Tips For Visiting Poland For The First Time

Work or pleasure, it is always good to know useful tips when visiting Poland for the first time. As every country is different, with its unique culture, history, and customs, here you will learn the do’s and don’ts, and the best tips for visiting Poland for the first time.

Don’ts When Visiting Poland For The First Time

Don’t Say Poland Is An Eastern Country!

Because of the political arrangements, for a very long time, Poland was considered one of the Eastern European countries. In fact, Poland lies in the middle of Europe, and Poles are very sensitive on this matter.

For the past 20 years, Poland has been a part of the UE and the mentality, lifestyle, and standard of living are on the same level as other states of the Union. Therefore, be prepared to be corrected, if you say is an Eastern country.

Don’t Say Poland Is A Cold Country!

If you think Poland is all about rain and low temperature, you are wrong! There is a fair share of winter weather, but Poland is far from being a cold country all year round.

During the summer months, the sun is shining, and the temperatures are really warm. And yes, winters can be chilly, with snowfall in some regions, but they are also so beautiful.

Don’t Drink Alcohol In Public Places!

It might sound odd, but drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Poland. The fines are very high if you get caught with a beer somewhere on the streets, or in the park. The same goes for drinking and driving. There is zero tolerance for driving after alcohol, and the consequences go far beyond monetary fines.

Don’t Go Visit Empty-Handed!

If someone invites you over, it is always good to bring something with you. It might be a bottle of wine, a box of chocolate, or a gift brought from home. This is a way Poles show appreciation to the host for the invitation, especially if you are invited to someone’s home, you will be fed well.

Don’t Give A Bouquet With Even Amount Of Flowers!

It is believed that an even number of flowers brings bad luck, and an odd number brings good luck. Hence, it is customary to give one flower, three, five, or seven, and so on.

So count the flowers, and you can be sure that you will not make the recipient unhappy with a bouquet.

Dos When Visiting Poland For The First Time

Do, Learn Some Polish!

Yes, Polish is a difficult language but learning a few basic words, will make a big difference in your experience. And even though Poles do speak English, you will not find signs in public places and on the roads in a language other than Polish.

Here are some of the words, that will help you break the ice, or just read the signs:

• dziękuje -thank you
• proszę – please
• dzien dobry – good morning
• przepraszam – Excusme
• wyjście – exit
• wejście – entrance
• otwarte – open
• zamknięte – closed
• apteka – pharmacy
• dworzec -bus/train station

Do, Prepare Both Visa And Cash!

Today, almost everywhere you can pay by card, and in some places, you will find it difficult to pay with cash, usually by getting a ticket on the bus or paying for parking.

On the other hand though, there are places that only accept cash. What are those places? It’s souvenir shops, flea markets, a horse carriage in tourist areas, etc.

Do, Exchange Your Dollars And Euros To Polish Zloty!

Poland has its own currency and it is złoty. You can pay in shops only with Polish currency, the cashier simply will not accept dollars or euros.

If you come with foreign currency, though, you can easily exchange it in a local bank or an exchanger point called KANTOR.

Tips On Foods And Drinks For First-Time Visitors

Try The Local Food

Polish cuisine is one of the best. Pierogi, kielbasa, bigos, and Polish cheesecake are known all over the world, and it would be a shame not to try them.

It is easy to find a restaurant worth visiting simply by checking Google reviews. And usually, good places are gathered around the main squares of the cities.

Tap water is drinkable

You might hear different opinions, but tap water is safe to drink. You can go ahead and use a refillable bottle, and use only tap water on your trips and tours.

In general, the hygiene and laws in the food industry are very strict in Poland, so you don’t need to worry when trying a new dish, or a drink.

Fruits And Veggies From The Streets

When traveling around Poland during summer, off the highways and through the villages you might spot small, random stands, where people sell blueberries, raspberries, or other fruits of the season.

Those fruits are safe to eat, and typically they are sold, right after the harvest. So don’t be afraid to pull off to the side and buy some.

General Tips For Visiting Poland For The First Time

Check Your Driving License

Only an International Driving License is recognized in Poland. So, for example, is you come from the US, you will need an IDP along with your license. Check your embassy website to get the best information on this subject.

Take The Shoes Off

Takes the shoes off, when entering someone’s house. It is normal in Poland that guests take the jacket and the shoes off.

The only time you should leave your shoes on, is when you see the host wearing shoes, or you are told you will be sitting outside.

Don’t Stay In The City – See The Country

Poland has so much to offer when it comes to landscapes, country sides, historical places and natural reservoirs. You can check these articles, where I share in details best places to see.

• Best castles to visit in Poland
• Natural Parks
• Off the beaten track
• Mountains
• By the sea
• The land of lakes

Stay In The City – Get to Know Polish Culture And History

Poland has been an arena to many historical events, good and bad. You can learn a lot about Europe’s history if you visit local museums and memorial places.

Festivals, clubs and local events are a great taste of local culture, and a way to see how they spend time and have fun. Here some of the most beautiful cities in Poland:

• Krakow
• Warsaw
• Wroclaw
• Gdansk
• Torun
• Rzeszów

Shopping Centers and Souvenirs places

You will find a good shopping center and galleries in every bigger city in Poland. You can shop clothes, shoes, accessories etc. from all world’s known brands.

For souvenirs, look in tourism areas, sea fronts, and promenades. When it comes to the food shopping, grocery supermarket are around every corner, and they are all well supplied.

No Shopping On Sundays And Holidays

Only small local shops, or some souvenirs places, remain open on Sundays. All the big supermarkets and galleries are closed for business. Google Maps is a good guide to spot a nearby shop.

Tipping In Poland

Tips are always welcomed, but like in every country, there are specific rules on tipping. Read the next article if you want to learn more about tipping in Poland.