Last updated: 27 Apr 2012
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Poland. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Health
General health advice when visiting Poland:
- Avoid tap water – it is safer to drink bottled water.
- Medical and dental services of acceptable standard are available.
- English is spoken in some private practices in major cities and many of these will accept major credit cards.
- For more serious health problems it is recommended that you seek treatment in Western Europe or return to Australia.
- Modern pharmacies (apteki) can service most needs.
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.