Practical Information: Poznan

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Major providers in Poland include Play, Orange, T-Mobile, and Plus. Purchase SIM cards at the airport, official stores, supermarkets (e.g., Żabka), and kiosks.

SIM Card Facts

Passport registration is a requirement in Poland.
Data plans are very affordable, 10-30 PLN for several gigabytes.
Many providers offer eSIM options for compatible phones.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is generally free in hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and some public spaces. Mobile data coverage is reliable.

Connectivity Notes

Good 4G and increasingly 5G networks throughout the city.
Public Wi-Fi common in tourist areas.
Stay connected on the go.

Language Barrier & Translation

The official language is Polish. English is spoken by younger generations, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. Older generations might speak less English.

Helpful Resources

Google Translate app for quick translations. Download Polish language pack for offline use, use camera feature for menus.
A basic Polish phrasebook assists with common phrases.
For deeper language immersion, consider Rosetta Stone.

Postal Services

Poczta Polska is the national postal service. Post offices are identifiable by their yellow and blue logo.

Sending Mail

Send postcards, letters, and packages from these offices.
Stamps are available at post offices and some kiosks.
Reliable service for domestic and international mail.

Helpful Phrases

Greetings & Basics

Dzień dobry (Djyen DOH-brih): Good morning/day
Do widzenia (Doh vee-DZEN-yah): Goodbye
Tak (Tahk): Yes
Nie (Nyeh): No

Common Interactions

Dziękuję (Jen-KOO-yeh): Thank you
Proszę (PROH-sheh): Please/You're welcome/Here you are
Ile to kosztuje? (EE-leh toh kosh-TOO-yeh?): How much does it cost?
Mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku? (MOO-vee Pahn/PAH-nee poh an-GYEL-skoo?): Do you speak English?

Local Phrase Advantage

A smile and an attempt at Polish are appreciated.

Business Hours & Schedules

Public and religious holidays can change opening times. A consideration is the Sunday Trading Ban.

Shops

Large supermarkets open 7 AM - 10/11 PM (some 24/7). Shopping malls 9 AM - 9 PM weekdays, shorter Sunday hours. Smaller shops 10 AM - 6/7 PM, shorter Saturday, closed Sunday.

Restaurants

Lunch service 12 PM. Dinner service until 9/10 PM. Cafes often open 8/9 AM. Bars/Pubs often until 1-3 AM weekends.

Museums & Attractions

Typically open 10 AM - 5/6 PM. Most museums close on Mondays.

Banking Hours

Banks generally operate 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on weekdays (Mon-Fri).

ATMs

ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
Found at banks, shopping centers, and standalone machines.
Easy access to cash.

Public & Religious Holidays

Public holidays include New Year's Day, Easter Monday, May 1st, May 3rd, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Impacts

Banks, government offices, and many shops close.
Restaurants and tourist attractions may open with reduced hours.
Sunday Trading Ban: Most large shops close on Sundays.

Seasonal Closures & Schedules

Seasonal Attractions

Malta Ski features (e.g., toboggan run) and water park features operate during warmer months.
Museums often have shorter hours during the low season (winter).
Always check specific opening times.

Planning Notes

Poznań City Card offers combined transport and attraction discounts.
Look for daily lunch deals ('zestaw dnia' or 'lunch menu') for affordable midday meals.
For airport lounge access, consider Priority Pass.
For flight compensation, check Compensair.

Sunday Trading Ban Alert

Most large supermarkets and shops are closed on Sundays. Small convenience stores (Żabka), petrol stations, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues usually remain open.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural sensitivity is a cornerstone of responsible travel, with respectful interactions and privacy.

Formal Greetings

Handshake with 'Dzień dobry'. Use 'Pan' (Mr.) for men or 'Pani' (Ms.) for women.

Usage

Standard for most interactions.
Often followed by last name, or Pan/Pani alone.
General 'Dzień dobry' or 'Witam' entering businesses.

Informal Greetings

'Cześć' (Hi/Bye) among friends or peers.

When to use

Casual settings, among acquaintances.
Informal farewell.
Avoid in formal situations.

Appropriate Attire

Casual attire fine for sightseeing. Modest dress (shoulders, knees covered) for religious sites.

Dress Codes

Casual for most daily activities.
Modest for churches and religious sites.
Smart casual/semi-formal for fine dining or theater.

Dining & Tipping

Wait for everyone to be served before eating. Keep hands visible on table.

Dining Norms

Wait for all to be served.
Hands visible on table.
5-10% tip for good service is common.

Sensitive Topics & Photography

Taboos & Sensitivity

WWII and Communism are sensitive historical topics. Approach with respect.
Poland is predominantly Catholic. Show respect at religious sites.
Avoid discussing Polish politics unless initiated by locals you know well.

Photography Ethics

Photography allowed in public spaces; ask permission photographing individuals.
Photography may be restricted or require a fee in some museums or private attractions.
Avoid photographing children without explicit parental consent.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Public Displays

Public displays of affection are less common than in some Western European countries.
Poznań is relatively open and tolerant compared to other Polish cities.
Public displays by same-sex couples might attract unwanted attention outside the city center.

General Acceptance

Major cities are generally more accepting than rural areas.
Exercise discretion in public settings.
Be mindful of local customs.

Embrace Local Customs

A general "Dzień dobry" when entering a shop or restaurant, and learning a few basic Polish phrases, greatly improves interactions and shows respect. Patience and politeness are appreciated.

Accessibility Information

Poznań strives to its accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges, though some historical areas can still pose difficulties.

Recent Enhancements

Newer public transport vehicles, modern buildings, shopping malls, and newer hotels are built with accessibility in mind.

Improvements

Newer trams and buses are low-floor and accessible.
Modern buildings feature ramps and lifts.
Shopping malls and newer hotels accessibility in mind.

Challenges in Historic Areas

Historic areas like the Old Market Square have cobblestones. Many older buildings lack lifts or ramps.

Obstacles

Cobblestones are difficult for wheelchairs.
Older buildings may lack lifts or ramps.
Planning ahead for these areas is advisable.

Museums & Parks

Many major museums and parks cater to accessibility.

Access

National Museum and Enigma Cipher Centre have lifts or ramps.
Shopping malls are generally accessible.
Citadel Park and Malta Lake areas have paved paths for wheelchairs.

Transport Options

Some taxi or ride-sharing companies may offer accessible vehicles upon request.

Options

Public transport increasingly accessible.
Request accessible taxis in advance.
Availability of accessible vehicles may vary.

Resources & Organizations

Tourist Information Centre

Contact Poznań Tourist Information Centre (poznan.travel) for up-to-date information.

Planning Advisories

Planning in advance and checking directly with venues for specific needs is advisable.

Website Updates

Consult official city and attraction websites for current accessibility details.

Pre-Travel Check

For specific accessibility needs, contact the Poznań Tourist Information Centre or venues directly before your trip. This ensures a smoother experience. Advance planning minimizes potential difficulties.

Practical Information