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Poland
A country rich in history, with miles of untouched coastline,
dramatic mountains, and bursting with a unique culture, you
may wonder just why you have not yet been to Poland. Krakow
will impress you with its preserved architecture and beautiful
market square while the resilience of the Poles can be seen
in Warsaw's rebuilt Old Town. Hiking and skiing are readily
available in the looming Tatra Mountains and nothing
is too expensive in this relatively quiet region of Eastern
Europe. Poland has at times been stifled by its various occupations
and tragic past, but is now in the midst of reinventing itself
in modern terms and creating a fantastic atmosphere that visitors
can be part of.
Slovakia
The pure, natural beauty of Slovakia combined with its medieval
towns and friendly culture make for a rewarding stop off the
beaten path of travel in Eastern Europe. The sharp peaks of
the Tatras that rise above the hills and lakes provide
beautiful vistas and outdoor adventure. The quiet villages
that stretch into the countryside welcome visitors with interesting
architecture and traditional folk culture.
Cash
Czech currency is the Czech crown, the Koruna
(Kc), with very approximately 30 Koruna to the dollar.
The currency in Poland is the zloty (zl). 1
zloty = 100 groszy. There are very approximately four zloty
to the dollar.
In Slovakia, the currency is the Slovak crown
(Slovenska koruna; Sk) containing 100 hellers (halier). There
are very approximately 30 crowns to the dollar.
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
As these countries have recently enter the European Union,
a change after 2005 to the Euro currency is perhaps inevitable,
and will probably bring some price inflation with it.
In the Czech Republic, ATM's are fairly plentiful
and most will accept major credit cards. The major banks are
the best place to change traveller's cheques and cash. Watch
out for high fees at private exchange outlets. In Poland,
there are ATM's in most small towns and in the centre of all
cities. You can exchange cash at private exchange offices
called Kantors which do not charge commission. traveller's
cheques will be more difficult since kantors do not generally
accept them and the banks that do will charge a 2 to 3% commission.
In Slovakia, ATM's (bankomats) are available and the
best place to change money is at a bank. Major credit cards
are accepted at most major hotels, upmarket restaurants and
some shops.
Generally, travelling in the Czech Republic is cheap,
although hotel accommodation in Prague can be expensive.
You can save money by staying in hostels or pensions, eating
at restaurants outside touristy areas, and using public transportation.
In Poland, keep in mind that everything must be paid
for in the local currency, even if the price is quoted in
US dollars or Euros. Slovakia is still much cheaper
to travel in than the Czech Republic, although accommodations
in Bratislava may be a bit more than you would expect
and foreigners often pay more than Slovak citizens for nearly
everything.
Tipping in restaurants in the Czech Republic is optional
although the custom is to round up the bill by about 10%.
The same goes for taxi drivers. In upmarket establishments
in Poland, it is also customary to tip 10% and most
do not tip taxi drivers.
People
With a population of 10.3 million, the Czech Republic
is one of the most populated countries of Eastern and
Central Europe. 94% of the people are ethnically Czech and
3% are Slovak. Other sizeable minorities include Germans,
Poles, and Hungarians.
Poland has over 39 million people with about 98% of
the population being Polish. Before WWII, the country was
not as homogenous, with a Jewish population of over three
million, but currently there are only 5000 to 10,000 Jewish
people left in the country. The majority of Polish people
are Catholic, although there is a sizeable Protestant population
and other minorities dispersed throughout the country.
Slovakia's population is 5.4 million with 86% Slovak,
10% Hungarians and 1% Czech. Catholicism is strong throughout
the country.
Travel
Czech Republic
When travelling within the Czech Republic, buses
are usually faster and cheaper than trains but many do not
operate on the weekends. Renting a car is also an option and
will give you the flexibility to stop along the way and enjoy
sights off the beaten path.
Poland
While travelling in Poland, trains are probably the
best option. They are convenient, cheap, and fairly reliable.
Fast trains are available but are 50% more expensive than
regular passenger trains. Polrail passes provide unlimited
travel on all domestic trains in the country which are available
in durations of 8 days, 15 days, 21 days and one month. Flights
are another option and although some may require connections
that make it less convenient than the train, it is worth looking
into special deals and promotions. There are bus routes throughout
the country but trains are almost always more convenient and
comfortable. Minibuses are a good option for short trips though.
If you opt to cycle between villages, there are special luggage
compartments on trains that you can store your bike in for
longer distances. Prague has a decent public transportation
system and you can use the bus, metro, or tram to get to most
places if you cannot get there on foot. Taxis are also available
but watch out for cab drivers waiting to take advantage of
tourists and consider calling a reputable company in advance
to avoid problems.
Slovakia
In Slovakia, buses are quicker than regular trains and have
a more extensive network than express trains, but they are
comparable in price and do not have air conditioning.
Food
Czech Republic
The most famous Czech cuisine is undeniably its beer.
Bohemian beer ranks with the best in the world and
is cheap and plentiful throughout the country and a great
bargain outside touristy areas. When food becomes necessary,
expect heavy sauces and a variety of soups to start. Dumplings
and meat are both quite popular although you can find
vegetarian restaurants in Prague. A unique favorite in pubs
is the famous beer cheese (pivny syr). A smelly brie-like
cheese, it is usually served with small piles of onion, butter,
chopped pickle, paprika, and other spices to mix in. If you
are lucky you can get a shot of beer foam from the
bartender to stir in before spreading it on your bread.
Poland
In Poland, there are also generally hearty dishes and meat
always features prominently in the main course. Meals usually
start with soup, such as borsh (beet) or Zurek
(sour rye meal mash), which are often accompanied by stuffed
dumplings. Beer is eaten with meals, but a shot of vodka is
preferable whether or not there is food to accompany it.
Slovakia
Slovakia's traditional dish is bryndzove halusky
(gnocci with a thick sheep's cheese sauce and crumbled bacon)
and the cesnakova polievka (garlic soup) is
worth trying. Vegetarians are again at a disadvantage, although
trout or carp is often on the menu for pescatarians. Wine
in Slovakia is good and cheap.
Language
Not surprisingly, Czech is the official language of
the Czech Republic and you may want to bring along
an English-Czech phrasebook if you plan on being there for
a while. A number of Czechs also understand German
and in Prague, English will suffice.
Polish is spoken almost exclusively in Poland,
although some older Poles speak German and many young
people speak English. Learning a few key words is definitely
advisable although most tourist offices and upscale hotels
will have at least one English speaker.
In Slovakia, you will have difficulty finding an English
speaker in small towns. German is useful and those
working in tourism will know English.
Climate
The Czech Republic climate is temperate with chilly
winters and rain and snow possible. The best weather is in
the summer but the region is also the most crowded during
July and August as well as during the holiday periods of Christmas,
New Year's, and Easter. Poland is also crowded in the
summer due the better weather; this is the best time for visitors
to enjoy the coastal resorts and lakes because after the summer
holiday season, many of the hotels, clubs and restaurants
in those areas close. Early autumn or late spring also bring
good weather and smaller crowds so these may be the best times
for a visit. The winter is a bit dark and unless you are going
skiing, probably not the best time to enjoy the rest of Poland's
outdoor attractions, although it is possible to see the city
sights and cultural attractions in the cold and Christmas
in Prague has a wonderful, Victorian charm. Resort
areas in the mountains of Slovakia are at peak capacity
in July and August, although Bratislava will be cheaper
and less crowded during the hot summer months.
Visas
These countries entered the European Union in May 2004, so
entry for EU citizens is now unrestricted, you will only require
your passport.
Czech Republic
Citizens of the United States, Switzerland, Japan, and New
Zealand can stay up to 90 days in the Czech Republic without
a visa. Those from New Zealand and Australia can stay up to
180 days. Canadians, Australians, and South Africans will
need travel visas. Visas cannot be obtained at the border
or the airport.
Poland
Citizens of the United States, Switzerland and Japan do need
a visa, but it can be obtained at all major borders, international
airports, and sea ports and lasts for 90 days. Those from
New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Israel must
obtain a tourist visa before gong to Poland. It is possible
to obtain a 48 hour transit visa (onward visa required) if
you need to pass through Poland.
Slovakia
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
do not need a visa. It is advisable to check on all visa requirements
since they do change. |
