Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Poland doesn’t require special vaccinations beyond standard routine ones. Ensure you’re up-to-date on
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella),
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis),
Varicella (Chickenpox),
Polio, and the annual
flu shot. Consider
Hepatitis A and
Hepatitis B vaccinations as a precaution. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Poland, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for PolandCulture & Customs
Poland values politeness, so always address people with a courteous ”Pani” or ”Pan” (Ms. or Mr.) until given permission to use first names. Punctuality is appreciated, so try not to be late for appointments or social gatherings. When visiting someone’s home, bring a small gift like flowers or sweets.
Avoid discussing politics or the role of religion in public settings, as these are sensitive topics. When dining, wait for the host to start eating, and say ”Smacznego” (Bon appétit) before you dig in.
For the LGBTQ+ community, discretion is advised, especially in rural areas, as Poland can be conservative. Women traveling alone should feel generally safe but remain vigilant, particularly at night in less crowded areas.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Poland.
- Pierogi: Dumplings filled with anything from potatoes and cheese to meat or mushrooms. They’re a staple at Polish tables and a comfort food that speaks to the heart of Polish culture.
- Bigos: Known as hunter’s stew, it’s a hearty mix of cabbage, sauerkraut, and various meats. It’s a nod to Poland’s hunting traditions and perfect for cold weather.
- Żurek: A sour rye soup often served with sausage and boiled eggs. The tangy taste is unique and it’s a beloved dish especially during Easter.
- Kielbasa: Poland’s famous sausage, available in many varieties. It’s a quintessential part of Polish cuisine and you’ll find it grilled, boiled, or fried.
- Placki Ziemniaczane: Potato pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re popular street food and a great on-the-go snack.
Yes, tap water in Poland is generally safe to drink and many locals do consume it. However, some travelers prefer bottled or filtered water due to taste preferences or sensitive stomachs. Carrying a small filter can be a good compromise if you’re concerned.
The main language in Poland is
Polish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Polish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Poland includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - proficiency in Poland varies by region and demographic. In major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, you’ll find a good number of younger people and professionals who speak English quite well. Many in the tourism and hospitality sectors, such as hotel staff and tour guides, are also fluent in English, making it easier for travelers to communicate.
In rural areas, however, English may not be as widely spoken, and you might encounter older generations who have limited proficiency. In these regions, basic phrases in Polish can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
Overall, Poland is becoming increasingly English-friendly, especially among the younger population, due to the influence of education and media. While you can navigate most tourist areas with English, learning a few basic Polish phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Poland is PLN (zł).
ATMs: Poland is pretty well-equipped with ATMs, even in smaller towns. Most machines will offer instructions in English, so you won’t have to guess which button to press. Just make sure your bank knows you’re traveling to avoid any awkward card freezes.
Cash or Card: While cards are widely accepted in cities, having some cash on hand is smart for smaller towns and local markets. Stick to zloty for cash transactions; dollars and euros might be tempting but aren’t commonly accepted.
Exchange: If you have foreign currency, avoid airport exchange booths—rates can be brutal. Look for a ”kantor” (exchange office) in town; they’re usually fairer, but always double-check the rate before swapping your cash.
Card Acceptance: Most places take Visa and Mastercard, but if you rely on Amex, you might hit a few snags. Always good to carry a backup card just in case.
Tipping in Poland is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, it’s common to leave around 10% of the bill if the service is good. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 PLN is a nice gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.