Travel / Anything and Everything worthwhile about Warsaw to share [23]

Not a chance, Poznan is far ahead of Wroclaw. Wroclaw public transportation is a mess - and when you leave the very main central area, it's not such a nice place either.

Law / EU citizen residency certificate to live in Poland [34]


That's a classic case of where the law is simply unworkable - as an EU citizen, you have the right to be in Poland for up to 3 months. With no systematic recording of exits and entries, there is absolutely no way that they can enforce any requirement to carry it.

It's also worth noting that there is no requirement to carry proof of registration in the country - and given that the residence certificate is just a piece of paper confirming your EU rights and nothing more, it would seem highly unlikely that it could be used against you. In legal terms, it would seem that even if they requested to see it, you simply have to tell them that you crossed the border yesterday - which means that you're legally in Poland.

I will actually ask a lawyer student of mine to investigate what the law actually says in regards to the piece of paper - I've never seen anything that confirms that you must carry it, and no-one I know does so.

Carrying the national identity card is a different story - as I understand it, the attitude is that EU citizens who have ID cards should carry them - while those that don't should at least carry some sort of photographic ID. And of course, non-EU citizens should at least carry their Karta Pobytu at all times.

It's a bit like the 4 day registration requirement - perhaps it's the law, but it's unworkable in practice for non-Polish EU citizens.

I guess it's like all things here - the law may say one thing, the reality is somewhat different.

Law / I got an EU permanent residence permit and it is a flimsy piece of paper [26]


You don't have to - I'm fairly certain that it's not valid as an identity document, so it's pointless carrying it. Anyway, EU citizens have a right to be in Poland - so even if you're stopped, as long as you have *something*, it's fine. Even a colour photocopy of the passport front page and information page is enough :)

An EU driving licence is sufficient enough if stopped anyway - as far as the Polish police are concerned, you can't have an EU licence without having legal residence in the EU.

Law / EU citizen residency certificate to live in Poland [34]


There's no obligation to carry it - as I understand it, it isn't proof of identity anyway, but rather "confirmation of the right of residence as a European Union national" and thus useless for any sort of identification purposes.


Yes, of course. Medical care depends on ZUS contributions, nothing more - likewise, social security depends on your record at the Urzad Skarbowy. It's possible that some people might argue, but having a PESEL isn't a requirement for non-Polish citizens.

One thing - no PESEL means no driving record with the police and thus no points. It's why it's a good idea not to hold a Polish licence - most police aren't tuned into the fact that we foreigners can have a PESEL number and it's best to not let them know that ;)


If they ask you, tell them any old rubbish about how you crossed a few days ago. They've no way of checking whatsoever.


That's because it won't - as a non-EU citizen, you aren't entitled to the EU residence permit. You've already got permanent residence, but you can only exercise your treaty rights if your wife accompanies you - you can't go elsewhere without her to work. But if you have permanent residence, aren't you entitled to citizenship - you can apply for it after as little as 3 years of marriage.


In theory, yes. But remember, there are still quite a few restrictions for Poles - the UK requires the WRS registration, Germany and Austria still require work permits, and it's not just as simple as moving elsewhere and working legally. You'll also have to deal with all the bureaucracy in other countries, including applying for a residence permit - and believe me, Poland is quite easy when it comes to this kind of thing.


You don't actually need the EU residence permit at all - if you don't have a reason for obtaining it, then you might as well not bother.


Do other countries have this insane system of registration, too?

Law / EU citizen residency certificate to live in Poland [34]


There are, but they're cursory to say the least - if they turn up and you're not there, the most they'll do is leave a contact number and ask the person to call them. As far as I can tell, most of the time, they aren't even bothering to do that - so no sweat really.

Real Estate / PLN 2,500 the going rate for an apartment in Poland [210]


Or worse, a textbook by the same guy who teaches the course. It's one of the more disgusting practices in Polish education that they're allowed to get away with such openly corrupt behaviour.

The problem here is also that they have such a low opinion of anything but a formal university degree to do any sort of office job - which is quite clearly nonsense.

Work / I am researching the way Design Techology Textiles is taught in Poland [8]

Adele - to be blunt, it's barely taught at all. The Polish system is heavily theory based, and any resources you use will have to be from the very beginning - children here are simply unfamiliar with the concept of hands-on learning.

Real Estate / PLN 2,500 the going rate for an apartment in Poland [210]


That's the odd thing about Poland - rather than taking someone fresh from school who can be trained to eventually become the company accountant, they prefer to take someone with a Masters degree in any old subject - even though it's highly unlikely that they will want a career in what they're doing. Utter stupidity, and it doesn't help that many people seem to think that someone with "only" a Matura is unqualified. I know I'd rather hire a passionate 19 year old than a "giz us a job, any job mate" 24 year old.

I think here, at least part of the low wage culture is due to this - there are simply too many highly qualified people looking for too few jobs.

Real Estate / PLN 2,500 the going rate for an apartment in Poland [210]


To be honest, part of the problem in Poland is that many jobs require a Masters degree when in reality, they're the kind of jobs that would be done by school leavers in the UK. It's nonsense - and the people demanding such qualifications are the ones to blame. The job you mention is probably more realistically an accounts assistant in the UK on about 15k a year.

For instance - why the hell does someone need 5 years of university to work as a marketing assistant?!

Real Estate / PLN 2,500 the going rate for an apartment in Poland [210]

Look on the other side though - you can get reasonable flats in reasonable (non-city) locations for an absolute killing. I found one flat in Kalisz (not a small town by any stretch of the imagination) for 75,000zl - that is absolutely nothing!

Real Estate / PLN 2,500 the going rate for an apartment in Poland [210]


Easier said than done in a country where the banks are very risk adverse and exchange rates are extremely volatile right now.


Is there even a central credit database like in the UK?

References, without a shadow of a doubt.


As I said - if you're unemployable and having to live off your partner's salary (which isn't very high because she went to a private university to earn a joke degree in "marketing" or likewise) - 2700zl is a lot of money. But then again, you can't expect to live in a fully furnished apartment in a good location if you're earning that kind of money, either.

I'm not sure why people are so shocked at higher-end apartments being priced at a level that only higher-end people can afford.


Beer is running at what, about 4-6 euro in Dublin. Cigarettes - last time I was there, they were running about 8 euro a packet.

Real Estate / PLN 2,500 the going rate for an apartment in Poland [210]


Really? And how many people earning such low money expect to live in a 60sqm apartment in a decent location, furnished to a very high, modern standard?

2500PLN is nothing for a professional couple.

Sure, if you're staying at home looking after the baby (because no-one will employ you) while your wife works in a poorly paid job because she didn't go to a real university - then 2500PLN is a stretch.


Really? Take IT guys - a professional couple, one practicing IT and one as a lawyer can reasonably expect to take home in the region of 8000-10000PLN in their late 20's in Wroclaw. What's 2500PLN for rent?

News / Zloty exchange rates - is this just speculation? [87]

They're not, this is the frightening thing. Just goes to show how suicidal it actually is to take on debt in a different currency - even when the fundamentals show one thing, the market can say something completely different.

The only other real comparable currency, the Forint, is also all over the place.

Study / Polish schools and Polish educational system level in your eyes [135]


The easiest way to explain that was that there was a decision to reduce vocational school provision and instead funnel everyone into high schools. Obviously, you can't then have many of these people leaving school with nothing - so they need to have a shot at obtaining the Matura, or at least coming close to it.

It's not all doom and gloom - at least now, you have a much fairer system for university entry!

Study / Polish schools and Polish educational system level in your eyes [135]


The problem with the "nowa matura" is that they can't seem to make up their minds as to whether they want a genuine leaving certificate along the lines of the German Abitur (which the stara matura was) - or if they want something along the lines of the American/Canadian High School Diploma.

If you ask me, given the lack of funding in the Polish system, the best bet would be to follow the American model and then adopt an additional exam for university entry. There's just not the money to invest into vocational schools - yet if someone does complete 12 years of school, they do deserve something to show for it. Sure, it means the Matura would become something that says "I finished school" - but that's no bad thing.


The advanced exam isn't so easy - I can't say for certain, but some teacher friends have the opinion that it comes in somewhere just short of FCE. The basic exam is easy though - but also worthless.


Someone getting a good pass at the Advanced level can cut it - but at the basic, of course, it's nowhere near enough.

Law / EU citizen residency certificate to live in Poland [34]


Gives you the magic PESEL number - which some lenders will want to see from someone resident in Poland. For instance - Media Markt will only allow someone to take something on credit if the person has a valid PESEL and 5 year residence card (or better).


For them, it's a good way to check if you actually plan to stay here - it very much depends on the individual bank and their policies, though.

News / Flood situation worsens in southern Poland [119]

I must admit, I don't particularly feel any sympathy for them either - if they were daft enough to build on floodplains (no doubt because many of those people are very greedy and saw the chance to save some cash!) - then they have to take the consequences.

The amount of seemingly unregulated development in Poland is staggering - and the country is going to regret it in years to come.

Law / EU citizen residency certificate to live in Poland [34]

In theory, yes.

In reality? No-one cares, unless you want to vote/get credit/vote in local or European elections.

Law / EU citizen residency certificate to live in Poland [34]


Where on earth are they saying that? Sounds like someone cocked up and put the wrong details down - it's supposed to be a token fee - 1zl.

From here - cudzoziemcy.info.pl/obywatel_ue_1_1.php

News / Komorowski for complex-ridden Poles? [94]


Yep, that seems believable - as I said before, the American Polonia tends to be very badly informed, and they have a somewhat sentimental view of Poland that is backed up by the talk of the "IV RP" that Kaczynski goes on about constantly.

The problem is that many of them don't actually realise how socialist (or communist, as they would say) Kaczynski actually is. All they see is someone who talks about POLSKA POLSKA and who is very anti-communist, while being very pro-Church - everything that appeals to your average American Polonia. Yet - if they knew the extent of Kaczynski's socialism, they would run a mile.


It's a mess - they should be prohibited from voting unless they acquire, at some point, a valid zameldowanie in Poland. Or better still - prohibit voting unless they hold a current dowod osobisty - thus rooting out many of the Plastic Poles who can't even be bothered to return home once in a while.

News / Komorowski for complex-ridden Poles? [94]


Can't imagine it being so high, but certainly, the American Polonia are a disgrace when it comes to being badly educated about the country that they claim is "Home". I've seen quite a few things online by people claiming that Jaroslaw Kaczynski is the best because he stands up for "Poland" - with little to no understanding of the situation at all. Many of them simply know that he plays the nationalist card - and - being American, it appeals to them.

The same Polonia has usually next to no idea of what benefits the EU brings - they just quote the same rhetoric, forgetting completely that it was the PiS government who effectively implemented Schengen. PO might have been in power when the borders opened, but the donkey work was done by PiS - yet the same Polonia will happily tell you that the EU is evil, etc etc.


If you can't even be bothered to carry a Polish ID card or passport, you don't deserve to vote. I mean, if they're so proud of their country, why don't they have a valid Polish identity document? Ah wait...plastic Poles again.


It's even worse in my situation - I can't vote in the Scottish Parliament elections at all, only the UK Parliamentary ones. And the system is so flawed that effectively, Brits overseas are disenfranchised because the UK stubbornly refuses to allow people to vote at the embassy.


It's a unique feature of the Polonia who went to North America - the ones who stayed in Europe are far more in touch with what's going on here.

In all fairness - I don't entirely have an issue with someone who holds a Polish ID card or passport, being born in Poland (and having lived here for at least a year post-18 years) voting in elections. I have a problem with the Polonia who are 2nd or 3rd generation immigrants, voting in an election despite knowing next to nothing about the country apart from what their "babcia" has told them.

News / Komorowski for complex-ridden Poles? [94]


And it's no surprise that many of those that haven't are the ones promoting Kaczynski. Why is it that so many of these "true Polish patriots" are on benefits, while continuing to work on the side?

I'd just like all the Kaczynski supporters to explain one thing to me - how is it in Poland's interests to subsidise inefficient state owned operations?

Law / Retirees immigration regulations in Poland [34]

And what would you know about Poland, seeing as you don't live here and have no idea about what's actually going on at the minute?

I would say that it clearly fits into the "other categories" as mentioned in the relevant law.


He's got the classic "I left Poland yet I still believe I know best about everything in Poland" - despite the fact that their information is often years out of date.

The best answer I can give you is that while there's no specific provision for retirement to Poland, there's nothing preventing it, either. And yes, you're right about permanent residency - should be nothing preventing the acquisition of it after the relevant time period has lapsed.

News / Komorowski for complex-ridden Poles? [94]

Don't get me started on this. Something is seriously wrong when "Polish" (who don't speak Polish and who have never lived there) can vote in elections, yet foreign individuals living in Poland can't.

(yes, American Kaczynski-voting Polonia, I'm looking at you)


And what did Jaroslaw Kaczynski do to increase this? He's supported by Solidarity, who we all know are nothing but psuedo-communists who want their guaranteed jobs, wages and positions in uneconomic factories. Meanwhile, the same people are also mad at Solaris, one of the genuine Polish success stories of the 90's/2000's.

Anyway, in times of war, Poland could easily renationalise any industry they wished.

Work / Are you teaching English in Poland? [120]


Really? So you think that a teacher who has absolutely no knowledge of the subject can teach it to any sort of adequate level to people who know the stuff in Polish? Don't think so, sunshine.

Then again, I suppose it's a bit like a biologist teaching Business English - fraudulent at best, laughably pathetic at worst.


And this is why most Polish "Business English" teachers are incredibly poor. They don't know very much about the topic, many of them simply aren't interested (especially as it's highly unlikely that they've studied the topic in any detail) and quite frankly - the vast majority of them can't teach it properly, except from a textbook.


And this is why most of them aren't teaching the subject, because all they know is what's contained within the textbook. It's exactly the same reason why people consistently show dissatisfaction with Polish "Business English" teachers (or even native teachers) - teachers who know the technical aspects but have no understanding or grasp of the issues surrounding the topics are generally rubbish.


Was the wrong spelling of "knowledgeable" intentional? :)

I've said it once and I'll say it again - anyone who attempts to teach some sort of ESP without keeping themselves updated and informed about the topic is doomed to failure. I can't imagine anything worse than (for instance) - a Business English teacher who doesn't even bother to learn about what's going on in the world. How can you ever hope to discuss, for example, corporate governance if you can't discuss Enron or the like in great detail?

Law / British married to a Polish woman and they have a son. Son's British Passport? [65]


Sure, he'll be able to see the child. But on her terms, and her terms alone. If she doesn't want him to have any contact - do you really think that the Polish family court is going to rule on the side of the foreigner?

The fact that she's already a proven liar tells you everything about her motives.

Work / Are you teaching English in Poland? [120]

The only problems are the same problems that any business faces - late paying clients.


Their accountant. And making sure to always pay ZUS and the US on time regardless of any other bills.


Why do you think it makes a difference?

Law / British married to a Polish woman and they have a son. Son's British Passport? [65]


Because she knows that once the child is in Poland, there's absolutely no chance that your son will ever get to see the child except under her conditions.

Do not, under any circumstance, allow her to have the passport. I'd also inform the UK Border Agency that the child is not to be allowed out of the UK without your son's consent.

UK, Ireland / British or polish Passport ' Advice feedback [47]


I never saw any of these either.


They really can't believe it here, it's almost institutionalised from the first class of school that you can cheat to get ahead and that you have to help other people or that you're "cold" and "unfriendly". Personally, I think it's one of the most shameful thing about Poland - that cheating is seen as not only as acceptable, but positively encouraged.

Should we also talk about how in universities, professors will base the exams on their own, expensive books that must be purchased? Certainly a very "moral" society.

The UK isn't perfect, no-one claims it is - but when it comes to integrity of education, Poland is light years behind.

UK, Ireland / British or polish Passport ' Advice feedback [47]


Then you certainly don't want to send them to a Polish school. Polish schoolchildren learn from a very early age that cheating is acceptable and in fact encouraged through peer pressure. Even if your child excels, he/she will be expected to help others cheat - and will be ostracised if they refuse to do so. Don't forget that in village schools just outside cities, they tend to be populated by people who can't afford to drive their child to better city schools - which means that you'll have even more problems with "morals".

Remember, in Poland, the attitude is that if something is worthless to you, then you might as well cheat. Virtually no-one graduates from university here without cheating - do you think that's particularly moral or correct?

Let's not forget that Polish schools actually lack the ability to discipline children effectively - British schools are far more well equipped

Then we can talk about learning support - there is essentially next to nothing available in Polish schools. A child with any sort of special needs simply has to sit down and shut up - unlike in British schools where many schools have schemes to pick up on these problems. Let's not forget that the concept of teaching assistants is alien to Polish schools - and then we can talk further about how children are put under pressure from the first class of school to actually pass the year.

But moving onto secondary/high school education - does it really make sense for all children to be in the same class as others for the entire time at school? What's the point in high achievers being kept in the same class as people who are struggling to pass?


And it's not uncommon for teachers to proscribe textbooks that they've written. If that's "moral", then...

A Polish school would be the last place that I'd send a child to learn any sort of strong morals.

Good Polish schools in cities are acceptable, but I'd really think twice before sending a child to a village school. It's not like the UK where village schools are often superior.