The advantage of such a trip is savings. A trip to Poland on your own car is delightfully cheap. A week's rest, including gasoline (which is more expensive than ours), toll roads in Belarus and Poland, paid parking, hotels, restaurants and entertainment - will cost 50 euros per person per day. And if you still spend the night in campsites and eat semi-finished products, you can even meet 25. Here, there is no limit to perfection!
Not to mention the complete freedom to manage time and position in space is also a pleasant state, and it is worth a lot.
However, embarking on this venture, it is necessary to think over and prepare in advance. We offer you a win-win algorithm of actions that should precede your trip. So that it brings you only pleasant surprises, and does not turn into a continuous “resolving” of various kinds and degrees of severity of problems.
1.Route
First of all, we determine the route. Literally - from the threshold and ... where the soul calls. Decide after consulting with friends and acquaintances, after surfing the Web in the evenings, leafing through colorful guidebooks and albums ... - where you want to go. This is the first - and most serious - step.
We will tell you that northern Poland is good for a beach holiday - the soft Baltic coast with moderate temperatures and cool water, picturesque beaches. These are routes for the summer, passing through the ancient coastal cities of Gdansk, Solot, Slupsk, Gdynia.
And in winter they will beckon you, and the most popular of them is Zakopane.
Poland literally breathes with living history, all of it is an embodied chronicle of centuries - from knightly times to the present day. very, very diverse and numerous, because no matter what city you take, there will definitely be a historical monument in it, and more than one. In order to get acquainted with the history and culture of Poland, you should definitely visit Warsaw. Then come Krakow, again Gdansk, located in the heart of the country Lodz, Poznań, living evidence of the Polish Renaissance, and of course, the ancient capital - Gniezno.
To the attention of the most inquisitive and energetic! Do not even try to embrace this immense splendor in one trip. Poland is too big to discover in a week's vacation. Decide what you would like to see first. .
For a complete acquaintance with the country, it is better all the same. For a complete acquaintance with the country, it is better to buy a sightseeing tour. Then the trip will be arranged in an optimal way so that in the minimum time you get the maximum impressions from this trip.
2. Book a hotel
Ideally, you need to book hotels in advance in all cities through which the route will run. This is not easy to do, there are too many factors to consider. If you entrust this part of the preparation to a travel agency, you will gain time and save energy.
In any case, it is necessary to book a hotel in advance, where you will arrive first, once in Poland. Because confirmation of the reservation from the hotel will be required for visa processing.
3. Issuance of a visa
It is not difficult for Russians to obtain a visa to Poland. To do this, you need to contact the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Poland. In order not to stand in queues and not waste time on working days before a vacation, order a visa from a tour operator. It is not much more expensive, and if you are traveling with the whole family or a large company, discounts on this service are possible, and for very little money you will gain time and save energy, which will be useful for both preparation and travel.
The best part is that Poland is part of the Schengen zone, which means that after receiving a visa to Poland, you can proceed to any European country of the Schengen agreement. Therefore, many experienced car tourists have chosen Poland as an ideal start for a big trip around Europe.
4.Documents required for travel
So, in addition to the visa, you need:
Green card and medical insurance for the Republic of Belarus (purchased at the Russia-Belarus border). Green card and health insurance for Poland (bought at the border in Brest).
However, if you are transiting through Poland, medical insurance is not required. In the absence of medical insurance, entering the territory of Poland, you must have 300 zlotys per person per day (this is about 75 euros).
If you are accompanied by a child, and you are not a parent or the second parent is not with you, then you need a notarized permission to take the child abroad.
Driver's license. Not necessarily international. Enough Russian.
Registration certificate. Attention! The owner of the vehicle must be present. Even if he's not driving. But management by proxy in the absence of the owner will not work.
Car: no tinting, especially on the front doors. Entry on studded tires is prohibited. Don't forget the first aid kit. And be sure to remove radar detectors and other tricks. The Polish traffic police will not forgive you for this.
5. What else to take with you?
Important: restrictions on the import of tobacco products and alcohol. To avoid problems, it is better not to take cigarettes with you in reserve. Gasoline too - only in the gas tank. You can not import some types of food - meat, for example. So finish your sandwiches before crossing the border.
Money. If you have health insurance - 100 zlotys per person per day (about 25 euros) - a minimum. Take 1500 euros with you for a week - you will surely have enough for a family or a small company.
Be sure to buy a road map of Europe in Moscow - it is difficult to find it in Poland.
6. How to go?
From Moscow it is easier to go along the M1 highway to Brest itself. Border crossing - Brest-Terespol. There are more border guards here, which means that the queue moves faster. From Moscow to the border, the journey is 11-12 hours. The transition procedure takes from half an hour to four hours - depending on the time of day and day (weekends, holidays, weekdays). It is best to cross at 2-3 am - there are almost no people. South of Brest there is a passage to Domachevo. There are fewer queues, but there are also few border guards, so the time is longer than in Brest itself.
When asked about the purpose of the trip, the answer is tourism. Present your passport with a visa. Show a printout of the email as confirmation from the hotel.
And now you are in Poland. Be careful on the narrow Polish roads, follow the rules of the road and use common sense. We hope that these tips will make your trip easier and allow you to devote maximum attention and time to outdoor activities, vivid impressions and wonderful discoveries. Bon Voyage!
By car to Poland through Belarus.
From Moscow on our "Getze" we left at 5 am on Thursday. We reached the border with Belarus without problems and in the evening we were already ready to pass the Belarusian-Polish border. We did not feel any border between Russia and Belarus, as such.
About five hundred kilometers from Moscow, Belarus will begin. This is about 8 hours drive straight and straight along the Minsk highway, and there is already a stone's throw by car, some other 600 km. In total, we got 13 hours with a tail. True, we went in the spring. In winter, I think it will take more time because of the road.
Now you don't have to pay for transit by car in Belarus. In the same place, by the way, you can buy insurance, if someone does not have it, and exchange money.
Then a toll highway begins on the territory of Belarus. It is better to fill up with gasoline to a full tank on Russian territory. It will not be possible to pay for gasoline at gas stations in Belarus with our Russian rubles, they do not accept rubles, but please, with a card. But at the same time, you have to pay for everything else in Belarusian rubles.
We continue to move by car to Poland through Belarus. If you decide to go along the M1 highway, then at the PVDS (toll collection point) "Redki" you will need to pay for the toll road. You will understand that the toll road will begin soon by the blue roadside banners. This is the M1-E30 road from the border with Russia to Brest. Payment is made in euro. But you can pay in Russian rubles. You will have to pay only 4 times by the amount of PVDS, in the end you will pay only 90 Russian rubles. By the way, this track is quite decent, the asphalt is smooth and the average speed on this section is 110 km/h. Keep in mind that there are a lot of radars on this track, so be careful not to break the speed limit.
If you are traveling by car to Poland through Belarus from Moscow, then it is better to buy green card insurance in Moscow, in any insurance company, it will be cheaper. However, who cares. You can also buy insurance at the border.
Crossing the Belarusian - Polish border.
You can cross the Belarusian-Polish border quickly, or you can stand for several hours. Before you go to the border barrier, you must first pay some fee again in the amount of 50 Russian rubles, and only then you can safely move to the customs zone. First we go through passport control, then customs. While standing in line, you can go to the toilet or smoke. In advance, while there is time, ask where the “tax free” payment window is located here on the way back. It might come in handy on the way back. And yet, on the way back, if you want to use the toilet on the territory of Poland, then keep in mind that it is paid, not like on the Belarusian territory.
Next, choose which corridor you need, green or red. Usually all normal tourists go to the green corridor.
Polish customs officers are quite polite, they speak quietly and calmly. Many are asked to open the trunk. With us, only one Belarusian driver was forced to pull all the bags out of the trunk. Belarusians often try to smuggle illegal amounts of cigarettes into Poland. Here they are inspected with passion. They also check for the presence of meat and dairy products. Those. you should not have any cheese, sausage, cottage cheese, etc. with you. There is a provision according to which the transport of meat and dairy products into the Eurozone is prohibited. I think that now no one will take these products with them to Poland. Here before, yes, they were taken, especially tourists, to save on food.
When passing through passport and customs control, it is better not to start a conversation with government officials. Do whatever they say, present whatever they ask. As a rule, these are guys without a sense of humor.
In Poland, when driving on roads, it is necessary to turn on the dipped headlights. If you drive on dimensions or fog lights, you can be fined. Do not like the Poles and tinted cars, forced to rip off the tint.
Travel through the territory of Poland.
Finally you are in Poland in the small border town of Terespol. There are a lot of inscriptions in Russian along the road. The road is numbered E30. There are also Polish inscriptions. (joke). If you see a big sign with the inscription "Sklep", do not be alarmed, this is the name of the store in Polish.
You can exchange currency in these exchangers. Just be very careful and careful and first ask how much money will be given to you in your hands. Of course, it is more profitable to change euros to zlotys.
The roads in Poland are flat, mostly two-lane. On the right is a solid line. If you are going to overtake someone, then the person being overtaken presses to the right and lets you pass. You do exactly the same. Very similar to the traffic in Greece. Speed in settlements of Poland from 5 am to 11 pm - 50 km/h, from 11 pm to 5 am - 60 km/h. Outside built-up areas 90 km/h. This is for vehicles up to 3.5 tons. The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h. All 24 hours you must drive with low beam headlights. A settlement in Poland is indicated by the sign "silhouettes of houses on a white background."
If you pass through Poland on the weekend, get ready for some traffic jams, especially in the morning. The Poles are very religious people and at this time the whole family gathers in churches, which, as a rule, are located along the roads. They just park their cars along the roadway.
After passing the border, it is advisable to make a stop somewhere for a bite to eat and exchange money. 10 kilometers from the border there is a place called Pajero.
The town of Pajero in Poland.
There is a good cafe and a money exchange office with a favorable rate. Change euro to zloty. There is also a small grocery store where you can buy water or juices for the journey. We bought Krakow sausage here, but we could not eat it to the end, it was very peppery.
In general, in Poland, all roadside restaurants and cafes willingly accept euros for payment. Every 30-50 kilometers there are roadside cafes and gas stations with a toilet. Using a navigator in Poland is not at all necessary, everything is clear and on a simple map that you can buy at any gas station. A lot of Polish words and, especially, names are very similar to ours.
A very cozy cafe in Poland where you can have a tasty and inexpensive meal.
Road signs with the words "Uvaga" are often seen along the roads. These are usually warnings that you are being monitored by video cameras. True, we saw the signs, but the cameras themselves were nowhere to be seen.
Studded tires are prohibited in Poland. Therefore, if you are going to Poland in your car in winter, it would be advisable to install a winter non-studded Velcro on your car. There is practically no snow, as we have in Russia in Poland, but roads in places, especially outside settlements, are very slippery.
Entrance to the toll road in Poland.
The crisis has left its mark on the life of Russians - due to the depreciation of the ruble, the flow of our compatriots to Europe has noticeably decreased (according to tour operators, the demand for trips abroad during the May holidays fell by 25%). However, in Europe there are places where you can have a good rest, having a small budget in your pocket. We decided to explore one of these destinations and went to Poland.
What is known in Russia about Poland? Often, your interlocutor will paint a rather bleak picture for you. Allegedly, Poland is a dull gray place where Russians are not liked, wheels are pierced for random travelers, strange motorcyclists are not allowed in, and besides, there is nothing to see there. The statements of various politicians also add fuel to the fire.
The M1 / E30 highway leads from Moscow to Brest, which is distinguished by excellent coverage, good infrastructure, and on the Belarusian section of the route it also has a maximum speed limit of 120 km / h. But before you hit the road, do not forget to take out insurance - the so-called "green card" and, preferably, get an International ID.
If you decide to cross the border with Poland in Brest (Varshavsky Most crossing), we recommend doing it on weekdays when there are fewer people (there are sites on the Internet that allow you to track the number of cars at the border online). There are no problems with spending the night in Poland. In addition to the usual "chain" hotels, "zayazdy" (zajazd) - small motels - are distinguished by a good combination of price and quality. The prices there are moderate (approximately 1000 - 1300 rubles for a double room). You can also stay in the private sector or the so-called "overnight stays" (noclegi), which will cost half as much. However, this option is more likely for young travelers or exotic lovers.
Roads in Poland are of good quality, especially compared to Russian ones, and drivers drive almost the same as in the rest of Europe. The only exception is the speed limit, which few people observe (but we advise you not to exceed, fines in Poland are quite high!).
There are also several features of the high-speed mode. The maximum permitted speed in locality- 50 km/h. But outside the city, the nuances begin. On a “simple” two-lane road, you can drive no faster than 90 km / h. If two lanes go in the same direction, the speed increases to 100 km/h. On the so-called "express trains" (droga ekspresowa) you can drive 120 km/h, and on motorways it is allowed to accelerate up to 140 km/h. However, you should not fill your head with numbers, because speed limits are always duplicated by signs.
Another feature is traffic lights in cities. As in Russia, sometimes a special turning section is used to turn right at traffic lights. But there is a caveat: if the green light is on straight, and the section is extinguished, turn right can. But regardless of this, when turning, do not forget to give way to pedestrians.
But petrol in Poland is expensive. A liter of the 95th will cost an average of 4.8 zlotys (about 66 rubles), for a liter of diesel fuel they will ask for 4.6-4.7 zlotys (about 64 rubles). Therefore, before crossing the border, be sure to fill a full tank.
They say that once upon a time, the three Slavic princes Lech, Czech and Rus went in different directions and founded three states - Poland, the Czech Republic and Russia, respectively (of course, many historians argue with this statement). Well, on this trip we got a real Slavic unity - the Russian crew drove through Poland in a car of a Czech brand.
During our trip we visited three major cities Poland: Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw. Comparing these three cities with each other is like comparing Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan. They are different!
Warsaw
At first glance, the Polish capital may seem like a noisy city. But this impression is deceptive. One has only to get to the old city, as mentally transported to several centuries ago. The most interesting thing is that most of the buildings are replicas. After all, after the Second World War, the whole of Warsaw lay in ruins ... Through the titanic efforts of architects Old city or, as they say here, "Starowka", was restored. Moreover, where possible, original bricks were used. UNESCO even listed the Old City as a World Heritage Site “as an exceptional example of an almost complete restoration of the historical period between the 13th and 20th centuries.”
The Royal Castle was built at the turn of the 15th-16th centuries and served as the place where the Polish kings sat, and until the middle of the 20th century, also the president. Interestingly, in different eras, the castle was repeatedly rebuilt in accordance with the current fashion. Now the palace houses a museum where you can see paintings by artists Rembrandt and Matejko, old views of Warsaw by Bellotto, as well as an urn with the ashes of Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
As we have already said, the impression of Warsaw as a stuffy and dynamic place is very deceptive. In the very center of the city there is a real paradise. We are talking about Lazienki Park, which was created in the 17th-18th centuries for the local aristocracy. The park covers 76 hectares and is a wonderful place for walking. It is not only beautiful here, but also excellent ecology - a lot of squirrels, ducks and even ... peacocks! Who walk right along the paths of the park and are not at all afraid of people! By the way, sometimes they scream very funny - do not be afraid.
The famous Palace of Science and Culture, designed by architect Lev Rudnev in 1952-1955, is the tallest building in Poland and one of the tallest in the European Union. The house, which is a "gift from the Soviet people to the Polish", was built on the model of Stalin's skyscrapers in Moscow. It is not surprising that such a project evoked negative associations among local residents, because they saw in this the obvious dominance of the totalitarian system and pressure from Moscow. However, this is already history.
Krakow
After Warsaw, Krakow, which lies in the south of Poland, may seem too calm, much like St. Petersburg after Moscow. But just like in the case of the "Venice of the North", we are talking about the cultural capital of the state, which, moreover, was the real capital. Therefore, there is really something to look at here.
The first thing a tourist sees when going to the Old Town of Krakow from the north is the mighty Barbican (the so-called defensive structure like the Kutafya Tower in Moscow) with the Gates of St. Florian and the city walls. It is hard to believe that there used to be a moat between the Barbican, which was built in the 15th century, and the city walls... However, even now the immersion into the Middle Ages is a success. By the way, you can walk along the fortress walls.
Walking along Florianskaya Street, you will find yourself on the main square of Krakow - the Market. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the largest in Europe, but even today it impresses with its size. Cloth rows (Sukiennice) are located in the center of the square. There is still a brisk trade in them, but former fabrics are increasingly giving way to souvenirs. At an angle to the "clothes" is the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or St. Mary's Church. Be sure to go inside, because the interior of the cathedral deserves special attention. And the Church is also characterized by two towers that differ from each other. By the way, remember - every day at 10 am from the entrance to the temple starts a free (!) city tour.
Wawel Hill is the real heart of Krakow, because it is here that the Royal Castle and the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and Wenceslas, which is the burial place of Polish kings, are located. Be sure to visit the courtyard of the castle, which can compete with similar buildings in Italy in beauty. By the way, it is here, in the Royal Castle, that a painting by Leonardo da Vinci is now exhibited - the famous Lady with an Ermine. And a real dragon lives on Wawel. I'm not kidding! The creature from the legends migrated directly to the banks of the Vistula and even lets out flames for the amusement of the public.
Krakow churches deserve a separate story. In general, the Polish word Kościół in translation means only “church”, and in Russian it is more correct to call Catholic churches in the same way as Orthodox ones - churches, temples or cathedrals. However, when speaking of Poland, the word "church" can also be used, just like the word "via" for street names in Italy. In Krakow, the churches are really striking in their beauty. This is due to the fact that the decoration of most of them was created during the period of the so-called counter-reformation and religious wars in Europe. The ascetic interior of Protestant churches was contrasted with wealth and gold in the interior of Catholic churches, designed to show the image of paradise that awaits the believer in case of repentance. By the way, if you decide to visit the Holy Mass, it is better to come early - because sometimes you can simply not enter the temple because of the number of people.
Now the area called Kazimierz is a fashionable place. But once there was one of the largest Jewish quarters in Europe, which you will definitely be reminded of by various institutions and the sounds of klezmer from street musicians. Although the surrounding atmosphere is pleasant, one cannot help but recall the sad page in the history of Krakow - the Krakow Ghetto, which was organized in the neighboring Podgórze district during the occupation of the city by Nazi Germany. Before the war, Krakow was inhabited by more than 60 thousand Jews, after the mass deportations, only 15 thousand remained in the city. However, this was not enough for the Nazis. In March 1943, it was decided to liquidate the ghetto. 8 thousand Jews who were considered fit for work were transported to the Plaszow concentration camp, 2 thousand were killed right on the streets, and the rest were sent to Auschwitz. Departure was carried out from the station, located on the local Place de la Concorde. In memory of the murdered Jews, this place is now called the Ghetto Heroes Square, and in the middle of it there is a monument in the form of empty chairs.
Wroclaw
Wroclaw is the capital of the historical region of Silesia, known for its rich natural resources. Only to whom this region did not belong! And the Poles, and the Austrians, and the Czechs and even the Hungarians. But, of course, most of all in the city it is German influence, because after the War of the Austrian Succession at the end of the 18th century, Silesia for a long time went to the kingdom of Prussia. The Prussian heritage is especially strong in architecture - it is enough to see the town hall on the Market Square or the houses on the Salt Square in the neighborhood to feel like in Germany.
The heart of Wroclaw is Tumski Island, located on the Oder. It was from here that this mighty city began. On the territory of the island, the ruins of some buildings dating back to the 9th century have been preserved. And in its very center is Cathedral John the Baptist, which is the first Gothic church in Poland.
Another integral attraction of Wroclaw are the real gnomes. Yes, yes, small figurines of fairy-tale creatures are installed throughout the city. But do not think that the dwarves, or, as they are called here, "dwarfs", are scattered throughout the city just like that. They are full-fledged citizens of Wroclaw and live their lives - go shopping, ride a motorcycle, put out a fire. Therefore, their names are appropriate. For example, "sleepy" or "shopaholic". Looking for gnomes throughout the city is extremely interesting even for adults, and they come across in completely unexpected places.
If you are in Wroclaw, then visit the local zoo. The entrance costs 40 zlotys (about 600 rubles), and you can spend the whole day in it. 4150 animals of 876 different biological species live on the territory of 33 hectares. There is even an aquarium here!
A chicken is not a bird...
...and Poland is not a foreign country. This proverb, in which Poland sometimes gave way to Bulgaria, was probably known to everyone who grew up in the Soviet Union. Perhaps, once it was exactly like that, and Poland did not fundamentally differ from other countries of the socialist bloc. However, over the past 30 years, Poland has experienced fundamental changes. And before writing in the comments “the author was paid by the Poles”, think a little and draw your own conclusions, without imposed stereotypes. During our ten-day trip for a family of two adults and one child, in addition to paying for accommodation (13 thousand rubles), 25,000 rubles were spent on food, a cultural program, and entertainment. And at the same time, we did not deny ourselves anything. Everywhere we were, we were met with a warm welcome, service at a decent level, and at the same time no one tried to deceive us.
Separately, it is worth mentioning such a moment as discrimination. Not once, we emphasize, not once during the trip did we see a prejudiced attitude due to the fact that we spoke Russian. Moreover, the Poles really made a positive impression - here they will always help you get out of the transport with a heavy bag, or hold the door, seeing that you are walking with a stroller. We have to admit that Poland has already become a foreign country in the good sense of the word. And its tourist potential is greatly underestimated by the Russians.
The icing on the cake was a conversation with a Warsaw Legia football fan on the last evening. When he learned that we were from Russia, he was delighted and shook my hand, saying that politicians on both sides are always trying to play off ordinary people, and the Slavs should be friends. It's hard to disagree, especially when the country suddenly opens up to you from such a positive side.
Traveling by own car gives tourists ample opportunities when choosing a place of rest and a route. During such trips, you can visit several resorts and even countries. Therefore, every year there are more and more lovers of automobile routes. Our compatriots confidently travel not only in their native country, but also in Europe. Sometimes, in one vacation, motorists manage to travel around almost the entire European Union and they usually start their journey from Poland.
This country is closest to the border with Russia, besides, there is something to see in the capital itself and in small provincial towns that have retained their authenticity. However, traveling to Poland by car, despite its simplicity and low costs, has a lot of pitfalls, which the first time a tourist may not be aware of. We will reveal all the secrets of choosing a route, crossing the border, as well as the specific requirements for a vehicle and many more important nuances for travelers. So, let's start preparing for a trip to Poland by car from the Russian Federation.
We select the route
Traveling in your own car gives you incredible freedom of movement. The tourist can afford to plan the route as he pleases, and, if desired, change it at any time. In addition, for a couple of weeks of vacation by car, there is a unique opportunity to study in detail the country to which you are heading, and not just any one of its corners.
What to see in Poland by car? You need to take care of this while still at home, and draw up a detailed route for your future trip. So it will be easier for you to navigate using maps and a navigator in a foreign country. Naturally, every tourist who crosses the border with Poland for the first time seeks to get to Warsaw and start getting to know the country from the capital. It is best to immediately drive to the territory of the old city. True, keep in mind that all parking lots there are paid and you will have to walk a little to some places.
Two of the most beautiful squares in Warsaw are located in the old town: the Castle Square and the Market Square. The first is the Royal Castle, which tourists are always recommended to visit. Most of its halls are open to guests and are of great historical interest. The cost of the entrance ticket ranges from seven dollars per person.
There are numerous cafes, restaurants and taverns on the Market Square. By the way, Polish cuisine is very tasty, and the portions are large. The average check per person is from three hundred to five hundred rubles. The National Library of Poland is also located here. Even if you are not interested in old books, we still advise you to look into this building. On its roof is the largest and most luxurious garden in Europe. In addition, the view of the city from here leaves an unforgettable impression.
If you came to Poland by car, then Krakow should be your next stop. This city is rightly called the ancient Polish capital. Here you can also visit the Old Square, where handmade amber products are sold. This stone is considered a symbol of Poland, and the dragon, depicted everywhere in the city, is the talisman of Krakow.
After noisy, it's time for walks in nature, and here on your route will be the town of Zakopane. It is surrounded by mountains and lakes, a tour of local attractions will cost twenty-two dollars. Here you can stay for the night, all local hotels are quite colorful and inexpensive.
The route described by us is designed for approximately a ten-day trip. For the first visit to Poland by car, this time and impressions are quite enough. But in the future, the route can be changed, because there are still many interesting and unusual places.
Usually our compatriots go to the Polish borders from Moscow. Since it is only a few hours drive from here to Poland. However, keep in mind that only Kaliningrad borders on this country. In other cases, tourists will have to travel through Ukraine or Belarus.
By car, according to experienced travelers, it is easier and easier through customs checkpoints in Ukraine. However, due to the political situation, this path is still closed to the Russians. Therefore, the only option is a trip through Belarus. If you do not make unnecessary stops and you are lucky with the absence of queues at the border, then if you take into account the departure from the Russian capital at seven in the morning or even earlier, by the evening of the same day you will already be in Warsaw. The route along which motorists will move is given below.
Despite the desire to be in Europe as soon as possible, with which all travelers, without exception, burn, such a forced march should be made only if there is a person nearby who can change you at the wheel. Otherwise, the risk of getting into an accident is high.
During a road trip, it is generally recommended to stop every two and a half hours and get out of the vehicle to stretch your limbs. During these breaks, you need to have a snack and drink hot coffee from a thermos. With this approach, you will not feel tired and maintain a high concentration of attention.
Features of customs control: choose a checkpoint
When choosing a route to Poland by car, you must take into account the checkpoint through which you plan to cross the border. The speed of passing through all the formalities will depend on this, because queues of vehicles traditionally gather at some points.
Usually our compatriots use six checkpoints in Belarus to cross the border (they are marked on the map). However, one of them (“Kozlovichi-Kukuryki”) does not work with cars. If you end up here by mistake, the border guards will turn you around and send you to another point, since only trucks are accepted here.
The most crowded checkpoint is Brest-Terespol. The main flow of tourists from Russia is sent here. Therefore, the wait sometimes takes several hours. But the neighboring ones - "Domachevo-Slavatyche" and "Peschatka-Polovtsa" - are not so busy. Sometimes there are no queues at all. But if you want to cross the border quickly and for sure, then drive up to the checkpoint at four in the morning or after midnight.
Requirements for the technical condition of the car
If you plan to travel to Poland by car, then before the trip, make a diagnosis of your vehicle. The Poles pay special attention to this issue and, due to a minor malfunction, they may well not let you into the country.
First of all, take care of the headlights and take a set of spare bulbs with you. The fact is that you can only move around the territory of Poland with the dipped beam on. Therefore, its breakdown will always be of interest to local law enforcement officers of highways. Also, at the checkpoint, they may be denied entry into the country due to the presence of cracks on the windshield and chips on the body. The integrity of the vehicle is an indispensable condition for a safe border crossing.
Don't forget to put a first aid kit, a spare tire or repair kit, an emergency sign and a fire extinguisher in the trunk. Be sure to wear vests with reflective stripes inside the car. Moreover, their number should coincide with the number of travelers. Even if a baby is traveling with you, he must have his own vest. At night, outside the city along the highway, you can only move in them.
By the way, winter travelers should know that studded tires are not allowed in Poland. In order to overcome the ice, you need to put chains for the wheels in the trunk.
Keep in mind that the radar is best left at home. It is banned in Polish territories, so either do without it or hide it carefully.
Traveling to Poland by car: documents
Customs officers will check the package of documents at the border very carefully, but by and large it is considered standard. At checkpoints, they know that many Russians travel by car through Poland to other European countries. But all responsibility for the documents falls on the shoulders of the Polish customs officers. What will interest them when crossing the border?
Regardless of your age and brand of car, at the checkpoint you will be asked for foreign passports with a Schengen stamp (you are flying by plane or driving a car, you will still need a visa to Poland), medical insurance for each traveler and insurance according to the international standard for a vehicle. Naturally, with you on the road you must take a complete package of documents for the car, a Russian-style driver's license and, if available, a driver's license in the established international form. Usually in Poland they are not interested in their presence, but they will not be superfluous.
Experienced travelers are advised to take copies of all documents with them, including confirming hotel reservations and Russian passports. It will not be superfluous to store copies in electronic form on a regular flash drive or a specialized Internet resource.
Goods prohibited for import into the country
On the Polish side, customs control is slow and thorough. In doing so, some types of products may be confiscated from you. For example, the import of meat and dairy products and chocolate into Poland is prohibited. However, if necessary, customs officers can leave them in your car. Milk will definitely not be taken away if a child is driving in a car (people also work at border control).
As for alcoholic beverages and alcohol, there are clear restrictions for them. One person can carry a liter of spirits and two packs of cigarettes. But, as experienced tourists say, a thorough inspection does not always take place on these points.
A few words about gas stations and gasoline prices
Our compatriots do not always imagine how much money they will have to spend on gasoline on a road trip. Therefore, it is difficult for them to calculate the budget of the trip. In fact, you can still do it at home, if you know that on average one liter of Polish gasoline will cost you a little over one euro. These prices scare someone, and they try to save money by refueling to the maximum on the territory of Belarus. In addition, the rules for entering the country allow the presence in the trunk of a car of a can of gasoline with a volume of not more than ten liters. By the way, keep in mind that at Polish gas stations you can only fill up with gasoline grades 95 and 98. The 92nd fuel so beloved by many of our compatriots simply does not exist on sale.
If we start describing gas stations, then the main thing must be said - they cause great delight among our tourists. The area around is clean and well-groomed, toilets are free, rest areas for drivers are equipped, playgrounds are everywhere. There is usually a good cafe at the gas station. Moreover, such establishments are usually networked and offer food at the level of an expensive restaurant, but at quite reasonable prices.
Buying a car in Poland
Some of our compatriots cross the Polish border with one goal - to drive a car. You can bring quite good vehicles from Poland to Russia, because the country borders on Germany, from where used cars of various brands in good and excellent condition get into it.
Therefore, to drive a car looks like a very tempting offer. However, this can only be done by carefully weighing the pros and cons and looking for a suitable vehicle via the Internet in advance. There are quite a few sites where sellers put up cars from Poland for sale. All the necessary information is indicated here, and often even the VIN number. Therefore, the car you like will not be difficult to break through various bases for theft and accidents.
In order not to run into scammers, do not leave a deposit to the seller. Discuss all the questions with him by phone (you may need an interpreter) and only then go to Poland. It is most reliable to purchase a car from large dealers who have been in this business for several years.
After the transaction, the seller must provide you with a sales contract and a registration certificate. On a car, you need to take out insurance and write out transit numbers. This will delay you somewhat in Poland. However, many Russians leave the country with existing license plates. They are not embarrassed that if the numbers belong to another state (Germany, for example), a fine is imposed. However, it is low and only slightly exceeds the cost of acquiring transit license plates.
On a brand new car from Poland to Russia, the road takes several hours. But here at the border you may be delayed by the customs clearance of your vehicle. And it’s good if they don’t bring unexpected surprises.
The cost of a car in Poland
Quite low prices for cars in Poland attract Russians. However, few of them approach the deal thoroughly and accurately imagine how much money they should have on hand.
So how much does a car cost in Poland? If we take only the car itself, then the prices are really low. For example, a fresh "Beetle" at the age of four will cost a little less than one hundred and fifty thousand rubles. And for three hundred thousand rubles you can become the owner of an almost new German executive class car. But do not rush to rejoice ahead of time, because this is not all the cost of acquiring an iron friend.
A significant item of expenditure is customs duties. On a car under three years old, they will amount to about half of the price of the car. Plus, the rate for engine power is added to this. On average, for each cubic centimeter of its volume, you will need to pay from two and a half to twenty euros.
To all the above items, you need to add the costs of living in Poland, travel, food and visa processing. The final cost may even exceed the price of a similar car in the Russian market. Therefore, think several times before going abroad for a new vehicle.
