Last updated: 27 Apr 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Businesses are usually open between 9.00am–5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Most government offices provide full service from 9.00am–4.00pm.
Shops are open between 11.00am–7.00pm or some to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Larger supermarkets are open between 9.00am–9.00pm, seven days a week.
Public holidays
May 1 – May Day
May 3 – Constitutional Day
August 15 – Assumption Day
November 1 – All Saints’ Day
November 11 – Independence Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
Climate
Poland lies within the temperate zone of climate, although the masses of oceanic air from the west are often replaced by cold polar air from Scandinavia and Russia, as well as at other times by warm, sub-tropical air from the south.
The average monthly temperatures for Warsaw range from –2ºC in January to more than 18ºC in July, but can easily go below –10ºC in winter (January–February) and above 25ºC in summer (June–August).
For weather details in Poland, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is the zloty (zl/PLN).
Time zones and time differences
Poland is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Warsaw, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Poland's country code is 48.
For calls to Poland from Australia dial: 0011 + 48 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Poland to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Poland’s power supply is 220/380 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires.
Domestic connections use two or three-pin plugs similar to the standard European plugs with a slight modification.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
GoPoland – www.gopoland.com
Poland.com – www.poland.com
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.