Basic Etiquette

People in Poland are expected to always present themselves with a minimal air of politeness. This entails paying attention to the little things, acting thoughtfully, being helpful, and acting professionally in general. In public, casual attire may be deemed unacceptable. For instance, wearing bare feet in public is uncommon. Most people dress well.

It is considered rude to inquire about a woman's age. Some Poles (particularly the older ones) make the effort to treat women with a higher level of respect and regard. They could extend their hand to help a lady get up from her seat, extend their arm to help a woman walk, or hold or open doors for a woman.

When a woman enters the room, you should also stand up for her or offer your seat if she requests one. Those who were born after the 1960s might not find this chivalry to be as relevant. Keeping your hands in your pockets when speaking to someone is considered impolite. When sitting, avoid placing your ankle on the other knee.

A common no-no is jaywalking, drinking in public, and smoking outside of approved areas. In Poland, being late is a show of impoliteness and carelessness. In both social and professional settings, people are expected to be on time. But tardiness still happens rather frequently. Additionally, it is wise to remain adaptable because unanticipated situations can cause activities and schedules to be postponed or quickly altered.