Warsaw Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Warsaw.
Healthcare System
Poland has a two-tier healthcare system with public (NFZ) and private facilities. Public healthcare is available to EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while private facilities offer faster service and are commonly used by tourists and expats.
Hospitals
Major hospitals serving tourists include LuxMed, Medicover, and Damian Medical Center (private), and public hospitals like Centralny Szpital Kliniczny MSWiA. Private hospitals offer shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. EU citizens can use public facilities with EHIC, but may face language barriers and longer waits.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka) are widely available throughout Warsaw. Many medications requiring prescriptions elsewhere are available over-the-counter. At least one 24-hour pharmacy operates in each district. Pharmacists often speak English and can recommend treatments for minor ailments.
Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU citizens as medical costs can be significant. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card but may still want supplementary insurance for private care and repatriation.
Healthcare Tips
- LuxMed and Medicover have multiple locations and English-speaking staff
- Keep receipts and medical documentation for insurance claims
- Dental care is of high quality and significantly cheaper than Western Europe
- Pharmacies can handle minor health issues without needing to see a doctor
- Download the location of 24-hour pharmacies (apteka dyżurna) in advance
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing occurs primarily in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and during major events. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
Unlicensed taxis and some drivers at tourist spots, airports, and train stations may overcharge significantly or take unnecessarily long routes.
Occasional reports of drinks being spiked in bars and clubs, sometimes followed by theft or assault. More common in lower-quality establishments.
Card skimming at ATMs and unauthorized charges, though less common than in some European cities.
Warsaw drivers can be aggressive, and not all drivers yield to pedestrians at crossings. Cycling infrastructure is improving but can be inconsistent.
Public intoxication can lead to vulnerability to theft, accidents, or legal issues. Public drinking is illegal in most areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Street exchangers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand, give counterfeit bills, or shortchange tourists. Some kantor (exchange offices) in tourist areas also have deceptive rate displays.
Some clubs, particularly those with aggressive promoters, add unauthorized charges, claim credit card machines are broken to force cash payment, or present inflated bills. Sometimes involves attractive women inviting male tourists to specific bars.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police asking to check wallets for counterfeit money, then steal cash or cards during the 'inspection.'
Some tourist-area restaurants don't display prices clearly, charge for items you didn't order (bread, condiments), or have different prices for locals vs. tourists.
People approach tourists with petitions for charities or causes, asking for signatures and donations, while accomplices pickpocket or the 'charity' is fake.
Vendors in tourist areas significantly inflate prices, especially for amber jewelry and folk crafts, counting on tourists not knowing reasonable prices.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separately from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying long-term
- Learn basic Polish phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
Transportation
- Validate tickets on public transport to avoid fines (ticket inspectors are common)
- Use official taxi companies or ride-sharing apps only
- Be cautious when crossing streets; drivers don't always yield
- Keep belongings secure on crowded buses and trams
- Avoid empty train carriages late at night
- Download offline maps in case of internet issues
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry only what you need; leave excess cash and cards in hotel safe
- Use money belts or hidden pouches for important documents
- Keep small denominations for taxis and small purchases
- Be discreet when handling money in public
Accommodation
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Keep room number private
- Note emergency exits upon arrival
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms with reviews
- Keep hotel contact information with you when exploring
Food and Drink
- Tap water is safe to drink in Warsaw
- Check restaurant bills carefully before paying
- Food safety standards are high; food poisoning is rare
- Be cautious with street food in very hot weather
- Service charge is sometimes included; tipping 10% is customary otherwise
- Ask about ingredients if you have allergies; English menus are common in tourist areas
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card or ensure your roaming plan works (EU roaming applies for EU visitors)
- Download Polish language apps for basic communication
- Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and public spaces
- Save important addresses in Polish for taxi drivers
- Learn to recognize Polish emergency signage
- Keep your embassy contact information accessible
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites
- Photography may be restricted in some museums and churches
- Be respectful at WWII sites and memorials; these hold deep significance
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Avoid discussing politics or sensitive historical topics unless invited
- Public behavior is generally more reserved than in some Western countries
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Warsaw is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Women can move around freely, and harassment is less common than in many other European cities. However, standard precautions should be taken, particularly at night and in nightlife areas. Polish society is relatively conservative, but women travelers are unlikely to face significant issues related to gender.
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking alone late at night
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers in bars and clubs
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Book accommodations in central, well-reviewed areas
- Be firm but polite if dealing with unwanted attention
- Dress as you would in any European capital; no specific dress code required
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Keep phone charged and share your location with friends/family
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Some older Polish men may offer chivalrous gestures (offering seats, opening doors); this is cultural, not harassment
- Catcalling is less common than in Southern Europe but can occur; ignore and keep walking
- Women-only accommodation options are available if preferred
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Poland (since 1932), and the age of consent is equal. However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. Anti-discrimination laws exist but enforcement can be inconsistent. Poland does not have hate crime laws specifically protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Warsaw has several LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs, mainly in the city center
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection outside clearly gay-friendly venues
- The annual Pride parade (June) is well-attended but may have counter-protesters
- Research LGBTQ-friendly accommodations in advance if this is a priority
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Lambda Warszawa or Campaign Against Homophobia for current information
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe, but exercise normal online safety precautions
- Legal protections exist against discrimination, but social attitudes vary
- Transgender travelers may face more challenges; gender marker change is legally difficult in Poland
- Medical care is available but finding LGBTQ-competent healthcare providers may require research
- The situation is better in Warsaw than in smaller Polish cities or rural areas
- International LGBTQ+ travelers generally do not face issues, but discretion is advised
- Some international hotel chains are particularly LGBTQ-friendly
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Warsaw. While EU citizens can access public healthcare with EHIC, private healthcare (which most tourists prefer for English-speaking staff and shorter waits) can be expensive. Medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and theft coverage are valuable protections. Non-EU citizens should consider insurance essential as they will need to pay full private rates for healthcare.
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