Climate

Łódź has a humid continental climate. In the first half of June temperatures are on average at around 22 degrees Celsius or 71 Fahrenheit.

Currency

The currency in Poland is Polish złoty (1 EUR ≈ 4,3 PLN). All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops but in smaller stores (ex. bakeries, souvenirs shops) or for taxi drivers we recommend bringing Polish cash (only some hotels and shopping malls accept Euro or other curriencies).

Transport

In Łódź there are several ways to get around:

• Public transport (buses and trams) – tickets can be purchased from automated ticket machines at stops, onboard machines, online apps and sometimes most streetside kiosks (website: https://www.mpk.lodz.pl/lang.action?lang=en), tickets about 1€
• Bikes – the Łódź Public Bicycle (Łódzki Rower Publiczny, https://lodzkirowerpubliczny.pl/en/) provides an alternative form of transport, allowing its users to move around the city fast. All you have to do is to register (https://account.nextbike.pl/en-US/lp/register) and then you can rent a bike through the terminal or the app.
• Electric scooters – you can rent the scooter through the app. Please note that a scooter, according to Polish law, is not a vehicle and you cannot drive it on the street (only on the sidewalk).
• Taxis – as a yardstick rates should be around 6 zł the moment you get in and then around 2 zł per kilometer. You should expect to pay approximately 50% more at night and on Sundays and public holidays.
• Uber – you can use it through the app.

Electrical sockets

In Poland the power plugs and sockets are of type E. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. This socket also works with plug C and with plug F if it has an additional pinhole. To see photos and more details to help you decide what type of adaptor you need, see here: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/.

Language

The official language is Polish but many Poles also speak English to a communicative degree and some to a very good degree. Some people also speak other languages.

Restaurants and Polish cuisine

Łódź offers a wide range of international restaurants (Japanese, Jewish, Georgian, Bulgarian, Italian etc.) as well as typical Polish cuisine. Eating out is possible regardless of your budget: homely dinners, local fast food, vegan and vegetarian fares, some places for urban hipsters etc.

Shopping

Shops in Łódź are usually open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00 but most of the large shopping centres are open longer (until 21:00–22:00). Stores are closed on most Sundays.

The best known is Manufaktura, located in the central part of the city, in the former industrial complex (about 60 shops and restaurants).

Tipping

Service is almost always included in hotel and restaurant bills. A further tip of a few coins is welcome (restaurants about 10%).

Visa

Since 2007 Poland is part of the Schengen Area and since 2004 – a member of European Union. Third-country nationals may enter Poland if they are in possession of a valid travel document and a visa (if required). Detailed information can be found here: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy.