JMG Portal English
ADMINISTRATIVE MAP OF POLAND
CAPITAL WARSAW
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES POLISH GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENTARY REPUBLIC
PRESIDENT BRONISLAW KOMOROWSKI
PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES POLISH GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENTARY REPUBLIC
PRESIDENT BRONISLAW KOMOROWSKI
PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK
With the Czech Republic:
Beskidek, Boboszów, Boleslaw, Borucin, Branice, Cieszyn (Boguszowice, Leśna Górna,
Przyjazni Bridge, Wolnosci Bridge), Chłupki, Duszniki Zdrój, Dziewietlice, Głucholazy, Głuszcz Górna, Golińsk,
Gołkowice, Gorzycki, Gródczanki, Jakuszyce, Jasnowice, Jaworzynka, Jodłów, Kaxżyce Górne, Kalków,
Kamieńczyk, Kietrz, Kudowa-Słone, Krzanowice (Chuchelna, Strachowice), Lubawka, Lutynia, Łaziska, Łączna,
Marklowice Górne, Miloszów, Mostowice, Niemojów, Nowa Morawa, Olza, Ostra Góra, Owsiszcze, Paczków,
Pietraszyn, Pietrowice Głupczyckie, Pogwizdów, Pomorzowiczki, Porajów, Punców, Przełęcz Okraj, Rudyszald,Stożek, Slawniowice, Sciborzyce Wielkie, Snieżnik, Sowia Przełęcz, Tarnkowa, Tlumaczów, Trzebina, Tworków,Wielka Czantoria, Wiechowice, Zawidów, Zieleniec, Złoty Stok
With the Federal Republic of Germany:
Bobolin, Buk, Gryfino, Gubin, Jędrzychowice, Kołbaskowo, Kostrzyn, Krajnik Dolny,
Krzewina Zgorzelecka, Lubieszyn, Leknica, Olszyna, Osinów Dolny, Porajów, Przewóz,
Sieniawka, Słubice, Świecko, Świnoujscie, Zgorzelec
Beskidek, Boboszów, Boleslaw, Borucin, Branice, Cieszyn (Boguszowice, Leśna Górna,
Przyjazni Bridge, Wolnosci Bridge), Chłupki, Duszniki Zdrój, Dziewietlice, Głucholazy, Głuszcz Górna, Golińsk,
Gołkowice, Gorzycki, Gródczanki, Jakuszyce, Jasnowice, Jaworzynka, Jodłów, Kaxżyce Górne, Kalków,
Kamieńczyk, Kietrz, Kudowa-Słone, Krzanowice (Chuchelna, Strachowice), Lubawka, Lutynia, Łaziska, Łączna,
Marklowice Górne, Miloszów, Mostowice, Niemojów, Nowa Morawa, Olza, Ostra Góra, Owsiszcze, Paczków,
Pietraszyn, Pietrowice Głupczyckie, Pogwizdów, Pomorzowiczki, Porajów, Punców, Przełęcz Okraj, Rudyszald,Stożek, Slawniowice, Sciborzyce Wielkie, Snieżnik, Sowia Przełęcz, Tarnkowa, Tlumaczów, Trzebina, Tworków,Wielka Czantoria, Wiechowice, Zawidów, Zieleniec, Złoty Stok
With the Federal Republic of Germany:
Bobolin, Buk, Gryfino, Gubin, Jędrzychowice, Kołbaskowo, Kostrzyn, Krajnik Dolny,
Krzewina Zgorzelecka, Lubieszyn, Leknica, Olszyna, Osinów Dolny, Porajów, Przewóz,
Sieniawka, Słubice, Świecko, Świnoujscie, Zgorzelec
There are 100 groszy to 1 zloty (PLN).
Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 PLN denominations.
Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groszy and 1, 2, 5 zlotys.
Most hotels accept payment in euro or USD.
There are already a considerable number of buinesses accepting credit cards
(few of them may decline American Express).
Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 PLN denominations.
Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groszy and 1, 2, 5 zlotys.
Most hotels accept payment in euro or USD.
There are already a considerable number of buinesses accepting credit cards
(few of them may decline American Express).
Though it can take time to find a place where they accept travellers` cheques,
you will succeed in the end. Banks are open on weekdays usually until 3pm -6pm.
Even better exchange rates are avaible in the numerous kantors
(exchange offices - shop around to find the best deal)
or at post offices.
You can check the national bank rates at www.nbp.pl
you will succeed in the end. Banks are open on weekdays usually until 3pm -6pm.
Even better exchange rates are avaible in the numerous kantors
(exchange offices - shop around to find the best deal)
or at post offices.
You can check the national bank rates at www.nbp.pl
If you hope to learn something extremely exotic here, you may be disappointed:
in terms of savoir vivre, Poland is quite similar to other countries of Europe. When meeting people you can shake hands or just say "Good Morning". A man may sometimes kiss a woman`s hand during the first contact, but it happens only occasionally and may be seen in public. Hand kissing is also popular among older people who pay more attetion to politeness. Many people, especially colleagues and relatives, used to kiss each otcher`s
in terms of savoir vivre, Poland is quite similar to other countries of Europe. When meeting people you can shake hands or just say "Good Morning". A man may sometimes kiss a woman`s hand during the first contact, but it happens only occasionally and may be seen in public. Hand kissing is also popular among older people who pay more attetion to politeness. Many people, especially colleagues and relatives, used to kiss each otcher`s
cheeks when they meet. There are two "schools of cheek-kissing" - either two or three kisses, which is sometimes confusing as you do not know when to stop. As far as giving tips is concerned, there is also nothing unusual.
The customary sum of money to leave in restaurants or taxis is around 10%.
When using public transport, there is one important dogma you should know. If any old lady appears in the bus or tram and there are no empty seats, anybody who is younger (it can be either a man or a woman) should give up their seat. The whole thing is quite delicate, as first you have to verify if the woman is "old enough" to rise to.
The customary sum of money to leave in restaurants or taxis is around 10%.
When using public transport, there is one important dogma you should know. If any old lady appears in the bus or tram and there are no empty seats, anybody who is younger (it can be either a man or a woman) should give up their seat. The whole thing is quite delicate, as first you have to verify if the woman is "old enough" to rise to.
The older generation, plus rare old-fashioned young men, cultivate many passe traditions and customs. Sometimes you may see someone who helps a woman to get out of the bus by giving her his hand to show courtesy and consideration. There are also exceptional drivers that open the door for their female passenger, whereas the old rule which says that if man walks a woman, she should be on his right hand side has almost totally been forgotten, being kept up only during official meetings or weddings.
Lots of consider Poland to be a poor communist state with wild beast on the roads. In fact, the country is situated in the very heart of europe - and saying that Poland is the centre of the excomunist block makes the majority of Poles furious. It is true that it is geographically close to Russia, which is Poland`s neighbour, indeed, but you should not forget that Russia is an enormosly big country and its European part constitutes only a small fraction of its total territory. Since Poland became a member of the European Union, it has become even closer to the Western world. Here are the most popular stereotypes of Poles and Poland.
It is hard to deny that the problems mentioned below do not exist at all - of course they do, like in any other Western contry. However they are being extremely exaggerated, especially by those who tend to ridicule the image of Poland in the public eye.
It is hard to deny that the problems mentioned below do not exist at all - of course they do, like in any other Western contry. However they are being extremely exaggerated, especially by those who tend to ridicule the image of Poland in the public eye.
First stereotype: Poles do not speak foreign languages
Generally speaking, it is not Poland`s best feature. According to the latest surveys only 8 percent of Poland`s citizens officially admit to the ability of speaking any foreing language. However the situation has been improving and it is not as dramatic as it may seem.
The basics of English are known to the majority of the younger generation, while adults and elderly people speak a little Russian as it was an obligatory foreign language at school in comunist Poland (lots of people do not even reveal this fact, because nowadays Russian is not as useful as it used to be a few decades ago). Moreover, learning foreign languages has become very fashionable in Poland. Language schools and university courses are besieged by thousands of young applicants eager to study and make use of their abilities. Believe it or not, Poles have dealt with the problem more effectively than Italians or Spaniards, for whom mastering a foreign language at any level is much more difficult.
The basics of English are known to the majority of the younger generation, while adults and elderly people speak a little Russian as it was an obligatory foreign language at school in comunist Poland (lots of people do not even reveal this fact, because nowadays Russian is not as useful as it used to be a few decades ago). Moreover, learning foreign languages has become very fashionable in Poland. Language schools and university courses are besieged by thousands of young applicants eager to study and make use of their abilities. Believe it or not, Poles have dealt with the problem more effectively than Italians or Spaniards, for whom mastering a foreign language at any level is much more difficult.
Second stereotype: Poles never smile,
but complain a lot
but complain a lot
This fact concerns the older part of Polish society who grew up and lived under a communist system. The continuos lack of basic goods (including meart, razor blades, sugar or toilet paper) and the absurdity of everyday life (enormous queues, extreme bureaucracy and propaganda) would exhaust the patience of a saint, not to mention ordinary people. Many of them do not believe in any improvement of their situations, so they only complain.
On the other hand, Poles always can laugh at themselves and have bee known for the brilliant comedies and cabarets. The first years of capitalism brought quick changes and instability that were completely new challenges for lots of people. Many of them were left disappointed with the new system and... keep complaining. Although the Poland`s economy is still developing and the population grows richer and richer, Poles are accustomed to complaining.
Over half of Polish citizens believe that even joining the European Union did not improve their living conditions. On the other hand, young people are more similar to their Western European peers - they hardly complain, and they smile a lot.
On the other hand, Poles always can laugh at themselves and have bee known for the brilliant comedies and cabarets. The first years of capitalism brought quick changes and instability that were completely new challenges for lots of people. Many of them were left disappointed with the new system and... keep complaining. Although the Poland`s economy is still developing and the population grows richer and richer, Poles are accustomed to complaining.
Over half of Polish citizens believe that even joining the European Union did not improve their living conditions. On the other hand, young people are more similar to their Western European peers - they hardly complain, and they smile a lot.
Third stereotype: Poles are intolerant and full
of anti-Semitism
of anti-Semitism
Once Poland was a multinational country where Poles learned to accept diversity and respect the beliefs of other people. Lots of foreigners come here for to stay permanently, including scientists, students, qualified specialists etc. Poland is also home to thousands of refugees escaping from war, famine and natural disasters. The majority of them are citizens of poor African or Asians countries, former Yugoslavia and the Soviet bloc. Temporary visas are distributed almost off-hand, whereas refugees are provided with accommodation or even support in finding a job.
There are also numerous minority groups, e.g. gypsies, that create their own communities and freely cultivate their own culture and religion. As far as anti-Semitism is concerned, this is a common trend that was not tnvented here in Poland.
There are also numerous minority groups, e.g. gypsies, that create their own communities and freely cultivate their own culture and religion. As far as anti-Semitism is concerned, this is a common trend that was not tnvented here in Poland.
Fourth stereotype: Poles abuse alkohol
It is prohibited by law and is not officially followed. People admitting Jewish origins are treated equally to any of the other minority groups mentioned above and have exactly the same rights. Moreover, the Polish Government tries to improve the
relationships with Jews. Since re-establisching diplomatic contacts with Israel in 1987, a lot of effort is being made to create a better understanding of Poland to Israeli youth visiting the country on Holocaust anniversaries. Young people come to participate in seminars and try to discover their roots.
relationships with Jews. Since re-establisching diplomatic contacts with Israel in 1987, a lot of effort is being made to create a better understanding of Poland to Israeli youth visiting the country on Holocaust anniversaries. Young people come to participate in seminars and try to discover their roots.
Undoubtedly, the culture of drinking alcohol is highly developed in Poland. Its roots go back to the times of monarchy and nobility, who in the 17th century even had the slogan "eat, drink and loosen your belt".
This way of spending time is still very popular in Poland. However, do not suppose that you will see Polish streets full of overweight or drunk people. Poles often go to bars and pubs - they are the most frequent places to meet friends. Traditionally, the most popular alcoholik drink was vodka, but today more people, especially yonger generations, choose beer - and beer is now really good in Poland.
This way of spending time is still very popular in Poland. However, do not suppose that you will see Polish streets full of overweight or drunk people. Poles often go to bars and pubs - they are the most frequent places to meet friends. Traditionally, the most popular alcoholik drink was vodka, but today more people, especially yonger generations, choose beer - and beer is now really good in Poland.
Fifth stereotype: Organised crime and car theft are part of everyday life
Poland is said to be extremely dangerous country, which is a hard exaggeration. But the truth is that nowadays you may be robbet or killed anywhere you go irrespective of the latitude or political status of the country you are visiting (even in St. Peter`s Square in Rome). Crime and terrorism have become one of the greatest world menaces and everyone should be aware of it.
However, here are some tips that you should bear in mind while travelling. As car-related crimes such as break-ins and outright thefts are quite common, we advise you to leave your car in the special, guarded parking lots - Polish towns teem with them and, surprisingly, they are not horribly expensive (approx. 3-5 pln per hour depending on the place itself, of course). Do not leave any valuable items inside the car, especially on the front or back seats, or anywhere that they are visible - this attracts the attention of thieves. In case a car theft happens to you, always report it to the police.
It is not likely that you will be able to regain your property, but you will be given the appropriate confirmation you need to claim insurance in your country. Prohibited by law and is not officially followed. People admitting Jewish origins are treated equally to any of the other minority groups mentioned above and have exacly the same rights. Moreover, the Polish. Government tries to improve the relationships with Jews. Since re-establisching diplomatic contacts with Israel in 1987, a lot of effort is being made to create a better understanding of Poland to Israeli youth visiting the country on Holocaust anniversaries.
Young people come to participate in seminars and try to discover their roots.
However, here are some tips that you should bear in mind while travelling. As car-related crimes such as break-ins and outright thefts are quite common, we advise you to leave your car in the special, guarded parking lots - Polish towns teem with them and, surprisingly, they are not horribly expensive (approx. 3-5 pln per hour depending on the place itself, of course). Do not leave any valuable items inside the car, especially on the front or back seats, or anywhere that they are visible - this attracts the attention of thieves. In case a car theft happens to you, always report it to the police.
It is not likely that you will be able to regain your property, but you will be given the appropriate confirmation you need to claim insurance in your country. Prohibited by law and is not officially followed. People admitting Jewish origins are treated equally to any of the other minority groups mentioned above and have exacly the same rights. Moreover, the Polish. Government tries to improve the relationships with Jews. Since re-establisching diplomatic contacts with Israel in 1987, a lot of effort is being made to create a better understanding of Poland to Israeli youth visiting the country on Holocaust anniversaries.
Young people come to participate in seminars and try to discover their roots.
Some people visiting Poland decide to stay longer than planned. With a rapidly improving economy, Poland is a good market to invest in.Either as a tourist a temporary resident or a buinessperson wanting to invest some capital, it is good to know the approximate prices of basic goods and services.
Here are the prices of some goods and services to
help you to get some idea of how much your stay
in Poland will cost.
Here are the prices of some goods and services to
help you to get some idea of how much your stay
in Poland will cost.
Opening hours are very diverse and it is difficult to apply any rules. Most grocery stores open at 7 in the morning and are open until 7 pm froom Monday to Friday, but there are many exceptions.
The smaller shops close ealier on Saturday while on Sunday they do not open at all.
There are also numerous supermarkets belonging to international chains thatare often open seven days a week until late. Modern schopping malls are mushrooming
in all major cities, especially in Warsaw where the shopping centre boom is unparalleled with any other city in Eastern Europe.
The smaller shops close ealier on Saturday while on Sunday they do not open at all.
There are also numerous supermarkets belonging to international chains thatare often open seven days a week until late. Modern schopping malls are mushrooming
in all major cities, especially in Warsaw where the shopping centre boom is unparalleled with any other city in Eastern Europe.
Very special are "bazary" (market places), usually located close to city centres. Apart froom fresh fruit and vegetables it is possible to find almost anything there.
The historical centres of the largest cities are usually full of art galleries offering amber jewellery, Polish crafwork and antique objects. As a souvenir we cannot but recommend decorates Easter willow twigs or traditional ceramics from Boleslawiec. The speciality of Poland`s southern towns and cities are the articles created from wood from the Polish mountains (mountain walking sticks), oscypek highland cheese or sheep fleces.
The greatest choice of such things you will find in Krakow`s Cloth Hall on the Main Market Square, or in Zakopane at the large market at the foot of Krupowki Street.
The historical centres of the largest cities are usually full of art galleries offering amber jewellery, Polish crafwork and antique objects. As a souvenir we cannot but recommend decorates Easter willow twigs or traditional ceramics from Boleslawiec. The speciality of Poland`s southern towns and cities are the articles created from wood from the Polish mountains (mountain walking sticks), oscypek highland cheese or sheep fleces.
The greatest choice of such things you will find in Krakow`s Cloth Hall on the Main Market Square, or in Zakopane at the large market at the foot of Krupowki Street.
Beer is becoming increasingly popular in Poland.
Among the recommendable brands are Zywiec, Tyskie, Okocim, Lech, Heweliusz and Tatra. It is worth testing the other beers too:
Królewskie, Warka, Piast, Brok and Zubr. Besides these, it is easy to find
Czech, German, Danish or Slovak
beers. In pubs beer is often
served with rasberry or
blackcurrant juice
(piwo z sokiem) and
drunk using a
straw. During colder
seasons the popular
refreshment is hot beer
with cloves and cinnamon,
sweetened with
honey (piwo grzane).
Among the recommendable brands are Zywiec, Tyskie, Okocim, Lech, Heweliusz and Tatra. It is worth testing the other beers too:
Królewskie, Warka, Piast, Brok and Zubr. Besides these, it is easy to find
Czech, German, Danish or Slovak
beers. In pubs beer is often
served with rasberry or
blackcurrant juice
(piwo z sokiem) and
drunk using a
straw. During colder
seasons the popular
refreshment is hot beer
with cloves and cinnamon,
sweetened with
honey (piwo grzane).
Vodka consumption is bit on the wane, although it still has many supporters. Still, it is considered the drink that makes human contact easy-going and enables discussions about the more difficult topics.
The name for vodka is related to "woda" (water), while formerly it was called okowita (from "aqua vitae" - " the water of life in Latin).
It goes well with herring or gherkins.
If you want to try the most famous brands, choose Zubrówka
("bison vodka") with its characteristic bison label and distilled in Bialowieza, the last bison reserve in Europe.
The name for vodka is related to "woda" (water), while formerly it was called okowita (from "aqua vitae" - " the water of life in Latin).
It goes well with herring or gherkins.
If you want to try the most famous brands, choose Zubrówka
("bison vodka") with its characteristic bison label and distilled in Bialowieza, the last bison reserve in Europe.
Zubrówka has a long blade of special grass in the bottle,
which gives the vodka a slight greenish shade and a special klavour.
The most usual vodkas
are Wyborowa,
Sobieski or Luksusowa.
Very special is Krupnik -
vodka with honey and herbs,
or Vodka Goldwasser -
vodka with flakes of
real gold in it.
Mead (miód pitny) is one of
the oldest drink of all Slavonic
nations. It is favoured for its
very delicate, sweet taste.
which gives the vodka a slight greenish shade and a special klavour.
The most usual vodkas
are Wyborowa,
Sobieski or Luksusowa.
Very special is Krupnik -
vodka with honey and herbs,
or Vodka Goldwasser -
vodka with flakes of
real gold in it.
Mead (miód pitny) is one of
the oldest drink of all Slavonic
nations. It is favoured for its
very delicate, sweet taste.
I want to try traditional Polish cuisine, stop counting your calories. Typical meals are very hearty and often contain a lot of meat. Just sampling them is to discover that they are really delicious and worth putting on a few ounces. The most recommendable dishes are:
bigos, kotlet shabowy, pierogi and golabki (see below)
Poles boast that their two basic product are bread and sausages. The most typical ingredient used in Polish cuisine are sauerkraut, beetroot, cucumbers (gherkins), sour cream, kohlrabi, mushrooms, sausages and smoked sausage.
bigos, kotlet shabowy, pierogi and golabki (see below)
Poles boast that their two basic product are bread and sausages. The most typical ingredient used in Polish cuisine are sauerkraut, beetroot, cucumbers (gherkins), sour cream, kohlrabi, mushrooms, sausages and smoked sausage.
A meal owes it taste to the herbs and spices used: such as marjoram, dill, caraway seeds, parsley, or pepper. The most popular desserts are cakes and pastries. A shot of vodka is an appropriate addition to festive meals and help you to digest the food. Poland`s culture has always integrated elements from its neighbours, and there are also many recipes of Jewish origin. Nowadays the Polish menu is still changing , being influenced by various, sometimes exotic tastes. Apart from traditional restaurant specialising in Polish cooking, restaurants serving Italian, French and Asian foods are mushrooming in Poland`s cities, as well as vegetarian bars.
JMG Pages London Information serwer United Kingdom Poland Website Design & Modeling Contact e-mail: www@jmgpages4you.co.uk office@jmgpages4you.co.uk
WEBSITE DESIGN & MODELING
JMG Portal English
