Posts by susi

susi

24 Dec 2008

Life / Need some advices from fellow expats in Wawa [14]

I’m moving to Warszawa for an undefined period between anything from three months to one year and beyond. First of all I’m going to study in Wava as an Erasmus student for the spring semester but also planning to stay there for a longer period as a non-working expat.

I’ve already arranged the basics concerning moving to Wawa (as I come from inside EU stuff like registering is a piece of cake and already taken care of), but would still like to hear fellow opinions, suggestions and recommendations on some open issues:

-choosing my bank (most interested in having free-of-charge deposits btw EUR-PLN-EUR).
-where and how to buy a second-hand car, legalize it and to buy an insurance.
-where to buy affordable clothing (The prices at the malls I’ve visited are so beyond my imagination. In case you can suggest a tailor/dresser I’d be most delighted.)

-restaurants: a romantic dinner for two, a family gathering for 6, a business dinner for 12. Where to go and why and again, with affordable prices...

How do you people living in Warszawa actually get along with the costs of living?

Besides these mentioned, I’m going to have loads of questions in the near future so beware:) Thanks in advance and hope to contribute later with all the knowledge I'll learn;)

susi

24 Dec 2008

Real Estate / Good Places to Live in Warsaw [21]

I myself am not so familiar with Warszawa public transportation yet but I suggest you to try find an apartement within a walking distance from your office OR to find an apartement close to metro anywhere in Warszawa. Both will bring you close to Domaniewska in decent time no matter the horrible traffic plus you'll avoid buying/renting a car.

It just might be wise idea to pay a little more for a location to avoid the jams.

susi

24 Dec 2008

Real Estate / Good Places to Live in Warsaw [21]

This is so true concerning how lenghty Domaniewska actually is. Heading from M-Wilanowska you might need a bicycle/taxi to reach most adressess at Domaniewska.

In Warszawa just everything seems to be located a taxi ride away.

As I said, I'm not too familiar with the Wawa Transportation System yet, but in case you are really relocating to Wawa and looking for an affordable place to stay in, I still suggest you to either choose the walking-to work -option OR to choose a home close to Metro. In case you are capable to ride a bike and have some "adventourism" in your heart, so try it.

I have no idea if they allow you to take yor bike indoors in M during the rush hours but what the heck: you can always have two ugly discoloured unattractive rusty bikes at both ends of the M-line locked with chains just as people do in every other European cities.

susi

30 Dec 2008

Life / Need some advices from fellow expats in Wawa [14]

Thanks!
I am more than happy to receive your help and opinions. Once I finally locate to Wawa, start my Polish lessons and get to know people around me I will definetely start getting along way better.

But until then I really need many advice in plural times two:D

susi

4 Jan 2009

Life / HATPINS & KEY-RINGS V MUGGERS? [12]

I would never recommend anyone to carry around any kind of weapons that could be used against you.

Talking is usually the best way to get rid of unwanted company. Second is running away and the third is crying for help.

You know the difference btw intelligent and wise people? The former finds the way to deal with the situations where the latter would never end up to:)

susi

27 Jan 2009

Life / Cost of living in Warsaw, is 4.000 EUR a month OK? [9]

In my opinion: 4000e sounds nice compared to local average but it depends on how long are you planning to stay and for what reason? If it's just for work then think again about the costs of relocation with a family if you know what I mean.

Furthermore: are you planning to put your kids to international school or is partly home school an option, is your employer willing to cover your and your family's insurances, rent and relocation costs even for the first year.

Etc, etc.

susi

5 Feb 2009

Life / Cell phone options in Poland? [55]

Don't know if this is of help for anyone but here is my solution:

My choice is a very simple Nokia model (second hand, old fashioned=no big deal if got stolen or lost) which is of course unlocked being second hand.

While at home (EU) I put my local SIM in and that's it. While at my second home in Poland I put the local prepaid (Carrefour) SIM in and that's it again.

Long distance calls from Poland are no problem with either of the SIMs but way too expensive for me (about 2zl/min). So, I use Messenger and Skype to chat with my friends.

I've found this solution best for me. Hope this helps?