Visit Poland - The DON'Ts of Poland

Poland is an incredible country with some amazing cities like Krakow and Gdansk, nature to enjoy like in the Tatras Mountains, but even with so many things to do in Poland this video focus on what you don't do when you visit Poland. From when visiting someone's home to heading out on the town these are what NOT to do in Poland.
Filmed in Warsaw, Poland
Copyright Mark Wolters 2017

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[pd]

wszedłem dowiedzieć się czego nie powinienem robić

[martamarkowska]

If you dont speak polish ask somebody who is young because teens are more often bilingual than elderly ppl

[HS]

I find Polish people being quite similar to us (finn), I've worked with a few and also visited Krakow and felt quite comfortable with the people there. No neccessary bs or pretending something that you aren't. Straight honest people :)

[Studyducko]

Here in Chile we don’t take off our shoes because there’re earthquakes every day and if we have to go outside quickly and running without problems it’s more easy ;)

[lujka]

*To jest ten komentarz po Polsku którego szukasz*

[kamilzabiegala]

Polish people love watching English videos about Poland #100%

[stonecypher]

Visited Poland last year. My first time in Europe. I loved every moment of my trip. Beautiful country, beautiful culture, beautiful people.

[Stormchantress]

0. Yeah, we still can't get over being under the Soviet regime so we're really sensitive about that. But an even greater DON'T is saying "Polish concentration camps". Other than actual slurs, that's probably the worst thing you can say in front of a Polish person. No, it's probably even worse than slurs.
1. More of a superstition actually (people believe it's bad luck) and a habit built upon it. Even Poles tend to forget about it from time to time :)
2. YES!! We feel awkward walking in our shoes inside someone's home and we find it rude when someone does. There are exceptions though. Usually, when you come as a contractor to get some work (plumbing etc) done, you're allowed to leave your shoes on. Also, some hosts might tell you specifially to leave your shoes on because they haven't washed their floors in a while and/or don't have any slippers to spare.
3. We've over the moon whenever a foreigner makes an attempt to speak Polish. Sadly, linguistic education is far from perfect in Polish schools, so while many people understand it fairly well, they are too self-conscious to actually speak it. If you want your English to be understood, make sure you speak super-slow and super-clearly, without any slang, more towards a slightly formal language, as this is what we mostly learn at school. Btw. the way to say "please" in Polish is "proshe-w" ("e" pronounced as in "bed"; "w" is often dropped).
4. It's only cheap when you don't earn in PLN :( Compared to income, it's actually more expensive than the US.
5. A regulation introduced to reduce misdemeanour under influence. You can go around this law by pouring your booze into an inconspicuous container.
6. Most ATMs give out 20s. Also, nowadays you can pay by credit or debit card pretty much everywhere, so unless you know you might end up in a place where you'll specifically need cash (e.g. a Christmass fair, a bazaar, a place with small tourist stalls), you don't usually bother to carry more than 50PLN on you. Contrary to the US, we don't have to build our credibility to receive a card - you get a debit card automatically as soon as you open your bank account, so non-cash payments are really widespread. Solves the "smaller bills" problem :)
7. I think it depends on where you eat. Fancy restaurants and cafes - sure, but bistros etc. don't demand a tip.
8. I know A LOT of tardy Poles and it drives me crazy :) Facilities always open and close on time, as do shops.
9. Debatable. Maybe it's because I'm Southern Polish, but I like Prague a lot more than Cracow. And you forgot to mention (visit?) Podlasie with it's Białowieża Primordial Forest which is an absolute gem and needs more publicity before the government destroys it :(
10. Until recently we didn't have as many cars as western countries so, yeah, public transport is quite well-developped in urban areas. Good look in the countryside, though :D

[suchabozena]

Don't Say "kurwa" in public. Seriously. You have been warned.

[zuzanna.klosowska]

"Everything is cheap"
Not for us

[davidmesanoack]

Poland is full of trails, please DO FALL for the ecotourism thing. It's absolutely amazing! Even at a 10' drive from big cities like Krakow!

[suromi_]

4:00 to zbliżenie na tego pączka a w tle "polski donut" XD padłam

[mitzkonic]

Oh and Polish grandmothers make the best food ever.

[rowendw]

Question for Americans:
Why do u wear shoes inside your house?

[krokettttt]

I'm a Hungarian, I see a video about Poland I press like.

[julek]

Ja :Polak
Yt: propnowane: czego nie robić w Polsce

[rozek]

In Poland don't say that you're confident .

[TheAlverd]

Don't keep your hands in pockets when speaking to someone. I USA it is sign of attention, while in Poland it's sign of not carring.

[wildsurfer]

Don’t visit Wroclaw and say “ I feel like I’m in Germany.”

[chelliebradshaw]

I was treated like a celebrity in Poland. As an Africa American everyone wanted to touch my face. People just stared at me & wanted to take pictures. I sooo loved being there. The food was amazing & ppl were so friendly.