Life / Jack Strong ( Film about Colonel Ryszard Kuklinski ) [48]


I have yet to see the film, but I beg to differ. At the end of the day he was spying for a foreign power, and he was not doing it for free mind you, so his motives were not purely patriotic...

Travel / Is it possible to hire a car in Poland when under the age of 21? [11]

Harry, yes, I've missed that; still, there seem to exist companies which do allow <21s as per your previous post...

Travel / Is it possible to hire a car in Poland when under the age of 21? [11]


Terrible advice in my opinion - unless you plan to travel for several weeks AND know someone in PL who can help you with the whole buying/registering/insuring hassle. So this will not be a good move for everyone, especially those who will be staying for a relatively short period. First of all, you have to find something reliable within your budget; then there is insurance & registration to think of, all of which will eat up your valuable time you could have used for sightseeing and exploring. And buying a junk is always a gamble, you never know when something will give, which can mean your travel plans will be jeopardised. When you rent, you will almost always have a newer, more reliable & comfortable, safer, and more fuel efficient vehicle at your disposal.

I had a quick look here: rentacarpoland.com, the rates start from 55PLN/day for a new Ford Ka.

Travel / I would like to take my two sons to Poland for a holiday - Any ideas? [9]

For the northern half of the country, if you are into nature, I would highly recommend the Białowieża Forest (Europe's last primeval forest):

en.eholiday/accommodation-bialowieza-1471-agrotourism.html

or the Suwałki & Augustów regions for lakes and forests as a an alternative to the overcrowded/overpriced Mazury in July/August.
en.eholiday/search-suwalszczyzna---633-1-.html

Both of these are a bit of a trek from Warsaw, but note you can fly into Kaunas, and beat the crowds (1.5hr drive to Suwałki).

There are also very nice lakes/forests in the Kaszuby region near Gdansk and Pojezierze Drawskie near Szczecin, great forests in the Bory Tucholskie.
en.eholiday/search-kaszuby---622-1-.html
en.eholiday/search-pojezierze_drawskie---397-1-.html

News / Poland's economic future? [294]


The correct term would be 'freeway' in AE and 'motorway' in BE (you are referring to a specific class of highway).


In common usage they can mean the same: a high speed controlled-access road, the former being an AE and the latter a BE term.


It is hardly a secret that a comprehensive network of high speed roads is the backbone of business activity and is often used as an overall indicator of a country's development. So while it does not guarantee economic growth, it vastly increases its potential and thus can make the country that much more attractive.

News / Poland's economic future? [294]


Not any longer - PL now ranks "only" 3rd worst. See latest data for 2012:
europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-236_en.htm

There is obviously still a long way to go, but at least the trend looks promising: a 15% reduction in 2011-12 v. 9% for all of EU.

And just to keep things in perspective, as bad as it is, not many people realise that those numbers are still below US levels:
oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/factbook-2013-en/06/02/03/rddeath_g1.html?contentType=&itemId=/content/chapter/factbook-2013-50-en&containerItemId=/content/serial/18147364&accessItemIds=&mimeType=text/html

USA, Canada / Moving back to Poland after 7 years in Canada [22]

Hi and welcome to the forum. This is a very tough decision, especially so as you have a family.


Not everyone is willing to sacrifice their ties with family and friends. The reality is such that not everyone is cut out for immigration (irrespective of the country). Such a simple fact, yet some struggle to accept it. Immigration seems to come more natural for some than others. I constantly run into Poles who have left 10, 20, 30+ yrs ago and have either assimilated quite well are would never consider returning, and those who have not and would rather go back. Most of the latter choose not to go back as their source of income would be uncertain and so choose the stability of US/Canadian life. Unfortunately, many of them do not take it well, they get depressed, escape into drinking, etc. and become bitter and resentful. They like the financial security and everything else that comes with it on one hand, but unfortunately, not being able to fully accept the new reality does come at a hefty price. Definitely something to consider - which category do you think you fit in?


I think you are not alone on this. However, the reality is that not everyone will have the same professional opportunity in Poland, otherwise you wouldn't have such huge numbers of people seeking better life abroad. There are exceptions, however, and this is where you may find your chance.

Finding work while abroad through recruiters is very tough, unless you happen to be an extremely sought after expert in a well paid profession. The fact is that local workforce is more competitive, often better educated, and more qualified for the job at hand.


I would not count on it. For a start, Poland could simply not afford it.

You may find the following forum dedicated to returning immigrants/migrants useful:
powrotnik.eu/index.php/poradnik-dla-powracajacych/

Good luck. Remember that these are opinions of others. Nothing more, nothing less. Trust in your instincts and remember that each case is different. At the end it is your decision and you and only you are the best qualified person to make it. And live with its consequences.

Life / Eating out in Poland, is it expensive? [28]


I know this is off topic, but that is the beauty and the curse of such exotic places. Great to tour and to experience, but to live there permanently is "another pair of galoshes" and will require a sustained effort and an attitude to put up with the unwanted attention and "special treatment". Certainly not for everyone. Thus Poland may not be a bad idea for you. But you may be disappointed as the vast majority of Poles still value home cooked meals and tend to dine out much less frequently than say, the average Yank.

Life / Eating out in Poland, is it expensive? [28]

If cheap is all you are after, then closer to home you'll also find Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia...

Law / Is there much demand in Poland for real ale? [38]

Never had a chance to try any of the Pinta brews - are they relatively easy to find?

Law / Is there much demand in Poland for real ale? [38]


I agree that it is very hard to beat English ales. If the demand for ale is on the rise in PL, perhaps setting up an import business from the UK could be an option? Or starting up your own micro ale brewery?

Wesołych Świąt!

News / Poland has the most dangerous roads in Europe [34]

I imagine the main complaint would be that the emphasis is not placed where it should be, and that there are too many overly complicated rules (or exceptions)... Regarding the road safety, the main problem is the law, or rather it's execution - it is clearly too lax to make a dent in the statistics, as is the lack of social stigmatization of the violators... Add to that the fact that very little is done to raise people's awareness of the magnitude of the problem...

News / Poland has the most dangerous roads in Europe [34]

Apologies, here it is: europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-236_en.htm

News / Poland has the most dangerous roads in Europe [34]


There is some good news: 15% reduction from 2011-12, and PL now ranks "only" 3rd worst... See latest data for 2012.


It has much more to do with the attitude of the drivers (first and foremost sticking to simple rules such as adjusting your speed to existing driving/road conditions), driver training, and severity of law/penalties more than anything else... I would be very much in favour of the following the leader (UK) in driver training/attitude and severity of penalties for violators.

USA, Canada / Are prices for Laptops, Cell Phones or Tablets in Poland cheaper than in the US? [18]

It is true that it will be - in general - very tough to beat the US prices (sales + rebate offers, etc). However, if you intend to stay in PL for an extended period, it would be advantageous to have the warranty coverage there (most purchases in the US will not be accepted elsewhere, unless you pay for international coverage).


Not necessarily so. I managed a language switch in Windows (Vista?) several ago, so I know it can be done - and quite easily at that (took me <2hrs including google searching for instructions). In addition, most of the computer literate sales people speak some English and I bet if you were to use your personal charm and asked nicely, they could do it for you free of charge with the purchase of the new machine.

Law / buying a new mobile phone on allegro (is it safe ? ) [6]

That's up to you, but the seller appears honest and states this fact in the ad...
Duty tax is due on all merchandise from the US/Asia, it is up to your luck whether or not your package is selected for inspection by customs.

Law / buying a new mobile phone on allegro (is it safe ? ) [6]

you may need to pay the duty tax only upon receipt in order to claim your item, and that's in addition to what you've already paid for...

Food / Cheese in Poland is too bland [37]


My understanding is that most Polish (yellow) cheeses are Dutch style cheeses, which are supposed to be that way.

Law / buying a new mobile phone on allegro (is it safe ? ) [6]

Seems legit. Note that you may need to pay duty tax on top (ships from US).

USA, Canada / If you moved from US to Poland, could you please share your experience? [16]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Hubertus.


I've made the move the other way not that long ago after several years in Poland and the UK, and based on my own experiences I would argue just the opposite. I too often find customer service here focused purely on going through the motions, rude, half-assed and just plain incompetent. Poland fairs better in my opinion (UK would top the list).

Law / Registration of right hand drive cars in Poland - possible? [82]

And the arguments for doing so continue to remain valid I'm afraid...

Work / Moving to Poland to work at a company (Warsaw or Lodz). Average expense per month? [57]

Are these figures reliable (sorry, did not find one in English)?

wynagrodzenia.pl/moja_placa.php

USA, Canada / Returning to Poland! Has anyone seen this influx of people from the US? [27]

There are always those returning, not only from the US, but also Canada, UK and Ireland. But are the numbers high enough to call it a trend? Probably not (I haven't seen any numbers). And when compared with the outward immigration/migration, it would most certainly be insignificant. It appears that the majority of those returning from the US are in their retirement years, yet I personally know several families in their 30,s who have moved back after many years in the US, Canada and UK within the last 2-3 years. So with such small numbers returning, it is all about individual circumstances and preferences.

USA, Canada / Would like to move back to Poland from New York after living in USA for 20 years. [155]


And I'm sure you also believe they all drink $20 coffees and have $30 bagels for breakfast... if you don't know that you are talking about then please don't sell your fantasy for reality on this forum.


i had a look on zillow and it is closer to $500k - why are you skewing the facts?


i doubt you have ever set your your foot there, yet claim to know all about it. there are plenty of average professional couples who choose to move to places like that with decent enough public school system that they feel it is worth it.

to sum it up: i get the impression you are harbouring an agenda of some sort. be man enough to come out of the closet and let us hear it. who knows, maybe we'll even be able to help you with your problems. but don't mistake your wishes/fantasy for reality.

Love / Advice Please! Meeting my Polish boyfriend's parents!! Gifts, customs... [105]

Good advice and a glass or two of scotch or bourbon is always nice... But when it's time for serious drinking, most Poles will tell you to put the coloured spirits away and make room for the national drink: vodka. So with that in mind, you would appear more original and in the know if you showed up with a couple of large bottles of quality American vodka, such as Tito's/Hangar 1/Prairie/American Harvest/Koenig/Glacier (whatever you pick, make sure it is at least 5x distilled to minimise your headache the day after...). Most Poles appreciate good vodka & minimal side effects...

Good luck!

Language / Is Polish an easy language to learn and is there a way of learning it easily? [105]


Did you not mean Prof. Jan Miodek?

merlin.pl/Jezyk-polski-Nie-taki-jezyk-straszny-o-polszczyznie-do-uczniow_Jan-Miodek/browse/product/1,595086.html

Regarding how easy (difficult) it is to learn a foreign language is relative at the end of the day, as it would seem the main criterion - everything else being equal - determining their experience would be how related (unrelated) it is to the learner's own or learned language(s)...

Language / Is Polish an easy language to learn and is there a way of learning it easily? [105]

polishforums.com/general-language-17/polish-was-chosen-hardest-language-world-learn-d-34156/

USA, Canada / Would like to move back to Poland from New York after living in USA for 20 years. [155]

another low blow... i don't recall - any chance you could quote me?! didn't think so. good night.... ;-O {yawn}

USA, Canada / Would like to move back to Poland from New York after living in USA for 20 years. [155]

this forum is not (or rather should not be) about 'winning or loosing', but presenting your points which are backed by reality - something you could try for a change instead of repeating yourself, without backing, barking at the wrong tree as usual... ;-O {yawn}:

Work / Moving to Poland from Iceland (salary of 6500 pln a month) - can I build a house? [25]


Fair comment - but not entirely true. Don't forget that there are two variables determining what one can save, hence looking only at the income part without considering the living expenses is not going to produce a true picture of one's saving potential. Yes, the salaries in the Nordic countries have not only much higher minimum salaries, but equally living expenses are way higher than in PL, thus the saving potential is not great, which is what the OP is trying to say.

Best of luck, rabbi!