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There are direct flights to Warsaw from major European destinations, as well as from US cities such as New York and Chicago with large Polish communities . There is no departure tax. Train and bus fares from some European destinations can be as expensive as discounted air fares, unless you have some kind of transport pass. Road connections with Poland are good and getting better, but there are still border delays, especially when crossing from other eastern European countries. Many border crossings to Germany and the Czech Republic have been closed since terrible floods in July 1997 damaged bridges. There are sea connections from the UK and Scandinavia to Gdansk, Gdynia and Swinoujscie. Most services have car-freighting facilities.

Money and Costs

Currency: zloty (literally 'gold')

Meals


• Budget: US$3-5

• Mid-range: US$5-15

• Top-end: US$15 and upwards
  
  Lodging
  

• Budget: US$8-20

• Mid-range: US$20-40

• Top-end hotel: US$40-100

Though not the bargain it used to be, Poland is still a cheap country for travellers. If you are accustomed to rental cars and plush hotels, you can spend almost as much as you would in western Europe. However, if you can get by with cheap hotels, medium-priced restaurants, bus or train travel, a few beers, the odd museum and occasional taxis, you should be able to get by on around $30 a day.

However you carry it, your money will generally be safe while you're travelling in Poland. Cheques are reasonably easy to exchange wherever you go, but you'll get a slightly better rate with cash. Credit cards are becoming more useful - you can use them to pay for up-market hotels and restaurants, car rentals and long-distance transport. You can also get cash advances with the major cards.