Krakow is a relatively quiet city, with few violent crimes and a few petty thieves looking for distracted tourists, especially in very crowded areas. The most common crimes are pickpocketing and theft of items from cars.
Here, then, are some always useful tips to avoid ruining your holiday in Krakow and to enjoy, in peace of mind, the many things to see in this beautiful Polish city.
Things not to do in Krakow, and almost anywhere else
- Avoid showing all the cash you have and divide it into different denominations to keep separately.
- When you are in a restaurant or sitting at a café table, do not hang your bag on the chair; do not leave your bag unattended in fitting rooms when trying on clothes.
- Do not place your mobile phone or wallet on tables or counters in public places; do not put them in an outside pocket of your bag or trousers.
- Make sure you have properly locked the doors and windows of your car; do not leave mobile phones, cameras, wallets or bags in sight, even if they are empty: someone might be tempted to force the lock or break a car window.
- Take a photocopy of your identity document with you when travelling and leave it at your hotel in Krakow. In case of loss: if you have lost it, contact the consulate; if it has been stolen, also report it to the police.
Laws to know for visiting Krakow safely
On this page you will find the basic laws to respect when you enter Polish territory. For some offences there is zero tolerance, so it is better to get informed before departure.
Alcohol and drugs
The sale of alcohol is restricted to people over 18. Drinking alcohol in public places — streets and squares — is strictly forbidden and punished.
The possession, purchase and use of drugs — soft and hard — is strictly prohibited. The minimum consequence is immediate arrest and then, depending on the quantity, a trial with varying penalties.
Prostitution and offences against minors
In Poland, prostitution is not a crime and is therefore widely tolerated. However, exploitation of prostitution is a criminal offence, so there should not be brothels, escorts or dubious venues, although, as you will see, reality is different.
Regulations on sexual abuse of minors and adults are much less tolerant and very strict: the penalties for sexual violence range from 2 to 12 years in prison, while those who commit offences involving violence against minors face sentences ranging from 1 to 10 years in prison.
It should be remembered that those who commit offences against minors abroad — sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution — are prosecuted upon their return to Italy under the laws in force in our country.
Driving a car
The blood alcohol level must not exceed 0.02%, beyond which arrest is possible. The police may require a test, which is always mandatory after a road accident. The penalty is imprisonment for up to 2 years.
Seat belts
The use of seat belts is mandatory for the driver and front-seat passengers. The use of seat belts in the rear seats is mandatory in vehicles equipped with them.
Fines
For foreigners, the usual practice is to request payment of the fine on the spot. The amount varies from 50 to 500 Zl, depending on the offence committed.
Headlights
In Poland it is mandatory to drive with dipped headlights on 24 hours a day.
Emergencies and useful numbers in Krakow
We know and hope you will not need them, but the numbers and references on this page are useful even if you are staying in Krakow for only a few days. Polish is a difficult language and, if you do not know it, it can be hard to ask for help or manage emergency situations.
Here, then, are all the useful numbers and addresses for anyone who decides to spend a weekend in Krakow.
To make sure someone who can understand at least English answers you, in case of emergency call the single European emergency number 112.
The city emergency number is 999, but it is very unlikely that anyone will answer you in Italian. If you realise they are speaking Polish, hand the phone to a Krakow local who can help you explain the situation. For hospital numbers and other healthcare institutions, visit the Healthcare in Krakow section.
Healthcare, hospitals and emergency rooms in Krakow
Poland is part of the European Union, so Italians travelling to Krakow for study, holiday or work are entitled to healthcare assistance as in Italy. To obtain it, however, you must bring your Italian Health Insurance Card issued by your local health authority.
The card covers all normal emergency services and reimbursement of medical expenses incurred. It does not cover the costs of any emergency transport back to Italy. Poland has good healthcare, in line with European standards.
In Krakow there are excellent specialised facilities and modern hospitals with medicines and equipment. On this page you will find the essential information in case of a health emergency.
Hospitals in Krakow
Krakow has 5 hospitals open day and night every day of the year. Here are the details, with street address and phone number.
- Gabriela Narutowicza Hospital at 35-37 Pradnicka Street, phone +48 12 633 01 00
- Ludwika Rydygiera Hospital, phone 126468000
- Stefana Zeromskiego Hospital at 66 Na Skarpie, phone 126440144
- Wojskowy Kliniczny Hospital at 1-3 Rudolfa Weigla Street, phone +48 71 766 03 73
- Zaklad Opieki Zdrowotnej MSWiA Hospital at 32 Ołbińska Street, phone +48 71 798 46 00
The Dzieciecy Hospital at 265 Wielicka Street, phone 126582011, is specialised in emergencies involving children.
Pharmacies in Krakow
Pharmacies are called “Apteka” and are very common — there are 220 of them — especially in the historic centre. They are usually open until 8 pm. For night service, read the notice displayed outside closed pharmacies.
If you do not understand Polish — which is likely — there is the Euro Apteka pharmacy, always open, on Krowoderska Street. Polish pharmacies stock all normal medicines: if you need special or hard-to-find medicines, bring them from home and always carry the prescription with you.
Telephone and electricity in Krakow
Poland has a good mobile phone network, in line with European standards, so you will have no difficulty making and receiving calls even with your Italian mobile phone.
As soon as you arrive in Krakow, your phone will connect to one of the operators active in Poland. Before leaving, however, it is better to check all costs by asking your provider about call and message rates.
Calling from/to Krakow
To call from Krakow to Italy, dial 00 39 followed by the Italian landline or mobile number. To receive calls in Krakow from Italy, callers must dial 00 48 followed by the recipient’s landline or mobile number.
Electricity and electronic devices in Krakow
In Krakow and throughout Poland, standard European sockets are used and the electrical voltage is 230 W. You should therefore have no problems charging your phones, players and similar devices. To avoid issues, it is advisable to bring an adapter suitable for two-round-pin sockets.
Budget and cost of living in Krakow
Despite the price increases of recent years, Krakow remains a very inexpensive tourist destination. Flights to Krakow, if booked in advance, cost only a few dozen euros for a return trip.
Restaurants and pubs are very affordable by Italian standards, while hotel prices in Krakow are quickly aligning with those of Europe’s major tourist destinations. On this page we provide some general references on the cost of living in Krakow, specifying that much depends on the season in which you travel to Poland, the category of hotel you choose and how far in advance you book your flight.
Average costs in Krakow
- The price of a bus or tram ticket is about €1
- Lunch for two in an average restaurant: €20
- Lunch — yes, really — for two at McDonald’s costs around €6
- Beer costs less than bottled water: about €2 for half a litre
- A packet of cigarettes costs less than €3
Saving money with the Krakow Card
The Krakow Card allows you to use public transport and enter the main tourist attractions without having to pay a separate ticket for each entrance. You can find more information on the Krakow Card page.
Hotel costs in Krakow
Krakow receives around 4 million tourists every year, so it offers a wide variety of accommodation, from bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, as well as many family-run guesthouses. Price ranges vary depending on services and location, but even in the central area it is possible to find accommodation spending between 65 and 100 euros.
Currency, exchange, banks and ATMs in Krakow
Poland is part of the European Union but has not yet adopted the euro. The currency used in Krakow is therefore the zloty, divided into groszy.
The currency is indicated by the symbol PLN. At some cash desks it is possible to pay in euros. The exchange rate varies but is relatively stable: €1 corresponds to about 4.30 zloty. Banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 złotych, and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groszy, and 1, 2 and 5 złoty.
Where to exchange euros into zloty
The simplest way to get zloty is the ATM: make a withdrawal and you immediately have local currency at an official exchange rate.
Before leaving, ask your bank about withdrawal limits abroad. If, instead, you bring euros directly from Italy, the easiest options are bank branches or “Kantor“, private exchange offices, usually open until 6 pm, as well as those found at the airport, in tourist areas and in many hotels.
ATMs and credit cards in Krakow
ATMs and major credit cards are generally accepted in Krakow and in other large cities. You may have some difficulty finding a bank or paying by card in smaller rural towns.
Shops, hotels, restaurants, theatres and supermarkets generally accept the main credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express and Diners Club. In many cases, the symbols of accepted cards are displayed outside. So, before entering, check whether you can pay by card.
Losing and blocking a credit card in Krakow
If you lose your card, here are some numbers you will need to block it while you are in Krakow:
- Visa 0-0-800-111-1569
- American Express +800.263.92.279
- Master Card 0-0800-111-1211
- Maestro Card 0039.02.34980132
- Diners Club 0039 02.3216.2656
UK Consulate in Krakow
Ambasciata britannica in Polonia
Se qualcosa va storto a Cracovia, i cittadini britannici possono rivolgersi alla British Embassy Warsaw, con sede a Varsavia. L’accesso all’ambasciata e ai servizi consolari è solo su appuntamento. Per emergenze o richieste consolari bisogna usare il modulo ufficiale FCDO o chiamare il numero generale FCDO per assistenza urgente ai cittadini britannici all’estero. (GOV.UK)
British Embassy Warsaw
ul. Kawalerii 12
00-468 Warsaw
Mazowieckie
Poland
Contatto emergenze e richieste consolari: modulo di contatto FCDO per la British Embassy Warsaw.
Per assistenza consolare urgente: +44 (0)20 7008 5000, selezionando l’opzione “Consular services for British nationals”.
