The proper behavior an American should show when visiting Poland

ladystardust
'In some very traditional, mostly Catholic families it happens that women are not supposed to work.'
I love while someone like you mix religions matter (mostly Catholic Church) with economic reasons.
This is so funny! Where did you get a such great knowledge?

There are some differences esp. when dealing with shop attendants, restaurant staff (see the thread below)
In Poland you are expected to start conversation/say your request first while in US the staff will greet you first (so do not wait for greeting when in Poland)

Same when answering the phone: in Poland it is polite (and expected) for the caller to introduce himself first esp. when calling a private house.

People manning official call lines at gov. offices, companies will of course introduce themselves.

polishforums.com/society-culture-38/you-think-polish-people-rude-5358/ 19/

1) Don't be so loud. The Americans who have been here before haven't been and they were accepted.

2) Don't act like the territory is yours. When I was in Hiroshima, the US Marines acted like they owned the place and, well, they got 'owned' by the Japanese yakuza.

3) React to those around you, don't shove this 'this is me and this is who I am, deal with it' attitude at them. Some Poles will throw it right back at you.

I'm doomed. Besides, what kind of vacation would it be without THAT? :)


I saw the same thing in South Korea - only it was a like-bunch of US Army Soldiers

Use deodorant, and don't show off your ignorance in regards to other cultures, by saying "But Poland's national language used to be Russian ...or German?"

I would suggest to not comment in the bad way all the church-stuff and our history. Mostly it's about history, people get very offended and aggressive when some foreigners say things which are not as Poles were taught.

And from my personal experience - dont criticise food :P you dont have to like it but you are a guest so keep it for urself.

The other things are as already was said - the same rules are everywhere else in Europe so i guess in USA as well. You can wear shorts and flip flops even but not to the more posh restaurants so the same as in other countries.

If you go into a shop always grab a basket. I was refused service once and I couldn't understand what the lady was saying. She went and got me a basket and then she would help me.

lol poor u. I dont always take a basket but for the sake of quiet shopping u better do as lowfunky99 said lol

that's a good one. Never ever make a 'face' when presented with any food, teach your kids the same.

As we can see on PF every day... ;)

yeh dont go to poland

Take hats off when you go inside a place. You'll look like a scum bag if you dont

Maybe like do not speak loudly, like you own the place?

But what if you do? :)

bring with you an American champagne!

Don't be loud and annoying or act stupid. Be respectful of Polish history. Compliment them on their exquisite style and good looks. Tell them they are the best cooks in the world. Talk about the bright future Poland has and what a wonderful country Poland is and that you are honored to be their guest.

don't overdo it,thought :D

True. You should be polite and complimentary but not in a fake, sychophantish way.

I'd say be respectful and acknowledge commonalities. Be sensitive to the harsh past, ...

Well done to the Nebraska Senator above.

Be straightforward and honest about things. If you don't like/want/enjoy something, then state it, don't be insincere. Don't sugarcoat things. Don't be purposefully disrespectful. If someone doesn't appreciate your honesty, move on to someone who does.


Warsaw isn't exactly a huge tourist destination...

Most American tourists are not into history, art, nor European culture in general. They might be disappointed that it is not Disneyland like.

Take you baseball caps off when indoors and churches in particular.

Don't grin at everyone because we think you are mildly retarded or a hooker, when you do so for no reason.

If you come around Christmas, don't ask people if they are in the Christmas spirit.

Don't expect the waitress to clean off your table and throw the check at you as soon as you wipe your mouth.

Don't tip my bartender, because he will expect that for me too.

In that case, Warsaw may be a good choice after all...

That's a generalization and an assanine one as well. Kind of like me as an American reminding you " the exalted European" not to take a p.iss on our buildings should you come over. Buildings are not urinals as they are in most of Europe. Also, it's customary to bathe everyday in the States. Unless you are a whino.. or "hooker" as you like the term.

It's fun to play with stereotypes, no? Of course, arrogant European that you are you think you are beyond reproach.

Most Polish tourist are only interested in how to overstay their visa, how to get a job illegally, who can they swindle to get more money, who can they marry to stay legal, how to make money, money, money. They never travel around the states to visit national parks or are they ever interested in the US history, they don't bother to learn English as long as they can hide out in Chicago in the Polish neighborhoods, they drive drunk, they don't obey the US laws, they lie and steal the same way as it's done in Poland, they have no interest in the American culture, they subscribe to Polish TV channels, they listen to Polish radio, they shop only at Polish stores, everything that's American is bad, fattening and unhealthy yet they still come here for no other reason than to make a dollar.

So if American tourists are not interested in Polish culture, history or art, then why do they go there? I'm sure it's not to stay their illegally and take jobs away from Polish people.

You've made this little error surely by mistake, it was supposed to be:
Some Polish, you don't have to thank me.


I'd say those who are coming as tourists have to somehow be interested in the history of Poland, why would they come here otherwise? If they don't have any family ties with Poland there are no reasons to visit us ; o

I'd say that firstly there are not many tourists from US coming here because it's a less known country, it's pretty far away too. Any american has got his whole country to see first and that can take a while ;)

Hey Pete you are no so pinching out of sudden ..

Yes, you're right. I meant to say ALL Polish

No surely you've made a mistake. Whoever thinks like that has to be wrong in the head.

*Contacts his supervisor and asks for permission to snipe her down*

"No you cannot she is an American"

Oh maaaan :((

Lol. Can't take a JOKE?