(Last updated: 27 Apr 2011)

Visas

Australian passport holders – including those travelling on official and diplomatic passports – are required to be in possession of a current visa to enter Poland. You should not rely on obtaining a visa at the port of entry as such applications can be refused.

Generally, it takes two to three working days to process visa applications. Holders of passports other than Australian will need to check with the Polish Consulate General whether they require a visa.

Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
10 Trelawney Street
Woollahra, Sydney NSW 2025
Tel: +61 2 9363 9816
Fax: +61 2 9327 2216

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.

Airports

The ‘Frederyk Chopin’ airport in Warsaw is about 10 kilometres from the centre. Transit time to and from the city centre can vary from 15–45 minutes depending on traffic and the cost is approximately US$13.

There are three taxi companies officially licensed to operate from the taxi stand at the arrival hall (Level 1). They are MPT, Merc and Sawa. You should avoid taxi drivers operating inside the terminal building. Hotel shuttle buses and limousine services are also available.

Ground transport

If you want to drive in Poland you must have an International Driver's Licence (IDL), which you will have to purchase before coming to Poland. In Australia, you can get an IDL from the relevant motoring organisations in the state or territory where you hold your current driver’s licence.

International car hire companies operate in Poland. Roads are of variable standard, and there are few freeways. Highways between major centres can be very congested and driving habits are considerably less safe than in Australia.

Hotels

Poland has good choice of four and five-star hotels, including Radisson, Hilton, Sheraton, Le Meridien, Marriott and Westin. All hotels accept major credit cards and staff speak English.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Poland. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

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.

Tipping

As a rule, tipping 10 per cent is expected.

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.

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

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the zloty (zl/PLN).

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.

Dining

There are plenty of good quality restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Most accept major credit cards.

Tourist attractions

Poland offers a wide range of tourist activities – GoPoland has comprehensive information.