Page 722 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

720  CENTR AL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Practical & Travel Information Currency and Banking
The official Polish currency is the
Since the fall of Communism in 1989, tourism has greatly złoty, each of which is divided
increased in Poland. New shops and hotels have sprung up, into 100 grosze. In January 1995,
and the quality of service has improved, especially in banks four zeros were knocked off the
and post offices. Nevertheless, much of Poland’s economy has złoty, so that 10,000 złoty
became one Polish New Złoty
yet to adjust to the post-Communist era; the health service (PLN). The old banknotes were
has been reformed, but it lags behind the country’s many withdrawn and replaced with
developing sectors. In general, goods in Poland are much new notes. Money can also be
cheaper than in Western Europe. changed at bureaux de change,
many of which offer better rates
than banks. Most banks are
Visas and Customs Medical Emergencies open from 8am to 6pm.
Information Citizens of the following
A valid passport is required countries are entitled to free Disabled Travelers
for admittance to Poland, medical treatment in Poland:
but you may not need a visa; EU members, Belarus, Tunisia, Poland has a poor record for
contact the Polish embassy Ukraine, Mongolia, China, providing for disabled people,
in your country for details. and the countries of the but things are rapidly changing.
Personal items may be brought former Yugoslavia. All renovated or new public
into the country, but limits are For visitors from other buildings have ramps or lifts
imposed on the import and countries, first aid is provided built into them, and there are
export of alcohol, tobacco, and free of charge at hospitals, but also special taxis available.
cigarettes. Antiques exported other types of treatment may However, many traditional sites
from the country require a incur a charge. Never theless, of interest may prove difficult to
special permit. Gifts worth all visitors are advised to take enter. For general advice or for
up to €300 may be imported out full medical insurance information about specific sites,
duty free. before arriving in Poland. contact the Disabled People’s
Keep your policy documents National Council.
with you at all times, as well
Personal Security
as a passport for identifying
Polish cities suffer from the yourself to hospital staff. An Communications
same crime and security ambulance service is available Widespread use of cell
problems as most European 24 hours a day. phones means there are
capitals, so vigilance and care fewer payphones than before,
are needed. Security is provided but phonecard-operated
by the state police, the highway Tourist Information telephones can still be found,
police, and a number of private Information centers are especially around railway
security organizations. The latter generally found at train stations; stations, post offices, and the
are often hired to protect public these provide general regional city center. Phonecards can
buildings and private houses, information. For specific enquiries be bought at post offices and
and to keep order at various about accommodations, tickets, newsagents. Charges for long-
events. In the city of Warsaw, and trains, the Polish National distance national calls vary
it is advisable to avoid the Tourist Office is preferable. according to the time of day.
Praga district after dusk, and Hotel employees are also a The highest charges are for
in particular Ulica Brzeska. good source of information. calls made between 8am and
6pm. Local calls are cheaper
from 10pm to 6am. The charges
The Climate of Poland
WARSAW for international calls do not
Poland’s climate is influenced vary with time of day. Poland
by cold polar air from has four cell telephone
Scandinavia, and sub-tropical °C/ºF networks, which operate on
air from the south. Polar- 21/70 two wavelengths, 900 MHz
continental fronts dominate and 1,800 MHz, and cover
in winter, bringing crisp, 7/45 11/52 7/45 almost all of the country.
frosty weather, while late 0/32 2/36 -3/27 Poczta Polska, the Polish
-8/18
summer and autumn (the 5 7.5 3 1.5 postal service, provides a
most popular times to visit) hrs hrs hrs hrs wide range of services, and
enjoy plenty of warm sunny 42 56 40 40 its offices are open from 8am
days. Winters, which always mm mm mm mm to 8pm on weekdays; the main
bring snow, can be very month Apr Jul Oct Jan
cold in the north. post office in Warsaw is open
24 hours a day, seven days a
week. Letters to destinations

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