Krakow Info - Tips on Manners

Tips on manners What does it mean to have good manners in Krakow.		Our Krakow Tips Communication tips How to get and stay in touch when in Krakow. Safety tips How to be on the safe side in Krakow. Transport tips How to move around in Krakow. Health tips How to stay healthy in Krakow. Tips for the Business Visitor Coming to Krakow
	Their international reputation notwithstanding, regular Polish gents generally no longer kiss women’s hands by way of greeting, albeit those eager to appear pretty gallant or old-fashioned still insist. Hugging and cheek kissing are usually reserved for relatives of any gender and for close friends of the opposite sex.
	In Poland a handshake means rather “talk is over” than “it is a deal”. In the first place, universal handshakes customarily begin and end every encounter. The rest is simple: the senior ones and women (in that order) extend their hand first, and the arrival reaches to those already present.
	Politeness in Poland requires men to open doors for women and generally let them lead. The same applies to your seniors and guests of any sex. Yet gents should move to the front whenever passage seems difficult, e.g. through a crowd. If the entrance serves also for the exit, those entering a building or a shop first let out those trying to leave this very moment.
	Flowers are very popular with Poles who give them on many occasions, notably birthday and name-day celebrations, weddings and visits to Polish homes. Casual wear befits most social occasions, but dress up for evening entertainment, dining out, or theater. It is usual to say ‘smachnago’ (bon appétit) before eating, and ‘na zdrowie’ (cheers) before drinking.
	Any place save home and any time save merrymaking is good for talking business in Krakow. When eating out business is a legitimate topic before, during and after meal.
	It is important to take business cards to business meetings and to give a card to each person present.