The first two days in Krakow, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.
For Krakow
How long you are staying
Must do
Orange, Play, Plus and T-Mobile sell prepaid SIMs in shops and kiosks. Prepaid numbers must be registered to an ID, so bring your passport. A local number unlocks BLIK and most app sign-ups.
The free city card that carries a monthly pass. Apply at a Punkt Obsługi Pasażerów with ID and a photo, or use the mKKM app; until then, buy time tickets at the machines on board.
At the gmina or district office with your passport and lease: by the fourth day after moving in if you are not an EU, EFTA or Swiss citizen, by the 30th if you are. It is free and issues your PESEL.
The protokół zdawczo-odbiorczy records meter readings and the flat's condition. Photograph everything while the landlord is there; it decides the deposit.
Should do
112 for any emergency, 999 for an ambulance. The NFZ patient line, 800 190 590, explains where to go out of hours.
mBank, PKO BP, ING and Pekao all open accounts for foreigners; bring your passport, and the PESEL once you have it. The account gives you BLIK.
Most shops are closed on most Sundays under the trading ban. Petrol-station shops, Żabka convenience stores and some small family shops stay open.
Once the PESEL exists, set up the free online identity. It logs you in to the patient account, tax, MOS and city services.
Declaring Kraków as your tax residence is what unlocks Karta Krakowska status and the PLN 99 resident pass, and the clean-zone exemption if you drive.
If children are coming, look up which primary school's catchment covers the flat before you sign. That school must take your child.
Nice to do
The milk bars serve soups, pierogi and pancakes at canteen prices. Order at the till, collect at the hatch, take your tray back.
The green ring around the Old Town is the quickest way to learn the centre, and the tram stops on it are where you will change lines.
Many embassies run a registration or alert service for nationals abroad. Two minutes now saves a scramble later.
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