delphiandomine
14 Aug 2009
Feedback / Private Messages - way of telling if the message has been read [15]
This would be useful :)
This would be useful :)
delphiandomine
14 Aug 2009
Law / Business setup in Poland [36]
Are you in Poland at the moment and have you been here for more than 45 days?
If so, forget it.
Ok I am from the USA and i am looking to start up a company in Poland and seeing as how i am not a citizen and i do not have a residency card, I would like to know how i would need to go about handling it, what all i would need to do, what would be all cost and how long would it take?
Are you in Poland at the moment and have you been here for more than 45 days?
If so, forget it.
delphiandomine
13 Aug 2009
USA, Canada / America's Got Talents Judges kicked the Polish Triplet sisters.. [37]
He'd have them for breakfast!
He'd have them for breakfast!
delphiandomine
13 Aug 2009
Study / Is it possible to get a Schengen tourist visa while having a D visa ? [5]
The Czech embassy is wrong - because the D visa system hasn't been harmonised yet (it may never!) and is a national visa, you'll need a Schengen visa if you want to visit other European countries. What they may have thought is that you want to apply for a Czech category D visa rather than the short term Schengen visitor visa.
Give another embassy a call (Germany would be a good idea) and see what they say :)
The Czech embassy is wrong - because the D visa system hasn't been harmonised yet (it may never!) and is a national visa, you'll need a Schengen visa if you want to visit other European countries. What they may have thought is that you want to apply for a Czech category D visa rather than the short term Schengen visitor visa.
Give another embassy a call (Germany would be a good idea) and see what they say :)
delphiandomine
13 Aug 2009
Travel / Can't find my passport do I need it to travel from Poland to Czech Rep.? [11]
Actually, I don't think the airline is obliged to check. The low cost airlines do so in order to prevent people from passing tickets onto someone else - and all carriers to the UK will check because of the threat of a 2000 pound fine for bringing someone to the UK without the correct documents. But apart from that, they're under no obligation to actually check when intra-Schengen as far as I'm aware?
They aren't, but for the purpose of identification when within a country, they're good enough.
The airlines, however, have to follow international regulations and I'm afraid he cannot count on his luck and charm (some nice lady, enchanted with WarsawNoob's smile, letting him board the plane without a passport).
Actually, I don't think the airline is obliged to check. The low cost airlines do so in order to prevent people from passing tickets onto someone else - and all carriers to the UK will check because of the threat of a 2000 pound fine for bringing someone to the UK without the correct documents. But apart from that, they're under no obligation to actually check when intra-Schengen as far as I'm aware?
And I read somewhere that the driver's licenses (American or European) are NOT considered ID cards for the purposes of border crossing or even personal identification abroad, so you need your passport even in Poland when the police has any questions to you.
They aren't, but for the purpose of identification when within a country, they're good enough.
delphiandomine
13 Aug 2009
Travel / Can't find my passport do I need it to travel from Poland to Czech Rep.? [11]
I think you need the passport, because the border code explictly states that you can only cross while possessing a valid identity document - which will restrict you to a passport or a EU national ID card. The residence ID card isn't enough, as it's only valid in conjunction with your passport.
Would my US driver's license suffice as a document, or do I need proof of residency?
I think you need the passport, because the border code explictly states that you can only cross while possessing a valid identity document - which will restrict you to a passport or a EU national ID card. The residence ID card isn't enough, as it's only valid in conjunction with your passport.
delphiandomine
13 Aug 2009
Travel / Can't find my passport do I need it to travel from Poland to Czech Rep.? [11]
Yep. You're obliged to carry identity documents when crossing an internal Schengen frontier - so you'll need it. They may not ask you for it in the airport (although many airlines are!) - but random frontier checks can still be imposed at any time, provided they're not systematic in nature. You can also be stopped at any time in the street and checked, so unless you've got a valid EU travel document, you'll need to carry your passport.
I'm not sure what other Polish airports are doing, but in Poznan-Lawica, you have to have a valid identity document to access the departure lounge, even if you're only travelling intra-Schengen.
Yep. You're obliged to carry identity documents when crossing an internal Schengen frontier - so you'll need it. They may not ask you for it in the airport (although many airlines are!) - but random frontier checks can still be imposed at any time, provided they're not systematic in nature. You can also be stopped at any time in the street and checked, so unless you've got a valid EU travel document, you'll need to carry your passport.
I'm not sure what other Polish airports are doing, but in Poznan-Lawica, you have to have a valid identity document to access the departure lounge, even if you're only travelling intra-Schengen.
delphiandomine
12 Aug 2009
Work / Questions regarding visa (a bit specific situation) [13]
Is a work permit needed for someone that's self employed? I was under the impression that this was a way to dodge the need for one...
Apparently the cost of a work permit in Poland is tied to the minimum wage according to een.org.pl/index.php/en-articles/articles/Work-permits-for-the-EU-citizens.html
Is a work permit needed for someone that's self employed? I was under the impression that this was a way to dodge the need for one...
Apparently the cost of a work permit in Poland is tied to the minimum wage according to een.org.pl/index.php/en-articles/articles/Work-permits-for-the-EU-citizens.html
delphiandomine
9 Aug 2009
Travel / Wot? No beer allowed on Polish PKP? [30]
And there's currently an idiotic proposal to unban Vodka from the trains....
Laugh at them, there's nothing they can do about it. The Railway police are a different story, but these private Polish security companies are hilariously limp wristed.
The sensible thing to do would have been to ban alcohol from all but Eurocity, Intercity, Express and sleeper cars - the type of idiot that causes trouble because of alcohol isn't going to be paying the price for those trains.
And there's currently an idiotic proposal to unban Vodka from the trains....
only to be confronted by two Ochrony from Juwentus who told me off for breaking the law.
Laugh at them, there's nothing they can do about it. The Railway police are a different story, but these private Polish security companies are hilariously limp wristed.
The sensible thing to do would have been to ban alcohol from all but Eurocity, Intercity, Express and sleeper cars - the type of idiot that causes trouble because of alcohol isn't going to be paying the price for those trains.
delphiandomine
9 Aug 2009
Travel / Driving from the UK to Krakow [11]
What border crossing? As long as you have all your documents in case of a spot check by random Europeans, there's no borders and no hassle.
As for Poland - a British plated car is no more nor more less likely to be stolen here. In fact, I'd suggest that a British plated car is more hassle than it's worth to steal, as RHD vehicles can't be registered here.
Sticking to motorways is silly when it comes to fuel - you can save quite a bit of money just by going two minutes off the road.
i just wanted to ask did you have any trouble at border crossing into and out of germany.
What border crossing? As long as you have all your documents in case of a spot check by random Europeans, there's no borders and no hassle.
As for Poland - a British plated car is no more nor more less likely to be stolen here. In fact, I'd suggest that a British plated car is more hassle than it's worth to steal, as RHD vehicles can't be registered here.
Sticking to motorways is silly when it comes to fuel - you can save quite a bit of money just by going two minutes off the road.
delphiandomine
9 Aug 2009
Life / How much Zloty to have an average life in Poland? [98]
It's easy to get a job in Poland, however, if you're educated and can make 10EUR an hour instead of around 3-4EUR, wouldn't you move too?
You don't need any formal qualifications to teach English - there's even one joker on here advertising for an English speaker with no experience.
I have almost never heard of anyone that can't speak Polish getting any other jobs than teaching English. But then you need a TEFL or something like that. Many educated people leave Poland because they can't get a job.
It's easy to get a job in Poland, however, if you're educated and can make 10EUR an hour instead of around 3-4EUR, wouldn't you move too?
You don't need any formal qualifications to teach English - there's even one joker on here advertising for an English speaker with no experience.
delphiandomine
7 Aug 2009
Study / Advice needed about education at international and state schools. [4]
Generally, public schools will operate on a simple system of turning up and talking to someone about it. Do you have somewhere sorted out to stay in Poznan? If so, I'd recommend simply turning up at the school (with a Polish speaker if you don't speak yourself!) and talking to them before making any decisions.
When was your child born? This has a bearing on when he starts school - and may allow you to put him into a decent nursery which would allow him to learn Polish without the pressure of formal schooling.
Any other questions? I'm glad to help :)
Generally, public schools will operate on a simple system of turning up and talking to someone about it. Do you have somewhere sorted out to stay in Poznan? If so, I'd recommend simply turning up at the school (with a Polish speaker if you don't speak yourself!) and talking to them before making any decisions.
When was your child born? This has a bearing on when he starts school - and may allow you to put him into a decent nursery which would allow him to learn Polish without the pressure of formal schooling.
Any other questions? I'm glad to help :)
delphiandomine
7 Aug 2009
Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]
No no, the ouch was more in reference to your situation.
With reference to the residence card - I cannot stress enough that you have to set the wheels in motion as soon as possible. You've officially got 45 days to make the application, but I'd advise getting it now while the Foreigners Office is quiet due to the holidays (no students!).
No no, the ouch was more in reference to your situation.
With reference to the residence card - I cannot stress enough that you have to set the wheels in motion as soon as possible. You've officially got 45 days to make the application, but I'd advise getting it now while the Foreigners Office is quiet due to the holidays (no students!).
delphiandomine
7 Aug 2009
Life / Public Swimming Pools in Poznan [12]
There's a multitude of public pools, but as far as what you're looking for, the AWF pool is probably the best bet. They certainly do water aerobics among others, and the pool is free for public use.
What part of Poznan are you living in? I can advise further...
There's a multitude of public pools, but as far as what you're looking for, the AWF pool is probably the best bet. They certainly do water aerobics among others, and the pool is free for public use.
What part of Poznan are you living in? I can advise further...
delphiandomine
7 Aug 2009
Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]
Ouch.
Are medical costs outside of the US covered? Is the disability payments even paid to non-US residents? As for the costs of living here - in some respects, Poland can be even more expensive than the US - as you've found out, medicine can be one of those things.
The most important thing is that you comply with immigration regulations. The Straż Graniczna are empowered to do random passport controls - if you don't have your passport on you, they can arrange for you to be escorted to your place to get the passport. If you're then found to be illegal in Poland, then you can be deported.
How long have you been in Poland?
Ouch.
I have applied for US disability. I know that I can get it , but when is the question. If you're rejected, it can take up to 3 years with an attorney. It is only enough to keep you at poverty level in the US, but your medical is covered. It should be more than enough for me to live here, but not if I have high medical costs.
Are medical costs outside of the US covered? Is the disability payments even paid to non-US residents? As for the costs of living here - in some respects, Poland can be even more expensive than the US - as you've found out, medicine can be one of those things.
The most important thing is that you comply with immigration regulations. The Straż Graniczna are empowered to do random passport controls - if you don't have your passport on you, they can arrange for you to be escorted to your place to get the passport. If you're then found to be illegal in Poland, then you can be deported.
How long have you been in Poland?
delphiandomine
7 Aug 2009
Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]
When did you enter the Schengen zone? If you received a stamp in your passport and are not in possession of a legal residence card or visa, then you can only stay in the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every 180.
Not worrying about it is the worst thing you can possibly do - there's an example on this very forum of someone who received a year ban from Schengen and was deported after not following the correct immigration process.
Nothing is certain here. Have you begun the process of applying for the residence card?
Are you sure that staying in Poland is the best option for you? With such a list of needed drugs and an uncertain immigration status, Poland really isn't an advisable option.
I do not know if I am entitled to obtain a residence card. I was told not to worry about it.
When did you enter the Schengen zone? If you received a stamp in your passport and are not in possession of a legal residence card or visa, then you can only stay in the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every 180.
Not worrying about it is the worst thing you can possibly do - there's an example on this very forum of someone who received a year ban from Schengen and was deported after not following the correct immigration process.
My son and daughter-in-law were told that they usually approve it in such situations.
Nothing is certain here. Have you begun the process of applying for the residence card?
I have learned that regardless of any insurance program here, I will not be able to get one of my previous medications. It is available here, but no one can afford it. I have 2 others that I need, and they are not even available.
Are you sure that staying in Poland is the best option for you? With such a list of needed drugs and an uncertain immigration status, Poland really isn't an advisable option.
delphiandomine
7 Aug 2009
Life / How is cancer treatment in Poland??? [17]
There is, and this assistance is through the national health schemes.
I do not understand why the pharmaceutical companies will only hand out free medication to residents in the US, and not elsewhere. I know they can't provide to the whole world free, but I did think there would be some kind of patient assistance in the EU.
There is, and this assistance is through the national health schemes.
delphiandomine
6 Aug 2009
Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]
It may be possible to arrange insurance through someone else located outside of Poland - the EU has opened up for services, and as such, it should be possible to find a specialist insurer elsewhere.
But you will pay dearly for this.
The best advice in this case would be to try and sort out NFZ cover - although it's not fantastic, you won't have any issues with pre-existing conditions. But you may not get the level of treatment that you're used to in the United States - and you may struggle to get the same medication through the public system.
Incidentally, are you actually entitled to obtain a residence card?
Thank you, and yes my daughter-in-law is Polish. She had mentioned that. I have since found out that none of the insurance programs in Poland will cover my most expensive medication. I have Blue Cross for 2 more months, but you're correct that they will not pay outside of the US.
It may be possible to arrange insurance through someone else located outside of Poland - the EU has opened up for services, and as such, it should be possible to find a specialist insurer elsewhere.
But you will pay dearly for this.
The best advice in this case would be to try and sort out NFZ cover - although it's not fantastic, you won't have any issues with pre-existing conditions. But you may not get the level of treatment that you're used to in the United States - and you may struggle to get the same medication through the public system.
Incidentally, are you actually entitled to obtain a residence card?
delphiandomine
6 Aug 2009
Study / Advice needed about education at international and state schools. [4]
I'd suggest that you try and get your child into one of the better-ran (but not better in results! Polish schools are somewhat neurotic in the sense that bad schools can often have the best facilities) primary schools if you can - the worse ran ones simply won't have the resources available to deal with a child that needs some extra help in the beginning.
But a 7 year old (they start school at 7 here!) should have no issue with Polish, especially if you immerse him into a Polish environment from day 1. He might be a bit behind for the first while, but if you take the time with him, it should be no problem.
Depending on his age, he might be able to go to the nursery for a year - which will help considerably.
Steer clear of the international schools here. They aren't run by English natives, they don't have many (or any!) native English teachers, yet they try and teach to an English cirriculum. I haven't heard anything good about the schools either.
I'd suggest that you try and get your child into one of the better-ran (but not better in results! Polish schools are somewhat neurotic in the sense that bad schools can often have the best facilities) primary schools if you can - the worse ran ones simply won't have the resources available to deal with a child that needs some extra help in the beginning.
But a 7 year old (they start school at 7 here!) should have no issue with Polish, especially if you immerse him into a Polish environment from day 1. He might be a bit behind for the first while, but if you take the time with him, it should be no problem.
Depending on his age, he might be able to go to the nursery for a year - which will help considerably.
Steer clear of the international schools here. They aren't run by English natives, they don't have many (or any!) native English teachers, yet they try and teach to an English cirriculum. I haven't heard anything good about the schools either.
delphiandomine
6 Aug 2009
Life / Health care in Poland for ex-pats [26]
As far as I understand it, when you cease to be UK resident in terms of taxation, then your insurance under the NHS will stop. That's the point when you need to be paying ZUS - but it seems to depend on just how much they bother to check. In theory, only emergency care should be free - follow up care should be provided by the home country. But Brits for certain have been using the EHIC card for routine stuff (I use it to see a doctor here, no problem) and the NFZ appears to be accepting it - so who knows?
The EHIC system is a horrible mess, imo.
As far as I understand it, when you cease to be UK resident in terms of taxation, then your insurance under the NHS will stop. That's the point when you need to be paying ZUS - but it seems to depend on just how much they bother to check. In theory, only emergency care should be free - follow up care should be provided by the home country. But Brits for certain have been using the EHIC card for routine stuff (I use it to see a doctor here, no problem) and the NFZ appears to be accepting it - so who knows?
The EHIC system is a horrible mess, imo.
delphiandomine
6 Aug 2009
Life / How is cancer treatment in Poland??? [17]
Same story throughout the world. The UK is rather well known for insisting on very rigorous trials before allowing people to have new medications, for instance.
It's quite a common story for Europeans to go to the USA for experimental treatments - and also very common for them to pay a small fortune for the treatment.
In the US, I was being treated with the new biologics. I was told that yes they are in Poland, but no one can get them. Polish people can't get them, so I can forget it as a US citizen.
Same story throughout the world. The UK is rather well known for insisting on very rigorous trials before allowing people to have new medications, for instance.
It's quite a common story for Europeans to go to the USA for experimental treatments - and also very common for them to pay a small fortune for the treatment.
delphiandomine
6 Aug 2009
Life / Scot moving to Poland. [12]
I'm Scottish and here right now...and I hate it!
Why on earth is the Rynek empty at half 1 in the morning? And I've just seen two fat British blokes (real geezers...) looking for "go-go girls" :D
Great city, great beer and great people. You will love it.
I'm Scottish and here right now...and I hate it!
Why on earth is the Rynek empty at half 1 in the morning? And I've just seen two fat British blokes (real geezers...) looking for "go-go girls" :D
delphiandomine
26 Jul 2009
Life / I'm an American who lived in Poland for 6 years. I'm not welcome anymore. [169]
Of course, America has never treated other nationals like they were criminals.
What would you do if you had to travel to Europe on business and couldn't because you owed a fine?
"She treated us like we were criminals,"
Of course, America has never treated other nationals like they were criminals.
No way in hell I would pay that....They can have Europe.
What would you do if you had to travel to Europe on business and couldn't because you owed a fine?
delphiandomine
24 Jul 2009
Law / How much it cost to open new small kebab shop in poznan, total investment [10]
The fact that they're going from an Indian restaurant to a kebab shop says that something went wrong with their management of the restaurant to be honest. But I'll bite - which restaurant?
i really doubt the OP's validity on having an Indian restaurant based on the fact that they come here asking such a vague question about how much profit can be made on a kebab shop.
The fact that they're going from an Indian restaurant to a kebab shop says that something went wrong with their management of the restaurant to be honest. But I'll bite - which restaurant?
delphiandomine
24 Jul 2009
Life / Health care in Poland for ex-pats [26]
Nothing wrong with the French system, and it's regarded as being one of the finest in the world.
Nothing wrong with the French system, and it's regarded as being one of the finest in the world.
delphiandomine
24 Jul 2009
Work / BA in Business Admin, will this help me become a teacher in Poland? [15]
Aha! I was wondering why you didn't get the MA from Aberdeen, but I see you went to the inferior place for the first degree :P
An alternative might be to find a school and see if they'll launch Business English programmes that could be taught by him? Most schools are receptive to anything that makes money, after all..
I got a BA (Hons) and then an LLM, delph. The first from RGU and the second from Aberdeen Uni.
Aha! I was wondering why you didn't get the MA from Aberdeen, but I see you went to the inferior place for the first degree :P
If I were to advise the author of the thread, I'd say that he should hunt down a school which teaches Business English.
An alternative might be to find a school and see if they'll launch Business English programmes that could be taught by him? Most schools are receptive to anything that makes money, after all..
delphiandomine
24 Jul 2009
Work / Did someone say "Work in Poland"? [8]
Put yourself in their shoes and you'll understand why - the hassle with work pemits simply doesn't make it worthwhile to recruit a non-EU citizen for a job that can be filled by an EU citizen. If you were looking at a director-level position, you'd find that you would be considered equally - but for entry level jobs, there's so many graduates in Europe that it's simply not worthwhile.
It's not about 'bothering to give a chance' - it's all about the fact that you are much more hassle than an EU citizen.
I think the main problem is EU work authorization. There are suitable bilingual jobs for me but they usually prefer to recruit someone who already has work authorization and don't bother to give a chance to a person who can make the difference. I had some phone interviews but then they got someone with Polish or German passport anyway.Well, thanks for the proper replies.
Put yourself in their shoes and you'll understand why - the hassle with work pemits simply doesn't make it worthwhile to recruit a non-EU citizen for a job that can be filled by an EU citizen. If you were looking at a director-level position, you'd find that you would be considered equally - but for entry level jobs, there's so many graduates in Europe that it's simply not worthwhile.
It's not about 'bothering to give a chance' - it's all about the fact that you are much more hassle than an EU citizen.
delphiandomine
24 Jul 2009
Work / BA in Business Admin, will this help me become a teacher in Poland? [15]
Apart from the big, well known schools (Empik, Top English, Profi-Lingua), the reports from some friends are that schools just don't care less about the CELTA in Poznan. A friend even had an interview where the director didn't even know what CELTA was - for some reason, he refused the job offer ;)
So yeah, at least here, it isn't a requirement provided you can actually teach.
Didn't you get an MA instead of BA? (I know, most people wouldn't understand this..)
The CELTA? I think it's not worth taking the gamble but you should look at the individual requirements of the schools. Too many people have it these days.
Apart from the big, well known schools (Empik, Top English, Profi-Lingua), the reports from some friends are that schools just don't care less about the CELTA in Poznan. A friend even had an interview where the director didn't even know what CELTA was - for some reason, he refused the job offer ;)
So yeah, at least here, it isn't a requirement provided you can actually teach.
I completed my BA (Hons)
Didn't you get an MA instead of BA? (I know, most people wouldn't understand this..)
delphiandomine
24 Jul 2009
Life / Is there an English shop in warsaw ? [17]
I order stuff from the UK all the time, and have never been hit by mysterious 'fees' or had anything stolen. In fact, I'd rate Poczta Polska over The Post Office/Royal Mail any day of the week.
You must really be unlucky, what with all this bad stuff happening to you here!
One example - from my hometown, if I'm not in when a parcel is delivered, I had a 8 mile trek to the other side of the city to pick up the parcel. Here, I walk 200m to the nearest post office.
I order stuff from the UK all the time, and have never been hit by mysterious 'fees' or had anything stolen. In fact, I'd rate Poczta Polska over The Post Office/Royal Mail any day of the week.
You must really be unlucky, what with all this bad stuff happening to you here!
One example - from my hometown, if I'm not in when a parcel is delivered, I had a 8 mile trek to the other side of the city to pick up the parcel. Here, I walk 200m to the nearest post office.
delphiandomine
24 Jul 2009
Work / BA in Business Admin, will this help me become a teacher in Poland? [15]
Do you speak Polish?
What are my chances of becoming a teacher with just this creditial?
Do you speak Polish?