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Removals to Poland have become a regular occurrence; It’s a testament to the dynamism of the Polish economy. Moving to Poland will challenge you as you will face a very different culture to western Europe’s; an intriguing mix of contemporary and traditional, where the Catholic Church still has a significant influence. Here is an overview of life in Poland and what you can expect when you move.
Poland is one of the hidden gems of Europe. Located in central Europe, Poland isn’t a massive hit with holiday-makers; However, gradually tourists are learning that this country has much to offer.
You will enjoy spectacular sceneries from a wide variety of landscapes, from the drama of the mountains to the relaxed beauty of the towns. Art lovers will appreciate the culture, and there is a range of historical sites to enjoy.
Although Poland joined the EU in 2004, and the Schengen Area in 2007, it has not yet adopted the Euro. The currency in Poland remains the Zloty.
The national language of Poland, Polish, is spoken by an overwhelming majority of households. 97% of Polish people speak the official language in their home, one of the highest scores in Europe.
Polish belongs to the Slavic group of languages; Expect new sounds which are not present in the Roman alphabet. However, Polish is one of the simplest Slavic languages to master, so it’s an excellent language to try.
People will also speak English in the main cities; The younger generation also learned English at school and will be reasonably fluent. It may seem tempting to skip learning the language; However, speaking Polish will broaden your experience significantly and allow you to feel much more part of the community.
There is a high standard of education in Poland with tests producing better results than the US, UK, France and Germany but you should be aware that public schools can get very overcrowded so the individual development of students can suffer.
The standard of healthcare in Poland is generally acceptable. Nevertheless, visitors from more affluent countries may find hospitals lacking some of the comforts that they may know at home. Likewise, there is a shortage of doctors and medical professionals, particularly in more rural areas.
There is a public health system in Poland which is known as the NFZ – the National Health Fund. Contributing is compulsory for all residents and workers in the country and deductions will be made at source from salary. Self-employed individuals must participate too with the total amount of contributions set at roughly 8.5%.
Many Polish residents opt to top up their state cover with private health insurance, but conversely, this is not for the more severe illnesses or conditions. Instead, this is to avoid the very long waiting lists for minor or trivial complaints. As an expat, you will undoubtedly benefit from some additional health coverage.
The more severe conditions are dealt with by the public sector which is where you find the best hospitals. The private sector does not have the resources or expertise to deal with critical illnesses.
Pharmacies are widely available within Poland, and some are open 24/7. Over the counter medicines, however, are more expensive than in other European countries.
The road network in Poland is good, and it’s possible to drive for the duration of your stay. However, winter roads can be more challenging with lots of snow and ice; An option not everyone is comfortable with.
If you do choose to drive, you must always keep your headlights on, even during the day, and drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Public transport is a viable alternative to driving, and there is a choice of buses or trains. Trains are one of the most common forms of transport in Poland. They provide excellent coverage around the country as well as to other European nations. Express trains are the fastest and the most comfortable, but they are also the most expensive. Other options include intercity and slow speed trains which can work out significantly cheaper. Trains travel to all the main sights so you can relax and ride there in style. However, buses often reach the areas that railways do not service, and with both local and long-distance routes, this is another viable option for travel.
Poland chose not only to join the EU but also to become part of the Schengen Zone which means free travel for European citizens, with no visa requirements.
EU citizens, even from outside the Schengen Area, can enter Poland and seek work without needing a visa.
There are some countries which Poland has agreed to waive the visa on for short stays of up to 90 days. These include Japan, Australia, Canada and the US. However, if they want to remain within Poland for longer, they will also have to obtain a visa. If this is for business, they may need further supporting evidence, like a letter from a Polish employer.
If you are moving to Poland, you will have the choice of some different ways to ship your belongings, depending on whether economy or speed is your preference. European removals companies can help advise on your move and give you an idea of how long the process will take.
Whether you choose our Load & Go or our EasyMoves solution, European Moving can help you with your removal. We shall be able to help you with the full list of restrictions that apply to removals to Poland and also provide advice on a whole range of removal issues you may not have encountered before.