Practical information
Travel Documents
There are no frontier controls at the borders between 22 EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU law.These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place effective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Republic of Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom.
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are not in the EU.
To enter the territory of a Schengen State, third-country nationals must be in possession of a valid travel document and a visa (if required).
Passport
The only document that can confirms identity and nationality and therefore entitles a person to cross a border is a passport.
ID card
You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when travelling to the five non-Schengen countries and when entering or leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling in the EU because they may be required for identification or security purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from national authorities.
Foreign Consulates in Kraków
List of foreign consulates and institutions in Krakow is available here.
Local currency
The official currency of Poland is the Zloty (PLN). The exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR to 4.20 PLN (1 USD 3.90 PLN). Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:00. Exchange offices can be found all around Krakow, and are clearly marked. ATMs are widely available around the city and shops accept major credit cards.
Official language
Official language is Polish.
English is widely spoken.
Weather
Early April average temperatures in Krakow in recent years: 15 to 20 ºC (59 to 68 ºF). It may rain.
Local time
Local time in Krakow: summer time DST;
UTC +2 (CEST)
Daylight saving time started in 2019 on the night 30/31 March.
Electricity
Electric power is 230 V, 50 Hz. Outlet plugs are C / E (2-pins: C is not grounded and E is grounded). Most of European countries uses this socket standard (e.g. Germany, France, Belgium). It is compatible with C / F (C / E / F are most common socket standards in Europe).
https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
In any case, most hotels have adaptors for different plug types. Please make sure that the electrical devices you will be using (computers, mobile phone chargers, electric shavers, etc.) are suitable for this voltage, otherwise transformers or batteries are advisable.
First Aid
A first aid service will be available at the ICE at all times during the congress. Please note, however, no other medical service will be provided. Participants are expected to cover the costs of any medical expenses incurred in Poland. Therefore, it is highly recommended that participants have an insurance policy covering medical expenses in Poland and elsewhere during their travel.
EU citizens should carry the European Health Insurance Card.
Participants requesting an entry visa will also be required to submit proof of medical insurance.
Medical services
Krakow has a good network of health centres (primary care services) and hospitals. In the case of an emergency, injury, sudden illness or deterioration to health, patients should either call an ambulance or go directly to a hospital, to the A&E department. In such cases, medical transport is free of charge. In hospital, you must present your valid European Health Insurance Card or a replacement certificate or insurance.
Emergency service phone numbers
112 General emergency number – dial without any area code
997 Police
998 Fire Brigade
999 Ambulance
Note: Emergency calls are toll-free
