Poland Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 23
Home Country: poland
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 Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:53 am Post subject: SHOPPING IN POLAND / POLAND SHOPPING GUIDE |
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SHOPPING IN POLAND
General
Despite the rumors you may have heard Poland does now have toilet rolls, in fact Poland represents somewhat of a shoppers paradise. A fantastic selection of shops, and generally cheaper or, much cheaper then the prices you'll find at home. Poles are particularly fashion conscious and accordingly there is a dazzling array of clothes to choose from.
For those who like to pick up rarer items, Poland has no shortage of shops selling souvenirs, antiques, and original crafted designs.
If you want to find traditional Polish food produce – real Polish butter, cold meats, cheeses and home-baked bread, you should visit the marketplace. Such places have a long tradition in Poland, are a reminder that here you can buy and sell virtually anything.
Particularly attractive are the antiques fairs (held most frequently in large towns). In Gdansk, the famous market called Jarmark Dominikanski takes place every summer, where you can buy historic furniture, 200-year-old medals, old coins, military helmets, paintings and rare books.
Those who prefer high-speed shopping in hypermarkets (including those owned by foreign chains) will not be disappointed either. You can visit these stores until late in the evening, and some stay open round the clock. They are most commonly found in larger towns or on the outskirts.
You can also enjoy shopping for food, clothes and cosmetics in smaller private shops and boutiques, where you can expect exceedingly pleasant service.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0600-1800/1900, shorter hours on Saturday and Sunday. ‘Night shops’ open 2000-0800. Supermarkets and department stores open Mon-Sat 0900-2000. Bookshops open Mon-Fri 1100-1900.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat 0900-1300 in main cities. In smaller towns, banking hours are more limited.
Currency
Zloty (PLN) = 100 groszy. Notes are in denominations of PLN200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. The new coins are in denominations of PLN5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at all border crossing points, hotels and bureaux de change, some of which are open 24 hours. Cash can also be obtained from Visa credit cards at banks.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in larger establishments. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller's cheques
Readily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is allowed up to the equivalent of EUR 10,000. The import of foreign currencies exceeding EUR 10,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible currency must be declared.
Residents and non-residents are allowed to export local currency up to the equivalent of EUR 10,000. Residents are allowed to export foreign currencies up to the equivalent of EUR 10,000. Higher amounts can be exported with permission of the Bank of Poland only. The export of foreign currencies exceeding EUR 10,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible currency by non-residents must be declared. Gold and platinum, metal and articles of gold, platinum or metal are subject to special regulations. |
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