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Avoid changing your money at the Bureaux de Change in the town centre unless you want to hand a complete stranger an early Christmas present - the rates can be awful.
Don't hail your taxis from the rank - ask someone to phone for one - it's 30 percent cheaper.
During winter temperatures make it more difficult to move around the city on foot. Taxis are great, unless you’re watching your wallet. Why not invest in an unlimited public transport pass: 24-hours for 7.20 PLN, 3-day for 12 PLN; 1-week for 24 PLN.
Coin-operated phone boxes are almost non-existent. You'll need to buy a telephone card (karta telefoniczna) from a Post Office or roadside kiosk.
Take care when buying antiques. It's illegal to export certain items, particularly old paintings, produced before 1945.
Tipping is not expected. No self-respecting waiter will turn away a few extra zloty, but you won't get the customary grimace if you don't. You're not guaranteed a smile if you do either.
If you haven't booked ahead, feel free to bargain for your accommodation, particularly in the low season. This probably won't work in the Radisson however.
Unlike in the UK, pubs don't close at 11. Most just about get going then. Poles are famous for their vodkas, beers, and have a healthy capacity for drink!
Bring warm clothes and a hat. You may just end up blessing that ridiculous old balaclava.
Poles are passionate about their food. Throw away your preconceptions about miserable Eastern Bloc stews, and be prepared for a great surprise.
Poland has adopted its own uniquely confusing symbols for differentiating public toilets for men and women. Remember, too, that you may well have to pay. Oh, and by the way, the circle is for women, the triangle for men! (Or is it the other way around?) | |
Above: It's all mapped out!
Below: Bedtime reading 
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