Title: Polska from a Nomad’s Peril: My Experience Living and Working Remotely in Poland
Hello fellow nomads, I’m Olivia Martinez, an adventure lover, and digital nomad. Today I want to share my experience living and working remotely in Poland, a gem in Central Europe that’s as vibrant as it is peaceful. In this post, you’ll find a rundown on the cost of living, coworking spaces, internet quality, visa situation, and of course, my personal experiences.
Poland, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and thriving urban life, has been my home for the past two years. The cost of living here took me by surprise. It’s affordable compared to many other European countries. On average, my monthly expenses, including rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center, groceries, local transportation, and leisure activities, come to around $800-$1000. Of course, this can fluctuate based on your lifestyle, but overall, Poland offers good value for money.
One of the best parts about being a digital nomad in Poland is the plethora of coworking spaces. These spaces offer not just a desk and high-speed internet but also a chance to network with other digital nomads, startups, and freelancers. Some of my favourite spots include Mindspace in Warsaw, O4 in Gdansk, and Business Link in Poznań, each offering a unique vibe and community. If you prefer a quieter setting, numerous coffee shops with free Wi-Fi can be found in every city.
Speaking of internet, Poland boasts excellent internet quality. With an average speed of 24.38 Mbps, I’ve never had issues with video calls, large file transfers, or streaming services, all essential for a digital nomad like me. However, my tip for fellow nomads would be to always have a backup plan. I use a local sim card with a generous data plan as my backup.
In terms of visa, if you’re an EU citizen, you can stay in Poland for an unlimited time. However, non-EU citizens must apply for a visa. The national visa allows you to stay for up to a year. If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a temporary residence permit. I recommend contacting the Polish embassy in your home country for accurate information based on your nationality.
Now, onto my personal experiences. One of the things that struck me about Poland is how friendly and welcoming the people are. There’s a sense of community here that I haven’t found in many other places. The locals are always eager to help, whether it’s directions, language barriers, or recommending a hidden gem.
The language barrier can be a bit of a challenge. While younger Poles and those in major cities often speak English, it’s not as common in rural areas. I’ve been taking Polish lessons, and trust me, it’s not the easiest language to learn, but it’s worth it to feel more integrated into the culture.
As for leisure, there’s no shortage of things to do. From exploring the historic cities, hiking in the beautiful Tatra mountains, sunbathing on the Baltic Sea beaches, to trying delicious Polish cuisine, there’s something for everyone. My personal favourite is pierogi, a type of Polish dumpling, that comes in a variety of flavors.
There are a few tips I’d like to share for other digital nomads considering Poland. Firstly, try to learn a few basic phrases in Polish. It will go a long way in making connections with locals. Secondly, make sure to explore beyond the big cities. Poland has a lot of beautiful small towns and countryside that are worth visiting. Lastly, adapt to the local time zone as quickly as possible to avoid disrupting your work schedule.
Living and working remotely in Poland has been an enriching experience. It’s a country full of charm, history, and friendly people. The affordable cost of living, excellent coworking spaces, and high-quality internet make it an ideal destination for digital nomads. If you’re looking for your next nomadic adventure, why not consider Poland?
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions. Happy travels, fellow nomads!