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. Currency Exchange Rates

PLN 1.00 =

A$ 0.49

C$ 0.48

IRR 4,412.17

NZ$ 0.62

£ 0.24

US$ 0.47

R 3.68

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: The national language is Polish. English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Entry requirements:
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 Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary.
Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: 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.

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.
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. Climate: 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.

Safety: Tourists should be alert to the risk of robbery in tourist areas in large cities, particularly in the vicinity of hotels, markets and banks. Vigilance against theft should also be exercised at central railway stations in Poland, 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.
Customs: Jay walking is an offence, 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.
Duty free: Travellers to Poland over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre wine and 1 litre spirits; cosmetics and medicines for personal use; gifts up to the value of €175. Travellers to Poland arriving from within the EU do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres spirits, 90 litres wine and 110 litres beer. Prohibited items include birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with Avian influenza. The export of all articles of artistic, historic or cultural value are subject to special regulations.