delphiandomine
21 May 2013
Travel / A four days vacation, where to go in Poland? [39]
Perhaps in your village in Podlasie.
I happen to live in Poland (do you?).
Perhaps in your village in Podlasie.
delphiandomine
21 May 2013
Real Estate / Poland's apartment prices continue to fall [1844]
There may be something else to consider here - those with EUR or CHF loans may not need to sell for the foreseeable future anyway. There isn't much concept of "trading up" in Poland - people tend to buy properties for a lifetime. If you consider that EUR/CHF loans were often given to those that wanted to live beyond their means, it may not be as severe a problem as possible.
Still, anyone buying in CHF/EUR knew what they were doing.
That's a common problem in CEE countries. But you must bear in mind that earnings/inflation also rose dramatically during that time. As far as I know, those with EUR/CHF loans are still ahead at the minute, although I stand to be corrected.
No, it was never used - it was used as a calming measure for the markets. Poland never came close to drawing on it, as far as I know.
1) Local investor that wanted to lower there capital cost by taking the loan in Euro, or CHF, has had a very big cost by doing this. As long as they don't sell they don't see this (this also show how bad and inexperienced the polish bank system are).
There may be something else to consider here - those with EUR or CHF loans may not need to sell for the foreseeable future anyway. There isn't much concept of "trading up" in Poland - people tend to buy properties for a lifetime. If you consider that EUR/CHF loans were often given to those that wanted to live beyond their means, it may not be as severe a problem as possible.
Still, anyone buying in CHF/EUR knew what they were doing.
Local investors that have not done this and have taken there loan in local currency have had a much higher capital cost then average investors in other countries. The capital cost I would estimate has been on a average of 7-8% during the last five years for them. (very rough estimate, please correct me if I am wrong)
That's a common problem in CEE countries. But you must bear in mind that earnings/inflation also rose dramatically during that time. As far as I know, those with EUR/CHF loans are still ahead at the minute, although I stand to be corrected.
The true is a little bit different. Polish FCY/LCY rate was stabilized in the times of biggest fluctuations not by IMF loans but only by possibility of IMF loans - Polish gov. just paid for open credit line just in case but AFAIK it was never used.
No, it was never used - it was used as a calming measure for the markets. Poland never came close to drawing on it, as far as I know.
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Real Estate / Poland's apartment prices continue to fall [1844]
So patriotic, aren't you?
In fact, in recent years, we've seen the gap narrow as Western countries fail to grow and Poland continues to do so. The fact that you and your buddies want Poland to die painfully is neither here nor there.
So patriotic, aren't you?
In fact, in recent years, we've seen the gap narrow as Western countries fail to grow and Poland continues to do so. The fact that you and your buddies want Poland to die painfully is neither here nor there.
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Real Estate / Poland's apartment prices continue to fall [1844]
Poland hasn't been reaching a brick wall - it's still growing when other countries have indeed hit that wall. The amount of new investment is still coming in, and Poland is about to boom on the back of the great deal done with the EU budget.
If you can't find a market among 3.8 million, then...
Poland joining the Euro doesn't have to be painful, as it will reduce currency exchange risks. The only question is what level it will enter at - importers/exports are struggling to find common ground on this. As for what sustains Poland, you are aware of the huge exports of agricultural products and consumer products, right?
You pay more for your mobile subscription because much of the infrastructure had to be created quickly from scratch, it wasn't like in Western Europe where they had time to build these networks slowly. Getting into retail in Poland doesn't make any sense these days because the market is saturated - just ask all those foreign supermarket chains that have pulled out!
Nope, not a chance. Poles don't want to live in old buildings in the exact centre of town, not least because of the infamous 'pathology' that lives there.
business opportunities.
Poland hasn't been reaching a brick wall - it's still growing when other countries have indeed hit that wall. The amount of new investment is still coming in, and Poland is about to boom on the back of the great deal done with the EU budget.
If you can't find a market among 3.8 million, then...
Poland will really feel the pain.
Poland joining the Euro doesn't have to be painful, as it will reduce currency exchange risks. The only question is what level it will enter at - importers/exports are struggling to find common ground on this. As for what sustains Poland, you are aware of the huge exports of agricultural products and consumer products, right?
I pay 30% more for my mobile subscription than in France...
You pay more for your mobile subscription because much of the infrastructure had to be created quickly from scratch, it wasn't like in Western Europe where they had time to build these networks slowly. Getting into retail in Poland doesn't make any sense these days because the market is saturated - just ask all those foreign supermarket chains that have pulled out!
I will never sell my apartment to polish people i know that for fact. Neither rent it.
Nope, not a chance. Poles don't want to live in old buildings in the exact centre of town, not least because of the infamous 'pathology' that lives there.
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Study / Inexpensive study in Warsaw for international student [8]
You'll find that these institutions will charge high fees for non-EU citizens as they don't receive any funding at all for them.
You'll find that these institutions will charge high fees for non-EU citizens as they don't receive any funding at all for them.
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Travel / Travel to Poland without a Passport? I am British. [7]
They've got it completely wrong - Schengen law makes it clear that you are required to be in possession of a valid identity document when crossing a Schengen border. A photocopy won't cut it - no valid document, then you're likely to be fined for doing so. In a sense, Schengen made it worse - before, you could probably get by by discussing it with the border guards at the border, but now?
They've got it completely wrong - Schengen law makes it clear that you are required to be in possession of a valid identity document when crossing a Schengen border. A photocopy won't cut it - no valid document, then you're likely to be fined for doing so. In a sense, Schengen made it worse - before, you could probably get by by discussing it with the border guards at the border, but now?
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Study / Inexpensive study in Warsaw for international student [8]
There is - it's a common term applied to non-EU citizens.
EU citizens pay the same as Poles.
There is no such thing as international student.
There is - it's a common term applied to non-EU citizens.
EU citizens pay the same as Poles.
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Real Estate / Poland's apartment prices continue to fall [1844]
Quite normal for the extreme city centres in Poland - those properties always have been relatively hard to rent because they simply aren't desirable due to the noise. You'll find it's the same with commercial property - they are hard to rent in those places.
Limited opportunities?
First thing, have you seen the boom in the price of farmland? Secondly, how can it be limited in a market of 38 million people with strong domestic demand? Of course - you don't speak the language - so you probably don't realise much of what is possible.
It's not a bad rule, but in the case of Poland, it doesn't always work like that. There's a reason why Nowy Swiat is more desirable than the Rynek in Warsaw, for instance.
Depends. It's probably worth saying that there's not much in the way of nightlife outside of the centre, but to say that it's dead is inaccurate.
the rental market seems as dead as my grandmother.
Quite normal for the extreme city centres in Poland - those properties always have been relatively hard to rent because they simply aren't desirable due to the noise. You'll find it's the same with commercial property - they are hard to rent in those places.
What i learned in poland is that it's still a poor country with limited opportunities in business and in real estate for sure.
Limited opportunities?
First thing, have you seen the boom in the price of farmland? Secondly, how can it be limited in a market of 38 million people with strong domestic demand? Of course - you don't speak the language - so you probably don't realise much of what is possible.
As far as i'm concerned, the only things that matter in real estate is location, location and location. I have the best view in wroclaw and this is unpriced.
It's not a bad rule, but in the case of Poland, it doesn't always work like that. There's a reason why Nowy Swiat is more desirable than the Rynek in Warsaw, for instance.
This is also something very particular to Poland. Outside inner center, there is almost nothing. Everything goes on around a a couple of streets in the center while you have different districts in Paris or London.
Depends. It's probably worth saying that there's not much in the way of nightlife outside of the centre, but to say that it's dead is inaccurate.
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Real Estate / Poland's apartment prices continue to fall [1844]
I think it's worth pointing out that those of us living in Poland aren't looking at it from the eyes of a foreigner, but as a native. Unless they have a EUR/CHF mortgage, that is.
For me, the currency dropping is meaningless - I earn in PLN and have a mortgage in PLN - so the exchange rate is quite meaningless - the only thing that matters is "can I sell for more than I bought for?". The answer right now is "no", but I'd estimate my 'loss' to be no more than 5%. Which is fine.
I think it's worth pointing out that those of us living in Poland aren't looking at it from the eyes of a foreigner, but as a native. Unless they have a EUR/CHF mortgage, that is.
For me, the currency dropping is meaningless - I earn in PLN and have a mortgage in PLN - so the exchange rate is quite meaningless - the only thing that matters is "can I sell for more than I bought for?". The answer right now is "no", but I'd estimate my 'loss' to be no more than 5%. Which is fine.
delphiandomine
20 May 2013
Travel / Travel to Poland without a Passport? I am British. [7]
Standard punishment is a 500zl fine if stopped crossing the border without documents.
The Germans may have more severe punishments.
Standard punishment is a 500zl fine if stopped crossing the border without documents.
The Germans may have more severe punishments.
delphiandomine
19 May 2013
News / Negative Polish stereotypes in US 'changing for the better' [20]
Could you perhaps show us in law where these policies are outlined?
America still has the same immigration policy towards Eastern European non-Jews that it had since 1920!
Could you perhaps show us in law where these policies are outlined?
delphiandomine
19 May 2013
delphiandomine
19 May 2013
Life / First communion - it's that time of year again in Poland! [109]
And that is different to other Western countries how exactly?
The idea of "Keeping up with the joneses" is widespread in Poland and was by far my no. 1 pet peeve while living there.
And that is different to other Western countries how exactly?
delphiandomine
19 May 2013
News / Negative Polish stereotypes in US 'changing for the better' [20]
Fortunately, I think there's enough people here (who actually live in Poland) that can defend Poland's good name against such people.
It is certainly telling that the majority of negative people on this forum don't live in Poland.
Hopefully the posts made here by certain persons who claim to be Polish/Polonia and to speak for Poland/Polonia will not do too much damage to the improving reputation of Poles.
Fortunately, I think there's enough people here (who actually live in Poland) that can defend Poland's good name against such people.
It is certainly telling that the majority of negative people on this forum don't live in Poland.
delphiandomine
19 May 2013
delphiandomine
19 May 2013
News / Negative Polish stereotypes in US 'changing for the better' [20]
Oh Des, you're such a scream sometimes.
Oh Des, you're such a scream sometimes.
delphiandomine
17 May 2013
USA, Canada / Applying for a US Visa in Krakow? Good and Bad Stories. [18]
No. Let's be honest, she wasn't going to return home after 3 months, was she?
No. Let's be honest, she wasn't going to return home after 3 months, was she?
delphiandomine
17 May 2013
Language / I NEED TO LEARN POLISH QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY! [45]
Hardly.
There are plenty of rules in Polish - the fact that you didn't learn them is your failing, not the language.
Hardly.
There are plenty of rules in Polish - the fact that you didn't learn them is your failing, not the language.
delphiandomine
16 May 2013
Work / Salary and cost of living information - Krakow [257]
Could easily be done for 1500PLN, and even then - why would someone single and without any social circle choose to live alone?
I pay little to no attention to the price of things, I buy what I want, and between two, we don't spend more than 500-600 a month. Saying that a single person will spend 1000-1500 a month on food is just totally unrealistic.
3500zl/net is more than enough to enjoy life as a single person in Krakow.
Your lodging together with utilities and internet are going to set you back some 2000 to 2500 PLN.
Could easily be done for 1500PLN, and even then - why would someone single and without any social circle choose to live alone?
You'll spend about 1000 to 1500 PLN on food.
I pay little to no attention to the price of things, I buy what I want, and between two, we don't spend more than 500-600 a month. Saying that a single person will spend 1000-1500 a month on food is just totally unrealistic.
3500zl/net is more than enough to enjoy life as a single person in Krakow.
delphiandomine
16 May 2013
Life / First communion - it's that time of year again in Poland! [109]
This would be a perfect time to invoke the PF version of Godwin's law - a discussion is over as soon as the word "liberals" or variation is mentioned.
This would be a perfect time to invoke the PF version of Godwin's law - a discussion is over as soon as the word "liberals" or variation is mentioned.
delphiandomine
15 May 2013
Life / Why are Polish so obsessed with Russia [46]
It definitely is much closer - I can understand some Ukrainian and I can talk to people there - but I wouldn't have a clue in Russian.
On the other hand some Ukrainian guy said that Ukrainian language is much closer to Polish than Russian... as a Pole I have an impression that I can actually hear that.
It definitely is much closer - I can understand some Ukrainian and I can talk to people there - but I wouldn't have a clue in Russian.
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Law / Refused credit for having a wrong residency card in Poland [22]
I'd go back to the shop with both the passport and ID and see what they've got to say then. If you've got another form of Polish ID (like a driving licence) - take that too.
I'd go back to the shop with both the passport and ID and see what they've got to say then. If you've got another form of Polish ID (like a driving licence) - take that too.
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Law / Refused credit for having a wrong residency card in Poland [22]
Yep, that's more than likely the exact reason for getting refused - they probably thought he had no ID and the guy in the shop probably didn't realise that the Polish-issued ID wasn't valid by itself.
Yep, that's more than likely the exact reason for getting refused - they probably thought he had no ID and the guy in the shop probably didn't realise that the Polish-issued ID wasn't valid by itself.
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Law / Refused credit for having a wrong residency card in Poland [22]
Hmm - stupid question - but - did you have your passport as well?
Hmm - stupid question - but - did you have your passport as well?
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Law / Refused credit for having a wrong residency card in Poland [22]
Strange, ING had absolutely no problems with mine. There was the usual look of "what's this?", but it wasn't an issue.
It's complete nonsense in every sense of the word. Would it really be so difficult to issue an ID card, especially given that the Poles get their dówod for free now!
I think it's possible that they simply didn't understand what it was.
Citibank won't when it comes to mortgages.
Strange, ING had absolutely no problems with mine. There was the usual look of "what's this?", but it wasn't an issue.
The fact that the five-year thing doesn't even have a photo on doesn't help matters. And neither does the fact that neither that nor the ten-year things are technically valid with a passport to go with them.
It's complete nonsense in every sense of the word. Would it really be so difficult to issue an ID card, especially given that the Poles get their dówod for free now!
As I say, this was done over the phone and the guy described it, gave them the numbers etc.
I think it's possible that they simply didn't understand what it was.
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Law / Refused credit for having a wrong residency card in Poland [22]
Dodgy admin.
That's very strange - they should have no problem with a long term permanent stay card. Most credit-issuing banks will accept the EU certificate of residency, so the permanent residency version of that should be more than acceptable.
I *think* it's because they're still not used to the documents issued to EU citizens. I notice here, people don't really seem to understand what's given to us - especially as it's technically not a "karta pobytu" - which they're trained to accept.
Discrimination, or just dodgy admin?
Dodgy admin.
The guy gave the credit company the info and we waited.
That's very strange - they should have no problem with a long term permanent stay card. Most credit-issuing banks will accept the EU certificate of residency, so the permanent residency version of that should be more than acceptable.
why can I not get credit with a document issued to me by the Polish government?
I *think* it's because they're still not used to the documents issued to EU citizens. I notice here, people don't really seem to understand what's given to us - especially as it's technically not a "karta pobytu" - which they're trained to accept.
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Life / First communion - it's that time of year again in Poland! [109]
Honestly, it's quite sad for me to see religious ceremonies being treated like this. You know me, I'm no fan of the Catholic Church, but it seems that they really have been trying to put a stop to it being treated as an excuse for a lavish celebration. I was actually speaking to a religion teacher about this, and she told me that she's trying to really emphasise the religious nature of it. She seemed very disappointed that parents are willing to do ridiculous things like order limos and so on.
I'm never quite convinced with these things if it's about the kids or about the parents though - but hey, I guess as a non-Catholic, I'll never have to worry about being a godfather!
Got to say Delph, gold was the preferred gift so at 300z's for 2+2 thats a steal. I am off to a Bar Mitzvah in less than two weeks everything in ' 18 '. Kids these days want the cash, gotta move with the times.
Honestly, it's quite sad for me to see religious ceremonies being treated like this. You know me, I'm no fan of the Catholic Church, but it seems that they really have been trying to put a stop to it being treated as an excuse for a lavish celebration. I was actually speaking to a religion teacher about this, and she told me that she's trying to really emphasise the religious nature of it. She seemed very disappointed that parents are willing to do ridiculous things like order limos and so on.
I'm never quite convinced with these things if it's about the kids or about the parents though - but hey, I guess as a non-Catholic, I'll never have to worry about being a godfather!
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
USA, Canada / General differences between Poland and the USA? [184]
Not really, for a start, you're mixing up two different technologies.
Have you actually ever been to Europe?
They use cash for cultural reasons. Germany has always been a bit odd in Europe with the acceptance of cards - it goes back to how their banking system evolved and how they really only started to embrace bank cards for transactions not so long ago. France, the UK and Poland - card usage is widespread and common.
How are magnetic strips not better with the your chip in your card people can easily steal all of your information by just having a card reading device nearby.
Not really, for a start, you're mixing up two different technologies.
Now why is that they use cash? Because there is more credit card fraud or is it because much more personal information is carried on the "smart cards" and people don't like using them?
Have you actually ever been to Europe?
They use cash for cultural reasons. Germany has always been a bit odd in Europe with the acceptance of cards - it goes back to how their banking system evolved and how they really only started to embrace bank cards for transactions not so long ago. France, the UK and Poland - card usage is widespread and common.
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Life / First communion - it's that time of year again in Poland! [109]
I see nothing wrong with meaningful gifts - silver crosses, bibles, etc. But handing over 300zl in cash is as tasteless as it gets.
I see nothing wrong with meaningful gifts - silver crosses, bibles, etc. But handing over 300zl in cash is as tasteless as it gets.
delphiandomine
14 May 2013
Life / First communion - it's that time of year again in Poland! [109]
Why wouldn't the others turn up?
Are you saying that they would stay away because they would be reminded that it isn't about showing off?
Why wouldn't the others turn up?
Are you saying that they would stay away because they would be reminded that it isn't about showing off?