MightyMieszko
4 Jul 2009
Work / Canadian Woman Moving To Warsaw [29]
I am new here and was just browsing the forum, found this thread on the top page and thought I could answer as well. :)
I am a Pole from Montreal, lived most of my life here but I have family and GF! in Poland and so I do travel quite often and know both countries well.
Tips on daily life, eh?
- First is money and food right? Well, a usefull thing to remember when it comes to food & beverage price comparison is that the number on the price tag is roughly similar to what you find in Canada but of course in a different currency. In other words, when you are at the grocery or at the restaurant, think if you would pay that many canadian dollars for the product? If yes, then it is a good deal. If no, then you are getting ripped off. Of course, since the dollar stands about at 2,5 zlotys you might think all food is incredibly cheap, but don't get lured by that, look at the absolute number on the menu.
- Other consumption goods though might turn out just expensive as in Canada, particularly for brand clothing, cds, dvds, electronics. For clothing, stay away from malls, there are plenty of good bargains at side street shops. (though service may not be as good)
- If you are looking to get by in English when shopping alone then the big malls are the place to go. You'll find a lot of familiar international boutiques and stores and the staff is generally young and thus has a knowledge of English.
- Public transit is generaly reliable (though expect the unexpected!) and can get you anywhere for a small fare. But don't jump unprepared into the wild. Take your time to get a transit map, study the routes, schedules and ticket sales points (usually a small shack/convienance store called "Ruch" located nearby stops) prior to your first adventure.
- Pedestrian life.. unlike in Canada where we have simple streets with two slabs of sidewalk on each side, dowtown Warsaw is not like that. Many cars are parked in what seems a no mans land between the street and the sidewalk proper, there are a lot of unclear spots as to is that the street or a pedestrian walkway? Just keep eyes open, afer a couple of days, you'll understand the logic.
- Again, unlike in Canada, where we tend to cross a street whenever, wherever just because we don't see any car approaching, do not do it in Poland! For what seems like a hectic country, they are very anal about their street crossings. Everyone gently waits for the green even if there is no traffic and it is minus 20 outside. First, you'll look like a suicidal lunatic, second, the policeman on the corner might not like it and third, the frantic taxi that might suddenly appear won't slow down. He is in his holy right to drive through.. you're stuck in the middle of a large avenue?.. too bad, that is your loss!
- For entertainment, dowtown warsaw should provide all the necessary. There is no lack of parks, museums, pubs, restaurants, cafes, etc. And most of these places are used to tourists, even though that is not your case, so getting by in English should be fairly easy. Also, in each mall, you have a modern cineplex, so you can see all the new blockbusters in the original English version as well.
- Dunno if that is an important point but you can buy booze 24/7 at most gas stations!
- As for job interviews, dress very formal, be serious and no familiarity with your superiors. The professional relationships tend to follow stricter guidelines that what you might have had experienced so far here. Of course, that is just generally speaking, I'm sure there are exceptions.
Hmm... what else can i think of? I don't know, but I hope this has been somehow helpful. :)
Marcin
I am new here and was just browsing the forum, found this thread on the top page and thought I could answer as well. :)
I am a Pole from Montreal, lived most of my life here but I have family and GF! in Poland and so I do travel quite often and know both countries well.
Tips on daily life, eh?
- First is money and food right? Well, a usefull thing to remember when it comes to food & beverage price comparison is that the number on the price tag is roughly similar to what you find in Canada but of course in a different currency. In other words, when you are at the grocery or at the restaurant, think if you would pay that many canadian dollars for the product? If yes, then it is a good deal. If no, then you are getting ripped off. Of course, since the dollar stands about at 2,5 zlotys you might think all food is incredibly cheap, but don't get lured by that, look at the absolute number on the menu.
- Other consumption goods though might turn out just expensive as in Canada, particularly for brand clothing, cds, dvds, electronics. For clothing, stay away from malls, there are plenty of good bargains at side street shops. (though service may not be as good)
- If you are looking to get by in English when shopping alone then the big malls are the place to go. You'll find a lot of familiar international boutiques and stores and the staff is generally young and thus has a knowledge of English.
- Public transit is generaly reliable (though expect the unexpected!) and can get you anywhere for a small fare. But don't jump unprepared into the wild. Take your time to get a transit map, study the routes, schedules and ticket sales points (usually a small shack/convienance store called "Ruch" located nearby stops) prior to your first adventure.
- Pedestrian life.. unlike in Canada where we have simple streets with two slabs of sidewalk on each side, dowtown Warsaw is not like that. Many cars are parked in what seems a no mans land between the street and the sidewalk proper, there are a lot of unclear spots as to is that the street or a pedestrian walkway? Just keep eyes open, afer a couple of days, you'll understand the logic.
- Again, unlike in Canada, where we tend to cross a street whenever, wherever just because we don't see any car approaching, do not do it in Poland! For what seems like a hectic country, they are very anal about their street crossings. Everyone gently waits for the green even if there is no traffic and it is minus 20 outside. First, you'll look like a suicidal lunatic, second, the policeman on the corner might not like it and third, the frantic taxi that might suddenly appear won't slow down. He is in his holy right to drive through.. you're stuck in the middle of a large avenue?.. too bad, that is your loss!
- For entertainment, dowtown warsaw should provide all the necessary. There is no lack of parks, museums, pubs, restaurants, cafes, etc. And most of these places are used to tourists, even though that is not your case, so getting by in English should be fairly easy. Also, in each mall, you have a modern cineplex, so you can see all the new blockbusters in the original English version as well.
- Dunno if that is an important point but you can buy booze 24/7 at most gas stations!
- As for job interviews, dress very formal, be serious and no familiarity with your superiors. The professional relationships tend to follow stricter guidelines that what you might have had experienced so far here. Of course, that is just generally speaking, I'm sure there are exceptions.
Hmm... what else can i think of? I don't know, but I hope this has been somehow helpful. :)
Marcin