Poland Travel Information

Poland is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating history. From stunning architecture to delicious cuisine, there are plenty of things to see and do in Poland. Here are the top 10 things to do in Poland:

1. Visit the Wawel Castle in Krakow

Wawel Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Poland. Located in the heart of Krakow, this stunning castle dates back to the 14th century and was the residence of Polish kings for centuries.

2. Explore the Old Town of Gdansk

Gdansk is a beautiful city with a rich maritime history. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many impressive historical buildings.

3. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Today, it is a powerful memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and an important reminder of the atrocities of war.

4. Wander around the Rynek Glowny in Krakow

The Rynek Glowny is the main market square in Krakow and is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It is home to many beautiful buildings, including the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica.

5. Visit the Bialowieza Forest

The Bialowieza Forest is one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the European bison.

6. Explore the Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Carpathians and are a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

7. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the underground chambers and tunnels and see the stunning salt formations.

8. Try Polish cuisine

Polish cuisine is hearty and delicious. From pierogi to kielbasa, there are plenty of traditional dishes to try.

9. Visit the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa

The Jasna Gora Monastery is a pilgrimage site for many Catholics and is home to the famous Black Madonna painting.

10. Experience the nightlife in Warsaw

Warsaw is a vibrant city with a buzzing nightlife scene. From trendy bars to underground clubs, there is something for everyone.

Poland has a temperate climate with distinct seasons, making it a year-round destination. Here are some more details on the climate and best time to visit Poland:

Climate

Poland's climate is generally mild and temperate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in summer is around 20-25°C (68-77°F), while in winter, temperatures can drop below freezing.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Poland depends on your interests and what you want to see and do. Generally, the summer months from June to August are the most popular, with warm weather and long days. This is a great time for outdoor activities and festivals. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are also pleasant times to visit, with milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) can be very cold, but it's a great time to visit if you want to experience Poland's winter sports and Christmas markets.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Poland has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly to luxury, that offer different amenities like breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. Many hotels are located in the city centers or near popular tourist attractions.

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for budget-conscious travelers or backpackers. They offer shared rooms or private rooms at a lower cost than hotels. Many hostels also have communal spaces for socializing and cooking facilities for guests.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments and houses, are a popular choice for families or groups traveling together. They offer more space, privacy, and often come with a kitchen or kitchenette, which can be a cost-saving option for meals.

Guesthouses and B&Bs

Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are typically small, family-run accommodations that offer a more personalized experience. They often have fewer rooms than hotels or hostels, and breakfast is usually included in the room rate.

Camping

For outdoor enthusiasts, camping is a popular way to experience Poland's natural beauty. There are campsites located throughout the country, some with basic facilities and others with more amenities like showers, swimming pools, and playgrounds.

Trains

Poland has an extensive train network that connects most major cities and tourist destinations. Trains are generally reliable, comfortable, and affordable. There are several types of trains, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and overnight trains.

Buses

Buses are a popular option for traveling between cities and towns in Poland, and they are generally cheaper than trains. There are several bus companies that operate in Poland, including PolskiBus and FlixBus, which offer both domestic and international routes.

Car Rental

Renting a car is a great option if you want more flexibility and independence while traveling in Poland. There are several car rental companies located at major airports and in city centers, and they offer a variety of vehicles at different price points.

Public Transportation

Most cities in Poland have a well-developed public transportation network, including buses, trams, and metro systems. Public transportation is generally cheap and efficient, and it's a good option for getting around within a city.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in major cities in Poland, and they are generally safe and reliable. However, they can be more expensive than other transportation options, so it's a good idea to agree on a fare with the driver before getting in the car.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.