Travel information
Everything you need before visiting Poland
Honest, practical answers to 37 of the questions travellers ask most, from visas and money to transport, SIM cards, safety and the small details that make a trip smoother.
Entry & Visa
Do I need a visa to visit Poland?
Poland is in the EU and the Schengen Area. EU and EEA citizens need only an ID card. Travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other nationalities need a Schengen visa. Once the ETIAS system launches (expected in late 2026), visa-free visitors will also need an ETIAS travel authorisation, applied for online before the trip.
Read moreCan I enter Poland with a Schengen visa?
Yes. A valid Schengen visa issued by any member state lets you travel to Poland. Remember the 90/180-day limit applies to the whole Schengen Area combined, not to each country separately.
Read moreWhat are the passport requirements?
Non-EU visitors need a passport valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure and issued within the last ten years. EU and EEA citizens can travel with a national ID card instead.
Read moreHow long can I stay in Poland?
Visa-free visitors and Schengen-visa holders can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays you need a national visa or a residence permit.
Read moreMoney & Cards
What currency is used in Poland?
The currency is the Polish zloty (PLN, written "zl"), divided into 100 grosze. Poland does not use the euro. Notes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 zl.
Read moreIs Poland expensive?
No, it is one of the better-value countries in Europe. A restaurant main course runs about 40-70 PLN, museum tickets 20-40 PLN, and intercity trains are far cheaper than in Western Europe. Krakow and Warsaw cost more than smaller towns.
Read moreCan I pay by card everywhere?
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops, taxis, trams and market stalls, and contactless is the norm. Carry a little cash only for rural areas, some milk bars and tips.
Read moreAre Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted?
Yes. Both are supported wherever contactless cards work, which is nearly everywhere. Digital banks such as Revolut also work smoothly for spending and ATM withdrawals.
Read moreCan I pay in euros?
Generally no. Most places accept only zloty. A handful of tourist spots near borders or airports may take euros, but at a poor rate, so it is best to pay in zloty.
Read moreWhere should I exchange money?
Use a "kantor" (exchange office) in the city centre, not at the airport or in hotels, which give worse rates. Withdrawing zloty from a bank ATM with a low-fee card is usually the best value.
Read moreGetting Around
How do I travel between cities in Poland?
Fast, comfortable intercity trains (PKP Intercity) link the major cities, with Warsaw to Krakow in about 2.5 hours. Long-distance buses such as FlixBus are cheaper and reach smaller towns. Book train tickets in advance for the best prices.
Read moreTrains or buses, which is better?
Trains are faster and more comfortable between big cities; buses are cheaper and reach places trains miss. For Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk and Wroclaw, take the train.
Read moreHow does public transport work in cities?
Trams, buses and the Warsaw metro are frequent and cheap. Buy tickets from machines, kiosks or apps like Jakdojade, and validate them on board. Most tickets are time-based, valid across any line for a set number of minutes, though single-ride and day passes are sold too.
Read moreShould I rent a car?
A car is unnecessary in cities but useful for the mountains, the Masurian lakes and remote castles. Roads are good, most motorways are free for cars, dipped headlights must stay on day and night, and the drink-drive limit is very low, so do not drink at all before driving.
Read moreAre there toll roads?
Only on a few private motorway sections. Since July 2023 state-run motorways are free for cars, while the A1 (Gdansk to Torun), part of the A2, and the A4 (Katowice to Krakow) still charge cars at a toll barrier by cash or card. The e-TOLL app applies mainly to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Read moreSIM & Internet
What is the best SIM card in Poland?
Prepaid SIMs from Play, Orange, Plus and T-Mobile are cheap and sold at airports, kiosks and phone shops, with generous data bundles for a few zloty. You usually need your passport to register the SIM.
Read moreCan I use an eSIM?
Yes. eSIMs from local carriers or international providers like Airalo and Holafly work across Poland and are the easiest option if your phone supports them, with no shop visit needed.
Read moreDoes EU roaming work in Poland?
If you have an EU or EEA plan, roam-like-at-home rules apply and your normal allowance works in Poland at no extra cost. Visitors from outside the EU should buy a local SIM or eSIM.
Read moreIs Wi-Fi widely available?
Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping centres and many trains and long-distance buses. Mobile coverage is excellent nationwide, with 5G in the cities.
Read moreSafety & Health
Is Poland safe for tourists?
Yes. Poland is one of the safer countries in Europe, with low violent crime. Normal city precautions against pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and stations are enough.
Read moreWhat is the emergency number?
Dial 112 for any emergency; operators speak English. You can also use 999 for an ambulance, 998 for fire and 997 for police.
Read moreAre there common tourist scams?
Few, but watch for overpriced taxis, "private" currency exchangers, and inflated bills in unmarked tourist-strip bars. Stick to app-based taxis and marked kantors.
Read moreHow do I find a pharmacy or doctor?
Pharmacies ("apteka") are everywhere, some open 24 hours, and staff often speak some English. EU visitors should carry an EHIC or GHIC card; everyone else should have travel insurance, as private clinics are fast and affordable.
Read moreWeather & Packing
How many days do you need in Poland?
Four days is enough for one city and a day trip. A week lets you pair Krakow with the Tatra Mountains, or add Gdansk and the Baltic coast. Ten days covers the classic triangle of Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk without rushing.
Read moreWhen is the best time to visit Poland?
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are ideal: warm days, fewer crowds and lower prices. July and August are warmest but busiest, while December brings Christmas markets and snow in the mountains.
Read moreWhat should I pack?
Pack layers in any season. Summers are warm (20-30C) but bring occasional rain; spring and autumn need a jacket; winters are cold (often below 0C) and call for a warm coat, hat and waterproof boots.
Read moreHow cold are Polish winters?
Winter runs from December to February, usually between -5 and 4C, colder in the mountains and east. Snow is common and the cities look beautiful, so pack properly and wear layers.
Read moreFood & Drink
Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Tap water across Poland is treated to EU standards and safe to drink. Many locals still prefer filtered or bottled water for taste, but the tap is fine.
Read moreWhat food should I try?
Try pierogi (dumplings), zurek (sour rye soup), bigos (hunter's stew), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) and Krakow's obwarzanki. Eat at least once in a "bar mleczny" (milk bar) for cheap, traditional dishes.
Read moreAre there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, easily in cities, which have many vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and classics like pierogi ruskie or potato pancakes are meat-free. Smaller towns have fewer options.
Read moreLanguage
Do people in Poland speak English?
Widely in cities, tourist areas and among younger people, including in hotels, restaurants and museums. It thins out in small towns and with older residents, where a translation app helps.
Read moreWhat Polish phrases are useful?
Learn "dzien dobry" (hello), "dziekuje" (thank you), "prosze" (please / you're welcome), "przepraszam" (excuse me) and "ile to kosztuje?" (how much is it?). A little effort is always appreciated.
Read moreCustoms & Practical
What are the power sockets and voltage?
Poland uses 230V, 50Hz with Type C and Type E plugs (two round pins). Visitors from the UK, US and elsewhere need a plug adapter, and US devices may also need a voltage converter.
Read moreAre shops open on Sundays?
Most shops are closed on Sundays under Poland's trading ban, with limited exceptions such as small convenience stores, petrol stations and bakeries, plus a few designated trading Sundays. Plan groceries for Saturday.
Read moreIs tipping expected?
Tipping is appreciated but modest: rounding up or leaving about 10% in restaurants is normal for good service. Say the total you want to pay when handing over your card, because "thank you" can be taken to mean "keep the change".
Read moreCan I claim a VAT refund?
Non-EU visitors can reclaim VAT on purchases over 200 PLN from shops in the Tax Free scheme. Get the export confirmed at the airport on departure to claim your refund. Standard VAT is 23%.
Read moreWhat are the rules on alcohol and smoking?
You must be 18 to buy alcohol, and drinking in public places such as streets and parks is generally prohibited. Smoking is banned indoors in public venues, so bars and restaurants are smoke-free.
Read more