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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 citizen’s card or passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, arrange your visa or other required documentation well in advance.
Climate
The climate in Poland is relatively temperate, with hot summers and cold winters with temperatures below 0ºC.
Time zone
GMT + 1
Geography and Politics
Poland is located in central Europe. It is a multi-party parliamentary republic in which the prime minister is the head of government.
Tips and Payment
The złoty (PLN) is the currency of Poland. It is good practice to tip around 10 to 15%. Not all businesses accept credit cards, so it's best to always be prepared and have some cash in your pocket.
Language and expressions to memorize
The official language is Polish. Here are some useful words: "cześć" = Hi; “prosze" = please; "dziękuję" = thank you; "Przepraszam" = sorry.
What to do
Be punctual for anything that is business related. It is considered normal to arrive at social events 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 not to do
When doing business do not address people directly by their first name unless they directly ask you to do so. 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
Opt for a conservative and formal look for business meetings. Suit and tie, or suit with skirt or pants for women will always be the most appropriate option. Choose a less formal appearance for day-to-day matters, but always maintain a neat and professional look.
First contact
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 bouquet of flowers to show your appreciation. Address the Poles with the titles "Pan" for men and "Pani" for women, followed by the surname.