Real Estate / Question about Czynsz (Building maintenance fees/utilies) in Poland [129]

Can I just say, this is a really useful thread for anyone renting in Poland. Too many people just pay what they are told and don't shop around. I stayed in a flat once for 750PLN rent, but Czynsz was 800PLN. It was in a very old Kamienica and the heating/hot water was through a combi boiler (can't remember what they call them in Poland) so no heating or hot water included. I just put it down to the way things were.

Then I moved to another place, rent was 1000PLN and czynsz was 950PLN, but this covered hot water, heating, and you could see the people cleaning and repairing the building regularly. While it was more expensive, it meant a LOT less on other bills, and so in the bigger (and better) flat, we ended up paying either the same or less per month than the studio we were in before.

Don't get me wrong, it's tough being a renter in Poland, but it's important to shop around. It's in no way unique to Poland, here in Scotland I remember going to flat viewings where we were basically sat with other people begging for a flat and they had us at their advantage. Luckily I managed to find something through friends, and I would advise people stick a post on facebook if they are looking and have friends in the city.

Life / Checking 3G/4G coverage in Poland [3]


I had never thought of that, it's a really good, if time-consuming, idea! Personally I started on Orange but they didn't seem great value when I moved to a smartphone so changed to Play based on what the majority of my mates used.

Food / Eating Kielbasa - how do you cook yours? [119]


Well known source of all Kielbasa...

News / Poland has a Michelin star restaurant! [7]

Seems there are now two restaurants with stars in Warsaw, which does put Poland bottom of the list country wise in the latest volume of the Major Cities of Europe Michelin Guide. There are some honourable mentions in Warsaw and Kraków but only two stars. Thoughts on why this might be? I'm a big fan of Polish food, but eating out in Poland can be very hit or miss and I think that doesn't do Poland any favours. A lot of restaurants in Kraków serving Polish food seem to lack imagination and stick rigidly to the tourist "Karczma" market and then the foreign restaurants are the ones trying to be imaginative but often lacking the funding and staff behind it.

Law / Zamaldowanie (registration of residence) not unless the owner come with me to the urząd (registry office) [7]

In all the times I have done it I just needed to have the rental contract and for the dates on that to match up with the dates on my Zameldowanie form. Maybe you were just unlucky to run into someone particularly difficult. If you are not comfortable arguing in Polish (not saying you can't speak Polish, but mine is pretty good but I am not confident enough in my skills to argue) then maybe bring a friend with you that can argue the point with them, perhaps also print off the details from the url so you can show that to them.

Life / Amazon stops super saver delivery on orders to Poland [40]


Did anything ever happen with this?

Food / Where to find a good bottle of wine in Poland? [18]

If you are in Kraków you will find there is a specialist wine shop on Dietla just next to the crossroads at Starowislna. Also a couple in Kazimierz. These are very expensive though so be prepared to pay through the nose.

I always found Lidl had a good selection as did my local Biedronka (I had 2 next to me, one had a great selection, the other not so much). In the latter I have found NZ Sauvingon for 17.99 at times. It is hit or miss as it depends the stock that's in at the moment, their prosecco is pretty good too. Also check out the Portugese Vinho Verde as that's dry with a nice effervescence and is often in stock. Lidl is a safer bet as their wine selection is more consistent, however I always find they are better for red than white, so keep that in mind.

Other than that, I echo the comments of others, make sure you are looking for "Wytrawne" and check the description on the bottle as you will often find Polwytrawne wines sitting in the Wytrawne section.

Food / Polish Drink Vs Irish People [20]


Really? I thought it was very strange that they got people who obviously don't drink much to do the tasting. The fact that one person thought Zywiec was an ale and everyone's reactions to Zubrowka (which is not that strong, and is quite sweet when it comes to vodka) made it seem like this was the first time they were trying alcohol, never mind Polish drinks...

Life / Why are the lines in supermarkets the slowest and the longest in Europe? Usually only very few employees work [18]


I think it's unfair to lump them all in the same. My local Biedronka in Kurdwanów was always quick on the bell when the queues mounted up and they got a new one open in no time. I won't blame the staff for some of the Babcias moving at the speed of light to get in front of you in the queue only to lose all concept of speed once there.

Law / Do banks in Poland accept bank drafts issued by a foreign bank, in Polish Zloty? [8]

I have recently been using Poland transfer. Never had a problem with them and the commission there has been as low as I've seen. I've not transferred huge amounts of money so not sure if those fees go up when you are moving large amounts.

Law / Internet provider in Poland - signing a contract with my foreign passport [9]

Completely agree with this, I've never been asked for ID when signing up for TV or internet. They do always ask for a PESEL (or NIP I suppose are they are pretty interchangeable on these things). Without this I think you would either be out of luck, or would be in for a nightmare of paperwork.

Just a slightly out of the box suggestion, if you have no PESEL, but a relatively good relationship with your landlord, might be worth having him get the internet in place and add that cost to the rent.

Real Estate / Prices of apartment in central Krakow [6]

Kraków is expensive, there is no doubt about that. But also, staying in the centre of any European (or World) city is going to be very expensive. In Kraków they have an excellent public transport system with a number of lines running through the night. There is really no reason to be staying right in the centre. Look instead for areas along major public transport routes. Will save you a bomb going forward.

Life / Living Expenses in Krakow [42]


That seems a bit excessive. I generally spend 130zl per week on the Tesco delivery and eat in most days. I most certainly don't stick to potatoes and cabbage, in fact I would say I have far too much meat in my diet and keep meaning to drop it down a bit (terrible willpower me).

I earn quite a bit less than 4500zl net, generally eat out at least once a week and am out pretty much every weekend (and the odd night during the week). I don't know what your lifestyle is like, but if you are saying you can only live like a monk on less than 4500zl you must only every drink straight in the centre and shop in Alma for all imported goods. Spending less doesn't mean living less...

Work / What kind of CV for a job in a multinational company in Poland; Europass or traditional one? Address problems. [19]

Agreed regarding the address, also I would include information about not speaking Polish. Don't make someone do the digging, they won't appreciate it. My CV is pretty honest and concise. All personal information is there, brief descriptions of previous jobs, education info and a quick 2 liner about interests (I always liked reading what people were interested in.

I had never heard of a Europass CV before and quickly googled it, from a recruiters point of view, avoid this like the plague. I always wondered why so many people had identical CVs that I would pass over. You want to stand out, use the Europass as a starter template and then make it your own.

Also, I have noticed in Poland people always put a picture on their CV but in the UK we don't. Is there a particular reason for the picture? If I was keen I would check LinkedIn/GoldenLine. Always thought there was little point in a picture on a CV, what is the PF consensus?

News / Poland have the 3rd best Education System of Europe [49]


Religious classes have only recently become optional in Poland, and if you don't take that you have to an Ethics class instead. Religious education in the UK is not some Catholic Church mandated curriculum, but instead a study of many religions. It should be mandatory to learn about all religions.

Life / Little-known facts about Poland [45]


Maybe not Poland-centric...but this was also common in pre/early post war flats in the UK. Flats were like rooms with a washbasin and you shared a bathrooom. You can still see it in cheaper B&Bs in Blackpool. Rising Damp was a great British sitcom set in one of these.

I have no issue with no bathroom window, provided there is ventilation. But I really don't get the frosted door glass panel on pretty much every flat bathroom I have been to. While you can't see clearly through, I still don't want to see the outline of someone sitting on the toilet!

Life / Is this your Polish mamusia (mum)? [4]

Exactly what I was going to say, although to add to point 7, if you do get dragged outside, make sure you are fully wrapped up and with a scarf...28C will get you a cold!

Life / Funeral Traditions in Poland [66]


I think that's the same most places. I know once I was on a single carriage way in a bit of a hurry and there was a bit of a queue. There was plenty of space in the other lane so I buzzed past, almost died (pun intended) when I realised there was a hearse at the front. Put my hurry to the side and pulled in at the next lay by and got out the car to let them pass. Never felt so bad as a driver.

Law / Right Hand Drive cars in Poland 'indefinitely' but not registered - doable? [21]

I have to ask, as just an occaisional driver, is it really neccesary to keep a RHD car here in Poland. Can you not sell it and get something LHD. For me personally I would not want to be driving in a foreign country with different rules with the bigger blind spot on the wrong side. Just like I wouldn't be keen driving a LHD car in the UK, are roundabouts not a nightmare?

UK, Ireland / Polish prince challenges Nigel Farage to 18th Century-style duel [6]


Is it ok if they are old or teenagers?? ;)

Language / "-ska" Polish last name different from "-ski"? [15]

As far as I know, when changing your name after marriage in the UK, your name can be changed to what's on the certificate. As long as the certificate is translated and legally confirmed then you won't have a problem. Just like with deed poll, you can really change your name to whatever you want...

Language / "Cup of coffee" translated in Poland as Kubek kawy. Why not a mug? [70]

In English I think of a tea-cup and coffee mug. But then, when I have a cup of tea/coffee, I normally drink it in a mug. I think mugs get more and more popular because they are a bit more substancial and easier to take care of, whereas a cup is a bit more fragile, but I still think of any vessel that holds hot beverages as a cup: "cup of coffee", "cup of hot chocolate", "cup of Grzaniec", etc. Language is funny :)

Law / Public holidays: Good Friday / January 2 / Sundays - do companies work in Poland? [9]

Merged: Public holidays in Poland and work. Days In Lieu - Sundays.

I have just been informed that, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday then you can still take a day in lieu from your work so you still get a day off for the holiday, however if it's on a Sunday then that's not possible. Can anyone confirm if this is true, and, if so, shed some light on this strange (and highly upsetting this year with 03/05 and 01/11 on Sundays) rule?

Life / Medical Trials in Poland? How much do you get? [4]


Depends how you classify free...you can get a paid day off work for donating blood, and free ham!

News / Surprising ranking of Polish supermarkets (Biedronka expensive?) Living expenses in Poland. [35]


I noticed the basket of shopping they were judging on had a few specific brand names in there, in those cases your biggest supermarkets are going to be able to outprice smaller discount supermarkets. In which case I would say if you bought Biedronka oil instead of Kujawski or Biedronka water instead of Zywiec you can make a pretty fine saving there alone.

Plus, what size of amily shopping are they testing for...1kg of yellow cheese...that would do my sandwiches for a month!!

News / Surprising ranking of Polish supermarkets (Biedronka expensive?) Living expenses in Poland. [35]

I agree with the OP, I know Auchan is cheap but I really didn't think that Biedronka would be so much more expensive...it is marketed as a discount supermarket after all.

I would say that Biedronka is super value for wine and beer (there's always a really good dry white for the 10-13zl mark and beers, provided you're not so fussy, are pretty cheap and in bigger cans than most places). I have also found that Biedronka's deals are sometimes beyond compare anywhere else. I generally get my normal weekly shop online from Tesco and then anything else I need at the last minute from Biedronka.

Food / Where can I buy lamb in Poland? [89]

At only 15zl for 4 chops or two steaks it's a real bargain and I really enjoyed mine just grilled. Missed the mint sauce though!

You wouldn't believe it in Poland were lamb is not popular, but they are selling out really fast, so get to them quick!

News / IPLA.TV / Polsat S.A. - POLAND ONLINE TV SCAM WARNING [7]

Hola Better Internet app for Google Chrome, always works for me and BBC iPlayer.

Work / Typical Post - A good salary in Rybnik - 3000 for part time in finance? [16]

My wife and I earn similar to that in Kraków working full time and still afford to go out regularly, save money each month and live a very confortable life. We are also paying rent. I wouldn't think it'd be hard to live on that in Rybnik. Maybe some of you people are too much into your expat life and don't fine any comfort in sitting at home a few nights a week just chilling out. I don't do it because I have to, but I like to spend a bit of time at home chilling.

Love / Civil Cermony Details in Poland - music, vows? [10]

Weirdest thing I found was that the office took my birth certificate and wont give it back. I can get copies...but surely they can't keep a legal document that's my property from me.