USEFUL INFORMATION ON POLAND
| CUSTOM FEES Souvenir items with a value between U.S. $100 and U.S. $300 may be subject to an import duty of 10%, provided that any individual item is not worth more than U.S. $100. Furthermore, depending on the item, souvenir items that exceed U.S. $300 in value are subject to duty according to the present rates as listed in the official table of customs fees. For further information, please contact the nearest Polish Commercial Counselors Office. MONEY The official Polish unit of currency is the zloty (PLN). CREDIT CARDS An increasing number of establishments in Poland accept credit cards. Among the most popular are American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Eurocard and Access Interbank. Keep in mind that not all establishments will necessarily have logo stickers in their window. MOTOR VEHICLES According to official regulations, drivers licenses are honored in Poland only in conjunction with an International Drivers License. TELEPHONE Major cities and towns in Poland can be reached directly from by dialing country code for Poland followed by the city code and the telephone number. To connect directly from Poland with most European countries, one has to dial Ò0Ó, listen for a steady tone, then dial Ò0Ó again, followed by the country code, area code and the proper number; e.g. 0-0-1-212-555-1234 must be dialed to reach New York City. RAILROAD Utilizing an extensive network of routes and connections, rail is by far the most common and convenient way to get around Poland. Furthermore, rail is an excellent way for a traveler to reach major cities and capitals of Europe. The EuroCity (EC) and the InterCity (IC) trains offer rapid and regular service between major points of interest for the domestic and foreign traveler alike. Complimentary snacks are served on all IC trains. |
TRAVELER'S CHECKS Major travelers checks can be exchanged for zlotys. They are also good toward payment for goods and services in a continually growing number of establishments in larger cities. When traveling to smaller towns, it is better to have some cash in reserve. Eurochecks are accepted in accordance with standard international tourism agreements. TIPPING Tips of 10% to 15% are customary in restaurants and cafes. Tipping in self-service restaurants is not expected. Tips for porters services in hotels and train stations are expected, but amounts for services rendered are at the travelers discretion. ELECTRICITY The uniform voltage in Poland is 220v/50hz. Since round, European two-pin plugs are used, 110v/60hz electrical equipment requires the use of an adapter and a voltage converter. CLIMATE Poland has a temperate climate. The average temperature in July is 70¡F. There are, of course, very hot days when temperatures exceed 86¡F. The coldest winter months are January and February, when average temperatures drop to a few degrees below freezing. During exceptionally cold winters, temperatures as low as -22¡F have been recorded. With huge snow falls, the Polish mountains offer good conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. SHOPPING Shops in Poland are run by independent companies. In large cities, groceries are generally open on weekdays from 6 a.m. till 6 or 7 p.m.; supermarkets stay open longer, often till 10 p.m. On Saturdays, shops are open from 7 a.m. till 1 p.m.; on Sundays, holidays and at night, some groceries are also open (in large cities). Other shops and services operate weekdays from 10 or 11 a.m. till 6 or 7 p.m. Department stores are open from 9 a.m. till 8 p.m. Souvenir shops open at 11 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. You can buy gifts and souvenirs in Cepelia, Desa and other shops. Popular items are crystal, amber, silver jewelry, glass, tapestries, dolls in folk costumes, paintings, leather articles, wood carvings, ceramics and embroideries. |