Phone service in Warsaw has its idiosyncrasies, but on the whole it has much improved. The construction of the metro resulted in the damaging of many phone lines, which was actually a godsend for the telephone service.
Note that many six-digit numbers now have seven digits; if you dial a six-digit number and it doesn't work, try to prefix the number (following the city code) with a 6 or 8. To make a phone call within Warsaw, simply dial the number. If you're calling from a cell phone, be sure to add a 0 before the number.
You can make local and international telephone calls via prepaid telephone cards (karte telefoniczny) used in local telephone booths scattered throughout the city. These cards can be purchased at post offices, major hotels and newsstands. If you are using a magnetic card as opposed to the newer chip ones, you will need to tear the perforated corner off before inserting the card into the phone. Cards are available in 25, 50 and 100 unit denominations with varying costs depending on your requirements. With the new chip cards, you can also send SMS at special phone booths painted in yellow. They will cost 5 Zl each.
For directory assistance, dial 913. Toll-free numbers are preceded with 800.
You can also use your mobile phone in Warsaw if you are connected to the GSM network. However, both local and international calls will be expensive. Prepaid SIM cards are available. The starter package offered by Heya is a good deal. http://www.heyah.pl.
Internet Access
Internet cafes tend to come and go regularly, but you'll have no trouble finding one. Beware of those with older machines because connections will often be fairly slow. Wi-Fi is offered for a fee at certain cafes, business atriums and hotels. Some free Wi-Fi access points can be found at Old Town Market Square, the Galeria Mokotow shopping mall and the library of Warsaw University. Certain hotels, such as the Marriott Hotel at Al. Jerozolimskie 65/79, also offer Wi-Fi.
Mail & Package Services
You can dump your mail in one of the omnipresent bright red mailboxes. For important packages, you might be better off using the services of DHL or UPS, but in general packages mailed will arrive at their destinations.
Newspapers & Magazines
The leading locally published English-language newspapers are
The Warsaw Voice (a general news and commentary weekly) and the business weeklies,
Warsaw Business Journal and
Polish Business News. These newspapers, as well as the
International Herald Tribune and the
Financial Times, are available at hotel kiosks and Empik Megastores.
Warsaw in Your Pocket and the Warsaw Insider (http://www.warsawinsider.pl) are the most comprehensive English-language entertainment guides. Several hotels provide them free to guests; otherwise, look for them at hotel kiosks or an Empik Megastore.
