A Few Tips From Love Gdansk

Avoid changing your money at the Bureaux de Change in the town centre unless you want to hand a complete stranger an early Christmas present - the rates can be awful.

Don't hail your taxis from the rank - ask someone to phone for one - it's generally 30 percent cheaper.

Coin-operated phone boxes are almost non-existent. You'll need to buy a telephone card (karta telefoniczna) from a post office or roadside kiosk.

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Take care when buying antiques. It's illegal to export certain items, particularly old paintings, produced before 1945.

Don't expect first class service in Gdansk's restaurants and bars - the city still has a long way to go in that respect! Things have improved a lot however in the last few years, and with an ever-increasing amount of tourists in the city tipping is also becoming customary. Ten percent on any meal should mean you're welcomed back next time!

If you're planning a trip to Gdansk be sure to book your accommodation in advance, particularly in the high season. The best hotels fill out quickly, with apartments a better bet for last minute breaks.

Bring warm clothes and a hat. The weather in Poland can be surprisingly pleasant, but equally it can have a bitter cold edge even in late spring. You may just end up blessing that ridiculous old balaclava.

Poles are passionate about their food. Throw away your preconceptions about miserable Eastern Bloc stews, and be prepared for a great surprise.

Poland has adopted its own uniquely confusing symbols for differentiating public toilets for men and women. Remember, too, that you may well have to pay. Oh, and by the way, the circle is for women, the triangle for men!

 

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