Lisa O
Poland has its own unique vibe, just like any other country. However, for newbies visiting Poland, it can be tricky to figure out what’s socially acceptable and what’s not. Knowing a few dos and don’ts can help you have a great time there. After all, traveling is all about respecting different cultures and avoiding things that might be seen as rude. So here are 30 things you should never do in Poland.
Don’t Jaywalk
In some countries, like the UK, it’s totally fine to cross the street anywhere or even go through a red light if there’s no traffic. But in Poland, jaywalking is a big no-no, and you can get fined a few hundred zlotys for it. Plus, crossing the street anywhere other than a pedestrian crossing is unsafe. Unfortunately, Poland has a reputation for dangerous road traffic.
Don’t Make Cash Payments
Cashless transactions are very popular in Poland. You’ll even find tiny shops and bars that accept card payments. But if you prefer paying with cash, try not to use big bills, like anything over 50 zlotys. Polish cashiers favor coins and smaller notes. Otherwise, you’ll constantly be asked for change, which can be a hassle.
Don’t Greet Over The Threshold
One old superstition in Poland is to avoid greeting guests at the door or over the threshold. Locals believe it brings bad luck, so they never say goodbye or shake hands in the doorway. When you meet a Pole, keep your greeting and goodbyes inside the room. Don’t go overboard with your gestures at the door!
Don’t Call It Eastern Europe
Whatever you do, don’t say you’re in Eastern Europe when you’re in Poland. There’s a bit of history behind this—back in the day, there was a big split between Western and Eastern Europe. Poles can get offended if you label Poland as Eastern Europe. They’d rather move past that and see themselves as more Western.
Don’t Skip Dessert
If you’ve looked into Polish food, you know it’s diverse, with amazing soups and hearty main dishes. Poland also has some fantastic desserts. With so many cookies and cakes to pick from, you’re in for a treat. One popular dessert you need to try is Kolaczki. It’s a folded cookie filled with either fruit or sweet cheese.
Don’t Hold Back Your Smile
There’s no “no-smiling policy” in Poland, but many foreigners get confused when they see Polish people looking serious while walking down the street. Why do they look so unenthusiastic? Honestly, it’s just a cultural thing. Poles aren’t used to interacting with strangers or smiling at people they don’t know. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t approach them! If you ever feel lost in an unfamiliar place—Polish people will be happy to help you out.
Don’t Talk About Religion
When you’re in Poland, try to avoid talking openly about religion. In Poland, religion mostly means Catholicism, with around 90% of Poles being Roman Catholics. But that doesn’t mean everyone is very religious or goes to church all the time. People have different levels of devotion, so it’s best to be cautious when discussing religion.
Don’t Wear Shoes Indoors
If you have a Polish friend or get the chance to visit a Polish home, keep in mind that they follow the custom of taking off their shoes at the door. Shoes aren’t allowed inside, so slippers or going barefoot is the norm. Remembering this will help you fit right in and avoid any accidental slip-ups!
Don’t Drink Alcohol In Public
In most European countries, walking around with a drink in hand is no big deal, but that’s not the case in Poland. There’s actually a law that says you can’t carry alcohol around in public spaces. You’re only supposed to drink in private spots like bars, restaurants, beer gardens, or at home. So keep your drinks where they belong to stay on the right side of the law.
Don’t Leave Without Checking The Weather
In Poland, checking the weather is just as essential as checking the time before you head out. You don’t want to end up in the wrong outfit because the weather can be all over the place. Winters can be freezing—while summers can get pretty sweltering. So check the forecast and dress accordingly to stay comfortable no matter what.
Don’t Just Visit The Main Cities
When you’re gearing up for a trip to Poland, you’ll come across loads of videos showing off its gorgeous spots. Poland is packed with beautiful places, especially in winter when skiing is a popular activity. The lakes up north are worth a visit, too. And while Krakow is a must-see, don’t overlook Gdansk and Warsaw—they’re both fantastic cities to explore.
Don’t Use Euros
Even though Poland is in Europe and part of the European Union, they don’t use Euros. Instead, they stick with their own currency called the złoty (pronounced “zwoty”). You can easily exchange your dollars for złoty while you’re there. Plus, most places accept credit cards, and you can withdraw cash from ATMs if you need to.
Don’t Swear In Public
Like many other languages, people often learn all the bad words before picking up the actual language. If you happen to know some Polish swear words, keep them to yourself when you’re out and about. Swearing in public is pretty much banned in Poland, and the police might even fine you if they catch you. So unless you’re okay with spending some extra złoty, it’s best to stick to polite language.
Don’t Party After 10 p.m.
Don’t get us wrong—Poles know how to party, and they do it with enthusiasm. But if you’re hosting a get-together at your place, try to wrap it up by 10 p.m. Polish law says home parties should end by then. If you’ve got friendly neighbors or if they’re at your party, you might be in the clear. But if your neighbors aren’t thrilled about the noise, don’t be surprised if the cops pay you a visit!
Don’t Go Out Without Identification
In Poland, always carry some form of ID, whether it’s your passport, a National ID card, or some other valid form of identification. It’s not just a rule for visitors—locals have to do it, too. The authorities can stop you at any time and ask to see your papers, so don’t leave home without them.
Don’t Visit Girly Bars
Most Poles are friendly and respectful, but there’s a sketchy side you should know about. While it’s great to hit up bars and restaurants in big cities like Warsaw and Krakow, watch out for shady spots like girly bars. These places can be a total scam—charging way more than you ordered and even threatening you if you refuse to pay. So it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Don’t Order Only Vodka
Even though Poles are famous for their love of vodka, you don’t have to stick with that when you’re out drinking. Feel free to order a beer or a cocktail you like or try Kompot (that’s a traditional Polish drink). If you’re into fruity, sweet drinks, kompot will definitely hit the spot and make your day.
Don’t Be Surprised By Dinner Invitations
Some might think Polish people aren’t the friendliest, but a trip to Poland will change your mind. If you meet some locals—don’t be surprised if they invite you over for dinner. It might feel a bit forward, but they’re just warm and friendly. Don’t pass up the chance. Polish food is already fantastic, but a home-cooked meal? That’s going to blow your taste buds away.
Don’t Go To Milk Bars For Milk
It might sound a bit odd, but Milk Bars are a real thing in Poland—though don’t expect to be just drinking milk. These Milk Bars are actually cafeteria-style restaurants where you can grab delicious, home-cooked food at super affordable prices. They started as government-run spots to help out the working class, and even today, they’re popular go-to for tasty and budget-friendly local eats.
Don’t Get Fooled By Fake Taxis
No matter where you are in Poland, don’t fall for fake taxis. Make sure the cab you hop into has a working meter and clearly displays the taxi company’s name and phone number. There are plenty of fake taxis out there, so just be extra careful when you’re looking for a legit one.
Don’t Take Smiling Selfies In Auschwitz
When you’re in Poland, many tourists visit Auschwitz—one of the most famous concentration camps where millions of Jews suffered and died under Hitler and the Nazis. It’s essential to visit to remember and learn from the past, but taking smiling selfies and posting them on social media is not okay. After learning about the horrific events that happened there, it’s really crucial to show respect and sensitivity.
Don’t Assume They Don’t Understand You
Besides Polish, English is the next most common language in Poland. It’s taught in schools from a young age, so many locals speak it pretty well. Even if you’re in a country where the main language isn’t English—don’t assume people won’t understand you. Most of the time, they do, so it’s a good idea to be careful and respectful of what you say.
Don’t Give An Even Number Of Flowers
While Poles might not seem superstitious, they do have a specific belief about giving flowers. If you’re bringing a bouquet to someone’s home or for any occasion, always make sure it has an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are reserved for funerals, so giving a bouquet with an even number of blooms might not be taken well.
Don’t Think Older Men Are Hitting On You
It might seem a bit unusual if an older Polish gentleman kisses your hand when you meet him. Don’t worry, he’s not hitting on you—he’s just following a traditional way of showing respect and gallantry. While younger folks usually stick to a handshake, older generations might also give a kiss on the cheek during social gatherings with family and friends.
Don’t Ask Questions You Don’t Want Real Answers To
If you’re not prepared for a real conversation or genuinely interested in how someone’s day is going, skip asking, “What’s up?” or “How’s your day been?” In Poland, people take these questions very seriously and will give you a detailed answer. They’re not into small talk like in some other cultures, so if you ask—be ready for a full update on their day or what’s going on in their life.
Don’t Skip Local Cuisine
Poland is known for a lot of things, but their food is a standout highlight. You absolutely can’t skip trying their local dishes, especially pierogi—these little dumplings are legendary! And if you get a chance, dig into other tasty Polish treats like bigos (a hearty stew), kopytka (delicious potato dumplings), and zapiekanka (a mouthwatering Polish-style baguette).
Don’t Be Late
Just like their German neighbors, Poles are pretty strict about being on time. If you say you’ll be somewhere at 1 p.m., make sure you’re there at 1 p.m. If you’re running a bit late—give the person a heads-up. Being punctual is a big deal here, so it’s best to keep things on track.
Don’t Just Stay In Warsaw
While Warsaw is likely where you’ll start and end your trip to Poland since it’s the capital, don’t just stick around there. Poland has tons of amazing places to see, from UNESCO Heritage Sites to historical landmarks and even the world’s biggest castle. Make sure to plan your trip so you can explore all the cool and diverse spots this beautiful country offers.
Don’t Worry About Being On A Budget
Poland is a fantastic spot if you’re looking to keep costs down. It’s way cheaper than a lot of other European countries. You can find very affordable places to stay—including some nice hotels, and grab delicious food and drinks without spending a ton. You can enjoy exploring the cities and trying out local eats without draining your wallet.
Don’t Wander Alone At Night
Poland’s nightlife is buzzing with loads of bars, restaurants, and cafes where you can grab a drink or two before crashing at your hotel. But here’s a tip: don’t head out alone at night, especially in the big cities. Scammers and pickpockets often go after solo tourists, so it’s smarter to hang out with a group. That way, you can have a blast and stay safe.