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Poland Country Information
Travellers to Poland will be enchanted
by its remarkable history of heroic resilience and tragedy, and delight
in the charming character
of its cities and in the natural beauty of the countryside. From
romantic tales of medieval knights and battles, kings and splendid
castles, to the horrors and destruction of World War II; it's determined
stand against Communism and today's modern outlook and booming economy,
the country abounds with the evidence of a historically turbulent
past.
Warsaw, the
capital, was almost totally destroyed by the war and now presents
an unusual mix of
beautifully restored historic buildings, communist-era concrete
structures, and modern fashion and consumerism. The maritime city
of Gdañsk, home to the historic garrison at Westerplatte
and the legendary Lenin shipyards, was the stage for both the beginnings
of the Second World War and the disintegration of Eastern European
communism. But it is Krakow, the ancient royal capital that draws
the crowds, rivalling the elegance of cities like Prague and Vienna.
Having largely escaped the destruction of the war it retains its
charming medieval character; the Royal Castle, the grand Market
Square, the old Jewish quarter and the nearby Nazi death camps
of Auschwitz are all steeped in historical importance.
The unspoilt Baltic coastline and the splendour of the rugged
mountain ranges of the Tatras will impress outdoor enthusiasts,
with a variety of activities and scenery to provide a peaceful
and relaxing break from the intensity of the country's history.
Along with the legendary hospitality of Polish people, a sense
of nationhood to which the Catholic Church is fundamental, and
a strong musical and cultural sense of identity, its tourist infrastructure
is flourishing and the country is experiencing a remarkable increase
in the number of visitors to its shores.
The
Basics
Time: Local time
is GMT +1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in
October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The standard
two-pin European style plugs are used.
Money: The official currency is Zloty (PLN), divided into 100
groszy. Poland is essentially a 'cash country', and it is difficult
to negotiate credit cards and travellers cheques in the cities,
and well nigh impossible in rural areas. American Express, Diners
Club, Visa and MasterCard are, however, accepted in places frequented
by tourists. ATMs are also beginning to proliferate in Polish cities,
where the sign 'Bankomat' indicates them. Money (preferably US$
or Euros) can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks,
hotels or bureaux called 'kantors', which offer the best rates.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and some are open
on Saturday till 1pm. Language: The national language is Polish. English is widely understood
in tourist areas.
Travel
Health: There are few health risks associated
with travel to Poland. Those visiting forested areas are advised
to seek medical advice about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis,
and tick bite prevention measures due to the presence of Lyme
disease. Bird flu was first discovered in northern Poland in
March 2006; there is little risk to travellers, but close contact
with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes
well cooked as a precaution. It is safest to drink bottled water
to avoid stomach upsets. There is a reciprocal health agreement
with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled
to low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but full health insurance
cover is still advised. Medical facilities and standards of health
care are good, but not many nurses or doctors speak English.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Poland, but small gratuities
of 10% can be offered for excellent service. In restaurants,
when your money is collected, by saying 'thank you' this signals
to the waiter/waitress to keep the change.
Safety
Information: Tourists should be alert to the risk of
robbery in tourist areas in large cities in Poland, particularly
in the vicinity of hotels, markets and banks. Vigilance against
theft should also be exercised at central railway stations, as
well as on overnight long distance trains, and when travelling
on public transport between Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport
and central Warsaw. Avoid walking alone at night. Tourist sites,
areas near big hotels, money exchange facilities and ATMs are
popular with thieves.
Local
Customs: Jay walking is an offence in Poland, which is
punishable with a fine. Public drunkenness is severely viewed;
police will take drunk people to drying out clinics until sober
and the person will be charged for the stay, and driving after
drinking alcohol is punishable by law.
Business: Poland has an interesting mix of the old and the new,
and this is apparent in the business world too. Women can expect
a kiss on the hand rather than a handshake from the older generation
and one can expect to be warmly offered drinks during meetings;
it is impolite to refuse. Although the Polish are hospitable
and friendly, business is still conducted formally. Punctuality
is important, dress should be formal and conservative (a suit
and tie the norm) and business cards are exchanged. Use titles
and first names unless otherwise indicated. English is widely
spoken, though attempting some basic Polish phrases will be appreciated.
Business hours in Poland are traditionally 7am to 3pm Monday
to Friday, with a long lunch taken after 3pm. Western influence,
however, means that hours are starting to shift to the more common
9am to 5pm.
Communications: The international access code for Poland is
+48. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are
in use, e.g. (0)22 for Warsaw and (0)12 for Krakow. Cheap rates
apply between 4pm and 6am, and on weekends. Mobile phones work
throughout the country, local operators use GSM networks, which
may not be compatible with some US cell phones. Internet cafes
are available in most towns.
Top of Page Visa and
Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US nationals do not require a
visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid
for
period of intended stay.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals with a passport
endorsed British Citizen do not require a visa. If passport
endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas
Territories Citizen
or British Subject with the right of abode in the UK a
visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Other passport
holders
require a visa.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require
a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports
must be valid for
period of intended stay.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport
valid for at least the period of intended
stay to enter Poland
and may stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South African passport holders
require a visa for travel to Poland.
Passports
must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require
a passport valid for at least the
period of intended
stay. A visa is not needed for up to 90 days.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require
a passport, but no visa is necessary.
Passport/Visa Note: A passport valid for at least six months
after arrival is needed for those who require a visa. Visa
exempt nationals must have a passport valid for period
of intended stay
(other than EEA nationals). The borderless region known as
the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria,
Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta,
The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen
visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder
to travel freely within the borders of all. Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at
short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements
with their embassy or consulate.
Weather
and Climate in Poland
The climate of
Poland is continental with typical very cold winters and
warm summers. Winters are
particularly cold inland,
with temperatures in Warsaw averaging below freezing. By contrast
summers are pleasantly mild to warm. Rain falls mostly during
the summer.
Warsaw
has a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and mild
summers. On average,
summer temperatures range between
47°F and 73°F (9°C and 22°C), while winter
temperatures range between 25°F and 42°F (-4°C
and 6°C). July is the wettest month, though rain does fall
sporadically throughout the year.
Krakow has a temperate climate, influenced by the weather
systems that build over the Atlantic. The weather in Krakow
in summer is comfortably warm with occasional heat waves when
dry continental air comes in from the east. An old Polish poem
says that in Krakow 'days are longest in June, hottest in July
and most beautiful in August'. Autumn in Krakow brings dry,
warm days starting with morning mist, and rich golden colouration
of the foliage. Winter is fairly severe when the city is blanketed
in snow and temperatures at or below freezing. Spring is the
best season in Krakow, when bright, mild days are accompanied
by the fragrance of blossom.
Top of Page
Attractions in Poland
- Old
Town (Starego Miasta) - The busy Old Town provides the
historic focal point of the city, having been rebuilt in the
original 17th and 18th century
style following the almost total destruction of the city during
the war.
- Historical
Museum of Warsaw - The History Museum is one of the best of Warsaw's
museums.
Its three-stories are crammed with fascinating exhibitions
covering every aspect of Warsaw's history and life, from
its beginnings to the present day, and there are old photographs,
clippings and articles on display from everyday pre-war city
life.
- Westerplatte - Westerplatte is where World War II broke out on 1 September
1939, situated
at the entrance to the harbour
and just a few
kilometres from the city of Gdañsk.
- Malbork
Castle - Malbork Castle is a classic example of a medieval
fortress;
it is the world’s largest brick castle and one of the
most impressive of its kind in Europe.
- Wieliczka
Salt Mine - The Salt Mine at Wieliczka is a unique
underground complex that has been in continuous use since its
construction in the
Middle Ages and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument.
- Auschwitz
Memorial Museum - The Auschwitz concentration
camp is actually made up of three camps - Auschwitz I, Auschwitz
II-Birkenau and Auschwitz III.
Events
in Poland
- St
Dominic’s Fair -
Poland’s largest open-air cultural event is also one
of the oldest in the world, having been started by papal decree
back in 1260. In the 21st century the annual fair draws about
150,000 visitors a day over two weeks in the peak tourist season,
when a variety of events take place in historic Gdansk.
- Mozart
Festival - Every summer, music lovers from around the world
flock to Warsaw
to attend the highlight of the city’s music season,
the Warsaw Chamber Opera’s Mozart Festival.
- Piano
Festival - For five days at three stunning venues in the
Polish capital,
the Ludwig van Beethoven Association present some of the
finest young virtuosos and masters of the piano.
Airports in Poland
John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
- Location: The airport is situated 7 miles (11km) west of Krakow.
- Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March
to last Sunday in October).
- Contacts: Tel: +48 (0) 12 639 33 01; or +48 (0) 12 639 33 22.
- Getting
to the city: City bus services 208 and 192 leave from the
roundabout in front of the passenger
terminal, ferrying
passengers regularly to the city centre. Taxis
are also available outside the arrivals hall and take
20
minutes to get to the
city centre. A shuttle train operates between the
airport and
the city centre. The Kraków-Balice train
station is located 200m from the passenger terminal
and operated a daytime
service every 30 minutes.
- Car
rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar
and Hertz.
- Facilities: There are banks, bureaux de change and ATMs at the airport.
Other facilities include
restaurants,
bars,
and shops, duty-free, child facilities, tourist
information and
hotel reservations desk, WiFi and a post office.
A business lounge (60 zl) and VIP lounge is
also available.
Disabled
facilities are good; those with special needs
should contact their airline
in advance.
- Departure
Tax: None.
Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW)
- Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) south west of
Warsaw.
- Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March
to last Sunday in October).
- Contacts: Tel: +48 (22) 650 4220.
- Transfer
between terminals: Terminals are within walking distance
of each other.
- Getting
to the city: Municipal bus lines (No 175 and 188) operate
daily from 4.40am to 11pm
ferrying
commuters
to Warsaw
city
centre and the right riverbank. Journey time
is 30 minutes and a single daytime ticket costs
2.40 zl.
Tickets are available
in the 'Ruch' kiosks and at Tourist Information
in the Departures Hall. Some hotels provide
a shuttle
bus service to and from
the hotel on request and a taxi stand is located
in front of the Arrivals Hall. The Polski Express
bus
provides connections
to the biggest polish towns. The bus stop is
on the Arrivals Hall level of Terminal 2.
- Car
rental: Most leading car rental companies, including Avis,
Budget, Hertz , operate
from the
airport outside
arrivals in terminal one.
- Facilities: There are shops, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other
facilities include banks,
bureaux de change,
ATMs, a
post office and a tourist information and
hotel reservations service. There is also an observation
deck; a fee
is
charged and visitors are subjected to a security
check. Disabled
facilities are good; those with special needs
should contact their airline
in advance. Note that the line for check-in
can be very long.
- Departure
Tax: None.
Top
of Page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
The maximum level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.02
per cent. Between 0.021% and 0.05% per cent a heavy fine imposed and
suspension of licence. Over 0.05% the fine is determined by a tribunal along
with
the prison sentence and suspension of licence.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle (over 125cc) 18. All
valid UK driving
licences should be accepted in Poland.
Fines:
On-the-spot. An official receipt should be obtained. The Police
are authorised
to request foreign motorists pay their fines in cash. Wheel clamps
are in use.
Illegally parked cars causing an obstruction may be towed away
and impounded.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (95 & 98 octane), diesel and LPG available.
No leaded petrol
(95 octane petrol with lead replacement additive available). 10
litres of petrol in a
can is permitted but forbidden aboard ferries and Euro tunnel.
Credit cards
accepted at most filling stations; check with your card issuer
for usage in Poland
before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
driving distances
Lights:
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are compulsory for all
vehicles
at all times. Fine imposed for non-compliance.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of
crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory. Green Card recognised.
Passengers / Children in cars:
Children under 12 and 1.5 metres in height cannot
travel as front or a rear seat passenger unless using a suitable
restraint system
adapted to their size. If a car is equipped with front seat airbags
it is prohibited to
place a child in a rear facing seat.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers: In built-up areas 37 mph (60 km/h) from
2300hrs to
0500hrs and 31 mph (50 km/h) from 0500hrs to 2300hrs, outside built-up
areas 55 mph (90 km/h), on express roads (2 x 1 lanes) 62 mph (100
km/h) or (2 x 2 lanes)
68 mph (110 km/h) and 80 mph (130 km/h) on motorways. The minimum speed
on
motorways is 24 mph (40 km/h). Some residential zones are 13mph (20km/h).
Compulsory equipment:
-
Warning triangle - compulsory for all vehicles with more than
two wheels
Other
rules / requirements:
It is recommended that visitors equip their vehicle with a first
aid kit and a set of
replacement bulbs.
It is also recommended that a fire extinguisher be carried as its
carriage is
compulsory for Polish registered vehicles.
The use of spiked tyres is prohibited.
Snow chains may be used only on roads covered with snow.
It is prohibited to carry or / and use a radar detector.
The use of the horn is prohibited in built up areas except to avoid
an accident.
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