Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Warsaw, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone: 90 days visa-free for most nationalities within any 180-day period
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is 10km from centre. Bus 175/188 to Centrum (4.40 PLN, 25 min) or taxi (40–60 PLN)
- Modlin Airport (WMI) handles budget airlines: Modlin Bus to Centrum (35 PLN, 50 min)
Health & Safety
- No special vaccinations required. EHIC covers EU citizens. Polish pharmacies (apteka) are well-stocked
- Tap water is safe to drink in Warsaw. It's been excellent quality since 2020 infrastructure upgrades
- Warsaw is very safe. Minor pickpocketing at tourist spots. Some football hooligan activity, so avoid match days in Praga
Getting Around
- ZTM runs metro (2 lines), trams, and buses. Buy tickets at machines (contactless accepted) or via the Jakdojade app
- Metro line M1 (north-south) and M2 (east-west) cover major tourist areas. Trams are scenic and extensive
- Bolt and Uber are cheap and reliable. Warsaw taxis should use meters. Avoid unmarked cabs at the airport
Connectivity
- EU roaming included for European SIMs. Local SIMs from Play, Orange, or T-Mobile (25–40 PLN for 10GB) at Żabka shops
- Free WiFi in cafés, malls, and some trams. Warsaw has excellent 4G/5G coverage city-wide
- Download Jakdojade (best transit app), Google Maps, and the Warsaw City Guide app for offline maps
Money
- Poland uses Złoty (PLN), not Euro. Avoid exchange offices (kantors) at the airport: rates are 10–15% worse
- Cards accepted almost everywhere including small shops. Contactless payment is universal in Warsaw
- ATMs: use bank ATMs from PKO BP, mBank, or ING. Avoid Euronet, which charges 15+ PLN per withdrawal plus bad rates
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential. Warsaw weather changes quickly. Summer: 15–30°C range. Rain jacket advisable year-round
- Comfortable walking shoes: the Royal Route alone is a 4km walk. Cobblestones in the Old Town
- Smart-casual for nicer restaurants. Poles dress well for going out: no shorts and flip-flops at evening venues
Cultural tips
History Sensitivity
Warsaw was 85% destroyed in WWII and rebuilt by its citizens. The reconstruction is a point of immense pride. Be respectful at memorials. The Uprising and Holocaust are living memory for many families.
Dining Customs
Poles eat lunch (obiad) as their main meal, around 2–3pm. Dinner (kolacja) is lighter and later. Bread and butter often come free. "Smacznego" (smach-NEH-go) means "bon appétit". Say it before eating.
Vodka Etiquette
Vodka is sipped neat and chilled, never mixed (that's a Western thing). Toast with "Na zdrowie!" (nah ZDRO-vye-eh). It's polite to finish your glass before it's refilled. Don't refuse the first toast.
National Pride
Poles are fiercely patriotic. Don't confuse Poland with Eastern Europe (it's Central Europe). Don't make communist jokes. The occupation is remembered with pain. Appreciate the rebuilding achievement.
Tipping
Tip 10% at restaurants. Tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay including tip (don't leave it on the table). Round up taxi fares. No tipping at milk bars or fast food.
Religious Culture
Poland is predominantly Catholic. Churches are active places of worship: dress modestly, stay quiet, and don't take flash photos during services. Many shops close on Sundays by law (except some in tourist areas).
