Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Warsaw

What is special or unique about your city?

Warsaw has been the capital of Poland for more than 400 years. It is a big metropolis with a population of two million. Although World War II completely destroyed 95 percent of Warsaw, efforts of the city's citizens -- along with recent political changes -- have put Warsaw back on the fast track to development. It is quickly regaining a reputation for being one of Europe’s great cities.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

While there are still signs of damage from World War II and the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 in old parts of city, foreigners will see modern business centers and shopping malls. However, highways and other infrastructure are still lacking in many cases.

Are these impressions likely to change?

Keep in mind that part of the fun is discovering things on your own -- and it is not hard to do. Warsaw’s history is written on its walls. As the world is changing, Warsaw also changes from year to year. While this city is becoming more cosmopolitan, Polish citizens continue to take much care to maintain Warsaw's history and culture.

What is the local language?

Polish.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

In order to make day to day life easier, it is recommended that you take Polish lessons. Please contact Crown Warsaw for details. Warsaw's natives will definitely appreciate your attempts to use the Polish language -- even if it sounds completely different than it should!

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

As in many other countries, it is always a good idea to avoid drawing a lot of attention to yourself as a foreigner.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

The climate is easy to live with. There are four seasons, but be aware that there are extremes. During the summer (especially June, July and August), temperatures can be high -- up to 30 degrees Celsius. Winter can be very cold -- with a lot of snow and temperatures down to -20 to -25 degrees Celsius. Weather can change at any time, so it's a good idea to come to Poland with all kinds of clothing.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Some Polish customs to note: If you are invited to someone’s home, take flowers for the hostess. A man usually lets a woman pass into a room first. A man usually holds the door when he sees a woman entering or exiting a room. A woman should not be embarrassed when a man kisses her right hand when she is introduced or welcomed. This is an old Polish tradition, although it is not used anymore in business situations.

Useful Links

General Poland information www.poland.pl www.poland.com General Warsaw information um.warszawa.pl www.warsawinsider.com Warsaw Daily - local news www.warsaw.com

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

A foreigner working in Poland must have a work permit -- in addition to a temporary residence card and Polish ID.

What kinds of visas are available?

In Poland, the employer must obtain permission to employ a foreigner. A work visa and a work permit are then needed for the employee. Like in many countries, the immigration procedure is quite complicated. Please contact Crown Warsaw for details.

What is required to obtain these visas?

Contact Crown Warsaw for help with visas and other important documents and procedures. The Crown team specializes in obtaining and monitoring immigration documents for both employees and employers.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Spouses often find jobs during their stay in Poland, but a spouse's legal working status is subject to separate immigration procedure. Crown Warsaw can assist with this process.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

The residence card is an integral part of the full immigration procedure. Crown Warsaw can assist in obtaining this -- in cooperation with your employer.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

It is important to know, however, that one of the documents required is your registration -- which MUST be done by your landlord where you will live. Very often, expats and their employers forget about this. As stated before, the immigration process is quite complex and subject to change. Crown Warsaw can assist you with meeting all the legal requirements.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Some of the restricted items are: firearms, drugs, narcotics, indecent video cassettes, films or magazines, alcohol (more than .5 liter of the hard stuff, 2 liters of wine or 5 liters of beer), tobacco products (if more than 250 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco), cars produced more than 10 years ago. Also, beware of the difficulties of bringing a car to Poland from the US. Your vehicle will be subject to a complicated technical inspection. Crown Warsaw can answer any questions you may have in this area.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Please contact Crown Warsaw for assistance.

Useful Links

Information in Polish wup.mazowsze.pl

 

What is the local currency?

The Polish zloty (PLN). "Zloty" means "gold" in Polish. Keep in mind that Poland is joining the European Community in 2004, so the currency might be changing soon.

What denominations does it come in?

1 zloty / 100 groszy.

What is the best way to exchange currency?

Go to banks or exchange offices. Exchange offices give slightly better exchange rates. Note that rates at exchanges offices located in the airport, transport stations or hotels are not really competitive.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash is used at small shops and kiosks. However, supermarkets and other larger shops take major credit cards.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

You should be able to use credit cards quite a bit. Still, it's a good idea to carry cash for use at kiosks or in food/vegetable markets and bazaars.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

According to Polish fiscal law, bills are always paid in PLN, even if converted from a price published in EUR or USD, which is often the case with a rental.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

Opening a personal bank account is a lot easier than you would expect. Just bring along your passport. In addition, you need to be living and working in Poland. Documents related to your work permit will be required. There are also internet bank accounts available.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Multi-lingual banking services are available in dedicated banks.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

Restrictions are subject to a foreigner's current status.

What are typical banking hours?

Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

ATMs are located all over Warsaw -- particularly in all banks and at frequently-visited places.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

Like everywhere, be careful when carrying money, credit cards or travellers' checks.

Useful Links

Citibank www.citibank.pl Bank Pekao www.pekao.com.pl Bank Millennium www.bankmilennium.pl

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Those with children will want to move close to a school if possible. Overall, you can find suitable accommodation for most budgets in several areas of Warsaw.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Those looking to live in a house will like the neighborhoods of Wilanow and Konstancin -- also Saska Kepa, Zoliborz and Mokotow. Warsaw's suburbs have also become quite popular during last few years. When searching for an apartment, there are a lot of buildings with high-quality apartments located in City Center. Keep in mind that it is difficult to find an available apartment in Old Town.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

In most of the cases, it is the employer who rents a home for the expat.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

There is normally a deposit equal to three months' rent.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

You should expect to pay for heating, electricity and telephone.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

If you live in the areas mentioned above, you should be safe. Keep in mind that most of the landlords have agreements with dedicated security companies. And, in general, houses have alarms.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Electricity is 220 volt and 50 Hz. Please note that if you have appliances from the UK or US, it will be difficult to find a converter for power. Also note that the TV system in Poland is Pal/Secam. American TVs do not work in Poland.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Crown Warsaw can help you settle in by arranging preview visits, area tours and home searches -- among other services to make your first weeks in Poland much easier.

Useful Links

Please contact Crown Warsaw for up-to-date information on housing and neighborhoods.

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Most expats send their children to Warsaw's international schools.

What are some examples of these schools?

American School of Warsaw British School French Lycee School Japanese School

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Please contact Crown Warsaw for up-to-date information on school enrollment.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

There are small, private pre-schools for foreigners and locals.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Some schools arrange transportation for kids, but in most of the cases parents transport children to and from school.

When does the typical school year start and end?

The school year starts September 1 and ends on June 25.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Please contact Crown Warsaw for help locating the right school for your children.

Useful Links

American School of Warsaw www.asw.waw.pl The British School www.britishschool.waw.ids.pl French Lycee School www.lfv.pl

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.