In the UK, for decades, this place was not very popular, but Poland is no more a poor and devastated place at war. Its culture and history make it an amazing location. So, what are you waiting for? Expatriate to Poland to open your horizons.
This useful guide will help you handle your expatriation in a new place.
PESEL, an essential number for any expatriate to Poland
PESEL is an eleven-digit individual and unique ID number. It’s a very useful number comparable to the one on our National ID Card. You must use it for Internet subscription, SIM card purchase and its phone line but not only. To fill any form, like the loyalty programs of any shop, it will be mandatory.
However, it’s not compulsory but handy and easy to get. Present yourself at the Registration service of your city of residence with all the necessary documents. They usually give long forms to fill-in, but you can leave some parts as you are a UK citizen. You will always find an English version of any form you must fill-in.
Use the złoty when you expatriate to Poland
For economic reasons, Poland doesn’t use the euro but its national currency: złoty [zlɒti]. In practice, conversion is easy as 1 pound sterling = 5 zlotys usually. In everyday life, it’s an advantageous conversion as polish products are cheaper than British ones. Thus, cost of living in Poland represents only a third of the cost in the UK. However, products from international brands are not really affected by this variation.
You will find plenty of exchange offices everywhere in Poland which offer conversion rates more or less interesting. It is an opportunity to learn how to trade. You may also discuss this matter with your bank and see if it offers a profitable contract to pay in zloty without any extra cost. Another option would be to open a bank account in Poland: many people do so for a 6-months journey or for a few years trip.
Rent the ideal accommodation for the cheapest price in Poland
Having roommates is a very common and important thing when you decide to expatriate to Poland, whoever you are, student or worker. In university accommodation, most of flats are to be shared with one person. They are usually made of only one room you must share. Your roommate’s behaviour will decide if your life will be easy or not.
While looking for housing, you may see a wide range of flat mates offers with young adults. Those are amazing opportunities for you to discover the city you live in and have some help with Polish language. If you expatriate to Poland with your family, you will find more ads in newspapers, on the Internet or in estate agencies. Most of them are in Polish so you should ask for help to enlighten them.
In Poland, the rent is not expensive at all contrary to prices in the UK, but it changes from one city to another. Standard of living in Poland is rising and so does the rent in Cracow and Warsaw, the most internationalized cities, for example. However, don’t worry, it will still be cheaper than in London.
Easy transportation in Poland
Buses and trams are more frequent in cities. You will find the only subway of the country in Warsaw. Nevertheless, the easiest to travel through Poland are trains. You can easily go a few miles away or to a bordering country. However, journey time will widen with miles so be sure to check days and hours of departure and arrival. Often, you will have to sleep during a part of the trip. Prices are low and trains are numerous. Organise yourself and you should be able to travel all around Poland without harming your purse.
As for driving, you may use your driving licence in Poland for the first 6 month of your expatriation. Then you will have to exchange it for a Polish licence. The Poles are not the most careful people of the roads and they drive recklessly in town. Learn and be able to recognise all signs and places you must go to before getting behind the wheel.
A good education for expatriates in Polish institutions
For children schooling in English institutions, you will find plenty of opportunities in international schools in the main cities: Warsaw, Cracow, Wroclaw, … A first step to expatriate to Poland with your family.
All cities in Poland have cultural treasures. All you have to do is to go see them.
Take a look at a variety of article on expatriate life.
