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.

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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.

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3. How long have you lived here?

1 Year.

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4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?

US Government assignment.

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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.

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2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?

About the same as US.

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3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?

Most are available.

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4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?

Most a little expensive.

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5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?

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6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?

Lot of mosquitoes in Warsaw.

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Daily Life:

1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?

DPO.

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2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?

This is expensive here.

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3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?

Yes.

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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.

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5. What English-language religious services are available locally?

Available.

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6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?

Some channels, but very limited.

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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.

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8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?

Sidewalks.

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Transportation:

1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?

Yes about 100.00 for a 3 month pass.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?

I am told it is good.

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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.

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2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?

Business casual to business.

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Health & Safety:

1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.

None. Some minor crime.

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2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?

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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.

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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.

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Schools & Children:

1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?

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2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?

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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?

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4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?

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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.

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2. Morale among expats:

Poor to good depending.

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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.

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4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?

Yes.

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5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?

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6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?

None noted.

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7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?

The Warsaw Ghetto tour.

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8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?

Visit historical sites.

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9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?

Cristal Ceramics.

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10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?

Krakow was very nice.

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11. Can you save money?

NO.

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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.

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2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:

High expectations.

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3. But don't forget your:

Sence of humor.

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4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?

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5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:

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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.

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