Poland Travel Tips: Don’ts of Poland
Greetings from Warsaw, Poland! Today we’re sharing our Poland travel “dont’s” for your next Poland vacation. Before we even start the list, there’s a big don’t to get out of the way: Don’t call the Polish Eastern Europeans. It’s actually Central Europe, so that’s an easy one to avoid.
Poland Travel Don’t #1 Don’t Greet Over a Threshold
When shaking hands, or saying goodbye, this should not be done in a doorway, or over a threshold. People in Poland don’t like this for some reason, so when saying goodbye, choose a side of the doorway to do so.
Poland Travel Don’t #2 Don’t Wear Shoes in a Polish Home
If a traveler is lucky enough to be invited into a Polish home, they should take note of what everyone else is wearing on their feet. Generally, it’s a custom not to wear shoes inside the home, so slippers or bare feet are the norm.
Poland Travel Don’t #3 Don’t Skip Out on Learning a Few Polish Words
Don’t underestimate how helpful a few words of Polish can enhance a vacation in Poland. Whether it’s Gdansk, Krakow, or Warsaw, just a few words are so helpful. Polish isn’t a widely spoken language, and most travelers don’t speak it unless they are of Polish descent. So, most Poles speak English, but they are so happy if a traveler knows a few words.
Read: Six Spots Pickpockets Work to Rob Tourists
Poland Travel Don’t #4 Don’t Worry About Busting the Bank in Poland
Poland is an extremely affordable country to visit. Hotels, food and drink are all very cheap in Poland. Museums in Poland are also really affordable. This is why Poland gets so many tourists from all budget ranges, because it’s just so easy to afford a vacation here.
Poland Travel Don’t #5 Don’t Drink in Public Places
Drinking in public can get someone arrested or fined in Poland. Of course, drinking alcohol in a bar or restaurant is fine. However, taking a drink to go, or bringing some wine with a picnic in a park is illegal.
Poland Travel Don’t #6 Don’t Forget to Have an I.D.
It’s important to carry an ID at all times in Poland. Rather than carry your passport around, it’s also an option to just bring your ID from home, along with a passport photocopy. Polish police usually don’t bother the tourists at all, but it’s always a good idea to have an ID just in case.
Poland Travel Don’t #7 Don’t Try to Pay With Big Bills
Big bills in Poland are 50 or 100 zlotys, especially when buying something that costs less than 50 zlotys. They will almost always ask for smaller bills. The problem is, most ATM’s spit out 50’s or 100’s. Try to use the bigger bills at museums or larger stores, so that you have smaller bills to use at bars and food stalls.
Poland Travel Don’t #8 Don’t Forget to Tip in Poland
It’s customary to tip 10-15% in Poland. 10% is average, 15% for good service. Some restaurants will already include the 10% service fee, so double check the bill and then tip accordingly. Additionally, if you pay your bill with cash, when handing the server your cash and bill, if you say “thank you” it implies that they can keep the change, so be careful what you say when handing over the cash.
Poland Travel Don’t #9 Don’t Be Late
Like their German neighbors, the Poles are pretty much “on time” kind of people. When running late in Poland, its always best to text or call to let someone know that you’re running late.
Read: The Don’ts of Visiting Germany
Poland Travel Don’t #10 Don’t Fall for the Rural Tourism Advertisement
You’ll see lots of tourism videos about the nature in Poland. There are beautiful nature areas in Poland, with skiing in the winter, and lakes in the north. However, if it’s your first time in Poland it’s best to focus on all the cool cities. Krakow is amazing, Gdansk is a beautiful city in the north, and of course, Warsaw. It’s easy to get around Poland; public transport is easy to use and goes to many places.
As you prepare to visit Poland, check out some of our other blog posts with Poland travel tips: