Poland is a Central European nation of Western culture, member of the European Union and NATO. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism.

LANGUAGE

Polish belongs to the Slavic linguistic branch, the closest languages being Ukrainian and Czech.

Knowledge of English is widespread, especially among the younger generations in the cities.

CURRENCY

Poland has its own coin, the zloty (ZL or PLN, pronounced zwote). When paying by credit card, the system will enquire whether we want to pay in zlotys or in our own currency (e.g. GBP – Sterling Pound). As a rule, paying in zlotys will be slightly more advantageous.

To exchange pounds for zlotys, it’s a good idea to use a banking app such as Revolut.

GUNS

Poland has arguably the most liberal gun laws of any European country, to the point of being called “The Texas of Europe”.

A Polish citizen can take months to obtain a sports shooting licence, but once obtained, he/she may practice concealed carry (CCW) and there are not many restrictions as for the type of weaponry that can be possessed, calibres, suppressors or magazine capacity.

All shooting sessions must be supervised by at least one instructor with the adequate Polish permits and paperwork.

Firearm training in Poland is administratively relatively easy and it is only necessary to abide by legal regulations, which are few and ‘commonsensical’!

SAFETY

Poland is one of the safest countries of the EU and safer than any country of the formerly called Western Europe, including the UK. The difference is much more apparent if we compare the capital (Warsaw) with other Western capitals like London, Paris or Berlin.

FORMALITIES

Men greet each other by shaking hands.

Men and women greet each other by shaking hands or cheek kissing, depending on the formality of the setting.

UKRAINIAN CONFLICT

The Ukrainian conflict does not affect day to day life in Poland. Signs of solidarity with the Eastern neighbour are commonplace.

The presence of Ukrainian refugees is very noticeable. Women, children and elders predominate. Their language and culture are close to their hosts. They are a very different refugee phenomenon than the one experienced by Western Europe in 2015.

WEATHER

Winters in Poland are tough – not as much due to the weather as due to the scarcity of sunlight. It’s important to consume Vitamin D rich foods.

WARSAW

The city where we’re based is a modern capital in the middle of a major economic growth cycle. You can expect many skyscrapers, spotless public transport, many young people and a frantic working atmosphere.

Warsaw is a city of business and work, but it is also easy to find leisure options.

DELICATE SUBJECTS

Being of a similar culture than ‘Westeners’, their taboos are not different from ours. Family is very important in Poland and it is in general a more conservative nation than the UK.

The recent history of Poland is tragic and Poles are trying to leave it behind and look forward. World War II and Russia can be sensitive topics.

The Pole is a good host, a patriot and an excellent warrior. If you respect his nation, his traditions and his history, your Polish experience will be very positive and will surprise you.