Krakow, Poland Report of what it's like to live there - 09/06/11
Personal Experiences from Krakow, Poland
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, five others.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Good connections to the U.S. through Munich, Frankfurt, Warsaw or even Krakow.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of U.S. Consulate employee
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
All the housing is quite close to the Consulate, or within a short commute. Families with children live in houses, while couples and singles tend to live in apartments.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Tesco and Carrefour are fantastic. You can buy most everything there.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing really. Everything's available.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
From cheap to really expensive. There isn't as much variety as you might want, but still pretty good.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Limited.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that I experienced.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the Consulate pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Quite inexpensive. Helps to know Polish.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I used my credit card all the time when buying groceries, but you have to make sure and ask before assuming that the place takes them.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I hear there were, but I didn't go.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, there is a nice cable deal with Cyfra+ which was about $30 a month.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It's important to get a basic course down, but many do just fine with English only. Poles, more and more, speak English. Many didn't want to hear me butcher their language so they didn't torture me by making me speak it!
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It's not a place to have a physical disability.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and yes.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
The roads do stink and parking sucks.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available for about $40 a month and quite fast.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cheap and easy.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, from what I've heard.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There are some English-teaching jobs, but not well-paid. The Consulate has some positions for family members.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
The Poles tend to be more dressy than Americans.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is not so good, but improving.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air is pretty good, I think. There is some coal smell in the air come winter, though, but it's not that bad.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cooooooold in the long winters, but there are some lovely summer months where it actually gets quite hot.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The International School of Krakow is a great albeit small school. The teachers are top-notch and the children get extra attention. It's come a long way and just gets bigger and better.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, especially if the kids are in school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Rather small.
2. Morale among expats:
Surprised at the other more recent report because I thought the Consulate admin staff were friendly, more than competent and quite helpful, often going out of their way to make sure things were just right. I believe I'm not alone in saying that. Respect is a two-way street.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There's something for everyone, I think.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think this city is a good place for all. I'm surprised at the comments regarding children not being tolerated in Poland. I found just the opposite. Well-behaved children are very much welcomed.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
The Poles are still homophobic, but it's changing slowly.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Just drinking in the wonderful charm of the city. It's spectacular.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Zakopane for the skiers. Many quaint towns for those who like the sheer beauty of the countryside and history is all around.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Pottery and lace :)
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Even though you're in Europe, the prices are reasonable.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, you can.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
For sure.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
taste for good quality beef (you're not going to find it here).
3. But don't forget your:
smile. The city is lovely and the Poles are wonderful (as long as you are wonderful to them).
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Would go back in a heartbeat!
