Poland: Public Behaviour
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Acceptable public conduct
Learn some basic Polish words, like hello [dzien dobry], good bye [do widzenia], excuse me [przepraszam] and thank you [dziekuje]. Trying to use the Polish equivalents is always considered as a friendly gesture. The more you do this, the better.
Be yourself. Do not try to hide your emotions and feelings. Your easy-going manner and open attitude towards others will be appreciated.
It is good to maintain direct eye contact during a conversation, as it helps to develop a feeling of trust with the people you are meeting.
If you are in a group, avoid conducting private conversations. It is better if you try to bring others into the discussion.
You should not speak with your hands in your pockets. If you feel ill-at-ease, it is acceptable to put your thumbs into your pockets when standing. Do not sit with one ankle resting on the other knee.
The standard greeting is a firm handshake. The same applies to farewells. Kissing and hugging are bad ideas, unless your partner is a very good friend.
When you meet a group of people, you should wait for a third person to carry out introductions.
It is important to show special consideration to the elderly. For example, when public transportation becomes crowded, younger people are expected to give up their seats to the elderly.
In buildings, it is expected that men keep the door open until every woman has passed. If you can't do so and the woman opens the door by herself, it is polite to make the effort to keep it open for her.
If a woman is a passenger in a car you are driving, it is polite to open the door for her and let her enter first.
If you want to go to church, do not forget about remaining silent and taking your hat off.
Do not drop litter and do not do any physical labour on Sundays. Poland is 90% Catholic, and Sunday is considered as a day of rest.
Tipping in restaurants is advisable but not necessary. One usually gives 10% of the bill amount.
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