Need some advices from fellow expats in Wawa

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;)

Clothes costs the same as in the West, no illusions there. Zara Warsaw = Zara Antwerp
Cosmetics and perfumes cost a lot more here

Hi,

Cheap Restaurants: gastronauci.pl/advsearch.php?s=&m=warszawa&w=&k=&t=19&c=1

'Normal' prices restaurants: gastronauci.pl/advsearch.php?s=&m=warszawa&w=&k=&t=19&c=2

Clothes: allegro.pl

Cars: otomoto.pl

but these sites are in Polish only ... so you have to have someone who will help you a bit :)

Advice, not advices ;)

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

You sure about that? Have you already spoken to your landlord? Is he willing to register you as living at his apartment? If not, you may find you have problems. A lot of landlords rent 'off the books' so they don't have to pay tax on the rental income. Without a registered address your life is a lot more difficult.


I've been with Citibank for 11 years and find them very useful. The website is in English, as is the telephone banking and they always have English speaking staff available.


Why bother? I never use my car when getting around Warsaw, only to get to the supermarket and back. Half the time when I'm going to somewhere outside Warsaw I take the train: Polish trains are good and Polish roads are very very bad.


I do know a very good tailor: he's currently charging 3,600zl for a suit (jacket plus two pairs of trousers).
Clothes are expensive in Poland. End of story.


Villa Rossini, Poland's finest restaurant. Meal for two (three courses) without drinks = 250zl to 300zl.


Hilton sunday brunch. 150zl per person (half price for kids aged 12 to 6, free for under sixes), unlimited booze and top-notch food.


Atrio restaurant in the Atrium building, slap in the centre of the business district.


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It's much easier to deal with than the costs in the UK but then I'm making more cash here than I'd make in the UK.


Good luck with those, you'll need it.

Hey,

I saw the prices which Harry gave and though that maybe I will write down some info from a perspective of a typical Pole in Warsaw

cheap restaurants or maybe rather 'restaurants':

20-30 PLN for meal (one person)

'normal-prices' restaurants

40 - 60 PLN for meal

expensive ones

>60 PLN

Three courses for less than 60zl? At a milkbar maybe!

You're looking at 14zl to 40zl for a starter, 25zl to 80zl (or more) for a main and 15zl to 35zl for a dessert. Add a drink (6zl to 15zl for a large beer) and it's more than 60zl per head. Even in Sfinx!

I used to review restaurants and bars professionally (for Wprost i Kultura for two years and for New Warsaw Express for six years), so I do have a vague clue what I'm talking about here.

oh, so I didn't understand what we are talking about... I'm talking only about main meal

In that case your prices are a little bit high. Main courses at Villa Rossini start at mid-50s range.

Personally I'd suggest the Grilled veal cutlet filled with basil scented Mozzarella on tomato olive sauce and parsley Gnocchi for 59zl.

maybe you all should think about moving to krakow!!!!

Average 3 course meal here in about 90% of the GOOD restaurants are about 60-80 Zls for 3 Courses!!

Warsaw's like London, overpriced, over charged and OVER most normal peoples heads.

absolutely true, however this is without drinks..

We are always going to Jazz Bistro in the Old Town which I think is much cheaper than what you describe.
Moreover it is definitely not fashionable (in my eyes a recommendation).
The staff is friendly, the food is always good, the music is fine... That is what we ask from a restaurant...
It is all good and well to advice a place in Atrium... But where to park your car ???
And to pay 60 PLN for a cutlet... I find that very steep.

A main + side dish there is 40zl to 50zl (depending on which dish and which side dish). Starters are 16zl to 43zl. Desserts 15zl to 18zl.


In my eyes that is also a recommendation. Although I won't refuse to go to a good place just because it is fashionable.


With you on that one (apart from the music).


In one of the streets running parallel to Jana Pawla. Or on/near Plac Grybowska. Or on ul Grybowska. Or next to Hala Mirowska. Lots of places. It just takes a few minutes of looking.


I'd far rather pay 60zl for a main course at Villa Rossini and eat out 30% less often than pay 40zl for chicken breast and fries at Jazz Bistro (and yes I have tried both places).