Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Poland / Warsaw
 |  | Fact File : Warsaw |
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| | | Warsaw | | Did you know?
About 85% of Warsaw's buildings were destroyed in the Second World War.
Language
Polish
Visas
None required
Getting there
Direct flights to Warsaw from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
Buses and trams are extensive, cheap and regular. They are also slow, erratic and crowded during rush hours. The underground is new (and has toilets) but has only 14 stops and doesn't cover any areas of interest to tourists. There are plenty of cheap taxis, but the dreadful state of the roads means you would be brave to hire your own car.
Currency
Zloty
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p; bottle of lager 70p; moderate restaurant meal £8; roll of film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride £2.50 - but all costs will vary.
Weather
Summer temperatures range from 16C to 28C (55-75F); winter temperatures from -7C to 3C (20-35F).
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 48 22
Voltage
220V
Opening hours
Most shops open from 7am or 8am until 6pm or 7pm, Monday to Friday, with a half day on Saturdays. 24-hour general stores can be found in most districts.
Health - Before you go
A vaccination against hepatitis A is advised; adequate health insurance is a must.
Health - When you are there
The water is OK to drink, but you may prefer to stick to bottled for reasons of taste. Air and water pollution levels in Poland are high.
Warnings
Some transport inspectors are on the prowl for foreigners. Make sure you have proper tickets for yourself and your luggage as no mercy will be shown.
Emergency
Police national emergency - Tel. 997; ambulance - Tel. 999. British Consulate, Aleje Roz No 1, 00-556 Warsaw. Consular/Visa/Consular Section: Emilii Plater 28, 00-688 Warsaw. Tel. 00 48 22 628 1001-5.
Customs
There are four daily meals in Poland: an early breakfast, a light snack for second breakfast, a substantial lunch taken after work and a small supper before bed.
Pets
Poland is not part of the Pet Travel Scheme so normal quarantine rules apply.
Tipping
Tips of around 10% are expected from westerners.
Tourist office
Polish National Tourist Office, Remo House, 310-312 Regent Street, London W1B 3AX. Tel. 020 7580 6688.
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