The first two days in Warsaw, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.
For Warsaw
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 city card that carries a 30-day or 90-day pass. Get one at a Passenger Service Point with ID; until then, buy time tickets at machines or 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 protokรณล 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.
SKM lines S2 and S3 reach the centre in about half an hour on an ordinary 75-minute ticket. Use the licensed taxi rank or an app rather than a tout.
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, ลปabka 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.
The PLN 98 resident pass needs permanent meldunek in Warsaw or a Warsaw income-tax return. Diary your first filing so you can switch when it comes.
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.
Many embassies run a registration or alert service for nationals abroad. Two minutes now saves a scramble later.
The riverside promenade below the Old Town is where the city spends summer evenings, and the beaches on the Praga bank are a short walk across the bridge.
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