Local Info
1. Essential about Polend:
- Language: Polish
- Time: GMT/UTC plus one/two hour
- Weights & measuers: Metric
- Currency: 1 zloty = 100 groszy
2. Phones and communication:
- Mobile phones:
GSM 900 MHz/ 1800 MHz network covers almost 96% of the country.
To dial a local stationary number from your mobile phone you have to add an area dialing code without "0" before it, for example for Radom stationary numbers, first you dial "48" (area code) and then the rest of the number.
To call other mobile phones you dial a number without "0" before it.
- Stationary/ public phones:
When calling local numbers you don't have to add an area code before them.
If calling long distance within Poland, dial a "0" and wait for the signal. Then dial the are code and phone number. If dialing outside of Poland, do the same thing, but dial "0" again when you get the second tone followed by the country code, and then the rest of the number. Poland can be reached from other countries by dialing 00, then 48 + city code (without 0) and phone number.
If you want to call a Polish mobile phone number, dial "0" first and then the rest of the number
3. Emergency and medical care:
- Stationary telephone:
999 - medical emergency
998 - fire fighters
997 - police
- Mobile phone:
112 - emergency number
4. Transport and driving a car:
- Speed limits:
In Poland right-hand traffic is obligatory and traffic regulations are similar to those in effect in most European countries. Here is a brief summary:
- 60km/h for vehicles or sets of' vehicles throughout built-up areas (with a built-up area beginning with a village/ city sign, and finishing with the village/ city sign crossed);
- 20 km/h for local traffic of vehicles or sets of' vehicles throughout residential zones;
For automobiles. motorcycles and trucks (up to. 3.5 t GVW);
- 130 km/h on motorways
- 110 km/h on dual carriageways
- 100 km/h on single and dual carriageway roads with at least two lanes in each direction
- 90 km/h on all other roads
For all vehicles or sets of vehicles not mentioned above (car with a glider trailer included):
- 80 km/h on motorways and dual carriageway roads with at least two lanes in each direction
- 70 km/h on all other roads
- Seat belts:
Both the driver and passengers must keep their seat belts on at all times while the vehicle is moving, except for persons having an appropriate doctor' s certificate and women in late months of pregnancy. The back seat passengers should have their seat belts fastened if there are any available.
- Alcohol and driving:
Polish laws allow virtually zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol, and penalties for drunk driving (defined as a blood alcohol level of 0.05) include a fine and probation or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
- Documents:
If you drive your car in Poland, you will need: a valid passport, a valid driving licence, and the Green Card denoting insurance.
5. Financial Matters:
- Credit cards:
Most hotels, restaurants, larger shops, travel agencies, airlines and petrol stations accept payments with credit cards . Stickers on the doors and windows of businesses usually indicate which credit cards will be accepted for payment. The most frequently used cards are: Visa, Visa Electron, PLUS, Eurocard/MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, PolCard, PolCard Bis, PolCard Tempo
- Cash:
May be obtained with the use of credit cards in ATMs (automatic teller machine, bank-machine), banks and some hotels
- Exchange-offices:
Major foreign currencies may be exchanged for Polish Zlotys at the airport, banks, larger hotels and border crossings in unlimited amounts. Throughout the entire country there are also numerous private currency exchange offices identified by the name KANTOR. Banks in larger cities are usually open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays.
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