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

I seem to always be on the bad end of this. When I am in Poland the dollar is weak and I lose out on the exchange, but then it goes back up when I am not there. Figures.

Life / I was cursing Poland daily, then returned home, but now thinking of going back.. [39]

It's not always that simple. Sometimes life, money, and other circumstances prevent us from being in a place that "suits" us.

I have been to plenty of places I would hate living.


I wasn't saying it was a Polish thing...I am a Yank myself.

And actually from a practical point of view Warsaw was better for me. I hate suburban America...have to drive everywhere and things are too spread out. I preferred Warsaw's connectedness.

Life / what is GG chat please? [17]

I like using IM and SMS better than talking on the phone. More direct and not always trying to fill the space with words so there isn't dead air.

I haven't used GG because my Polish is horrible but used to use MSN a lot. Lately though nobody is around.

Life / I was cursing Poland daily, then returned home, but now thinking of going back.. [39]

Well I am sure I want to go back...just can't do it right now. Also not looking forward to the immigration hoops again. Starting from scratch is always more of a pain than just extending it.

Life / I was cursing Poland daily, then returned home, but now thinking of going back.. [39]

Hah yeah I am sure they are...it was just the typical stuff all expats get miffed at...ridiculous bureaucracy, horrible customer service and service in general, not being able to get a straight answer for anything, constantly changing "standards" that nobody can ever clearly explain, one kasa out of 20 open and waiting 30min in the queue that wraps around the shop etc.

But on the same note there are things I don't like about here in suburban USA...like everyone talking all the time in public about nothing and doing it LOUDLY, having to drive 30min to get anywhere, all the shops being the size of an Ikea so you have to walk for an hour to get a jug of milk, double billing for mobile phones where both parties pay for minutes used, our broken medical system that is worse than Poland's immigration system, how FAT most people are (I know that's shallow but the glutony irritates me), being asked "How are you?" by everyone you pass when they don't really give a **** and don't want you to say anything but "great and you?"....etc.

Overall the city lifestyle and way of life in Warsaw suited me better. I will go back when I can manage. I really didn't want to leave but had too much trouble renewing the karta pobytu and was just irritated at the game and gave up. My mistake.

Life / Are foreigners welcome in Poland? [267]

I tried to speak Polish but I was not good at it. It was just easier to speak English and everyone would change to it anyway if they knew how so I never really got any good at Polish.

One thing I have noticed is that natives often laugh at you rather than encouraging you and helping when you mess up. There were times that people made such a big deal out of how cute I sounded or mistakes I made that it made me want to not bother. I never did that with people in English even if they did sound ridiculous...encouraging works far better than mockery.

Life / Driving test, English speaking driving school in Warsaw? [95]

Nevermind about my camera question...saw someone posted about it before. I can't see cameras stopping bribes...it would just make you need to be more cautious about it.

I never bothered because I didn't want to spend all that money. I just drove on my US license and a "International Permit". I know you are supposed to get a Polish license after a certain amount of time but the process was so ridiculous I didn't bother. Seems there is no standard...I know people who tested 10 times and people who tested once...and neither is a better driver than the other. Seems the one just got unlucky with examiners.

Life / Driving test, English speaking driving school in Warsaw? [95]


Was this dramatizing or did that really happen? It wouldn't surprise me in Poland but I am curious what they claim the motionless person who is obeying the law did wrong.

Life / Driving test, English speaking driving school in Warsaw? [95]


Could you point us to some official info on this?


Well that's a bit different than someone sitting still being hit but still the fault of the follower. If you are driving that close to someone that you can't stop if they do even suddenly then you are at fault. Most people drive way to close to each other.

In the states if there is a chain reaction in such a case everyone get's cited for hitting the car in front of them normally.

Travel / WARSAW OLD-TOWN RESTAURANTS? [25]


Ah good old "Toni" (Chanjarit I believe is his real name). He is a piece of work isn't he? I fell into his trap for a bit when he was wanting me to bring him business. He pretended to be friendly and give free food. But when I didn't turn out to be a cash cow he turned into a real d*ck. He also treated his staff horribly..always yelling at them. Last I heard of him some girls were accusing him of inappropriate things which didn't surprise me in the least. What is it with Indians in Warsaw? Always so much drama.

Life / I was cursing Poland daily, then returned home, but now thinking of going back.. [39]

I am not really sure what fuzzywickets is on about with his "that's not much of a list and maybe you should read it again"....well bite me it's MY list. Keep your suggestions to yourself next time buddy.

I got used to people kind of leaving me be in public (except for the random grandma lecturing someone on their clothing or choice of beer). In the US people are way too intrusive for me. Always talking and asking questions. They (we) are incapable of being around other people and not talking to fill the silence. I hate that and it is really irritating me since I have been back.

Poles are friendly in private and kind of rude often in public but looking back the only time that really bothered me was when it came to customer service. Generally whilst moving around day to day it was a plus. Less small talk.

Anyway I will go back when I can.

Work / I got a job in Krakow for 3500 zl Brutto...is it ok ? [33]

4500 net would be fine and allow you some breathing room as long as you aren't someone who throws money around. You will be able to get a flat and pay food and utilities and daily costs for around 3000.

Work / I got a job in Krakow for 3500 zl Brutto...is it ok ? [33]

I was going based on my life there which I considered simple. 2000 or so for a flat all utilities included. maybe 400 a month for food and then another few hundred for activities and transport.

I don't see how I could have lived on 1500 unless I was just renting a room and eating at milk bars.

Law / Retirees immigration regulations in Poland [34]

Can we please get back on track? I am not interested in people's opinion whether or not Poland is a good place to retire. I need specific information.

Does anyone know if "retired" is a legitimate reason for requesting residency? When you apply you have to have an acceptable reason like being a student in Poland or working in Poland. Each "reason" has it's own additional requirements like a work permit or university documents.

I am trying to find out if being retired is a legitimate reason and if there are any additional requirements for this reason. I am aware of the general requirements for any reason like insurance and zameldowania etc.

I thought I remembered seeing that it was an acceptable reason but can't recall where.

Matyjasz I am not sure what on that blog you were pointing me to...can you clarify?

Law / Retirees immigration regulations in Poland [34]

I am asking specifically in regards to Americans. I will look through some of the links people have provided. I also do not have any Polish blood. I have lived there before at length so am not naive to the good and bad about life there.

Some nations allow this retiree reason because it is money coming into the economy. The pension the individual lives on goes into the local economy while they are not taking penison, education and citizen's health benefits from the host nation usually. I know it is very different for EU members and that has nothing to do with me. I was pretty sure I saw that as an option on some paperwork at the immigration office during one of the many times I was there. It didn't apply to me back then so I glossed over it. But I seem to recall it said retirees with a certain income could apply for residency.

Anyway don't let me stop your arguing nonsense about who sucks and who doesn't.

Law / Retirees immigration regulations in Poland [34]

Ah thanks. I thought I was missing some relevant article or link.

Language / Is it too late for me to learn Polish..? [65]

I lived there for years and never learned it beyond a basic level. I found most expats were the same. It is just so hard and you can always seem to manage without it. Doesn't help either when people you are surrounded by want to speak English all the time. So I just kind of gave up.

But since I plan to go back there long term I really need to learn it. I just get overwhelmed every time. I don't have that problem with German, French, Spanish etc...I can study those and not feel intimidated. But Polish is just so "weird" to me. Sounds I don't like...grammar that is ridiculously complicated. Ugh....not looking forward to it but it is necessary.

Law / Retirees immigration regulations in Poland [34]

Why? Wouldn't you be allowed to apply for permanent residency like anyone else after 5 years?

Law / Retirees immigration regulations in Poland [34]


Why the smarmy arrogance pal? I have navigated it before many times and will do so again eventually despite it being full of people with smug attitudes like yourself. You mother clearly didn't teach you any manners. I also met people who retired to Poland but at the time had no interest in asking how they did it. They had permanent residency. Maybe you should refrain from posting snotty replies when you really don't know what you are talking about.

So....in plain English: Get stuffed :)

News / Polish Policeman shoots down a foreigner in Warsaw [300]

He is Nigerian not "afroamerican" and if you grab at a Police officers' gun you might get shot...common sense.

Life / Apple v IBM computers in Poland [37]


Wow you sound like the snob. I prefer Mac because I like the OS and how it works. Yeah they cost too much but it's not just "fashion".

Anyway the main reason they aren't more popular in Poland is cost. The greedy resellers have taken an already expensive product and marked it up to a ridiculous level that most people cannot afford.

People who "bash" a brand of computer are usually people with no experience with that brand. The solution is simple if you despise Apple stuff so much...don't buy it. But we all know you weren't going to anyway. You just want to justify YOUR choice.

Life / Apple v IBM computers in Poland [37]

This "attitude" you see is mostly in the minds of people like yourself. I find the people shrieking the loudest against Macs have never owned one. Kind of like the guy with no car saying how he would never "waste" his money on a BMW. He was never going to anyway. If I could afford a BMW I would buy one...they are great cars...but I can't. And I don't feel the need to bash people who can.

Life / Apple v IBM computers in Poland [37]

Bratwurst Boy

That is your opinion then. I am quite happy with OSX and never feel I am waiting on anything or behind. Sounds like you are better suited for a PC if your environment needs certain PC based software more often.

But your petty sniping at Macs and Mac users is lame. The fact is many people are very happy with them and they are not all snobs who are only interested in "fashion". You are perpetuating that nonsense yourself not us.

You started the barking with your insults not me.

News / Polish Policeman shoots down a foreigner in Warsaw [300]

People talking about shooting to "wound" have no experience with firearms. I even question this idea that Polish Police have a "shoot to wound" first order because it is extremely impractical. In most all Modern Police departments the firearm is a deadly force tool and you shoot to kill if it comes to that. Trying to shoot someone in the leg is ridiculously impractical and can still kill them by hitting a major artery. This kind of silly idea comes from TV and people who have never touched a gun, not real life.

Life / Apple v IBM computers in Poland [37]

See all the posts like this? Who is the snob eh?

Law / Applying for Polish citizenship through marriage. [116]

It used to be 5 years of marriage and residing in Poland. Has it been changed to 3? I just glanced at the first page of your link and saw 5 years mentioned but not 3.

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


I hardly think Poles living abroad have as much of a grip on the issues as the locals. You may THINK you do but there is no substitute for living it and no amount of media or gossip from your granny is going to change that reality.

You really have no business voting in a place you don't live anyway...rights or not. Who are you to influence things for people who actually have to be there? You don't have to suffer the impacts of your decision like those living there do. I'd be fine with laws saying that in order to vote you had to be residing in that nation/

Life / Apple v IBM computers in Poland [37]

Nobody is forcing anyone to buy a Mac if you don't want one...but the constant attempts to cut them down is pathetic. You make yourselves feel better about your purchases by trying to rip on people who have made other choices and belittling theirs.

Not everyone who buys a Mac is a fashion snob anymore than everyone buying a PC is a cheap loser who can't afford any better. It's ridiculous the lengths some of you are going through to try and "justify".