Poland : The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

by Greg Allen

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include


* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken


"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cursory guide to customs and culture of Poland. There is a short historical section. The work like the rest of the series is aimed at someone who plans to live in the country instead of the short time visitor but does contain useful information.

[Biljana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty funny read—not sure if Poland is funny or the author, but no complaints. Love how in-depth it goes culturally in terms or explaining little quirks or common expressions that actually mean the opposite in North America. I look forward to reading about other countries that I know well and seeing how they square up according to this series :P

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid overview of Poland (as far as I could tell). Appreciated the miscommunication heads-ups, and otherwise thought it was a good introduction to Polish culture.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for my trip to Poland. I have a lot of good facts in it.

[Alissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This tiny book provided no new information that one couldn't find in a travel guide. And does the author really need to go over (and over) the fact that people in Poland like to drink Vodka? I get it already!

[Aileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the country and what to expect on your visit.