The do’s and don’ts of Poland
So you want to visit Poland? Here are some tips & rules that’ll make your stay pleasant and hassle-free.
GENERAL:
- many shops and diners accept the Euro as currency, but it’s still best if you exchange it to zlotys (PLN). You’ll find safe currency exchange offices all around the city center and in every mall in Szczecin;
- you can do your basic shopping (food, beer, cigarettes, etc.) in mini-markets, such as Żabka, Małpka, or Fresh Market. There’s one around almost every corner in the city center. If you’re looking for a more exotic experience, you might want to give the Społem markets a chance. Their customer service is a real throwback to the communist era. Don’t say we didn’t warn you, though.
- Don’t be a bum! Drinking alcohol in parks, squares, streets, beaches and other public places (except beer gardens belonging to bars or restaurants) is prohibited in Poland.
- Don’t do drugs, m’kay? THC is also a drug and is 100% illegal in Poland.
CYCLING:
- If you’re 18 years or older, you don’t need a special permit to cycle on public roads in Poland.
- To avoid unnecessary attention of Polish law-enforcement, your bike has to be equipped with:
- at least one functioning brake;
- a red, non-triangular rear reflector;
- a bell, or other similar warning device, attached to your bicycle;
- a front (white, or yellow) and back (red, possibly flashing) position light;
- DO NOT DRINK AND RIDE! First of all, it’s an asshole move, second of all: the permissible level of alcohol in your blood while riding is 0.2 permille.So one beer = you’re drunk.
- If you love your bike and don’t want it to be stolen, never leave it unlocked.
- Bike lanes and bike roads are there to be used. As in obligatory. If you really have to ride the sidewalk, it’s legal only if the speed limit on the street is above 60 km/h, and the sidewalk is wider than 2 meters. Be the nice person, yield to pedestrians.
- It’s illegal to have more than 14 bike-friends in Poland. Make sure to split into smaller groups to avoid unnecessary attention, as riding in groups of more than 15 people requires special permits.
Still afraid of something? Don’t hesitate to ask us!
