Warsaw is generally a safe city, but purse snatching, pickpocketing and automobile theft can occur. Take commonsense precautions to avoid an unpleasant experience. Be particularly alert at bus stops and train stations and in the Old Town. The Praga district, with its two markets and the street Krakowskie Przedmiescie, are equally dangerous, as many drug addicts congregate there. Polish television often shows thieves in action, and you can only marvel at their "art"—often executed with sharp razor blades slicing bags without you even noticing. At nightclubs, keep your personal belongings on you.
Rental cars are favorite targets for thieves; park in designated garages to avoid the hassle of a stolen rental. Avoid using high-tech equipment (PDAs, iPods) on public transport, as they could attract attention. Police recommend that you make eye contact with people around you to reduce your chances of getting robbed, since thieves fear being recognized. Be wary of walking through the city at night.
When driving in the city, keep windows shut and doors locked at all times. Beware of civilians who want to make you believe that something's wrong with your car; it may be a trick to rob you. If you choose to heed the warning, stop at a safe, well-lighted place far away from the warning person. Hotspots of criminal activity are increasingly monitored by cameras, but this only moves the problem a bit further away, out of sight.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Do learn a few phrases: "hello" is
czesc (pronounced
chay-shhch), "goodbye" is
do widzenia (pronounced
doe-veed-zenyah), "thank you" is
dziekuje (pronounced
jane-coo-yeah) and "help" is
pomocy (pronounced
po-motsi).
Don't be afraid to ask directions from people on the street. Odds are that if you spot students and ask them for assistance they will typically know some English and can direct you to your destination.
Don't forget to try the local cuisine, including borscht (barszcz), which is beet soup. Typically served with small pierogis (dumplings filled with meat, mushrooms or cheese) in the soup, it makes for an inexpensive, yet filling, fast meal.
Do try some different flavored vodkas such as Zubrowka (made with "sweet grass," or bison grass) or Zoladkowa (made with special herbs).
Don't consume alcohol in public places; you will be fined 100 Zl on the spot.
Don't take a taxi that does not have its phone number on the roof of the car. These may sometimes be a legal means of transportation but will overcharge you dearly. Often, however, they are pirate taxis, which are even more dangerous.
Don't enter a crosswalk without looking, since Polish drivers often ignore them. When you cross, stare approaching drivers right in the eyes, and they will stop.
Don't try to speak Russian with Polish people, even if you are fluent in that Slavic language. Athough most Poles still speak Russian, they really hate to do so.
