VISIT POLAND

Poland is a country of rich history, resilient spirit, and diverse landscapes. From the vibrant old town of Kraków and the sobering sites of World War II history to the Baltic beaches, Tatra mountains, and lively cities like Warsaw and Gdańsk, Poland offers incredible variety and value. Visitors come for its culture, nature, cuisine, and warm hospitality.

❄️ December – February: Winters are cold and snowy, especially in the mountains. It’s a magical time to visit cities lit up for Christmas or go skiing in Zakopane.

🌱 March – May: Spring brings blossoming parks, fewer tourists, and pleasant weather, ideal for city breaks and countryside exploration.

☀️ June – August: Summer is warm, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It’s the peak tourist season, with festivals, beach time on the Baltic coast, and outdoor activities in full swing.

🍂 September – November: Autumn is crisp and colorful, especially in the forests and mountains. It’s a quieter time to visit and enjoy local culture and hearty Polish cuisine.

Poland has a good transportation system with several ways to explore:

🚌 Buses: Intercity and local buses are affordable and reach most destinations. FlixBus and local companies connect major cities and smaller towns.

🚂 Trains: PKP Intercity operates a wide and efficient network. High-speed trains connect Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk, while regional trains serve smaller areas.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is a good option for exploring the countryside, national parks, or lesser-known villages. Roads are generally in good condition. Traffic drives on the right-hand side, and an IDP is not needed if your license is in Latin script.

Bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, even for small purchases. Contactless payment is common. That said, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in Polish złoty (PLN) for small shops, local buses, or markets.

Poland uses two plug types: C and E. They have two grounding holes. Most European plugs work, but check compatibility before you go. Poland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency.

If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.

Tipping is appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% tip is customary if service is not already included. In cafés or taxis, rounding up the bill is polite if you appreciated the service.

Tap water is safe to drink in most cities and towns in Poland. However, in older buildings, locals may prefer filtered or bottled water due to plumbing concerns.

Sunday is a closing day for many stores in Poland. National holidays in Poland include:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• Easter Monday (date varies)
• Labour Day (May 01)
• Constitution Day (May 03)
• Corpus Christi (date varies)
• Assumption Day (August 15)
• All Saints’ Day (November 01)
• Independence Day (November 11)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

In Poland, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30mph in urban areas
• 90 kph / 56 mph on open roads
• 100-120 kph / 62-75 mph on expressways
• 140 kph / 87 mph on motorways

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

• Hello (informal) = Cześć
• Good day = Dzień dobry
• Goodbye = Do widzenia
• Yes = Tak
• No = Nie
• Thank you = Dziękuję
• Please = Proszę
• You’re welcome = Nie ma za co
• Excuse me = Przepraszam
• Day = Dzień
• Night = Noc
• Good evening = Dobry wieczór
• Goodnight = Dobranoc
• Mister = Pan
• Ma’am = Pani
• Street = Ulica
• Goodnight = Droga

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download the Polish language to use it even offline!

Poland is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare, and public spaces are well-patrolled. Standard precautions apply, especially in busy tourist areas:

• Secure Your Belongings: Pickpocketing can happen in crowded places like train stations.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies throughout the country.