The proper behavior an American should show when visiting Poland

Its a trait well established in the USA history and profit is GOD for many.

Well, we have no choice but to pursue it; profit puts food in the belly.. not socialist grandfathers.

No toilet paper lines here either.

Well, in that case there nothing wrong with Polish illegals the USA, pursing money in any which way they can?!


Aren't you lucky pincher ?

I fail to understand why someone would be required to write an essay they can't knowingly answer.

Wow... I better take close look at this thread, before I visit the motherland this summer.

One more thing; it is proper for visiting young women to take the Polish men out for drinks. If this isn't done then it is disrespectful to Polish culture. This is the proper appreciation a guest should show to the host.

I strongly disagree. I find Polish people here to be much better traveled than an average American, and much more adventurous in their choices.

But if you live in the U.S, then surely the Poles you meet have to have travelled there, and thus are more likely to be frequent travellers?

Proper behavior?
Just don't smile all the time, damn it. It freakes me out.

I think urszula was referring to Poles in US.

I am a New Yorker going to Poland! I am not that loud and obnoxious! But does it really matter once everyone is drunk anyway?! P.S. people might not enjoy loud NY'ers but that is part of our charm, belief it or not :D

Why the fock not? is ketchup a taboo back in PL?

what a bull. Another America expert. Different culture, not better and not worse, just different.
Why the hell you guys always believe that just because one behaves differently, he's automatically an idiot? I lived in Poland (and other European countries) for a while and I think that some of your behavior is odd too but I just take it the way it comes. It's just another experience in my life.

Never refuse what is offered to you if you are a guest in someones home. If offered a drink accept one, do not say no thank you. Polish people are fantastic hosts and to refuse is very insulting.

Don't make a big reaction to the lack of deodorant (mostly older generation), it just is how it is.

Use an internal filter and stop yourself from saying "why would they do it like that? We dont do it like that in the states?" Think it, just don't say it.

Do not expect people to speak English, this is not an English speaking country. Rather read a bit and try to learn a few basic words, people will be much friendlier.

Do not expect shopworkers to pay you any mind, they wait for you to show interest in what they are selling. My first few years here I was appalled at the last of customer service...now it just is what it is.

A great (but hard to find book) is Shortcuts to Poland, written by an American expat living here for a long time. Her observations of cultural differences are spot on!

true, especially when it comes to alcohol


very true


agree, however English is the most popular language in the world, it would be smart to learn it.
You'll have less problems with younger people (quite a few speak some English).


always a good advice no matter what country you go to.


yep, very bad customer service (like almost anywhere else in Europe).

The proper behavior is to act natural, watch your belongings at all times, don't venture to places that look unsafe.

Most people will notice right away that you're an American because of your clothing, general looks and how you talk… (In a similar way how you can tell who is from NYC, LA or down South.)

Poland is a blend of mainly German and Russian cultures with a pinch of Italian and of course more recently the American "culture", but I don't know for sure if there is such thing as an American culture per se..

Few Polish jokes will help you break the ice.


"Yo wassup" and high five.They love it.


No worry bout it, they don't get offended easily.In order to gain respect remaind them how much US helps Poland sending bilions of US dollars to Poland and how Americans freed them from German ocupation during WWII.If invited for a drink yell "Nasdrovyaaa" loudest you can and adress all the old women per "babushka".

Basically just be an American.

You really believe that we're all that stupid grubas? (not a question, I know your opinion).
You said you live here so you should know that about 98% of us don't care about Poland (not in a bad meaning of it).

A good advice for chattynettie is to at least try to avoid all political and history topics as you guys are "experts" anyway and unless one will be saying what you want to hear, you'll start with ridiculing one and if that ain't gonna be good enough, you'll continue with your insults until you're gonna eventually satisfy yourself.

Now to chattynettie, don't worry about what some of the posters here are saying, you'll find many nice people in Poland. It seems like this forum has gathered the creme de la creme of smartasses, the type that you won't be meeting in Poland very often.

@OP
Never get into a discussion with Poles about any shortcomings in Poland.
Even if they are bichin about it. Just dont. ;)

And a common advice for Poles visiting the States is do not discuss any shortcomings of the USA, especially the health service and the gun possesion laws. Also remember when someone says that the USA is the best place to live on Earth just nod in agreement, any other reply is unwelcomed.

True, although most traveling Americans have adopted to the fact, that their country is seen as a warmonger outside of the US.

Merged: Proper social etiquette while visiting Poland?

Visiting from the United States next year and was wondering what is some of the social etiquette in Poland?
I don't mean general manners or common sense things, like please and thank you or holding open a door for someone.
Like if I am visiting someone's home or family? Or when I visit a pub/restaurant? Things like that. I have been doing a lot of research and reading many articles, but it's always good to hear from the horse's mouth. Thanks!

1. Don't crack Polish jokes.

2. Some Poles will stereotype you and may think you are 'arrogant and ignorant' (some of you are ;), but then be yourself. Cool, easy-going, American dude, that's what Poles like ;).

3. If you start talking about politics or sports or anything else - you will usually be on the losing side (average Poles know much more about the world than an average American, so try listening and don't talk too much if you are not very comfortable with these topics ;).

I'm not so sure a visitor needs to worry, at least not in major cities. They can just simply chill and be natural. Not litter the street, not be surprised if they open a door for an older person or woman who doesn't say thanks, not be surprised if they give way on the road and the beneficiary fails to say thanks, not be surprised at speeding drivers. Poles hardly pay any attention to visitors or foreigners these days, it's no longer a novelty. Wro has people from India, Korea, Spain, the States and more. Just basic good manners, as you'd display anywhere, is appreciate by everyone. Knowing a few courtesy words in Polish would be more useful than knowing etiquette, as such.

It's amazing how many total idiots are attracted like magnets to serious/helpful sights. I had the good fortune to be in Poland in 1975 on President Ford's security detail (during the communist occupation) and I found it to be a beautiful country filled with truly nice people and great food. Those who put down many places and people have probably never even been there, this is not to say that everywhere is great, some places are true garbage dumps but that is just a fact of life. The people I met in Poland were really good hearted and proud of their country - they also had a well deserved hatred of the communist rule, both the Polish and Russian brands. I have always wanted to go back to Poland to spend more time, meet more people and enjoy more of the country.

Don't wear a cowboy/Texan hat wearing jean jackets and a visible carry gun like a boss like many Americans do in Prague.

Pretend you are mute? Don't act like your from USA? A short list...Don't talk politics unless you want to embarrass yourself. Don't talk about American Football. Don't act as though you expect everyone to speak English. Learn some simple Polish words and phrases and use them, locals will appreciate the effort.

This is good advice. Poles are more inclined to help/talk to you if you try speaking Polish first.

And all the women think its really cute when you mess up words too:)


So, how do these Cowboys sneak their guns past security and onboard the airplanes?? lol

Simple:

1) Learn at least the basics of the language!

2) Refrain from offering any unsolicited opinions!

3) Read up significantly on the local/national culture BEFORE undertaking a trip there!

Other than that, you should be fine:-)

None of the above.
Simpler:
Behave normal as you do back in the USA.