Situated on the Baltic Sea, Poland is a living history museum showcasing a captivating past. This charming Eastern European country is renowned for its spectacular medieval architecture, cultural heritage and turbulent yet triumphant history. First and Second World War enthusiasts can explore the various Holocaust memorials, monuments, museums, and restored synagogues commemorating Poland’s remarkable survival. The country’s remote and unspoilt landscape features lush woodlands, broad rivers, glistening lakes and rolling hills. A visit to Poland will no doubt include the trendy medieval city of Krakow as well as the bustling city of Warsaw. Visitors can look forward to many activities including: hiking through scenic mountain terrain in the south of the country, sampling regional culinary specialities, discovering rural villages and wooden churches tucked away in the Carpathian hills and exploring the many ancient castles dotting the hills of Poland.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Polish Zloty
Symbol: zł
ISO code: PLN
Subunit: Grosz
Banknotes: zł10, zł20, zł50, zł100, zł200
Coins: Grosz, zł1, zł2, zł5
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: LOT Polish Airlines
International Airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport
Domestic Airports: Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, Wrocław Copernicus Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Polish cuisine is hearty and diverse, featuring dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter's stew), and żurek (sour rye soup). Traditional Polish meals often include meat, potatoes, and cabbage. Notable local drinks include Żubrówka (bison grass vodka), Polish beer, and kompot (fruit compote).
Tipping: 10-15%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: 9°C
Summer:
Average highs: 24°C
Average lows: 12°C
Winter:
Average highs: 0°C
Average lows: -6°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Poland is from May to September when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: No
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type E
Voltage (V): 230V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.