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Travellers Essentials
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Poland by persons
of 18 years of age and over without incurring customs duty:
a)250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
b)3 liters of alcoholic beverages.
c)Goods up to the value of US$100.
Restrictions
Fur, leather and gold articles are subject to customs duty.
The export of antiques, works of art and certain other items
from Poland is prohibited. A customs declaration must be presented
at the border. Firearms and narcotics are prohibited. Duty-free
shops are located at border crossing points.
Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of arrival
required by all.
Currency
Zloty (Zl) = 100 groszy. In 1995 the Zloty was devalued by
a factor of 10,000. Notes are in denominations of Zl200, 100,
50, 20 and 10. The new coins are in denominations of Zl5,
2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at all border crossing points,
hotels and bureaux de change, some of which are open 24 hours.
Cash can also be obtained from Visa credit cards at banks.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club are accepted
in large establishments. Check with your credit card company
for details of merchant acceptability and other services which
may be available.
Travelers cheques
Readily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges,
travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Pounds
Sterling.
Currency restrictions
The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared
on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the
amount declared on arrival. The import and export of local
currency is prohibited
Social Conventions
There are vast contrasts between urban and rural life and
the Polish peasantry is very religious and conservative, maintaining
a traditional lifestyle. Roman Catholicism plays an important
role in daily life and criticism or jokes about religion are
not appreciated, despite the general good humour of the people.
Music and art are also important aspects of Polish culture.
Tipping
10-15% is customary in restaurants and cafés. Tipping in self-service
restaurants is not expected. Tips for porter's services in
hotels and train stations are customary but amounts are at
the traveller's discretion
Getting There
By Air:
Poland's national airline is LOT Polish Airlines (LO).
By Sea:
Pol Ferries operates between Poland and Sweden, Denmark and
Finland.
By Rail:
All services from Western Europe to Poland pass through Germany,
the Czech Republic or the Slovak Republic.
By Road:
Poland is best reached from Germany and the Czech Republic
or the car-sleeper rail service from the Hook of Holland to
Poznan/Warsaw.
Getting Around
By Air:
All internal airlines are operated by LOT Polish Airlines
and there is a comprehensive network linking all major cities.
By Rail:
Polish State Railway (PKP) services links all parts of the
country in a network radiating from Warsaw.
By Road:
Traffic drives on the right.
a)Bus:
There are good regional bus and coach services operated by
Polish Motor Communications (PKS) connecting most towns.
b)Car hire:
Self-drive cars are available at the airport or through various
car rental offices in town centres. The minimum age is 21.
Charges are usually based on a daily rate plus a kilometer
charge.
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