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
quite 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 and
declining 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 124162436
-
Szpital im. Ludwika Rydygiera at 1 os. Zlotej Jesieni, phone
126468000
-
Szpital im. Stefana Zeromskiego at 66 os. Na Skarpie,
phone 126440144
-
Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny at 1-3 Wroclawska street,
phone 126308162
-
Zaklad Opieki Zdrowotnej MSWiA at 25 Kronikarza Galla
street, phone 123674205
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. Yet medical help is provided free of charge in case
of actual emergencies such as accidents, fires, heart
attacks, fractures, food poisoning, etc.
See
dentists in Krakow
Law and order
in Krakow.
Two kinds of police force are seen on the beat in Krakow -
the state police officers and municipal guards. State
police, Policja, is Poland's nationwide law-enforcement
organization responsible to the central government. It's the
country's principal agency for fighting crime. Krakow's
municipal guard, Straz Miejska, is a policing arm of the
local government. It has limited powers and its officers
largely deal with minor offences such as smoking at bus
stops.
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.
Security
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 leave your drinks unattended at
nightclubs.
- 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
Senior visitors to Krakow
Good hotels in Krakow
Eating the Krakow way
It is hearty indeed.
Make home in
Krakow
There are 35,000-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 of Krakow
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