Poland has a lot more to offer to travelers than many realize. Once you start to see all of the interesting things there are to do and see in the country, you can see why it is starting to become a more popular tourist destination. If you are looking for natural beauty, you can spend some time exploring the Tatra National Park. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is unlike anything you’ve ever seen and should find a place on your itinerary. Some of the other sites you can experience include Malbork Castle, the Old Town area of Krakow, and the trails and fortifications around Jura.
Renting a car in Poland
You need to have your original driving permit, as well as an international driver’s license in order to drive and rent a vehicle in Poland. The vehicles are required to have an emergency triangle, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. Check with the rental car company to make sure the vehicle has each of these pieces of equipment before you rent. Third party insurance is required as well. In addition, you will want to get the phone number and the emergency contact information for the rental agency just in case you need to get in touch with them.
Road conditions and safety
It is important to realize right away that driving in Poland is not as safe as it is in other areas of Europe. Many of the roads are bad, cracked, full of potholes, and they do not always have good signage. In addition, the vehicles that are on the road are not always in good condition, which can make driving dangerous. The drivers are not cautious or courteous, so the onus of safe driving will fall to you.
The motorways and the expressways tend to have a large number of heavy vehicles on them as well. Even though it can be dangerous to drive in Poland, if you are careful and cautious, it might still be an option you want to consider.
Drivers are not allowed to make right turns on red. The driver and all of the passengers in the vehicle need to have their seatbelts on. You are not allowed to use a cell phone when driving unless you have a hands-free device. If you are in an urban area, it is illegal to use horns.
The speed limits
When you drive on the roads of Poland, pay close attention to the speed limits, and to the actions of the other drivers. The following are the typical speed limits for different locations in Poland.
- Motorways – 130 km/h
- Dual carriageways – 110 km/h
- Outside of urban areas – 90 km/h
In towns and cities – 50 km/h from 5 AM to 11 AM and 60 km/h from 11 PM to 5AM When you have a rental vehicle, it becomes easier to reach many of the destinations you want to see and enjoy on your trip to Poland. Just make sure you pay attention to the roads and the other drivers to make your trip a safe one.
