After many years of geneaological research I have located my "tenant farmer" Polish roots in Zlotow, Wysoka, Cjajcze, Badecs, Bydgoszcz and Pila. Have not traveled in Europe since mid 1980's (retired USAF) and never to Poland. Plan on making a 7-10 day visit within two years. Very excited at walking the streets of the villages where my ancestors left in 1892 to emmigrate to the USA! I do not speak Polish but know some basic words, greetings and phrases. Have an established Polish pen-pal from Zlotow who will assist in translating and guiding me around the small towns. There appears to be some "Sliga" ancestors in the Zlotow area! This is a remote area to visit. Small towns. Plan on flying into Poznan and rent a car for the two hour drive north. Located a good B&B lakeside resort in Zlotow. They have been very helpful in providing me info--and the staff speaks English! Basic questions... Use zloty or US Currency. Credit cards accepted? Must I bring a 110V transformer for hair dryers, shavers and laptop computer? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Ron
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
Zloty only. Credit cards in medium or large cities, lesser in rural villages (depends how rural). You should always prepare to have small bills on you. ATMs are prevalent in all cities (Poznan), you shouldn't have issues getting cash. Use whatever transformer is needed - just google it by country. I use my family's stuff (they live there) so I don't pay attention to voltage. Not sure whether you'll get wifi in small towns/villages. Best to ask your B & B what they have.
Posted by
PA
2868 posts
Look on your electric devices. Most small devices (computers, phones, etc) their transformer will state that it will handle 100-240V, and 50-60Hz. In which case you are fine, you simply need a standard European 2 prong adapter (very inexpensive). But a device like a hair dryer (and probably shaver) will likely need 240V, and thus will require a transformer.
Why not go manual for the trip for these, save the weight and hassle? Get the Rick Steves Eastern Europe book, or Lonely Planet's relevant guide, there will be help in there for language issues, among others.