Practical info Warsaw, Poland
Getting around the city
Buses and trams ply the streets from 5am to 11pm each day and are the cheapest way to get around. Tickets are valid for all modes of public transport and must be bought in advance. The metro trains run frequently between the southern suburbs and the city centre and are the fastest way of getting around Warsaw. Metered taxis can be hailed on the streets or ordered by telephone from a number of different companies; it is best to agree on a price before getting in. Taxis ordered by phone are usually a lot cheaper. Hiring a car is unnecessary except for excursions out of the city. The historic Old Town is best explored on foot and a lovely way to get around the city is provided by the rental bike system.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The standard two-pin European style plugs are used.
Currency
The official currency is Zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy. Poland still uses cash more frequently than visitors might expect, and it is sometimes difficult to use credit cards in remote areas. Credit cards are, however, accepted in places frequented by tourists. ATMs or Bankomats are available in major towns and cities. Money (preferably US Dollars or Euros) can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks, hotels or bureaux de change called 'kantors', which offer the best rates. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and some are open on Saturday until 1pm.
Communication
The international access code for Poland is +48. Pre-paid sim cards can be bought in order to avoid international roaming fees, and internet cafés and wifi are available in most towns.
Emergency number
112 (Fire Department, Ambulance and Police).
Travel documents and health
Warsaw Chopin Airport
Getting to the city
Municipal buses 175, 148, 188 and 331 operate daily from 4.35am to around 11pm ferrying commuters to Warsaw city centre and the right riverbank. Some hotels provide a shuttle bus service to and from the hotel on request.
Car rental
Avis, Hertz, Budget and Europcar operate from the airport. They are located at the Terminal A arrivals hall.
Airport taxi's
A taxi stand is located in front of the Arrivals Hall.
Transfer between terminals
Terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Facilities
There are shops, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, and tourist information and hotel reservations kiosks.
Parking
Short-stay parking at the Kiss&Fly Zone is free for the first 7 minutes, and then PLN 30 for the next fifteen minutes with a charge of PLN 1 per minute extra. The multi-level car park P1 and P2 has long-stay parking options at a fee of PLN 250 for six to ten days or PLN 300 for eleven to fifteen days.
Internet
Wifi is available at the airport. In the VIP and Executive lounges wifi is free for four hours.