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Practical Information / FAQ

The official currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). Poland is not part of the eurozone; therefore, all cash payments are made in PLN. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, including hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, taxis, and ticket machines.

Cash may be useful in small local shops or markets. Currency exchange offices are widely available in the city centre and at the airport

Weather in May is generally warm, but can be unpredictable, with temperatures shifting from warm to cool over a few days. It may be rainy with intermittent, passing showers, sometimes with thunderstorms.

Daytime temperatures typically reach around 19°C to 21°C (66°F – 70°F). 

Nights can still be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 7°C to 11°C (45°F – 52°F).

Clothing Advice: It is recommended to bring layers, including a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings, as well as an umbrella.

Local SIM cards are offered by operators such as Orange, T-Mobile, Play, and Plus. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, in operator stores, or at kiosks.

The most convenient option for international visitors is an eSIM, which can be purchased and activated online before arrival.
Recommended platform:
Airalo – https://www.airalo.com/pl/poland-esim

An eSIM allows you to access mobile internet immediately after landing in Poland, without the need to replace a physical SIM card.

Warsaw has a modern, safe, and well-developed public transport system, including buses, trams, metro, and urban rail (SKM).

Official public transport operator website (ZTM):
https://www.wtp.waw.pl

Tickets are time-based and valid across all modes of transport within the selected time period.

Approximate ticket prices:

  • 75-minute ticket: approx. 4.40 PLN
  • 24-hour ticket: approx. 15 PLN
  • 3-day ticket: approx. 36 PLN

Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at stations, kiosks, and mobile apps:

Uber and Bolt are very popular and safe in Warsaw. Booking a ride via the app is the easiest option, and the price is shown before confirming the trip.

Uber: https://www.uber.com/pl
Bolt: https://bolt.eu/pl/

Licensed traditional taxis are available at designated taxi stands and at the airport. They can also be booked through the iTaxi app at https://www.itaxi.pl/ 

The approximate cost of a taxi ride from Warsaw Chopin Airport to the city centre is 35–50 PLN (night fare can be 50% higher).

Warsaw Chopin Airport is located close to the city centre. Upon arrival, you may use:

  • taxi / Uber / Bolt (approx. 20–30 minutes to the city centre),
  • urban trains,
  • public buses.

Official airport website:
https://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl

Taxis available directly outside the terminal are official and safe.

Warsaw is very well covered by navigation apps.

Recommended applications:

  • Google Maps – walking, driving, and public transport navigation,
  • Jakdojade – public transport route planning.

The city centre is pedestrian-friendly and easy to explore on foot.

Poland is a safe country, and Warsaw is considered one of the safest capital cities in Europe. Public transport, the city centre, and hotel areas are well-lit and monitored.

We recommend standard precautions, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and documents.


English is widely spoken in Warsaw, especially in hotels, restaurants, taxis, and tourist areas. Most younger people and conference staff communicate fluently in English.


Poland uses 230V electricity and Type C and Type E plugs (European standard). Participants from Europe do not need adapters. Visitors from outside Europe may require a plug adapter.

Shopping centers are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Convenience stores usually work from 6 a.m, to 11 p.m. 

Restaurants serve food until 10 p.m. Drink bars are usually open late. 

Most shops are closed on Sundays. Restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores are usually open.

Poland is a welcoming and open country; however, as in any place, there are certain cultural norms worth keeping in mind to avoid misunderstandings:

  • Punctuality is important – being late for business meetings or conference events may be perceived as disrespectful.
  • In public places (transport, restaurants), it is customary to keep a moderate voice level – loud conversations may be considered impolite.
  • When entering someone’s home or certain private spaces, removing shoes is often expected (in private situations).
  • Political and historical topics may be sensitive – caution is advised, especially when speaking with people you have just met.
  • Consuming alcohol in public places (streets, parks) is prohibited and may result in a fine.
  • Smoking is only permitted in designated areas – smoking is prohibited in restaurants, bars, and indoor public spaces.
  • Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated in restaurants (typically around 10%) if the service was satisfactory.
  • Crossing the street on a red light is an offence and may result in a fine, even if the street appears empty.

Although English is widely spoken in Warsaw, using a few basic Polish phrases is always appreciated:

  • Dzień dobry – Hello / Good morning
  • Dobry wieczór – Good evening
  • Do widzenia – Goodbye
  • Proszę – Please / You’re welcome
  • Dziękuję – Thank you
  • Przepraszam – Excuse me / I’m sorry
  • Czy mówisz po angielsku? – Do you speak English?
  • Ile to kosztuje? – How much does it cost?
  • Gdzie jest toaleta? – Where is the restroom?
  • Pomocy! – Help!

Even using a few simple Polish words is usually received very positively.

Emergency Numbers (valid throughout Poland):

  • 112 – general emergency number (police, ambulance, fire department)
  • 999 – ambulance
  • 998 – fire department
  • 997 – police

In emergencies, please call 112 – operators speak English.

Health Care

Warsaw offers high-quality medical care, both public and private. In emergency situations, medical assistance is provided regardless of insurance status.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city. Some pharmacies operate 24/7. Many basic medications are available without a prescription.

Insurance

We recommend having individual travel health insurance. Participants from the EU should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Below is a list of useful websites to help you plan your stay and get around Warsaw:

What kind of city is Warsaw for international visitors?

Warsaw is a city of intellectual depth and quiet vitality, offering a balanced relationship between history, culture, and contemporary urban life. As Poland’s capital for over 400 years, it has developed into a safe, welcoming, and well-organized European metropolis, particularly well suited to visitors from the worlds of science, academia, and medicine.

Why does Warsaw have such a diverse architectural landscape?

Warsaw’s urban landscape reflects its complex history. Gothic churches, classical palaces, modernist architecture, post-war reconstruction, and contemporary buildings coexist as a result of the city’s near-total destruction during the Second World War and its carefully planned reconstruction. Today, this diversity is widely regarded as a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity.

Which cultural institutions in Warsaw are particularly worth visiting?

Warsaw offers a high-quality and thoughtful cultural scene. Institutions such as the Fryderyk Chopin Museum and the Museum of Polish History present Polish culture and history in a clear, modern, and engaging way, well suited to international audiences.

Are there green and quiet places to relax in Warsaw?

Yes. Warsaw is a green city with numerous parks and gardens. Places such as Łazienki Królewskie and the Wilanów Palace gardens combine architecture, landscape, and art, offering calm spaces for reflection and relaxation away from the bustle of the city.

What is Polish cuisine like in everyday life?

Polish cuisine is valued for substance, simplicity, and seasonal ingredients. Traditional dishes such as pierogi, żurek, and bigos, schabowy remain an important part of everyday life and reflect a culinary culture based on careful preparation rather than excess.

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grafika i projekt: Agnieszka Siemaszko VirbIT