Everyday practical information for Poland

Local rules and cultural differences

• Drinking alcohol in public is strictly prohibited by law - streets, parks, squares, transport stops. The only exception is a licensed restaurant terrace. The on-the-spot fine is PLN 100.
• Drink-driving tolerance is near zero. The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.2‰ (0.2 g/l), and it applies to non-motor vehicles too, bicycles and e-scooters included. 0.2 to 0.5‰ is an administrative offence; above 0.5‰ is criminal.
• Crossing the road - stepping onto a crossing against a red signal, or crossing away from a crossing when one is within 100 metres, is fined.
• Drones - all flights with camera-equipped drones must be registered on the Drony.gov.pl portal, and flights near airports, military installations and government buildings are prohibited.

Everyday practicalities

• Power sockets - types C and E, the latter with a single earth pin. 230 V, 50 Hz.
• Time zone - Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), and summer time (CEST, UTC+2) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
• Non-trading Sundays (niedziela handlowa) - a statutory trading ban applies on most Sundays and large supermarkets and shopping centres stay closed. Only small convenience stores such as Żabka may open, and only if the owner serves personally, along with petrol stations and pharmacies.
• Toilets - public ones usually charge PLN 2–5. Doors use the traditional markings: a circle (O) for women, a triangle (Δ) for men.
• Wi-Fi - free at airports, on PKP Intercity trains, in shopping centres and in restaurants.