💡 To open an account (konto osobiste) you need a passport or residence card, PESEL and proof of address; check on the bank's website which documents foreigners need.
💡 Opłata za prowadzenie konta is the monthly account fee, opłata za kartę the card fee, za darmo free; many banks waive the fee under regular deposits.
💡 The card and PIN come in two separate letters; activation is done in the banking app or at an ATM; never tell anyone the PIN.
💡 Bankowość mobilna is mobile banking; in the app you log in with a PIN, fingerprint or kod BLIK; transfers are confirmed in the app.
💡 If a cash machine keeps your card, go into a branch of that bank or phone the number shown on the machine; the card is often returned, otherwise it is blocked and replaced.
💡 Offices, the urząd pracy for example, often ask for a wyciąg z konta (statement) for the last months; you can download it in online banking free of charge or print it at a branch for a fee.
💡 In a transfer (przelew) you state the recipient's numer rachunku (in Poland it starts with PL), name, amount and tytuł przelewu (reference).
💡 BLIK is a payment and transfer system: in the bank app you generate a six-digit code and enter it at a terminal or an online shop; you can also send money to a phone number.
💡 If a transfer went by mistake contact the bank immediately: in some cases you can file a claim for return (reklamacja); the sooner the better.
💡 For a transfer to Ukraine the bank asks for the IBAN, the SWIFT code of the recipient's bank and the recipient's details; fees and times differ, so compare the branch, online banking and special services.
💡 A Przelew na telefon BLIK is a transfer by phone number: in your bank's app you choose this function and enter the recipient's number and the amount; the recipient must also use BLIK.
💡 A znaczek is a stamp; for a letter within Poland and abroad different stamps are needed; ask krajowy (domestic) or zagraniczny (abroad).
💡 A list polecony is registered mail; za potwierdzeniem odbioru with proof of delivery: the addressee signs and you get a card; storage period is several days.
💡 A pełnomocnictwo is a power of attorney; for another person to collect a parcel they need the awizo, ID and a signed authorisation (the post office has a form).
💡 At the post office (Poczta Polska) you can pay utility bills with a blankiet (payment slip), in cash or by card; a small fee is charged for the payment; keep the confirmation.