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Stay Safe in Krakow
Poland is generally safer than most European
countries, east or west. And Krakow is safer than
other major cities in Poland. Certainly, even
without asking for it one may get into trouble
when in the wrong place in the wrong time and,
above all, with the wrong people. Yet mere common
sense plus just elementary precautions should
suffice to keep a visitor perfectly safe in
Krakow. Unfortunately, petty crime seems pretty common in the
city. Whereas mugging remains sporadic, pilfering is rampant. Although foreign visitors
most often fall victim to pickpockets, it is the
less prevalent car theft that appears the worst
plague in Poland, Krakow being no exception.
Krakow's
Emergency Numbers.
The emergency phone
number for integrated services is 112, the police 997, fire brigade 998, and ambulance
999 – all four are toll-free.
Unfortunately, there are little chances that anybody on the
other end would speak English. So, if you do not
speak Polish, get somebody who does (surprisingly
many Krakow natives prove very helpful in need).
Police stations do not employ interpreters, but
they will bring one from the Krakow headquarters
if necessary.
Hospital
Emergency Wards in Krakow.
The
following Krakow hospitals run around-the-clock, that is 24/7,
emergency wards (called Szpitalny Oddzial Ratunkowy - SOR):
-
Szpital im. Gabriela Narutowicza at 35-37 Pradnicka street,
phone 0124162436
-
Szpital im. Ludwika Rydygiera at 1 os. Zlotej Jesieni, phone
0126468000
-
Szpital
im. Stefana Zeromskiego at 66 os. Na Skarpie, phone 0126440144
-
Wojskowy
Szpital Kliniczny at 1-3
Wroclawska street, phone 0126308162
-
Zaklad
Opieki Zdrowotnej MSWiA at
25 Kronikarza Galla street, phone 0123674205
Plus
there is a children's emergency ward in
The
emergency wards are mandated to help all those who need
immediate medical care, no matter if they are the locals or
foreigners, with or without valid health insurance. Sure,
eventually the cost have to be covered, one way or
another.
Emergency
Numbers for Foreign Visitors to Poland.
Poland’s
state police have launched a phone service in English and
German for foreign visitors. Call toll-free 0800 200300 to get
info on the country’s public safety, safe travel, and to ask
help if necessary. Those roaming with foreign-based cell
phones should dial +48 22 6015555 instead. The service is
available round the week from 8 a.m. till midnight.
Tips
- Carry your money, credit
cards and passport in a money belt or in
a safe and grip firmly the handbag if it
is precious to you.
- Beware of pickpockets in any
crowded place but notably in the airport,
railroad stations, bus stops, shops, and
on public transport.
- Watch your luggage closely
in the train, bus, streetcar, and in the
airport, railroad station, bus depot,
etc.
- Traveling by rail avoid
noisy company as well as empty carriages
or compartments.
- Do not accept drinks from a
stranger’s supply, notably alcoholic
and especially on a long journey by
train.
- Do not make friends in the
street.
- In the night keep to well
lit streets.
- Whatever the bargain, do not
buy any valuable goods, notably gold, in
the street.
- Safeguard your car well
against theft and even then do not leave
it in remote places for very long.
Click
here for more tips.
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Basic Krakow info for
visitors
Eating
the Krakow way
It is hearty indeed.
Make
home in Krakow
There are 26,000-plus hotel beds to choose from.
Getting
around Krakow by the
city's transport.
Travel
to Krakow
Over four million visitors show up
in Krakow every year. Many arrive by air, but
most take advantage of the fact that Krakow lies
at a major European road and rail junction.
Shopping
in Krakow
The city’s central Old Town
historic district, turned into a pedestrian
precinct, teems with stores of all sorts.
Krakow's
Communication
Keep in touch while in Krakow
Gift
Ideas
Make everybody happy back home with a
souvenir from Krakow.
See
maps
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