Practical information for travellers in Poland

Living Conditions

Time zone

Type of Climate: The climate is half continental and half oceanic. Average annual rainfall is 600 mm. Average temperatures in January are 5°C and in June 24°C.
For Further Information: Consult the website of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management

Climate

Food Specialties: The most well known specialties in Poland are the following:
Barszcz: beetroot soup with small ravioli stuffed with mushrooms or meat.
Placki Ziemniaczane : potato fritters
Bigos: cabbage with pieces of meat, prepared over several days.
Szarlotka: apple cake sprinkled with cinnamon.
Makowiec: poppy seed cake
Drinks: Concerning drink and spirits, the Polish are very fond of vodka and beer; Zywiec, Okocim and EB are the most famous brands in Poland. There is not much Polish wine, so it is preferable to buy foreign wines. Tea is an institution and coffee is sometimes drunk Turkish-style.
Dietary Restrictions: There are no dietary restrictions in the country.

Domestic Currency: Polish Zloty
ISO Code: PLN
To Obtain Domestic Currency: Zlotys can be obtained in exchange offices, banks, and in major cities in ATMs.
Possible Means of Payment: Places where you can pay in foreign currency are rare.
In shops, restaurants, hotels, and cafés payment is made in cash or by credit card.

Official Language: Polish
Other Languages Spoken: Polish belongs to the family of West Slavic languages (with Czech and Slovakian).
The most spoken foreign languages are German and English, but it is useful to know a few words of Polish to travel around the country, especially outside large urban areas.
Business Language: Depending on the type of company you contact, the geographical location and the sector of activity, it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English. Insufficient knowledge of English and German often makes it necessary to bring an interpreter. However, the younger generations are more likely to speak English and are studying and practicing it with increasing frequency.
Getting Some Knowledge: Consult the Expat Arrivals.
Free Translation Tools: TravLang : On-line dictionary
Leksyka : On-line dictionary (English, German)
Tranexp : Free English-Polish-English translator of texts and web pages
Ectaco : English-Polish-English Dictionary

To Find an Accommodation: Booking
Polish Campings

Bed and Breakfast in Poland
Hostels.com
To Find an Apartment: Mam Dom
Gratka (interface in Polish)
Century21
Gazeta Wyborcza - Dom (in Polish)
List of real estate agencies, sorted by region (in Polish)
Domiporta (in Polish)
Apartment in Poland

Rentola
To Find a Job: Public employment service
List of employment agencies
Jobs.pl
Job Center
Career Jet
Praca Onet

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