Normal business hours in Poland are from 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, while many businesses also open on the weekends, with Sundays normally having shorter opening hours. Museums vary greatly in their opening hours and it is wise to check with the place you intended to visit in advance. 

Banks: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays
Post Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.
Shops: 10:00 to 22:00, Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 21:00 on Sundays.
Museums: 10:00 to 16:00, daily, varies.
Business Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.

Poland is generally a very hospitable and safe country to visit, but like all countries, it has a few things to watch out for. Recent years have brought fast changes to Warsaw and the boom in economic development has attracted many people to the capital; unfortunately, this has also meant an increase in beggars on the streets and tourists should be prepared to encounter those asking for money.

Like all cities, there are areas that you should avoid at night, particularly if you are travelling alone. Parts of Praga are known for petty crime and connections with the Mafia, so be on your guard should you have to be in this part of the city at night. Tourists are also advised to only use official taxis with a ‘taxi’ sign and number painted on the vehicle, as mafia-operated vehicles are present in the city and can charge well over standard fares.

Driving can be hazardous in Warsaw and its surrounds and those renting cars should exercise caution. There is also a risk of robbery, particularly on busy public transport and visitors are advised to keep their valuables in a hidden place. Be aware that boarding and disembarking from a train, bus or tram is a prime time for thieves to grab your belongings.

Electricity: 230V 50HzHz

Health care in Warsaw is very good, with some of the largest hospitals in the country and specialists of every nature, although not all medical staff speak English. Citizens of EU countries can get medical treatment in Poland as long as they are in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while visitors should also make sure they have comprehensive travel and medical insurance. 

There are no specific health concerns in Warsaw although it is a good idea to make sure you are up-to-date with all your standard vaccinations prior to leaving home. There are pharmacies dotted about the city should you have a minor medical complaint, while the following are recommended, well-equipped hospitals should you require treatment:

Św. Anna Hospital
Barska 16/22
Tel: +48 822 2141

Bielański Hospital
Cegłowska 80
Tel: +48 569 0500, or +48 834 1643.

Ambulance: 999

Poland's official language is Polish, with Warsaw residents speaking Polish as their first language and only some of the city's population being fluent in English, French or German. While tourist hotspots always have a ready number of locals with adequate English skills, it is advisable to take a phrasebook with you for taxi rides, ordering food and visiting out-the-way places. You will also find Poles who speak Russian, after being required to learn the language under Russian rule by law; however, as a form of patriotism, many Poles consider speaking Russian offensive.

Poland uses the Zloty (PLN), with 1 Zloty divided into 100 groszy. Bank notes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Zloty, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 Zloty, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy.

While the use of credit cards is now widespread in Poland, visitors should not rely on its use, as there are still many establishments that do not accept plastic for payment. Smaller outlets and taxis often prefer cash, so it always wise to carry a reasonable amount on your person.

Bank machines (ATMs) can be found all over the city and accept most major cards; visitors are advised to only withdraw cash from these machines during daylight hours to eliminate the risk of being robbed. In addition, there are money exchange booths (kantor) in the tourist areas of the city, while you will find banks exchange currency at a better rate. It is also possible to exchange currency at some major hotels, but as with exchange booths, you will find the banks offer a better deal.

When you arrive in Poland, you will be required to fill out a currency declaration form, declaring the amount of cash or travellers cheques you are bringing in with you. Should you be carrying in excess of US$5,000 and fail to declare this money you face the risk of having it confiscated by customs officials. Check the declaration form for any other items that you might be carrying, which might require declaration, as Poland has some strict laws about the export of certain artworks and jewellery produced before 1945; therefore, if you are bringing in anything of this nature it is advisable to declare it to ensure you will not have any problems in taking to home again.

You will find Polish people very welcoming and it is not uncommon for visitors to be invited into peoples’ homes for a glass of herbata and some cakes. You will find friendships easy to form and visitors should take every opportunity to take advantage of this and get to know Warsaw and its people, ensuring a more memorable visit.

Social etiquette is fairly laid back and you will find that an effort to be polite and respectful at all times will go a long way. There are not strict rule with regards to etiquette in Poland, but be aware and follow what you see, such as joining the back of a queue should there be one, taking off your shoes if others do before entering a building and so on. You will also impress the locals immensely if you try to speak a few phrases in Polish, with essentials such as ‘hello’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ guaranteed to get smiles and appreciation.

As throughout Europe, it is generally customary to shake hands with someone you meet for the first time, while kissing and hugging are generally only reserved for family and close friends. You should also address people that your are not familiar with by using Pan (Mr) or Pani (Mrs).

Visitors to Warsaw are expected to enjoy their first experiences of Polish food and one would be wise to show their appreciation for its deliciousness. The Polish command ‘jedz!’ means ‘eat!’ and you are likely to hear this when you are dining with Polish friends. Finishing all of what you have been served is considered to be polite; likewise, so is trying what you are offered.

While dining, it is polite to eat with your knife and fork, avoiding picking up food with your fingers. Tips are not obligatory; although 10 per cent is considered to be standard, should you have found the service and food to be agreeable. If you say ‘dziekuje’ (thank you) to your waiter as he is taking your payment for the bill, he or she will interpret it as a sign that you do not expect any change. If this is not the case, ‘prosze’ (please) is more appropriate.

Visitors from EU countries do not require a visa for stays of less than three months, nor do tourists from Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada. If you wish to visit Poland and are from a country that is not listed, you should check with your nearest Polish embassy or consulate as to the requirements. Should you need a visa, it is advisable to apply well in advance as they can be time consuming to process.

There is more than one tourist information office in Warsaw and visitors will find it easy to obtain information on city attractions, hotels, transport and other services. Should you require assistance on your arrival in Warsaw at Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, Terminal 1 has a tourist information booth at Żwirki i Wigury 1. Additional offices can be found at Central Railway Station in the main hall, al. Jerozolimskie 54.