From Poland’s capital city Warsaw to the magnificent architecture in Krakow and the pretty Baltic coast, Poland is a fascinating luxury holiday destination. The travel experts at Red Savannah have produced this helpful travel guide with tips and useful information for planning your trip.
POLAND TRAVEL ADVICE: WEATHER
Poland lies in a moderate climate zone with relatively cold winters from November to February and warm summers. Temperatures are greatly influenced by cold air currents from Scandinavia and Russia, and sub-tropical air from the south.
MAP OF POLAND
MEDICATIONS & VACCINATIONS
We recommend that you see your doctor or a travel clinic about eight weeks before travelling to make sure that you have taken all the necessary health precautions. You might also like to look on NHS’s Fit for Travel website which is a good source of travel advice. You can also contact the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) to obtain a ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your trip. Take all medications you require with you on your trip to Poland in their original containers, clearly labelled. A signed, dated letter from your doctor, describing all medical conditions and medications, is also worth taking.
PASSPORTS & VISAS FOR POLAND
You passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay in Poland before flying home. It is also recommended to have at least one blank visa page per country you are visiting. Tourist visas are not required by US citizens when staying in each European country for up to 90 days. On entering the country, make sure the border police put an entry stamp in your passport. This helps avoid problems related to verifying the length of your stay in the country. The local law requires you to register with the local police within 24 hours of your arrival, unless you are staying in a hotel or official tourist accommodation, in which case you will be registered automatically on checking-in. If you do not register you may be fined and face difficulties leaving the country.
TIPPING IN POLAND
Tipping is usually customary within Europe, however it is always discretionary and dependent on how good you deem the service to have been. 5-10% is usually the going rate for good service. However, always check that this has not been automatically added to your bill as sometimes service charges and state taxes can be included.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is essential that you take out travel insurance if you do not already have a policy in place. In particular, make sure that you have cover for loss of personal effects and a high level of cover for medical expenses and repatriation if necessary. Please note that taking out travel insurance is a condition of travel with Red Savannah.
POLAND MONEY
The currency for Poland is Zloty (Zł). MasterCard, American Express and Visa are widely accepted. Traveller's cheques, cheques and foreign money can be changed at banks, railway stations and airports and often at major hotels (generally at a lower rate).
GET CONNECTED
ELECTRICAL SUPPLYAs in the majority of continental Europe, the electricity supply is 220v. Electrical sockets take standard European two-pin plugs.
MOBILE PHONES & BATTERY CHARGERS
Please ensure your mobile phone and other electronic devices are fully charged before you arrive at the airport as you may be asked by security to turn them on. Uncharged electronic devices will not be allowed on the plane. As local rules differ from country to country it is safer to pack your battery charger(s) in your hold luggage rather than your hand luggage.
COMMUNICATIONS / INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
Cellular coverage is good in Poland and throughout Europe. Internet access is widely available and most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, though it is always wise to check what charges could be applied before using any services.
RECOMMENDED READING FOR HOLIDAYS IN POLAND
