Digital Nomad Life in Poland

"Expats in Poland often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as these can be great ways to connect with other expats and locals," explained one person living in Poland.

"Attend the local village festivals, the bi-annual town hall meetings, and attend the local parish if you are Catholic," said one expat in Siemiechow.

"Living in Poland as an expat or digital nomad can be a rewarding experience. The country offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around. Additionally, the country is home to a large expat and digital nomad community, providing plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make connections," said one expat in Poland.

"Life in this village really focuses first on family values, then working (on the job and at home), local farming, socializing at the local 'pub', Church, and football (soccer)," remarked one member in Siemiechow.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Poland is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as Gumtree, OLX, and Otodom are popular in Poland and offer a wide range of rental properties. Additionally, you can search for rental properties on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live. Finally, you can also look for rental properties in newspapers and magazines," said one person in Poland.

"Have a very open mind, then make the move and be prepared for the village life. It may not be easy, however, it's very rewarding and beautiful," explained one person living in Siemiechow, Poland.

"Do not call anyone "a friend" here unless you are ready to bury his enemies at night with that person and cover their tracks. If Polish family calls you a friend and invite to their home - they will treat you like a family member since then. Do not betray that trust because that's how one gains a sworn enemy. Avoid political disputes. It is easy for foreigners - just play "ignorance in that area" card. Religion is another sensitive topic here - even though over 80% (another estimation states that it's nearly 90%) of population here are Christians (of different denominations) we do not talk about faith nor we are super crazy about that even though people attend Sunday's services regularly here. Do not ask Polish person "how they are" (Jak sie masz?) unless you have an hour to spare to listen about all," remarked one member in Poland.

"For the most part, work colleagues are readily available to help us in making appointments, translating and pointing us in the right direction in search of a particular product," explained one expat living in Krakow, Poland.

"I've found locals can be surprisingly helpful and friendly, but also surprisingly unhelpful, sour and difficult to deal with. On a few occasions for example I've had store workers just simply walk away from me because I could not speak Polish. It'll help to learn a few phrases at least, but Poles can be hard and cold sometimes," said one expat who made the move to Poland.

"The language is still after 10 years one of the most difficult aspects and the standard of driving although a lot better is a major problem," explained one foreigner living in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

"Expats in Poland often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's conservative values and traditional customs can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from more liberal backgrounds. Furthermore, the lack of English-speaking locals can make it difficult to make friends and build a social network. Finally, the cost of living in Poland can be higher than in other countries, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one in Poland.

"If you plan to stay in Poland for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a different type of residence permit. For example, if you are coming to Poland to work, you will need to apply for a work permit. If you are coming to Poland to study, you will need to apply for a student visa. Additionally, you may need to apply for a visa if you are coming from a country that requires a visa for entry into Poland," explained one person living in Poland.

"Many times, usually language related. Whilst at a prestigious Dinner sat next to the Bishop of the Kujavia Pomorski region I described the dish we were eating as 'Siuper Duper' to him. There was a stunned silence throughout the dinning room as I had called the dish 'Big Arse'. I was severely reprimanded later by the people who had invited me. Eventually they did see the funny side though," explained one person living in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Poland. To avoid making a cultural faux pas, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, it is considered rude to be late for social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. It is also important to remember to greet people with a handshake and to use polite language when speaking with others. Finally, it is important to remember to take off your shoes when entering someone's home," said one expat in Poland.

"Healthcare services in Poland are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Polish citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Poland is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies. Expats in Poland can access the public healthcare system by registering with the National Health Fund (NFZ) and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to receive free or discounted medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Expats can also opt for private healthcare, which is more expensive but offers more comprehensive coverage and shorter waiting times," said one member in Poland.

"I like the peaceful way of life in Rzeszow. The theatre and Opera house are very good, there are often concerts by local bands. If you like the outdoors life, there are plenty of forests, lots of lakes and rivers. The parks are well kept and clean. The local people tend to be very nice, once they get to know you. The town square is the focal point for meeting up with friends, in the summer months. The winters can be quite bad, with temperatures dropping to -20. The tv service here is good, with a lot of programs available in English," explained one person living in Rzeszów, Poland.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Poland. The cost of living is generally lower than in other European countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the country offers a rich cultural heritage, with plenty of historical sites and attractions to explore. Expats and digital nomads also enjoy the friendly locals, who are often welcoming and helpful. On the downside, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Polish, and the weather can be unpredictable," wrote one digital nomad living in Poland.