Warsaw, Poland Report of what it's like to live there - 08/23/11
Personal Experiences from Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw, Poland
08/23/11
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
NO.
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 year tour. Home base US.
3. How long have you lived here?
1 Year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Government assignment.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Townhouse. 20-30 minutes commute.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
About the same as US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Most are available.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most a little expensive.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Lot of mosquitoes in Warsaw.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
This is expensive here.
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?
No issues.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Available.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Some channels, but very limited.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Polish would be very helpful. If you don't speak it you are very isolated.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes about 100.00 for a 3 month pass.
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?
Small car.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Expensive and hard to upgrade. You must do with out for a month if you wish to upgrade to a faster connection.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pay as you go cards work well.
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)?
I am told it is good.
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?
No, unless you speak polish. Pay is poor.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual to business.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None. Some minor crime.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
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?
Good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Lot of rain in the summer. Winter days are very short.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large but most folks do their own thing.
2. Morale among expats:
Poor to good depending.
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?
A lot of night life, if you like that sort of thing.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
None noted.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The Warsaw Ghetto tour.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visit historical sites.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Cristal Ceramics.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Krakow was very nice.
11. Can you save money?
NO.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No. This was not one of our first choices and wish we had not accepted the offer.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
High expectations.
3. But don't forget your:
Sence of humor.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
Employment for non-Polish speakers is very limited even at the Embassy. The Embassy has several openings, but a the size of the community creates an over-abundance of applicants.
