Krakow, Poland Report of what it's like to live there - 04/10/13
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?
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?
3. How long have you lived here?
Almost 2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of the U.S. Consulate officer.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Depends. Some live within a 10-minute walking distance. Some live farther out: 15-20 minutes drive or within 30 minutes of public transportation. Both apartments and houses.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
At first, I couldn't find things I was looking for, but it was just because of the language and the overwhelming experience of living in a foreign country. Once I got used to it, I could find almost everything I needed. Most things are cheaper than in the U.S., but quality can be debatable.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Stock up on all kinds of international ingredients. A few stores carry them, but they can can be pricey. If you work at the U.S. Consulate, you will have access to the commissary in Warsaw, where you can get pretty much anything.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
MacDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Subway and a lot of kebab stands everywhere. Restaurants are abundant, ranging from super cheap to high end.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I remember having to use bug spray at times, but nothing serious.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Affordable at about $5 per hour.
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?
Most restaurants accept credit cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You should at least have basic Polish.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots of restaurants and bars are located underground, and there are no elevators provided.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Buses and trams are often used as our regular commute. Taxis are very cheap.
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?
Compact cars are the most popular. If your car is too big, you might have trouble parking or getting by on narrow roads.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Reliable service at about $60/month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I haven't heard of anyone having any trouble with their service providers. I used a prepaid phone, and I refilled $20 within 2-3 months with a $3/month data plan.
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes.
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?
If you can't speak the language, you won't get 95% of the jobs.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business formal at work and anything goes in public. Although I noticed that people here dress up when going to concerts, opera, etc.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None. It's a VERY safe city to live in.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
You can find English-speaking doctors,. You just need to ask the right people.
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?
It can be brutal during winter. Most residents burn coal, and there were days when I could not bear going outside.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
We've got them all: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. However, winters can be too cold and too long. This year, it started in October and is still going in April.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are good international schools.
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?
Yes, but language can be an issue.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Plenty.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Over 100.
2. Morale among expats:
Good.
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?
Plenty.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
After hearing lots of opinions, I believe it's a good city for all. It's a true family-friendly city; there are endless activities for kids. At the same time, I have heard that it's a paradise for singles. You can go out every night.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
None.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The U.S. Consulate is right in the Old Town, where there are over 100 restaurants for you to choose from. It feels so nice to have this privilege. Again, travel -- we have tried to travel anytime we have a 3-day weekend.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Many.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Travel, travel, travel. There are cheap flights to everywhere in Europe. Poland is also considered relatively cheap to live in compared to other European cities.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, unless you travel extensively.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely.
