Poland
Last checked:
- Capital
- Warsaw
- Currency
- PLN · Polish zloty
- Languages
- Polish
- Plugs
- Type C, E · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Main Market Square and Wawel Castle · Kraków
Medieval square with St. Mary's Basilica and the royal castle on the river.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial · Oświęcim
Former Nazi German death camp, now a memorial and museum; book entry or a guided tour well ahead.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine · Wieliczka (near Kraków)
Centuries-old mine with chapels and statues carved from salt.
- Warsaw Old Town · Warsaw
Old Town rebuilt after WWII, a UNESCO site, plus the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
- Gdańsk Main Town · Gdańsk
Hanseatic port with colourful merchant houses and the European Solidarity Centre.
Getting around
Public transport
Jakdojade
Popular app for routes and tickets on city transport in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk and other cities. Paper tickets must be validated on board; inspectors fine hundreds of zloty.
Ride-hailing app
Bolt
Widely used in big cities and regional capitals; often the cheapest option. Avoids unlicensed drivers at stations and airports.
Ride-hailing app
Uber
Operates in major cities with upfront prices.
Taxi
FREENOW / licensed taxis
Use taxis with the company name, phone number and rate card on the car, or book by app or phone. Unlicensed drivers near stations can charge many times the normal fare.
Trains
Koleo / PKP Intercity
Koleo sells tickets for almost all train companies. PKP Intercity runs long-distance and high-speed (EIC Premium) trains; book early for cheaper fares. Polregio runs regional trains.
Buses
FlixBus
Cheap intercity buses between major cities.
Bike share
Veturilo / Lime / Bolt
City bike share (e.g. Veturilo in Warsaw) and e-scooters in most cities (varies).
Money and cash
Currency: PLN · Polish zloty
Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and most taxis. Carry a little cash for markets, small bars and rural places. Kantors (exchange offices) in town centres usually beat banks, but avoid those at airports and stations. Always choose to be charged in PLN.
Tipping
Tipping about 10% is customary in sit-down restaurants for good service; in cafes and bars people round up. One important custom: saying 'dziękuję' (thank you) when handing over money means the server can keep the change.
| Restaurants | About 10% for good service. Say the amount you want back or the total you want to pay; do not say 'dziękuję' until you have your change if you want it. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up or leave small coins. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up (optional). |
| Hotels | Optional: about 5-10 PLN per bag or per night. |
| Tours and guides | Optional; free walking tours rely on tips. |
| Food delivery | Round up or a few zloty in the app. |
Service charge: what’s true
Not usually added for small groups. Some restaurants add a service charge (serwis) for larger groups, which should be stated on the menu. (varies)
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure from staff. The common misunderstanding is that saying 'thank you' while paying signals 'keep the change', so some tourists unintentionally leave large tips. Say 'Proszę o resztę' (my change, please) if you want it back.
Useful phrases
- Poproszę rachunek. The bill, please.
- Reszty nie trzeba. Keep the change.
- Proszę o resztę. My change, please.
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Dzień dobry' in shops, offices and lifts.
- Drinking alcohol in public places (streets, parks) is illegal and fined.
- Jaywalking is fined, including for tourists; wait for the green light.
- Take off shoes when entering a home.
- Dress modestly in churches, which are active places of worship; keep quiet at Auschwitz-Birkenau and other memorials.
- Validate paper tickets as soon as you board trams and buses.
Scams and how to handle them
Bar invitation scam
Where: Kraków Old Town, Warsaw nightlife
How it works: Attractive women invite tourists to a club where drink bills are huge, sometimes with card overcharging or spiked drinks.
How to avoid it: Decline invitations to a stranger's chosen bar; check prices, check card amounts before entering your PIN.
Unlicensed taxis
Where: Airports, railway stations (e.g. Kraków Główny)
How it works: Unofficial 'transport services' charge many times the normal rate; some have been linked to assaults.
How to avoid it: Use Bolt, Uber, FREENOW, or official taxis with company name, phone number and rate card.
Exchange office tricks
Where: Kantors at stations, airports and tourist streets
How it works: Poor spreads or rates displayed with hidden digits so you receive far fewer zloty.
How to avoid it: Ask for the amount you will receive in writing first, use town kantors or ATMs.
Fake hotel 'card verification' calls
Where: Hotels
How it works: A late-night call claims to be reception and asks for your card details to 'confirm' the booking.
How to avoid it: Never give card details by phone; go to reception in person.
Card overcharging in bars
Where: Nightlife areas
How it works: Staff enter a higher amount on the terminal, often when guests are drunk.
How to avoid it: Check the amount on the terminal before paying; pay by drink if needed.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: Euronet ATMs and card terminals
How it works: You are offered a charge in your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Always choose PLN.
Safety
- Serious crime against foreigners is rare; watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist sites, trams and railway stations.
- Drink spiking linked to robbery has been reported in bars and clubs; do not leave drinks unattended.
- Take care after using ATMs and avoid isolated areas late at night.
- Unlicensed taxis have been linked to overcharging and assaults; use apps or official taxis.
- Public drinking is illegal and police do fine tourists.
How widely English is spoken
Most young people speak decent English; older people, especially outside big cities, often speak little or none. German is fairly common in the west.
Sources
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.