gingerbread cakes) and makowiec
(poppy seed cake).
Of course a trip to Poland
would be incomplete without a sample of some real Polish vodka, of
which the following come highly recommended: żubrówka, tarniówka,
śliwowica, pieprzówka and Starka (produced exclusively in Szczecin).
Spirits such as brandy are available in the vast majority of bars,
as is wine, although they are imported.
This is not the case with beer; Polish lagers are highly appreciated
across Europe, the best-known brands being Tyskie, Lech and Żywiec,
although if you are in Szczecin why not try the equally good local
brew, Bosman? If you would rather stick to ale or prefer lighter beers,
most bars have a wide range of imports on offer
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The widely-held belief that Poles are leading consumers of alcohol is simply
not true, and they are outclassed in this dubious distinction by many other
nations. In recent years the consumption of spirits has fallen considerably,
in favour of beer and wine.
UK and Irish Embassies in Poland:
British Embassy
al. Roz 100-555 Warsaw
tel. +48 (0)22 628 10 01-05
fax: +48 (0)22 621 71 61
Irish Embassy
ul. Humanska 10
00-789 Warszawa
tel: 0-22-849 6633/8496655
fax: 0-22-849 8431
e-mail: ambasada@irlandia.pl
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