vndunne
2 Jul 2008
Life / Retail outlets in Poland that are also in the UK? [10]
B & q = Castorama in poland. It is owned by the same company.
B & q = Castorama in poland. It is owned by the same company.
vndunne
3 Jul 2008
Life / What happens with incorrectly addressed correspondence in Poland? [3]
Hi. I live in a small block of apartments and the number of block and apartment is 28 - 5. i was getting correspondence sent to me but i accidentally gave the number 29 - 5. Now there is no building/apartment with that number as the apartment blocks go up in 2's i.e. 28, 30, 32, 34 etc. Does anyone know what happens in that case. There was no return address on the envelope.
Hi. I live in a small block of apartments and the number of block and apartment is 28 - 5. i was getting correspondence sent to me but i accidentally gave the number 29 - 5. Now there is no building/apartment with that number as the apartment blocks go up in 2's i.e. 28, 30, 32, 34 etc. Does anyone know what happens in that case. There was no return address on the envelope.
vndunne
17 Jul 2008
Life / Ex-pat experiences Polish medical system. [4]
Got my tonsils out last week...admittedly i did go private...but would have no complaints about the experience at all..well, apart from the grumpy dinner lady!!!
One major benefit of the polish health system is that if you want to see a specialist, you can just go straight to the specialist. Unlike ireland, where you have to be referred.
Got my tonsils out last week...admittedly i did go private...but would have no complaints about the experience at all..well, apart from the grumpy dinner lady!!!
One major benefit of the polish health system is that if you want to see a specialist, you can just go straight to the specialist. Unlike ireland, where you have to be referred.
vndunne
17 Jul 2008
Life / Good Gym's in Poznań? [23]
remplus.pl
It is out near Polanka/near malta lake. Right at the stop for tram 5, 16, 17 and 1. Recently open and very nice. Only a samll weights area to keep out those individuals you describes.
remplus.pl
It is out near Polanka/near malta lake. Right at the stop for tram 5, 16, 17 and 1. Recently open and very nice. Only a samll weights area to keep out those individuals you describes.
vndunne
18 Jul 2008
Real Estate / Mortgage prices and rates in Poland [28]
Merged: Mortgage Interest Rates in Poland - Best Options
Hi. i have just come back from a mortgage broker and was surprised to see some of the mortgage interest rates given. And it was not a good surprise. Loan in Eur was coming in at over 8 % and loan in CHf coming in at over 6 %.
Can anyone tell me if this is normal for poland. I am especially surprised at the EUR as you can get EUR interest rates of about 5.85 % in ireland so i am not sure where the extra 2 per cent is coming in. Any recommendations on good interest rates welcome...
Merged: Mortgage Interest Rates in Poland - Best Options
Hi. i have just come back from a mortgage broker and was surprised to see some of the mortgage interest rates given. And it was not a good surprise. Loan in Eur was coming in at over 8 % and loan in CHf coming in at over 6 %.
Can anyone tell me if this is normal for poland. I am especially surprised at the EUR as you can get EUR interest rates of about 5.85 % in ireland so i am not sure where the extra 2 per cent is coming in. Any recommendations on good interest rates welcome...
vndunne
21 Jul 2008
Work / ZUS rates for self employed [9]
Hi. I know this has probably being discussed here, but what is the ZUS rate for self employed people? And when you start up, do you get a discount?
Hi. I know this has probably being discussed here, but what is the ZUS rate for self employed people? And when you start up, do you get a discount?
vndunne
21 Jul 2008
Real Estate / Interest Rates for Home loans In poland [39]
Hi. Started a thread on this in another room and it got deleted so maybe it will survive here.
No need to mention banks or anything, but does anyone have experience of mortgage interest rates from various financial institutions for various currencies? I was given a rate on a EUR mortgage of over 8% the other day from someone. I thought that was very high.
Hi. Started a thread on this in another room and it got deleted so maybe it will survive here.
No need to mention banks or anything, but does anyone have experience of mortgage interest rates from various financial institutions for various currencies? I was given a rate on a EUR mortgage of over 8% the other day from someone. I thought that was very high.
vndunne
21 Jul 2008
Work / ZUS rates for self employed [9]
Great. Thanks for all that. Clears up what i have been hearing.
Great. Thanks for all that. Clears up what i have been hearing.
vndunne
22 Jul 2008
Real Estate / Interest Rates for Home loans In poland [39]
Thanks for all that. I am also curious about rates for CHF and PLN.
Vincent
Thanks for all that. I am also curious about rates for CHF and PLN.
Vincent
vndunne
22 Jul 2008
Real Estate / Mortgage prices and rates in Poland [28]
Thanks for all that information. I will look and digest it. i suspected that i was getting quoted very high rates. I am living and working in poland.
Rednet..i might drop you an email to see what you can offer.
Regards
Miranda, Many thanks for those figures.
Thanks for all that information. I will look and digest it. i suspected that i was getting quoted very high rates. I am living and working in poland.
Rednet..i might drop you an email to see what you can offer.
Regards
Miranda, Many thanks for those figures.
vndunne
22 Jul 2008
Real Estate / Mortgage prices and rates in Poland [28]
Hi Kneehawk, would you care to expand or direct me in relation to your comments on Redent? Very interested in hearing peoples experience.
Hi Kneehawk, would you care to expand or direct me in relation to your comments on Redent? Very interested in hearing peoples experience.
vndunne
22 Jul 2008
Real Estate / Mortgage prices and rates in Poland [28]
Great. Many thanks. Just looking around at the moment and nice to get all feedback.
Great. Many thanks. Just looking around at the moment and nice to get all feedback.
vndunne
29 Jul 2008
Real Estate / Monthly Management Fee - Who pays it? Landlord or Tenant? [4]
In relation to the monthly management fee payable on apartments, what is the norm in relation to who pays for it i.e. Landlord or Tenant? Or should it be shared as the price my be dependent on usage of certain things e.g. water, heating etc. I am asking from both point of views i.e. as a tenant and a landlord.
In relation to the monthly management fee payable on apartments, what is the norm in relation to who pays for it i.e. Landlord or Tenant? Or should it be shared as the price my be dependent on usage of certain things e.g. water, heating etc. I am asking from both point of views i.e. as a tenant and a landlord.
vndunne
29 Jul 2008
Real Estate / mortgages advice - buying an apartment in Warsaw [15]
hi. I have living in poland and have bought an apartment with a bank mortgage, and did not need any of those cards. My passport was sufficient for everything.
hi. I have living in poland and have bought an apartment with a bank mortgage, and did not need any of those cards. My passport was sufficient for everything.
vndunne
31 Jul 2008
Life / How often do Utility Companies send out their bills in Poland? [4]
Hi. Can someone tell me what is the story in relation to Polish Utility companies and the way that they send out their bills?
Is it a case that you make a standard monthly repayment and that the meter gets read once or twice a year, and you get a settlement Bill?
Can you ask them to read it if you are moving apartment.
Thanks for any help.
Hi. Can someone tell me what is the story in relation to Polish Utility companies and the way that they send out their bills?
Is it a case that you make a standard monthly repayment and that the meter gets read once or twice a year, and you get a settlement Bill?
Can you ask them to read it if you are moving apartment.
Thanks for any help.
vndunne
4 Aug 2008
Work / Teaching resources for English language teachers in Poland [22]
I am not an english teacher but know of this website tefl.com. They have a few jobs on it for poland. Never used it so unable to to give it a good or bad report. Good luck.
I am not an english teacher but know of this website tefl.com. They have a few jobs on it for poland. Never used it so unable to to give it a good or bad report. Good luck.
vndunne
4 Aug 2008
Travel / What are nightclubs like in Warsaw...? [33]
Try out the area around bars called Paparazzi, Cinamon and Platinium. There are a few bars/clubs up there that might suit you.
Try out the area around bars called Paparazzi, Cinamon and Platinium. There are a few bars/clubs up there that might suit you.
vndunne
10 Aug 2008
Real Estate / Agent / Management charges in Warsaw, Poland [6]
In relation to ongoing management of apartments, i hear that the rates are generally from about 7 % to 10 %. And you will probably need to add the VAT on top of that. This charge can be written off against your tax liability.
In relation to ongoing management of apartments, i hear that the rates are generally from about 7 % to 10 %. And you will probably need to add the VAT on top of that. This charge can be written off against your tax liability.
vndunne
15 Aug 2008
Life / Stupid question i know - is post delivered in Poland on a Saturday? [17]
How long something takes to get to poland can be a bit hit and miss. i have had stuffsent from ireland that has taken just a weekend to get here i.e. posted friday and arrived on monday, a few days to get here and weeks to get here.
a
A lot can depend on the way you sent it i.e. normal mail, surface mail, air mail, express etc.
Hope your post gets there eventually.
How long something takes to get to poland can be a bit hit and miss. i have had stuffsent from ireland that has taken just a weekend to get here i.e. posted friday and arrived on monday, a few days to get here and weeks to get here.
a
A lot can depend on the way you sent it i.e. normal mail, surface mail, air mail, express etc.
Hope your post gets there eventually.
vndunne
20 Aug 2008
Life / advice on mafia??? and business in Poland? [10]
IrishMaverick,
i am not sure what the situation is but i suggest you have small room in the restaurant where you can bring anyone who is looking for protection money. Have the room decorated in a few 'select' irisih nationalist decorations and point out to anyone that you have friends in places that will quite happily look after you should anyone give you hassle.
One suspicion that i have had is that a lot of the security firms might be disguised protection gangs, but this is based on absolutely nothing apart from mere suspicions.
IrishMaverick,
i am not sure what the situation is but i suggest you have small room in the restaurant where you can bring anyone who is looking for protection money. Have the room decorated in a few 'select' irisih nationalist decorations and point out to anyone that you have friends in places that will quite happily look after you should anyone give you hassle.
One suspicion that i have had is that a lot of the security firms might be disguised protection gangs, but this is based on absolutely nothing apart from mere suspicions.
vndunne
21 Aug 2008
Life / Lodz - Fitout - Need to buy kitchen and bathroom units and appliances. [8]
Would agree with Dxx..good, reasonably priced stuff in IKEA, Kitchen bathrooms etc. Also, consider Castorama/Leroy Merlin as they are the equibialent of B & Q over here and also sell things like kitchens. You can really get good choice of Bathrrom stuff i.e. baths, showers etc.
If you were buying something off the shelf and taking it with you, i would say that not speaking polish is not a problem.
However, you will probably need to discuss measurements, finishes, delivery etc, when you go shopping so i would recommend you bring someone who can speak polish. Not sure of your contacts but a english speaking student might appreciate a few bob for their services.
Would agree with Dxx..good, reasonably priced stuff in IKEA, Kitchen bathrooms etc. Also, consider Castorama/Leroy Merlin as they are the equibialent of B & Q over here and also sell things like kitchens. You can really get good choice of Bathrrom stuff i.e. baths, showers etc.
If you were buying something off the shelf and taking it with you, i would say that not speaking polish is not a problem.
However, you will probably need to discuss measurements, finishes, delivery etc, when you go shopping so i would recommend you bring someone who can speak polish. Not sure of your contacts but a english speaking student might appreciate a few bob for their services.
vndunne
26 Aug 2008
Life / Lodz - Fitout - Need to buy kitchen and bathroom units and appliances. [8]
I may have my geography wrong but i think warsaw might be nearer than Poznan. (I am sure someone will correct me) By the way, i see ikea have a new catalogue out so maybe you should try get hold of it to see what is on offer.
Sorry if you are aware of this(as i am sure you are) but there is ahuge Manufactura centre in Lodz and i am sure you could pick up a lot of what you need there. Appliances you can get at any of the electrical stores around the place.
I may have my geography wrong but i think warsaw might be nearer than Poznan. (I am sure someone will correct me) By the way, i see ikea have a new catalogue out so maybe you should try get hold of it to see what is on offer.
Sorry if you are aware of this(as i am sure you are) but there is ahuge Manufactura centre in Lodz and i am sure you could pick up a lot of what you need there. Appliances you can get at any of the electrical stores around the place.
vndunne
28 Aug 2008
News / Engineers build train tunnel in Warsaw too small for trains... [18]
Actualy with the dublin tunnel, i think the decision to ban super trucks was taken when they discovered the tunnel was too small.
Though, i know it took an age to build and loadsa cash, but it is quite impressive now that it is finished.
Actualy with the dublin tunnel, i think the decision to ban super trucks was taken when they discovered the tunnel was too small.
Though, i know it took an age to build and loadsa cash, but it is quite impressive now that it is finished.
vndunne
1 Sep 2008
Work / Software development, need Some Advice From People residing in Poland [3]
Hi Ranadeep,
You do not say where you are from so that may determine a few things.
If you are from the EU, you should be able to set up you own business while studying. It would probably be best to set yourself up as self employed for your free lance work. Getting set up does involve a bit of effort but it can be done.
Whether you can stay after your study will depend on where you are from. From EU, there is not a problem. From outside EU, you should contact your local embassy to see what the story is.
Best of luck
V
Hi Ranadeep,
You do not say where you are from so that may determine a few things.
If you are from the EU, you should be able to set up you own business while studying. It would probably be best to set yourself up as self employed for your free lance work. Getting set up does involve a bit of effort but it can be done.
Whether you can stay after your study will depend on where you are from. From EU, there is not a problem. From outside EU, you should contact your local embassy to see what the story is.
Best of luck
V
vndunne
2 Sep 2008
Work / Are 2k€ enough to live in Warsaw? [11]
In relation to the Taxation, there are 3 rates - 19 %, 30 and 40%. I think the 30 % rate kicks in at around 19,000 pln (roughly 6000 Euro) Not sure about the 40 rate.
it is the ususal sliding scale. Added to that there is also the glory of ZUS and as a very rough guy, you can expect further 8 - 10 % being taken for this as well as the tax.
By the way, 2000 Euro should be plenty to live on.
In relation to the Taxation, there are 3 rates - 19 %, 30 and 40%. I think the 30 % rate kicks in at around 19,000 pln (roughly 6000 Euro) Not sure about the 40 rate.
it is the ususal sliding scale. Added to that there is also the glory of ZUS and as a very rough guy, you can expect further 8 - 10 % being taken for this as well as the tax.
By the way, 2000 Euro should be plenty to live on.
vndunne
5 Sep 2008
Real Estate / Looking for apartment in Poznan. What are their prices? [6]
Hi. i live in poznan. Here are a few addresses that may give you a steer in relation to rents for apartments.
remax-poland.com
ober-haus.com
cnmeritum.pl
not sure if you know any polish, but you are looking for sections on 'Wynajem" (or something like that....)
Good luck
Hi. i live in poznan. Here are a few addresses that may give you a steer in relation to rents for apartments.
remax-poland.com
ober-haus.com
cnmeritum.pl
not sure if you know any polish, but you are looking for sections on 'Wynajem" (or something like that....)
Good luck
vndunne
12 Sep 2008
Life / How important is it to have a car in Poland? [37]
Hi. I have been living here nearly 3 years and i have not had a car. 2 main things dictate this:
- The public transoport over here is very good - trams, busses trains. Very easy to get around. I live in poznan by the way.
- i am afraid to drive with the lunatics that drive over here. Speed is defintely king and i will be quite happy to stay off the road for as long as possible.
Negatvie side of not having a car is that it would be good to go exploring the country side. Though if you really wanted to do this, you could always rent a car.
Bestof luck with the move.
Hi. I have been living here nearly 3 years and i have not had a car. 2 main things dictate this:
- The public transoport over here is very good - trams, busses trains. Very easy to get around. I live in poznan by the way.
- i am afraid to drive with the lunatics that drive over here. Speed is defintely king and i will be quite happy to stay off the road for as long as possible.
Negatvie side of not having a car is that it would be good to go exploring the country side. Though if you really wanted to do this, you could always rent a car.
Bestof luck with the move.
vndunne
6 Oct 2008
Life / Post stamps, I want to send a letter from Poland to European country [5]
I normally go to the counter in the post office, hand the letter in and say 'Priority Prosze'. it normally works. I reckon you letter should be about 3 - 5 pln.
Great website Bartolome. Thanks for posting .
I normally go to the counter in the post office, hand the letter in and say 'Priority Prosze'. it normally works. I reckon you letter should be about 3 - 5 pln.
Great website Bartolome. Thanks for posting .
vndunne
7 Oct 2008
Work / Working in a Polish Office [13]
hi Londonchick, i have worked in 'polish only' offices on and off for the past 6 years. Mafkekis points are very valid and would agree with them.
Ultimately, it will depend on the type of office you go into(like anywhere in the world). The mood of the place will be dependent on what the people there are like, if they like their jobs, if the boss is nice etc. When i first came here in 2002 i was in an open office in the HQ of a nmajor bank. Things were very formal - with the boss being referred to as Direckto and there was very clear lines of command. That was in the days when jobs were very scarce in poland and people were afraid to lose their jobs. Going to UK or Ireland was not yet an option. I was the only non polish speaker there. Initially, things were quite cold towards me(nature of my job did not help) but after a while and a lot of smiling, they did warm up to me.
I am now working in an IT area in the same bank and the mood in the office is very casual. it is a smaller office and i am again the only non speaking polish person here. however, most the the guys speak some english so there is conversation between us and i have been out drinking with them a few times. There would not be the 'spntaneous' going out for a pint like you might get in ireland or the UK. things are a bit more arranged in advanced.
My situation is slightly different in that i am working in the office but not involved with any of the work going on, so by the nature of things, i am not interacting on a work basis. I assume your situation will be different. One bit of advise i would give you is not to go in with the attitude that you know everything. That will get things off to a bad start.(like any office).
As you speak english, people will be interested in talking to you as they will want to practice their english. So that should be a bit of an ice breaker. When you start, and if the people have been nice to you, it is no harm to buy a few donuts just as a thanks for the assitance. And if you are really feeling adventurous, offer to bring them out for a drink as a thank you.
In relation to lunch, and this might just happen where i work, they tent to have a very short lunch at their desk. There is no going to the kitchen/canteen etc. This can be a bit frustrating as you can go mad if you are sitting at your desk without a bit of a break. As i said, maybe that is just in my office.
I think that is about it. Best of luck with it.
hi Londonchick, i have worked in 'polish only' offices on and off for the past 6 years. Mafkekis points are very valid and would agree with them.
Ultimately, it will depend on the type of office you go into(like anywhere in the world). The mood of the place will be dependent on what the people there are like, if they like their jobs, if the boss is nice etc. When i first came here in 2002 i was in an open office in the HQ of a nmajor bank. Things were very formal - with the boss being referred to as Direckto and there was very clear lines of command. That was in the days when jobs were very scarce in poland and people were afraid to lose their jobs. Going to UK or Ireland was not yet an option. I was the only non polish speaker there. Initially, things were quite cold towards me(nature of my job did not help) but after a while and a lot of smiling, they did warm up to me.
I am now working in an IT area in the same bank and the mood in the office is very casual. it is a smaller office and i am again the only non speaking polish person here. however, most the the guys speak some english so there is conversation between us and i have been out drinking with them a few times. There would not be the 'spntaneous' going out for a pint like you might get in ireland or the UK. things are a bit more arranged in advanced.
My situation is slightly different in that i am working in the office but not involved with any of the work going on, so by the nature of things, i am not interacting on a work basis. I assume your situation will be different. One bit of advise i would give you is not to go in with the attitude that you know everything. That will get things off to a bad start.(like any office).
As you speak english, people will be interested in talking to you as they will want to practice their english. So that should be a bit of an ice breaker. When you start, and if the people have been nice to you, it is no harm to buy a few donuts just as a thanks for the assitance. And if you are really feeling adventurous, offer to bring them out for a drink as a thank you.
In relation to lunch, and this might just happen where i work, they tent to have a very short lunch at their desk. There is no going to the kitchen/canteen etc. This can be a bit frustrating as you can go mad if you are sitting at your desk without a bit of a break. As i said, maybe that is just in my office.
I think that is about it. Best of luck with it.
vndunne
7 Oct 2008
News / CNN Special On Poland [16]
I am watching on CNN International in Poland. The first report does be on at about 08.10 CET and i think that would be 06.10 GMT at this time of the year.
I am watching on CNN International in Poland. The first report does be on at about 08.10 CET and i think that would be 06.10 GMT at this time of the year.