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Gdansk Info - Tips for Travellers
Gdansk is an important port, situated at the mouth of the Vistula River on the Baltic Sea, and throughout its history has been a major trading centre. It is the best known of the Tri-City complex that it forms with the modern seaport of Gdynia and the fashionable beach resort town of Sopot.
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Money
The official currency is Zloty (PLN); 1 PLN = 100 groszy. Poland is essentially a 'cash country', and it is difficult to negotiate credit cards and travellers cheques in the cities, though things are steadily improving in this area.
American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are, however, accepted in places frequented by tourists- look out for Visa/Mastercard stickers on restaurant and shop doors. Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels or bureaux called 'kantors', which offer the best rates. Be careful, however, as most Kantors are closed on Saturday and Sunday!
The Kantors will not exchange travelers cheques. ATMs (Bankomats) are the best option available, most of them offer services in English. Rates are generally fair. |
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Time
Local time is GMT + 1h |
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Language
national language is Polish. English is widely understood in tourist areas. |
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Entry requirements for
Americans
US passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay.
UK
UK passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to six months. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay.
Canadians, Australians
Canadians require a passport valid for at least six months, and may stay for up to three months without a visa.
South Africans
South African passport holders require a visa for travel to Poland. Passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
Irish, New Zealand
Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months. |
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Passport/Visa Note
A passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival is needed for those who require a visa. Visa exempt nationals must have a passport valid for period of intended stay. |
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Consulates & Embassies
Many countries have official representation here in Tricity:
Gdansk
Belarus - ul. Jaskowa Dolina 50, tel: (058) 341 00 26
China - ul. Grunwaldzka 1, tel: (058) 341 56 00
Denmark - ul. Dlugi Targ 1-7/16, tel: (058) 320 34 04
Germany - ul. Fahrenheita 3, tel: (058) 340 65 40
Holland - ul. Jana Pawla II 20, tel: (058) 346 98 78
Russia - ul. Batorego 5, tel: (058) 341 10 88
United Kingdom - ul. Grunwaldzka 102, tel: (058) 341 43 65
Sopot
France - ul. Kosciuszki 16, tel: (058) 550 32 49
Iceland - ul. Slowackiego 30/17, tel: (058) 551 58 40
Gdynia
Austria - ul. Podolska 21, tel: (058) 620 19 93
Finland - ul. Jana z Kolna, tel: (058) 621 68 52
Norway - ul. Jana z Kolna, tel: (058) 621 62 16 |
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Food
People travelling to a new country are often concerned about what and where they will eat! There are nice little cafes and restaurants all over the Tri City area and the food is delicious in most. No problem finding good meals and plenty of fresh fruit stands during the growing season.The price are reasonable, mostly. |
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Safety
Gdansk is generally very safe. If you are travelling by car always leave it in a guarded car park. |
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Health
There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Full health insurance cover is advised. |
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Tipping
Tipping is generally left at the customers discretion in Poland, though most foreigners will tend to reward excellent service with a 10 or 15% gratuity. |
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Communications
The international access code for Poland is +48. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0) 22 for Warsaw and (0) 58 for Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia. Mobile phones work throughout the country. Internet cafes are available in most places. |
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Duty Free
Prohibited items include birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with Avian influenza. The export of all articles of artistic, historic or cultural value are subject to special regulations. |
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Getting around
The city centre is small and compact and easy to navigate on foot, but buses and trams operate a frequent service throughout the day. Tickets should be bought at kiosks before boarding. Taxis are reasonably inexpensive and booking by phone is cheaper than hailing one on the street.
SKM The fast train system (SKM-Rapid Urban Railway) is the most efficient way to get between the three towns comprising the Tri-City area. Without doubt the best way to get around the Tricity. The trains leave every 10-15 minutes. Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding by inserting it in the yellow boxes (normally found near the ticket office or on the platforms). |
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