News / lets say nice things about poland [32]

first I was appalled then entertained then concerned for the future. I thought students would be a least a bit smarter

News / lets say nice things about poland [32]

I like the parks, bicycle paths, the underground at Zachodni where you feel like you have gone back 40 years, the free outside jazz shows, and yes the students are friendly and enjoy a good laugh. My limited experience with the taxis has been only positive. And we could say there might be a slight air of optimism? After all the rest of the worlds economy seems to be going down...

Life / Cigarette Smoking in Poland [146]


I am not a smoker but I heard acupuncture is a great remedy. Shouldnt be too hard to find someone here to do it for you.

Life / Cigarette Smoking in Poland [146]

I was waiting for the bus last night and I noticed these two workers putting up notices on the bus stop which prohibited smoking in that area. lets see if it works. 500 zl fine as well.

Work / Americans teaching english...your help please! [51]

Sorry if this is off subject. Hey uk polska if you ever need any american business proofreaders feel free to contact me. I am based in Warsaw.

Work / Teaching resources for English language teachers in Poland [22]

u have made my life so much easier thanks

Law / How do Americans go about getting a work visa in Poland? [21]

come here and apply for a permission to stay visa (green card). to do so you need to have a reason to be here and proof such as a promise from a business to hire you or enrollment in a school. after many trips to the foreigners office you should get your permission to stay

Work / Teaching resources for English language teachers in Poland [22]

wow that is an extensive list and quite helpful. I often use the economist business and politics of the week sections as well as articles from the financial times but those dont have the lessons. Very useful. thanks again

Work / Do Americans need a work permit for English teaching? [4]

thanks ukpolska

so continuing on Then apply for a NIP number at the tax office (takes up to 4 weeks)
You fill out a simple form to get registered as a business, in Warsaw this was in the town offices (5 min to fill out the form, 3 days to get the registration document)

Then you have to run around getting your REGON number (30 min - the office is of course at the other end of town in Warsaw)

Then with all these details you have to go to ZUS (which is at the other end of town) to sort out payments that you'll make every month.

I am waiting to pick up my nip. Where do I register for a business and REGON? ZUS is there on Walwelska?

Life / New skyscraper in Warsaw... [58]

personally I like the Palace of Culture. Of course I understand the history and so forth. But most of these new buildings look like plastic and there is no conformity what so ever. Apparently there is a plan to surround the palace with a number of modern skyscrapers. They will have to renovate the central train station in Warsaw before the euro 2012 as well.

Life / HeadShops in Warsaw? [22]

man have you not ever been to centralny? or Zahohni? just go under to the dark underground shops and there are loads of places especially in centralny. I even saw a shop in Wola Park.

Travel / Warsaw: A day in the life [16]

For future references: ztm.waw.pl/rozklady.php although as the L is a private line I believe this wont help you. Yes they change the tram and bus schedules all the time. Keeps it interesting for sure.

USA, Canada / How to get american papers after visa expired ???!!! [55]

I would wait and see there is a chance of Bush offering amnesty to illegal immigrants before he leaves office he has to try and do something that will be successful and he can be remembered by in his legacy

Life / I'm engaged to a girl from Poland. Moving to Poland from the US. [28]

right so you get 3 months free on entry. you can apply for permission to stay as your girl is promising to marry you. after some time, some visa extensions, many visits to the foreigners office, some cash, so many documents you cant believe you will get your green card. it takes time and patience. you have to register when you get here so its important to rent a flat from an owner who will go with you to the registration office. like they said you can find all the details on this forum. oh and you should teach english unless you want to compete with Polish chefs for jobs.

Work / Americans teaching english...your help please! [51]

From my understanding you dont need a work permit to teach english. As far as being American I am and you have to apply for permission to stay which is similar to a green card in the states. It took me 6 months and alot of paperwork to get it but I got two years. But you should apply for your polish citizenship and passport at the same time and that would make your life much easier. I guess lots of americans go across some border every 3 months which seems rather risky to me but thats their choice or they just stay. I dont know. Some schools do prefer EU citizens but I am sure you can find work. pm me if you want to know about work in warsaw

I've heard Poland is cracking down on Americans teaching English in Poland illegally. I have also heard that because of the EU, and the declining dollar, that Poles now prefer British English teachers anyway and that Americans are a kind of pest to be deported. Any thoughts?

I dont see the connection with the declining dollar and deporting Americans...

Life / Who has moved to Poland in the last year? Swap stories. [115]

Well I cant really complain. I am from the US and cant stand the place but after living in Asia for some time I find Poland a nice in between place to be. The work opportunities are abundant, the people I deal with in my work are polite and relaxed, after 6 months I was able to get my "green card". I was lucky to find an affordable flat across from a terrific park. The cost of living is easily half the US, there are nice bike paths to be had, the weather lately has been perfect, the girls are beautiful and nice if not a bit off in their dyed hair and fashion sense. They show the EU Cup live on national tv. Lots of nice parks and cafes and some very interesting history to be had as well. What I like is that since its only been 15 years since freedom from communism people with "new" money can still remember how it was. I fear for the next generation of American wannabes however. Anyhow its not where you are its who you are.

Life / Polish Integration with other Nationalities [150]

Well I am in Warsaw which is as all major cities compared to smaller places the exception concerning diversity. I welcome diversity and dont necessarily see how the multiculturism in the rest of Europe has failed. Of course there will be problems. Welcome to the new world. As far as America let us not forget that the largest immigration to the states was involuntary slavery. As far as Poland I feel it is important to remember the extreme isolation imposed on the society by the Russian rule. 15 years is a very short period of freedom and 5 years in the EU is as well. Most of the younger people seem pretty open minded and friendly. You get racism everywhere in the world. I think people will become more tolerant and openminded as time goes on. Comparing the US and Poland is really inaccurate as they have completely different situations. The US is based on a history of immigration while Poland has had a history of emmigration which (in Poland) may change in the next 5 to 10 years as the economy improves.

Life / Cigarette Smoking in Poland [146]

supposedly smoking at the bus and trams stops is illegal here in Warsaw but the ashtrays are right there. I personally dont like the smell of tobacco especially with all the crap they put in there but I just move away from those stinky people. As far as clubs I just dont go but I probably wouldnt go anyway but I did go to Dobra Karma and most everbody went outside to smoke so ya might want to try that place in Kolo, Wola

just to update this topic I heard on the radio that as of Sept 1st it will be illegal to smoke at bus and tram stops and it will bring a 500 zl fine. Any chance of this actually being enforced? Fair enough about clubs and pubs you choose to be there but bus and tram stops? What can you do?

Travel / How do i stay in poland longer than 90 days if im already in poland [37]

for a noneu citizen you can be looking at 6 months to get your permission to stay visa. that is how long it has taken me and hopefully I will get it soon. A few options to get the visa. Promise to marry a Polish citizen, work promise from a business, enroll in a school. why not apply for the visa rather than being stressed everytime you go outside pl? Its a hassle for sure but unless you are working or going to school than time is one your side...

Life / Cultural readjustment... returning to Poland from the West. [58]

I like to say Germany and other parts of Europe got the Marshal plan and Poland got the Stalin plan... not exactly the same plan

Life / Cultural readjustment... returning to Poland from the West. [58]

I think it has alot to do with the weather just as everywhere except the polish dont bother with mindless chitchat about the weather. When its sunny they are happy, cloudy much more reserved. Many people have much harder lives here than in the "west". Inflation is rising for food throughout the world and these old people have to get by on very little. As well if one considers some of the times these people have suffered through one perhaps can understand the mood at times. Perhaps if you walked around with a smile in communist times people were suspicious. And visiting a place and living there are two completely different experiences. As far as the workers many of them are pissed off because they dont feel that they make enough money to give a damn and considering their wages they probably have to live with many people in a small flat. Not always fun and games.

Life / The strangest things in Poland [468]

selling shoestrings on the street. I wonder how much profit is in it? Maybe I am in the wrong business

Life / Warsaw - most boring capital in Europe, after Brussels - comments? [78]

swag is free stuff

Work / For all English teachers in Poland (who work for only $1000 a month) [102]

oh its terrible here dont come less native speakers more money for me
sorry just joking for a first step out of the country I would say this isnt a bad place a bit different than north america but not shockingly there are surely worse places to go but it isnt going to pay your horrible student loans no the us wants you to be in their system first for me the people are alright here. they dont bother you and the students are high level management and they are quite normal down to earth people one student of mine who enjoys classical music told me he likes emimem! I was shocked to say the least

Work / For all English teachers in Poland (who work for only $1000 a month) [102]

I am teaching in Warsaw mostly conversational English with advanced business students. The work is fine its just the housing that is the problem and the rate of inflation is really increasing rapidly. But I would say that if people are worried about the money than teaching may not be your cup of tea. If its money you want and also to teach than why not Kuwait, Korea, Japan, or someplace such as that. I enjoy my job because I go on site and teach and dont feel like a zombie in the same place at the same time every day (no offense to office workers or regular school teachers). I think teaching should not be about the money but more about the concept of being a teacher. I was a bike messenger for 12 years in different cities and countries. If I wanted money I would have been a stock broker or investment banker. Teaching is in a sense a service job. You give the people what they want. 90 percent of my classes are about global warming or other relevant worldly topics and the students improve their english and get to express their opinions. Of course I am all for higher wages for teachers. Corporate wages went up 11 percent in the past month. These are my students. Should I ask for more money from the school?

Law / Business and individual taxes in Poland [8]

could someone explain this PIT declaration to me please

Work / For all English teachers in Poland (who work for only $1000 a month) [102]

Hey James 2134 Im from DC. Ive been gone for a long time more or less but always in the heart. Im teaching in Warsaw. Canadian boy if money is your greatest concern become a stockbroker.

Love / Why are polish girls more approachable than north american girls [158]

Well speaking from a north american point of view I would say that if you are a foreigner in the states the girls will be very interested in you just as when I speak english in my mobile I get some nice looks from the lovely Polish girls on the tram. People are curious about other cultures and other people maybe. As well Poland just seems to be a more open society as far as speaking to each other to ask directions as so forth. North American girls are more on their guard so to speak. I have friends from Europe living in the states and the girls are crazy for them while they wont speak to me. Perhaps it is vice versa here I dont know for sure.