Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
POLAND
The history of Poland as a unified state dates back to at least 966. While it has had a
tumultuous history since then, it is now a functioning democracy, and the strongest
economy in Eastern Europe. The country's location in Europe makes it an easy trip
from Germany and the Czech Republic, or as part of a loop of eastern Europe. It is
also an excellent gateway between western Europe and the east, with connections
to Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and the Ukraine.
Despite being defeated by Nazi Germany in 1939 (generally considered the start
of World War II), occupied by both the Nazis and Soviets, and then governed as
a Soviet client state until 1989, Poland has done a remarkable job of maintaining
its history, culture, and historic sites. Poland has become increasingly popular as
a tourist destination, with many castles, churches, and small towns of great history
and beauty. There is great natural beauty in Poland, with opportunities for hiking
and skiing in the Karkonosze Mountains, wildlife watching in the Bialowie, a national
park, and relaxing in the coastal resorts on the Baltic Sea.
For more information and pretrip planning tips, be sure to visit Poland's website,
www.poland.travel/en-us
,
or contact the Polish National Tourist Office in North
America: 5 Marine View Plaza, Suite 303B, Hoboken, NJ 07030;
Tel.
(201)
420-9910.
Banking
Currency:
Złoty (zł)
Exchange rate at press time:
3.03 zł = U.S. $1.00
Hours:
0900-1600 Monday-Friday, 0900-1300 Saturday, closed Sunday. Banks in
smaller towns may have shorter hours, although most have ATMs available.
Communications
Country Code:
48
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