Real Estate / Home loan in Poland based on my US credit score? [15]

There is no Polish bank that uses USA scores. There is another system in Poland. If you don't have a PESEL, you aren't getting any kind of credit, and if your money isn't going into a Polish bank from USA, your income is not verifiable. Mortgages in Poland are based on your Polish score, income, and your age which gives a maximum duration for the mortgage. Lenders are much more conservative than in USA, so if you don't have some cash, its not going to be easy.

USA, Canada / What do you think about NM (New Mexico) state? [40]

@pawian
It is not where one would go to avoid multicultural society, if that is politically correct.

USA, Canada / What do you think about NM (New Mexico) state? [40]

@pawian
Pretty much the same as ten years ago.

Language / So why did you give up learning Polish? [105]

As someone currently taking Polish courses in Krakow I can see both sides. This is an incredibly difficult language to learn, yet satisfying to use when native Poles understand what you are trying to convey when speaking. If you live here and do not try to learn the language, it simply makes you look ignorant and disrespectful in my opinion. Most Poles I have met are very forgiving when it comes to mispronunciation of words, or improper sentence structure as long as you can get your thought across. The do appreciate the effort any non native makes to learn and communicate in Polish.

Law / Traveling abroad while waiting for Karta Pobytu, as a citizen of US in Poland [3]

I recently completed and received Karta Pobytu process for an entrepreneur in Krakow. I can tell you that leaving Schengen for USA was not a problem. Returning though, the passport control officers in Amsterdam actually questioned me about the stamp in my passport. It ended up not being an issue, but it did draw attention.

The process in Krakow from start to finish, with a request for more documents, and personal interview took 6 months. This is from date of application submission to receiving decision. Decision is not sent by mail. Received text message and had to go and pick up. You must have two identification documents with you. Passport and official PESEL assignment letter will be enough. Picking up physical Karta Pobytu card will take an additional 30 to 60 days, and you will receive that notice via text message as well. At arrival you will also need two forms of ID, I would recommend bringing the decision letter, and you will submit your fingerprints again to receive the card.

News / Trump will hold Poland up as an example for other nations to follow [106]

Miloslaw is probably correct on Trump inability to find Poland on the map. All this posturing for Polish votes in USA and then not delivering on his promises for Visa's and Visa waivers says all any Pole needs to know about him. Make promises with no intention of keeping them. But that's fake news too I am sure.

Work / Taxes in Poland if working for American company? [12]

A good accountant is critical. VAT and ZUS can be troubling. VAT certification alone makes things difficult, it is not as simple as just signing up to collect and pay VAT. There is a physical inspection of the place you will conduct business. ZUS for a foreigner is expensive to start out until you get residency or citizenship. Do things by the book though or it will not only take you longer, but it will cost you more and in the end you may not get what you had hopped for. I set up my company before moving to Poland and everything was done through attorneys with experience.

Law / Buying an established business in Poland [10]

Its simple. Consumable items are what sell. Tourists and residents alike all need the little things. This is why Zabka does so well. They fill a niche and do it very well. In smaller cities there are sole proprietors doing the same thing also doing well. The margins they work in though I wouldn't know.

Keep in mind too, that Krakow is not just Rynek. Its a big city and it has a very large transient population. The key to any successful business here is going to be your property lease and then your concept. Some things clearly wont work in some cities though. Mexican food for instance. the one Mexican place looks like it has been a dying business for years.

If you want to buy an existing business, that has long standing income, and reputation, you are going to pay a premium for it. Business start up costs for a non resident are not cheap, and everyone is skeptical until you can actually prove to them you are committed to the community and Poland. Lots of pretenders coming to Poland with little money and a big dream only to find its not as easy as one would think.

If you want specifics, or to talk about a specific idea, message me directly.

Law / Buying an established business in Poland [10]

@delphiandomine

Sunday ban was clearly not well thought out. Living here, a few weeks ago, I needed something that couldn't be purchased at Zabka or the like on a Sunday. Real pain in the a$$. Most of my friends who work all week, used Sundays to go to the Galleria and other shopping, now they have to rush to do it and definitely don't spend the extra time and money enjoying it.

Law / Buying an established business in Poland [10]

Where did you get that info? Not that I am disputing it, just interested in researching those things.

Life / Worst aspects of living in Poland? [82]

Smog and air pollution is way over stated by people. Its nothing compared to LA or SLC in the States. You can smell coal burning but as for real smog, its next to zero.

Law / UK born, want to move to Poland. Rules? [17]

I recently looked at a one bedroom flat, new construction in centrum of Gdansk. After all the "additions", and completion costs it would have been more than a one bedroom flat in Manhattan. I literally laughed in the developers face before walking out.

As an American living in Poland, I can say I was grossly under prepared for the communication issues. Not only did I not know enough of the language, but communication styles are very different.

That said, once settled in and figuring things out, if you understand and are accustomed to the Polish way of life, traditions, and other unique qualities, it is a great place to live and work.

News / Three Poles beaten in front of family. The supects are American soldiers [36]

Christian terrorists? Anyone remember the middle ages? Please, every religion has its wars. But it was righteous and justified for the Catholic church to have its soldiers go to war for the churches reasons? The times and methods have changed, but let point fingers equally.

It is hilarious stuff to read though. Todays problems are all so new when we give them new names. I believe the word used not too long ago was guerilla warfare? Or revolutionary soldiers? Its all the same, just different players in todays game.

Travel / So I went to Warsaw - my thoughts after visiting Poland [88]

Try driving in Chicago. Worst city in the word for driving. Though I will say Warsaw and Krakow can be bad simply due to congestion.

Customer service in most places in Poland I have experienced is very good. Sometimes slow, but in major cities, at busy times its to be expected. In general though, I don't find anyone being artificially nice in stores or anywhere else.

Study / Looking for universities with online Polish language studies [8]

@abd

If you are English speaking, Pimsleur has been great for me. I have yet to use the reading and writing portion, but my verbal skills where non existent before are getting me through basic conversations.

Love / Polish signs if she likes me or wants to just be friends ( help ) [5]

My recent experience may or may not. Living in Poland as an American with two completely different dating experiences. Current girlfriend of 6 months, ultra conservative, ultra conservative family. No hand holding in public even until it was after two months. Did not use the term BF or GF until just recently. Didn't even know she considered it a serious relationship until she made plans for us to go to a wedding 7 months from now.

Prior to current GF, experience was with liberal Polish girl who wanted public displays on second date, and was much more outgoing. Introduced me as a BF to friends on 4th date.

I think it will depend on where your girl is from, and what she is looking for. I wouldn't expect any one cliche' to hold true. That said, the conservative values will drive you crazy if you are not used to them. But she will be worth it in the end if this is the kind of girl she is. Good luck.

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

I could argue at length that the First Amendment does not afford anyone the right to judge another. Your opinion of the First Amendment is contrary to substantial precedential case law. Of course you may have your opinion of another person, but to express it in a way that is slanderous or libelous, or in a way that could lead others to a belief of an untrue thing, could easily result in a collectable judgement.

Thankfully though, my day of sitting on the couch has come to an end. This has been entertaining. I am now more grateful than ever that I have the ability to chose where I live, and those that make rules of law are not on this message board. They must be too busy building walls. Wait a minute.....didn't another country try that? Hmmmm I wonder how that worked out.

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

Actually an entrepreneur. I haven't worked for anyone other than myself in more than 20 years. Full blown conservative in many fiscal matters. I am just a free thinker and don't subscribe to any cults of personality. History has a way of dealing with such cults.

Thankfully the rest of Poland has so many intelligent people to defend their pro Trump feelings on this message board with tactics better suited for third grade bullies during recess.

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

Really? Poland trusts the US? You mean the Polish government or the Polish citizens? Because, actually being in Poland now and having conversations with citizens would probably surprise you. Since the majority I deal with personally and professionally think Trump is a liar. Liar being probably the tamest descriptor many people are using in between laughing about how the US is being torn apart.

Sugar daddy? Seriously? Maybe some nice Snoop Dog quotes in the ensuing posts would be fitting of such profound speech. Then again, we should expect nothing less with such a screen name.

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

Strange how a sense of entitlement comes with being a US Citizen, even when it isn't given at birth. If you do not like Poland so much and you are glad to be gone from the country, why "contribute" so much so often on this board? Congratulations, you got citizenship in an era when it was much easier and travel was much less restrictive.

Citizenship has its rights in the United States. One of them however is NOT a right to judge anyone. I am sure you are one of those great citizens who find it simply remarkable that the rest of the world thinks our president is an absolute donkey. Because the nationalist isolationist practices at work have proven to be so wildly successful in Russia and North Korea.

Again, isn't this board about providing quality information and discussion about Poland?

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

@Joker

Did I say I was embarrassed about my US Passport? I think you have a reading comprehension issue that should be addressed.

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

@Rich Mazur


With such high levels of intelligence displayed in multiple discussions on this board Mr. Mazur, I am simply honored to have been addressed by an esteemed person such as yourself. Thank you, but no, simpler words are not needed.

I thought this message board was about people, places and things in Poland. Not American opinions on things concerning Poland or Polish Citizens, that are based upon news reports and no practical working experience on many of the subjects discussed here.

Maybe American political agendas should left to the United States political system. If you don't like how things are, then you can always vote. Or if you have a big enough bank balance you can possibly spend 10K bribing (political contribution) to influence the political system and further your agenda.

It is shocking to me that those people claiming to be of Polish heritage would say some of these things, or express thoughts clearly not supportive of Poland or its citizens. As if the United States is some perfect place with the perfect plan for its citizens? If the reference to a terrorist act in the United States should reflect on the Polish people who wish to visit maybe the actions of the United States in foreign countries should reflect on our ability as United States citizens to travel to Poland and other countries?

That kind of thinking though is truly offensive to those great Americans who think the world should abide by their rules and opinions though. What do I know, I only carry my US Passport around the world and get laughed at in many countries because of the current state of the United States. When the rest of the world is laughing at the United States, maybe there are more serious issues to be addressed in serious discussions.

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

I have been reading this site for quite a while now. Living part time in Poland, this idea to deposit 10k is probably one of the dumbest things I have read. Beyond all the bragging about big money, which people who really have money don't do, this is absolutely a$$enine. As someone who actually processes work Visas on a regular basis, this is not a Trump or money issue. This is a processing and denial issue that is within the American consulate offices in Poland who are staffed by Polish citizens processing the paperwork.

I cam eo this board for positive information and feedback. it is very disappointing to see some people wanting to develop in swim in a swamp.

News / US expert rejects visa waiver for Poles [51]

Visa waiver program will be introduced to Poland once Visa rejections are down to approximately 3%. Right now they are slightly above 5% which is a dramatic decline from nearly 10% a short time ago. I process Visas for many people each year in my business and work very closely with US Department of Homeland Security in doing this work. I expect the waiver to be obtained within the next 12 months.

Law / Notary Cost Poland [8]

I recently had 6 pages of business documents translated from English to Polish. Cost of translation was 100 pln per page. Notary fee was minimal and separate person.

Love / "I wait for you" - American Guy With Polish Girl Question [9]

If nothing else Lyzko and Richthecat, your interpretations give rise to hope. Much appreciated.

Love / "I wait for you" - American Guy With Polish Girl Question [9]

This is what I would have thought too. But it is actually what she spoke to me at the airport the other day. That is where my confusion lies. I know she uses a translator some times for texting, but this was spoken. Thank you for your thoughts on this though.

Love / "I wait for you" - American Guy With Polish Girl Question [9]

Dziękuję Ci Sylvio. Very difficult to "read" the relationship or where it may stand as this would have different context in US.