Organize your stay Poland
Money Poland
The Polish currency is the złoty (meaning "gold" or "golden"). Its exchange rate is generally between €0.22 and €0.25.
Before you leave, let your bank know that you're going abroad. Don't forget to increase the payment limit on your card, so you don't find yourself blocked on the spot. Your bank may also have agreements with Polish banks to reduce ATM fees.
At the ATM, many local banks will offer you "guaranteed" rates that are too high, in addition to their commission. We recommend that you always use the non-guaranteed rates when withdrawing money. Beware of Euronet ATMs located all over town. Practical, they charge very high commissions... except when they have an agreement with your bank.
When paying by card, you'll have the choice of paying in euros or local currency: you decide whether your bank in France or the merchant's bank will handle the exchange. To find out which option to choose, check with your bank to find out what rate it applies: above 2%, the merchant's bank is often more attractive.
Another very interesting option for your travels outside the euro zone is to subscribe to an online bank, such as Revolut or N26. These allow you, like a virtual wallet, to change your money directly via an app-accessible account. Rates are often very attractive, and you can receive a physical card (so you can withdraw at the counter) and/or have a dematerialized card on your phone for on-the-spot payments. You can easily top up your account by simple bank transfers, from your main account to your secondary account, on your online bank.
Budget & Tips Poland
Although Poland has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, income and spending levels can vary considerably from region to region and from individual to individual. It's true, however, that as a tourist (and a French one at that), you'll be able to treat yourself to some very good services on the cheap, as you'll have greater purchasing power than a local. Indeed, prices in certain sectors, such as catering, are often much lower than in other European countries. Note also that the euro/złoty exchange rate can fluctuate according to foreign exchange market conditions.
Passport and visas Poland
For EU nationals, a valid passport or identity card is generally sufficient to enter Poland. Nationals of other countries should check visa requirements before departure.
Make sure you keep a copy of your passport or ID card, visa (if applicable) and important travel documents in a safe place, separate from the originals. This will facilitate replacement in the event of loss or theft.
The French Embassy in Poland is located in Warsaw, at 1, rue, Piękna, 00-477 Warszawa, Poland.
Driver's license Poland
As a member of the European Union, Poland recognizes French driving licenses on its territory, provided they are valid. French drivers can therefore drive in Poland with their French license without needing an international license. However, it is important to always carry the original driving license when driving in Poland, as a copy or digital version may not be accepted by the authorities.
Health Poland
Before you travel to Poland, it's a good idea to apply for your European Health Insurance Card. It will help you benefit from medical expenses and/or repatriation if necessary. You can, of course, take out additional insurance to cover you against trip cancellation and other eventualities. It can also provide additional coverage for certain medical expenses.
Security Poland
Poland is a very safe country overall. The crime rate is low, much lower than in the years 1990-2000. However, as in all countries, and particularly in large cities and tourist areas, there are reports of theft and fraud.
As for going out at night, just as during the rest of the day, you'll feel safe in Poland. However, we can only advise you to stay in well-lit, busy areas. Similarly, as cabs are very inexpensive, we can only encourage you to use them in the evening, if you're going out in unfamiliar areas.
These precautions are simply common sense. You should not encounter any unpleasant situations during your stay in Poland.
Time difference Poland
Poland is in the same time zone as France.
Spoken languages Poland
Poles mainly speak Polish, which is the country's official language. It's true that some Poles can communicate easily with Czech nationals due to the linguistic similarities between Polish and Czech. What's more, because of Poland's history and its neighboring Ukraine and Russia, some Poles can understand Ukrainian and Russian (especially among the older generations). English, meanwhile, is becoming increasingly widespread in Poland, especially among the younger generation and service personnel in major cities and tourist areas. However, fluency may be limited in more rural areas or among the older generations.
French is not as widespread as English in Poland, but may be more common in certain social classes or among people with cultural or professional ties to France. Although most Poles are welcoming to tourists, it can happen that a non-English speaker is unable or unwilling to help. So it's always a good idea to know a few basic words in Polish, to make it easier to talk to the locals. The latter are always sensitive to tourists who try to speak their language. A "hello, I don't speak Polish, do you speak English?" in Polish often helps to break the ice.
Communication Poland
The main mobile operators in Poland are Orange, T-Mobile and Play. They offer good coverage in urban areas, as well as in many rural regions. As Poland is in the European Union, you shouldn't have to pay any extra if you make reasonable use of your subscription. It's really the length of your stay that will determine whether or not you pay extra. If you plan to stay longer than two months and use your phone frequently, we advise you to buy a prepaid card from a local operator. The option of a local card may be the most suitable solution if, in any case, you plan to use the phone extensively. However, before you travel, check with your operator that your French subscription gives you access to roaming in Poland.
Poland generally benefits from a good quality Internet network, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, cafés and other public establishments offer free WiFi access for their customers. 4G and 5G networks are widely available in urban areas, offering fast connection speeds for web browsing, video streaming and video calls. In rural or less-developed areas, Internet network quality may be less good, but you should still be able to access basic online services.
Electricity and measurements Poland
Weights and measures are the same as in France.
No adapter needed for electrical outlets.
Luggage Poland
Winters in Poland can be cold, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to -15°C, or even lower. It's advisable to dress warmly, wearing thin, close-fitting clothes, as interiors are generally well heated. A good parka, gloves, hat or cap, warm socks and insulating insoles can be useful to protect you from the cold.
Polish summers, on the other hand, can be hot, so light clothing is recommended. A thin fleece or light sweater may be useful, especially for the cooler evenings from mid-August onwards.
