Visiting Etiquette

For Poles, being punctual is really essential. Being late is regarded as being impolite and unsociable.

When addressing a Pole, use "Pan" for males and "Pani" for women before their last name. Calling someone by their first name is not common until they are close friends. You can say hello by shaking each person's hand separately and grinning while you do so.

It is usual to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, and you should be aware that Poles typically dislike requests for house tours. Be patient and wait until the hostess invites you to begin eating when you are having supper. Your Polish hosts really appreciate it when you sample a variety of foods.

Poles typically consume alcoholic beverages at dinner, so if you're trying to avoid alcohol, be ready to keep saying no. The host should always raise the first toast, which should always be made with hard liquor like vodka.