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Warsaw
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Located on the margins of the Vistula river, the capital of Poland was almost completely destroyed in World War II.
One spectacular reconstruction
The ancient districts, Old Town and New Town, have only a few decades. Each was rebuilt with its own Market Square and today they stand close to Krakowskie Przedmiescie, the great avenue of the city. So do the Royal Castle, the Zygmunt Column — honouring the king that made Warsaw capital — and St. Martin’s Church.
The nation’s pride
Intact remained the Wilanow palace, one of the great baroque symbols of Poland. But visiting Warsaw is also enjoying the Lazienki Park and the Rising Museum, which tells the story of the 63 days of the insurgence against the nazis. And as this is Chopin’s country, going to the composer’s Museum is a must-do.
Culture and Business
Before leaving
Make sure you have your identity card or passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, take care of your visa or other necessary documentation ahead of time.
Climate
The climate in Poland is relatively temperate, with hot summers and cold winters with temperatures below 0ºC.
Time zone
GMT + 1
Geography & politics
Poland is located in central Europe. It is a multi-party parliamentary republic in which the prime minister is the head of government.
Tipping & paying
Złoty (PLN) is the currency of Poland. It is good practice to tip at around 10% to 15%. Not all sites accept credit cards, so it's best to always be prepared with some money in your pocket.
Languages & useful phrases
The official language is Polish. Here are some useful words: "cześć" = "hello"; "Proszę" = please; "Dziękuję" = thank you; "Przepraszam" = sorry.
What you should do
Be punctual for anything that is business related. For social events, it is normal to arrive up to 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Even if the people you meet with speak English, also bring documentation in Polish. Business lunches and dinners are common, and an excellent opportunity to foster relationships that can help in business.
What you shouldn’t do
When doing business, do not treat people directly by their first name unless they ask you to do so directly. Do not refer to Poland as a country in Eastern Europe, it may be offensive to some Poles - it is part of central Europe.
What to wear
For business meetings, opt for a conservative and formal look. Suit and tie or suit with skirt or pants for women will always be the most appropriate option. On a day-to-day basis, you can opt for a less formal outfit, but always maintain a neat and professional look.
First impressions
When meeting someone for the first time, greet him or her with a handshake. If you are invited to someone's house, bring a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers as a thank you. Address the Poles with the titles "Pan" for men and "Pani" for women, followed by the surname.