International Theological Education Ministries, Inc.

Poland is a nation with a proud cultural heritage, and theater, music and opera companies abound. The former textile city of Lodz is proud of its film school, alma mater to directors Roman Polanski and Krzysztof Kieslowski. There is also a strong tradition of graphic design and glassware.

Although the native soil for composer Frederick Chopin, scientist Marie Curie (neé Skladowska) and astronomer Nicholas Copernicus, Poland is best remembered for being the birthplace of the former Soviet bloc’s first officially recognized independent mass political movement when strikes at the Gdansk shipyard in August 1980 led to agreement with the authorities on the establishment of the Solidarnosc (Solidarity) trade union.

Elections in summer 1989 ushered in eastern Europe’s first post-Communist government. Poland is a member of the European Union and has achieved success in creating a market economy and attracting foreign investment. Growth is slow-moving and growing pains are apparent in the high unemployment rate and mass exodus of qualified people to other countries in search of a decent wage, but the potential exists for a healthier economy.

Social Conventions
Poles are friendly, industrious people and foreigners are usually made very welcome. There are vast contrasts between urban and rural life and the Polish peasantry is very religious and conservative, maintaining a traditional lifestyle. Roman Catholicism plays an important role in daily life and criticism or jokes about religion are not appreciated, despite the general good humor of the people. Music and art are also important aspects of Polish culture. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Normal courtesies are observed when visiting private homes and it is customary to bring flowers, in odd numbers, even number is only for funerals. Fairly conservative casual wear is the most suitable attire, but dress should be formal when specified for entertaining in the evening or in a smart restaurant.

Weather
Temperate with warm summers, crisp, sunny autumns and cold winters. Snow covers the mountainous area in the south of Poland (mid December to April). Rain falls throughout the year. Required Clothing: light to mediumweights are worn during warmer months. Medium to heavyweights are needed during winter. Rainwear is advisable all year.

Passport and Visa
Passport is required, but visa is not required if staying less than 90 days. Return tickets are not required either. Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay. Be sure to check your passport's validity. Poland will not admit you if your passport is expired. Americans should ensure that their passports are date-stamped upon entry. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on the document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed. All visitors entering Poland must possess sufficient funds (at least PLN300 per day) to cover medical expenses (or a valid insurance policy or official invitation is acceptable instead) and PLN100 per day for accommodation and sustenance. Medicare does not cover health costs incurred while abroad.

International Travel
You can get there by air using any Star Alliance flight. There is also the national airline: LOT Polish Airlines (LO). Main Airport is Warsaw Fryderyka Chopina Airport (WAW) located 6 miles southwest of the city. Buses and taxis are available (journey time - 20 to 40 minutes by bus; 20 to 30 minutes by taxi). Facilities: Post office, banks, currency exchange offices, bars, restaurants, left-luggage, tourist information services, car rentals and duty-free shops. Another airport is Kraków (KRK) (Balice John Paul II), located 9 miles west of the city of Krakow. There are also airports in Wroclaw, Katowice and Gdansk. If you are getting there by water main ports is the Port of Gdansk. It is not only a major Baltic Sea port to enter Poland, but is also where Lech Walesa started the Solidarity movement with the ship workers. The Port of Gdynia, just north of the Port of Gdansk, also welcomes ships, containers and cruise liners. Polferries operates between Poland and Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Traveling by railway, one can use Polskie Koleje Państwowe (Polish State Railways) operating EuroCity trains between Poland and a number of major European cities. All services from Western Europe to Poland pass through the Czech Republic, Germany or the Slovak Republic. The main routes link Warsaw with Berlin and Cologne, Budapest, Prague and Vienna. There is a car-sleeper service from the Hook of Holland to Poznan/Warsaw. There are also rail services to Moscow, Kiev and St Petersburg. Eurail offers unlimited first or second class travel in up to 30 European countries for those traveling from outside Europe (www.eurail.com). If you travel by car, Poland is best reached from the Czech Republic and Germany. The E30 connects Warsaw to Berlin. The main coach service connecting dozens of European cities to Poland is Eurolines (www.eurolines.com). Eurolines offers travel passes lasting 15 or 30 days.

Crossing the Border
A small amount of personal goods may be brought into Lithuania duty-free. On arrival, declare valuable items such as jewellery, cameras, computers and musical instruments. The following goods may be imported into Lithuania without incurring customs duty: up to 50g of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette; medication for personal use up to three months, provided it is accompanied by documentary confirmation; other goods up to a value of $250. Travelers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only. The export of all articles of artistic, historical or cultural value is subject to special regulations.

Internal Travel
Domestic flights are operated by LOT Polish Airlines and Centralwings. There is a comprehensive network linking all major cities. Cheap and efficient InterCity trains are operated by Polskie Koleje Państwowe (Polish State Railways) and link all parts of the country in a network radiating from Warsaw. There are two classes of travel and trains are often classified as Inter-City, Express or Local; for comfort and speed stay on Inter-City (IC) or Express (Ex) routes. InterRail’s One-Country Pass offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Poland. Those traveling from outside of Europe can also consider the Eurail Poland Pass (website: www.eurail.com) which offers unlimited rail travel within the country for five, eight, 10 or 15 days’ travel within a one-month period. For driving standard international traffic signs are used. Major inter-city routes use the prefix ‘E’ and motorways use ‘A’. Most gas stations located along international routes are open 24 hours a day. Road quality ranges from smooth brand new motorways to narrow, pot-holed single lanes. There are good regional bus and coach services operated by Polish Motor Communications (PPKS). Car rentals are available at the airport . Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 90km (55mph) on other roads, 100kph (62mph) on major roads and 130kph (81mph) on motorways. Seat belts and warning triangles are compulsory. Trams have the right of way. From 1 October to 1 March, all vehicles should have their lights switched on at all times. For roadside assistance, contact the Polish Automobile and Motorway Federation, Polski Zwiazek Motorowy (PZM) Tourists traveling in their own cars should have vehicle registration cards, their International Driving Permit and third party insurance documents. Green Card motor insurance is necessary for vehicles coming from outside the EU and Switzerland. There has been a substantial increase in the number of cars on Polish roads. Driving, especially after dark, is hazardous. Roads are generally narrow, poorly lit, frequently under repair (especially in the summer months), and are often also used by pedestrians and cyclists. The Ministry of Transport and Construction has a program called “Black Spot” (Czarny Punkt), which puts signs in places with a particularly high number of accidents and/or casualties. These signs have a black spot on a yellow background, and the road area around the “black spot” is marked with red diagonal lines. Alcohol consumption is frequently a contributing factor in accidents. Polish laws provide virtually zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol, and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol (defined as a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher) include a fine and probation or imprisonment for up to two years. Penalties for drivers involved in accidents can be severe. If an accident results in injury or death, the penalty can be imprisonment from six months up to eight years.

Getting Around Towns and Cities
Warsaw: In Warsaw, the Municipal Transport Board (ZTM) is responsible for the bus, metro and tram and services. ZTM tickets are valid for all services and can be purchased as a single ride or as a day, week or monthly pass. Some buses allow the purchase of tickets on board, but it is best to buy before you use any transport. Most public transport operates from 530am-11pm; night buses, in the major cities, run from 11pm-5am. Taxis are available in all main towns. They are usually found at ranks or can be ordered by phone. There is a surcharge from 2300-0500 and for journeys out of town, as well as at weekends. Taxi drivers may insist on payment in hard currency. Tipping is welcomed. Within cities, taxis are available at major hotels and designated stands or may be ordered in advance. Some drivers accept credit cards and/or speak English. Travelers should be wary of hailing taxis on the street, especially those that do not have a telephone number displayed, because these may not have meters, and many of them charge more. Do not accept assistance from “taxi drivers” who approach you in the arrivals terminal or outside the doors at Warsaw Airport. Travelers availing themselves of these “services” often find themselves charged significantly more than the usual fare. Also beware of taxi drivers who approach you at the airport or who do not display telephone numbers and a company name; these drivers usually charge exorbitant rates. Order your taxi by telephone and at the airport use only taxis in the designated taxi ranks.

Dining
Poland has a distinctive cuisine, with typical ingredients being dill, marjoram, caraway seeds, wild mushrooms and sour cream, which is frequently added to soups, sauces and braised meats. Soups play an important part at mealtimes and are usually rich and very thick. Barszcz (beetroot soup), however, runs thin and clear and is often served in cups with small hot pasties stuffed with meat or cabbage. There are several salt and fresh-water fish dishes using trout, carp and herring. Pastries, such as szarlotka (apple cake), packi (jelly doughnuts) and makowiec (poppy seed cake) can be bought at a cukiernia. Note that big cities offer a selection of other world cuisines. National specialties: Bigos (sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, onions and any variety of leftover meat), Salted and rolled herring fillets with pickles and onions, Kabanos (long, thick sausages), Pierogi (dumplings stuffed with either meat, mushrooms and cabbage, cheese or fruit), Kasza (buckwheat). Tipping: 10 to 15% is customary in restaurants and cafes. Tipping in self-service restaurants is not expected. Tips for porter’s services in hotels and train stations are customary but amounts are at the traveller’s discretion.

Recreation
The larger Polish cities have several theater and dance companies. In addition there is a National Philharmonic, a National Opera and plenty of cinemas. There is a large selection of dance clubs, bars and venues for live music in most towns. Clubs often choose to stay open until the last guest leaves.

Shopping
Special purchases include glass and enamelware, handwoven rugs, silverware, handmade jewelry with amber and silver, dolls in regional costumes, woodcarvings and clay and metal sculptures. Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6/8pm and Sat 10am-1/4pm. ‘Night shops’ open 24 hours. Supermarkets and department stores are usually open daily from 10am till 7pm.

Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at all border crossing points, hotels and bureaux de change, some of which are open 24 hours. Hotel rates and goods in large stores may also be listed in Euros.

Credit/Debit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in larger establishments. Cash can be obtained from Visa credit cards at banks. Traveller's Cheques are readily exchanged. Banking Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-1pm in main cities. In smaller towns, banking hours are more limited. Exchange Rate $1.00= Zl2.88

Warning
Most visits to Poland are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. There are risks of robbery on rail and bus journeys and driving can be hazardous. While Poland generally has a low rate of violent crime, the incidence of street crime, which sometimes involves violence, is moderate. Major cities have higher rates of crime against residents and foreign visitors than other areas. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, and on trains, trams, and buses in major cities. Theft has occurred on overnight trains. Most pick-pocketing on trains occurs during boarding; in the most common scenario, a group of well-dressed young men will surround a passenger in the narrow aisle of the train, jostling/pick-pocketing him or her as they supposedly attempt to get around the passenger. Keep an eye on cell phones; they are prized by thieves. Car thefts and car-jackings are experiencing a significant decline; however, theft from vehicles remains a constant concern. Drivers should be wary of people indicating they should pull over or that something is wrong with their cars. When such drivers pull over to see if there is a problem, they may find themselves suddenly surrounded by thieves from a second vehicle. Therefore, if drivers encounter someone indicating that there is trouble with their car and the problem is not apparent, they should continue driving until they find a safe spot (a crowded gas station, supermarket, or even police station) to inspect their vehicles. There also have been incidents of thieves opening or breaking passenger-side doors and windows in slow or stopped traffic to take purses or briefcases left on the seat beside the driver. Those traveling by car should remember to keep windows closed and doors locked. Extremist youth gangs are a threat, particularly in urban areas. There has been verbal harassment and physical attacks directed against members of racial minorities or those who appear to be foreign, particularly those of Asian or African descent. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S.

Health Care
Foreign travelers are advised to obtain travel insurance. 24-hour pharmacies can be found in each major city and hotels often have a nurse on call. Private medical care company, LIM Medical Center (www.cmlim.pl), has several locations. Adequate medical care is available in Poland, but hospital facilities and nursing support are not comparable to American standards. Physicians are generally well trained but specific emergency services may be lacking in certain regions, especially in Poland's small towns and rural areas. Younger doctors generally speak English, though nursing staff often does not. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medications are generally available, although they may not be specific U.S. brand-name drugs. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Polish immigration law requires travelers either to carry adequate medical insurance in case of accident or hospitalization while in Poland or to be able to document access to sufficient financial resources (at least 400 zlotys per day) to cover such medical emergencies. Failure to carry insurance or the inability to provide documentation of sufficient financial resources if requested may result in a traveler being denied admission to Poland. Medicare does not cover Americans in Poland. Consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

Language
Polish is the official language. There are a few small German-speaking communities primarily in the southwest. English and Russian are also spoken.

Religion
More than 95% Roman Catholic; other religions include Polish Autocephalous Orthodox, Russian and Greek Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim.

Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; continental sockets.

Telephone
Country code: 48. Telephone cards can be purchased from post offices, newsagents and hotel receptions for local calls. Mobile telephone roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies; most of the country is covered.

Internet
There are many Internet cafes in cities as well as Wi-Fi areas in hotels and certain public spaces.

Media
State-owned TV (TVP) still has the largest share of the audience for its two national channels. It also operates regional programs and the international satellite channels. TVN operates the leading commercial TV channels. Polsat also operates a digital pay-TV platform and is present in the Baltic states. Up to a quarter of Poles also watch foreign television channels through cable or satellite. State-owned Polish Radio reaches just over half of the population and there are more than 200 stations on the air. There are more than 300 newspapers, most of them local or regional. Although fewer people in Poland may be connected to broadband connections than those in other EU countries (due to a delay in infrastructure in rural areas), freedom of the press and communications availability is held as an important priority.

Mail
Post office hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; some offices are open on Saturday until 2pm. The main post offices in major cities are open daily, 24 hours.

Press
The principal dailies are Gazeta Wyborcza, Rzeczpospolita and Super Express. The biggest selling daily, Fakt, is a relative newcomer tabloid. Weeklies include Gazeta Polska, Polityka and Wprost. English-language publications include The Warsaw Voice (weekly) and The New Warsaw Express (weekly).

Radio
Public broadcaster Polish Radio operates five national networks and many regional stations; Radio Polonia is a public, external service; RMF FM and Radio Zet are commercial stations.

Public Holidays
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
24 Mar Easter Monday.
1 May Labor Day.
3 May National Day.
22 May Corpus Christi.
15 Aug Assumption.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
11 Nov Independence Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

Contact Information
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the USA: www.polandembassy.org

Note: If you are a traveling professor, please share your trip experience/tips with others and write us about it.