What to Expect in Your First Month Working in Poland
Your practical guide to the first 30 days in Poland — from airport arrival and PESEL registration to opening a bank account, finding familiar food, and surviving the weather.
February 20, 2026
What to Expect in Your First Month Working in Poland
Moving to a new country is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. The excitement of landing a job in Poland is quickly followed by a wave of practical questions: Where do I go after I land? How do I get a phone number? Where can I find food from home? Will I survive the winter?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about your first 30 days in Poland, based on the real experiences of over 3,720 workers who have made this journey with World Wide Services.
Days 1-3: Arrival and Getting Settled
Airport Arrival
Most international workers arrive at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), though some fly into Katowice, Krakow, or Gdansk depending on their employer's location. Here is what to expect:
- Employer pickup: If you are placed through WWS, your employer or a company representative will meet you at the airport. Confirm the pickup details before you travel — name, phone number, and meeting point.
- Immigration check: Have your work visa, passport, employment contract, and accommodation address printed and ready. Border officers may ask to see these documents.
- Currency: Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN). Withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport (avoid the exchange counters — their rates are terrible). You will need PLN 50-100 for immediate expenses.
Accommodation Check-In
Most employers provide shared accommodation for the first period of employment. When you arrive at your housing:
- Inspect the room and note any existing damage
- Confirm the rent amount and payment schedule with your employer
- Get the Wi-Fi password — you will need internet access immediately
- Locate the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and public transport stop
Week 1: Essential Registration and Paperwork
PESEL Number — Your Most Important Registration
The PESEL (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności) is an 11-digit identification number that you need for almost everything in Poland. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign a phone contract, or access healthcare.
How to get your PESEL:
- Visit your local Urząd Gminy (municipal office) or Urząd Miasta (city hall)
- Fill out the registration form (your employer can help with this)
- Bring your passport, visa, and proof of accommodation (rental agreement or employer letter)
- The PESEL is usually issued on the spot or within a few days
- You will receive a confirmation document — keep this safe
Employment Contract Signing
Polish law requires your employer to provide a written contract before you start working. Make sure you:
- Receive a copy in a language you understand (most employers provide English translations)
- Verify the salary matches what was agreed
- Understand the working hours, overtime rules, and break times
- Know your probation period (usually 1-3 months)
- Ask about health insurance — your employer must register you with ZUS (Social Insurance Institution)
Workplace Orientation
Your first days at work will include safety training (BHP — Bezpieczeństwo i Higiena Pracy), which is mandatory under Polish law. You will also receive your work uniform if applicable, locker assignment, and introduction to your supervisor and team.
Opening a Bank Account
You need a Polish bank account to receive your salary. Most employers pay by bank transfer, not cash.
Banks That Accept Foreign Workers
| Bank | Requirements | Card Delivery | Mobile App | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PKO BP | Passport + PESEL | Same day | Yes (IKO) | Largest bank in Poland, most ATMs |
| mBank | Passport + PESEL | 5-7 days | Yes | Good English-language app |
| Santander | Passport + PESEL | 3-5 days | Yes | English-speaking staff in major cities |
| Pekao SA | Passport + PESEL | Same day | Yes (PeoPay) | Second largest bank |
Documents needed:
- Valid passport
- PESEL confirmation
- Proof of address (rental agreement or employer letter)
- Employment contract
Tip: PKO BP and mBank are the most foreigner-friendly. Some branches have English-speaking staff — call ahead to check.
Getting a Polish SIM Card
A local phone number is essential for communication with your employer, colleagues, and for two-factor authentication on your bank app.
Prepaid Plans (No Contract Required)
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Data | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play | PLN 25-30 | 10-15 GB | Play stores, Żabka convenience stores |
| Orange | PLN 30-35 | 15-20 GB | Orange stores, media shops |
| T-Mobile | PLN 30-35 | 15-20 GB | T-Mobile stores, electronics shops |
| Plus | PLN 25-30 | 10-15 GB | Plus stores, Żabka |
What you need to buy a SIM:
- Passport (required by law for SIM registration)
- PLN 5-10 for the SIM card itself
- Cash or card for the first top-up
Tip: Żabka convenience stores are on almost every street corner and sell prepaid SIM cards from most providers. Play offers the best budget plans.
Food and Shopping: Finding Familiar Tastes
Budget Grocery Stores
For your everyday shopping, these are the most affordable chains:
- Biedronka — Poland's cheapest supermarket, found everywhere. Great for basics, meat, bread, and vegetables.
- Lidl — Slightly more variety than Biedronka, good bakery section, weekly specials on international foods.
- Netto — Similar to Biedronka, sometimes cheaper on specific items.
- Auchan / Carrefour — Larger hypermarkets with wider international food sections.
African and Asian Food Stores
Major Polish cities have specialty stores where you can find products from home:
- Warsaw: Lagos Supermarket (Praga district), African Food Store (Wola), several Asian markets in the city center
- Wrocław: African shops near the main station, Asian supermarkets on Ruska street
- Kraków: International food stores in Kazimierz district
- Gdańsk / Szczecin: Growing number of African and Asian shops — ask the local community for current locations
Halal meat is available in most cities through halal butchers, Turkish kebab shops (which often sell raw meat), and some sections of larger supermarkets.
Weekly Food Budget
Expect to spend PLN 200-400 per month on groceries if you cook at home. Eating at a budget restaurant (bar mleczny — milk bar) costs PLN 15-25 per meal.
Surviving Polish Weather
Poland has four distinct seasons, and the winters are serious.
What to Expect
- November - March: Winter temperatures range from 0°C to -15°C (and occasionally colder). Snow is common.
- April - May: Spring arrives slowly. Temperatures 5-15°C. Rain is frequent.
- June - August: Summer is warm, 20-30°C. Long daylight hours.
- September - October: Autumn brings rain and cooling temperatures, 5-15°C.
Essential Winter Clothing
If you are arriving between October and March, you MUST have:
- Winter jacket: Insulated, windproof, and waterproof. Budget: PLN 150-300.
- Thermal base layers: Long-sleeve thermal shirts and leggings. Budget: PLN 40-80.
- Winter boots: Waterproof with warm lining. Budget: PLN 100-200.
- Hat, gloves, and scarf: Non-negotiable. Budget: PLN 30-60.
Where to buy affordable winter clothing:
- Pepco — Very cheap basics and winter accessories
- Sinsay / House — Budget fashion chains with winter collections
- Decathlon — Best value for thermal layers and waterproof gear
- Second-hand shops (Lumpeksy) — Quality winter coats for PLN 30-80
- Allegro.pl — Poland's largest online marketplace (like eBay)
20 Essential Polish Phrases
Polish is a difficult language, but learning a few phrases goes a long way with colleagues and in daily life.
| Polish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dzień dobry | Jen DOH-bri | Good morning / Hello (formal) |
| Cześć | Cheshch | Hi / Bye (informal) |
| Dziękuję | Jen-KOO-yeh | Thank you |
| Proszę | PRO-sheh | Please / You're welcome |
| Tak / Nie | Tahk / Nyeh | Yes / No |
| Przepraszam | Psheh-PRA-shahm | Excuse me / Sorry |
| Nie rozumiem | Nyeh roh-ZOO-myem | I don't understand |
| Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku? | Chi MOO-vee pahn/PAH-nee po ahn-GYEL-skoo | Do you speak English? |
| Ile to kosztuje? | EE-leh toh kosh-TOO-yeh | How much does it cost? |
| Gdzie jest...? | Gdjeh yest | Where is...? |
| Toaleta | Toh-ah-LEH-tah | Toilet |
| Szpital | SHPEE-tahl | Hospital |
| Pomoc! | POH-mohts | Help! |
| Rachunek proszę | Rah-HOO-nek PRO-sheh | The bill please |
| Jedno piwo proszę | YED-noh PEE-voh PRO-sheh | One beer please |
| Smacznego | Smach-NEH-goh | Enjoy your meal |
| Na zdrowie | Nah ZDRO-vyeh | Cheers / Bless you |
| Dobranoc | Doh-BRA-nohts | Good night |
| Do widzenia | Doh vee-DZEN-yah | Goodbye (formal) |
| Potrzebuję pomocy | Poh-TSHEH-boo-yeh poh-MOH-tsi | I need help |
Sending Money Home
Most workers in Poland regularly send money to family back home. Here is a comparison of the main options:
| Service | Transfer Fee | Exchange Rate Markup | Speed | How to Send |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise (TransferWise) | PLN 5-15 | 0.4-0.7% | 1-2 business days | App or website |
| Western Union | PLN 15-40 | 1-3% | Minutes (cash pickup) | Agent locations, app |
| Ria Money Transfer | PLN 10-30 | 1-2% | Minutes to 1 day | Agent locations, app |
| Remitly | PLN 0-15 | 0.5-1.5% | Minutes to 3 days | App |
| WorldRemit | PLN 5-15 | 0.5-1.5% | Minutes to 2 days | App |
Recommendation: Wise offers the best exchange rates and lowest fees for bank-to-bank transfers. Use Western Union or Ria when your family needs cash pickup immediately.
Polish Workplace Culture
Understanding workplace expectations will help you fit in quickly:
- Punctuality is critical: Arriving even 5 minutes late is noticed and frowned upon. Set multiple alarms if needed.
- Breaks are scheduled: Most factories have fixed break times — 15 minutes for every 8 hours worked, plus a lunch break.
- Direct communication: Polish managers tend to be straightforward. If something is wrong, they will tell you directly. This is not rudeness — it is the cultural norm.
- Overtime: Must be agreed upon and is paid at 150-200% of your normal rate. Never work overtime without written agreement.
- Sick leave: If you are sick, call your employer immediately and visit a doctor. You need an official L4 sick leave certificate.
Emergency Numbers
Save these in your phone on Day 1:
- 112 — General emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 999 — Ambulance
- 998 — Fire department
- 997 — Police
- 116 123 — Emotional support helpline
- Your employer's emergency contact — Get this on your first day
- Your WWS coordinator — Available to help with any issues during your settlement period
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a PESEL number?
Usually same-day or within 2-3 business days. Visit your local municipal office with your passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Can I open a bank account without speaking Polish?
Yes. PKO BP and mBank have English-speaking staff in major cities and English-language mobile apps. Call ahead to confirm availability.
What if I cannot find food from my home country?
In smaller cities, international food can be harder to find. Join local community groups on Facebook — the African and Asian communities in Poland are active and can point you to stores, restaurants, and home cooks.
How cold does it really get in winter?
Temperatures regularly reach -10°C to -15°C between December and February. Wind chill can make it feel colder. Proper winter clothing is not optional — it is a health necessity.
Is Poland safe for foreign workers?
Yes. Poland is one of the safest countries in Europe. Like anywhere, exercise normal caution in cities at night. Most workers report feeling safe and welcomed by Polish colleagues.
How much money should I bring for the first month?
Bring at least PLN 1,500-2,000 (approximately EUR 350-470) to cover expenses before your first paycheck. This covers food, transport, a SIM card, and basic supplies.
Start Your Journey With Confidence
The first month in a new country is always the hardest — but with the right preparation, it becomes an exciting adventure instead of a stressful ordeal. World Wide Services has helped over 3,720 workers settle successfully in Poland, and our team supports you not just with paperwork, but throughout your entire relocation.
Ready to take the next step? Visit worldwideservice.eu to explore available positions in Poland, or contact our offices in Szczecin, Abuja, or Tirana for a free consultation.
About the Author
Karim Bukarim
Co-Founder, Head of Product Development
Karim is a co-founder of World Wide Services with deep expertise in international employment and immigration processes. He leads product development to simplify global workforce mobility.
