Krakow - View from Kościuszko Mound by Charlotte Powell via Flickr Creative Commons

Language

The primary language of Poland is Polish, which is a type of Slavic. Russian was formerly used as a secondary language, but today, locals commonly speak English and German instead.

Currency

The Polish zloty is the national currency which is abbreviated to PLN, but there are plans underway to adopt the euro. Tourists can exchange money at the airport or major downtown districts. ATMs are located across the country, so you'll have no trouble finding one. Visa, MasterCard, Diner’s Club, and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards.

Time

Poland is on Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +1). During the summer months, Central European Summer Time is adopted, two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.

Electricity

Poland uses 230 Volts at 50 Hertz for its electrical appliances. American travelers will need a voltage converter and a plug adaptor as they take double rounded pins.

Communications

Most of the mobile phones in Poland are operated by one of four companies: T-Mobile, Play, Orange, and Plus. Most of the country uses standard GSM 900/1800 MHz, except for some of the mountainous and wilderness areas where coverage is non-existent. The international dialing code is +48, but it is expensive to make international calls or use roaming services. Internet is found across the major cities, and tourist-heavy areas are usually equipped with a wireless signal. Airports, cafés, shopping centers, and universities usually have wireless access, but if it's not free it's expensive.

Duty-free

Being part of the European Union, Poland is quite liberal with its duty-free policies. Travelers from the US over the age of 17 can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or an equivalent of 250 grams of tobacco. One liter of spirits are permitted, and goods up to the value of 175 Euros will not incur a penalty.

Tourist Office

Poland Tourism Organization, Warsaw: http://www.poland.travel.com

Embassies in Poland

US Embassy, Warsaw: +48-22-504-2000
Australian Embassy, Warsaw: +48-22-521-3444
Embassy of Canada, Warsaw: +48-22-584-3100
Japanese Embassy, Warsaw: +48-22-696-5000
Embassy of Ireland, Warsaw: +48-22-849-6633
British Embassy, Warsaw: +48-22-311-0000

Emergency

Emergency services: 112

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