do it in Polish
I did.
Being more specific would probably help.
Examples:
"Does that station [in the distance] have a ticket machine?"
A: "yes it does"... *No, it didn't*
"Is this the way to Gołębia street?"
A: "yes"... *It was in the opposite direction*
"Which way to the closest bus stop" 3 choices, 1 where I came from
A: "That way"... *The direction I had come from, at least a mile with no bus stops. Found one nearby around the corner*
...and several more examples.
So, this really doesn't seem cultural to you?
Idk, maybe locals like to screw with visitors? I asked a pretty good cross-section of people, I'd be surprised it's coincidence. It includes people I'm doing business with, who can only lose by screwing with me.
Maybe I give off a weird vibe and don't realize it? They seem to understand, language-wise, and I have verified in English if they speak English (such as the people I do business with) to make sure it's not bad communication. It really honestly seems cultural. Like saying "I don't know" is shameful.