Community Advisory

Dear Community Member, 

We are providing below suggestions based on our experience and issues faced by the new comers in Poland. We hope that this will help you and you can always reach us for any help or advise. 

Pre Arrival 

1. Always do your back ground check about your University/Job offer with the known contact/ Embassy/Chamber or organization to avoid any unpleasant surprises. 

2. Check you visa validity and validity from the time of arrival. 

3. Get references for law consultants who are helping in temporary residence card if the same is not provided by your employer. 

4. Get specifications about your accommodation /hostel. 

5. Research the country and its culture. Learn about the local customs, traditions, and way of life to better prepare for your move. 

6. Plan for housing and living expenses. Research the cost of living in your new country, and consider factors such as housing, food, transportation, and insurance. This would change but better to do some homework. 

7. Don't neglect your personal finances. Consider how your move will impact your financial situation and make a plan for managing your finances abroad. 

8. Don't be unrealistic. Try to have realistic expectations about life in a foreign country and be prepared for the ups and downs that come with the experience. 

Post Arrival 

1. Register with the Embassy of India and with one of the Indian organization in Poland. Link to register with Embassy https://www.indianembassywarsaw.gov.in/register/ 

2. Make some Polish friends or at least be in touch with Indian national who knows the local language. 

3. Respect local law, learn basic do’s and don’ts according to Polish culture and follow them. 

4. Check your accommodation in case of sharing the same do it with a friend or a person who you can trust, in case of paying guest with local please check the background with the help of a Polish colleague/friend. 

5. If you are target of systemic racism, frequent conflicting situation or bullying by any one in your university, work place or neighborhood – Please do not take law in your hand – first seek informal advice from experienced and veterans from Indian community. 

6. Share your accommodation location, local contact etc. With family/close friends. 

7. Learn basic words in Polish. 

8. Arrange health insurance if you don’t have one. 

9. Any country/city is safe if you are taking precautions and behaving in a right way. 

10. Racism is in every country and city, think wisely and avoid confrontation. 

11. In any heated situation take a step back, it is not being Coward but being wise.  

12. Abuse of alcohol leads to problem not only to your health but also with your behavior, please consume responsibly. Abstain from drugs totally. If you are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, you will be anyway wrong in the eyes of law 

13. In case you are distressed or in despair, you can always reach out to the people in Sikh Gurudawara Singh Sabha or Hindu Bhavan Temple in Warsaw besides any association. 

14. Comply with immigration laws and regulations. Make sure you have the necessary documents and visas to legally stay in the country. 

15. Respect the culture and customs of Poland. Learn about the local culture and traditions and try to fit in as much as possible. 

16. Learn the local language. This can help you to better understand and communicate with the people around you and will also show your respect for the culture. 

17. Network and make friends with locals and other expats. Having a strong social network can help you to feel more at home and make your experience abroad more enjoyable. 

18. Stay informed about the local news and events. This can help you to stay up to date with what's happening in the country and to better understand the cultural context. 

19. Be open-minded and flexible. Living in a foreign country can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your horizons. 

20. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether you need assistance with daily tasks or just someone to talk to, don't be afraid to reach out to others for support. 

21. Don't isolate yourself. It can be tempting to stay in your comfort zone, but it's important to get out and experience the local culture and meet new people. 

22. Don't neglect your health. Make sure you take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, while living abroad. 

23. Don't be disrespectful. Remember to treat others with respect, even if their customs or beliefs are different from your own. 

24. Seek out resources and support. Many countries have organizations and support systems in place for migrants, and these can be valuable resources for navigating your new home. 

25. In case of any emergency following numbers can be used: 

Direct emergency numbers if you dial from the stationary phones: 

999: Ambulance 

998: Fire Brigade 

997: Police 

986: Municipal Police 

981: Road Assistance 

If you are using mobile / cellular phone: remember to dial the local code before direct emergency number; for example: 22 + 997 to call the police in Warsaw. 

If you do not know the local code, dial the general emergency number: 112 and operator will request for you the appropriate emergency unit. But we recommend using direct emergency numbers in the case of danger (997 - Police, 999 - Ambulance, 998 - Fire), because in some areas the general emergency number (112) still does not work properly. 

Always remember that we are here as guests and at the same time Ambassadors, how we conduct ourselves and behave it portrays India. Your safety is not only important for you, but also for your loved ones. 

Hope for the best and plan for worst - Be alert, be aware & be safe!!!