Poland isn’t disease - ridden place. Medical standards aren’t so as good as those found in most western European countries. In large cities hospitals offer all forms of treatment and modern diagnostic equipment. Private clinics are also available; treatment is not free of charge but is on a better standard. If you want to arrive to Poland you should have a medical insurance. Any special vaccinations aren’t required. At present SARS doesn’t threaten Poland.
Poland is rather a safe country for foreigners. But always be careful of your pocket and bag, because there are many pickpockets in Poland. You should be especially very careful in buses, overnight trains, narrow underpasses and streets. Street crime, which is occasionally violent, is high. Crime rates in Poland vary. Warsaw, Krakow, and other major cities have higher rates of crime against residents and foreign visitors. The tri-cities area of Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdansk has a high incidence of muggings, sometimes in broad daylight, which have sometimes involved aggravated assault.
Alcohol consumption is an integral part of Polish social tradition, and nondrinkers are relatively rare. Sometimes drunks can be dangerous so keep away from cheap drink bars. Don’t enter suburban areas alone.
The loss or theft of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact your embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.
On December - 17 - 2009 Uncategorized