Krakow, Poland Report of what it's like to live there - 03/06/14
Personal Experiences from Krakow, Poland
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
The mid-West. Generally about 10-12 hours with a connection in Chicago or DC and Frankfurt or Munich.
3. How long have you lived here?
We lived in Krakow for 2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Work- U.S. Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most folks in the Consulate community live within easy commuting distance, 10-15 minutes by car, tram, or walking.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most things you want can be found and are generally much less expensive. Specific products from the U.S. can sometimes be found at the international store in the mall.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The usual: McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC are very prevalent. The cost is about the same as the U.S.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that I noticed.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the Consulate.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and inexpensive.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are some U.S.-style gyms, but I think they're somewhat expensive. However, many folks have found that instruction in things like yoga, pilates, and tennis is much cheaper than in the U.S.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We found it to be perfectly safe to use our credit card at local restaurants. They swipe the card at your table. We mostly got cash through the Consulate.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
In the city center, most people you encounter will speak a little English. However, outside the center and in other cities, Polish is pretty useful.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Not many accomodations have been made in the city's historic center to accomodate persons with physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
All are safe and affordable. We used the trams on a daily basis. They are cheap and reliable. The trains (to other cities) are older, and the system is not the best.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Any would work, though smaller is probably easier as streets can be narrow.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It's available, and costs similar to in the U.S.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pay-as-you-go worked well for me.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I don't think there would be many.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Sure, though I can't recommend any specifically.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Like most Europeans, Poles dress much more formally than Americans. I didn't really ever wear tennis shoes in public (unless I was actually working out).
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care for us was pretty good. The doctors we saw were great and the care itself was very affordable. That being said, most facilities appeared not to have been updated much from the Communist era.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Not good. Surprisingly, in the winter Krakow has air pollution indexes that are among the worst in the world. Poles in this area rely heavily on burning coal (and trash) during the winter.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cold in the winter. Generally lovely in the spring, summer, and fall. Hot days can seem really terrible though, as most the city does not have A/C.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are a couple. I don't have any experience with either.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Sure.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's not a large expat community, but I think most people are pretty happy.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Hanging out in the center, eating out at any number of nice restaurants, hanging out at other people's homes.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think this is a good post for most people.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Poles are generally pretty conservative, but Krakow is home to a large student population, and this makes the city a little more liberal. There are some bars and areas aimed toward the gay/lesbian population, but even those are not really advertised.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There's not a lot of racial or religious diversity to be found in Poland but I'm not sure if there are major problems with prejudice.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling all around Europe via car or cheap flights. Traveling around Poland. Exploring Krakow on a daily basis.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Krakow is full of amazing bars, cafes, and restaurants; many are located in buildings that are hundreds of years old. Two years did not provide nearly enough time to try them all, but we made a good effort. It's great to people watch on the Rynek while enjoying a piwo or cafe.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Polish pottery, awesome Polish posters, custom framing is affordable and excellent, some clothing stores were really great and not too expensive.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Krakow is a wonderful city and a great place to live. It's beautiful, affordable, and not too crowded.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat.
