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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Shake hands, firmly but briefly, with everyone (including children) when introduced. It is also customary to shake hands once again upon your departure. Men should wait to see if women extend their hands in inter-gender meetings. In formal settings, local men may kiss the hands of women in greeting, but the replication of this practice by foreigners may not be well received. Note that it is impolite to reach over someone else's handshake. Also, avoid keeping your left hand in your pocket while shaking hands with your right. Close friends or relatives may greet each other effusively, with much hugging and kissing of cheeks.
2. The decision to address each other by first names may be decided by mutual consent, although the best practice is to err on the side of formality and use titles and surnames when first meeting someone. Note that there is a ceremony that celebrates the decision to go to a first-name basis.
3. Politics and other complicated issues, such as religion and culture, are acceptable topics of discussion in most European countries. The Poles, like other Europeans, tend to be well informed about politics and to have their own opinions. While conversation on such issues is not discouraged, visitors should not expect Eastern Europeans to be entirely approving of Western concepts, ideas and political viewpoints.
4. Food, sports, and sightseeing are good topics of conversation.
5. Note that despite the demands of work, Poles love to stay up late, talking and drinking. Leaving early may insult them, so be prepared for a long night.
6. Drinking is often part of the social element, but note that Poles are experts at such activities. Vodka-drinking contest are the norm but the Poles are the real experts and foreigners should expect to lose. You should also expect your glass to be refilled every time it is empty until the vodka runs out. Note that when a Pole flicks his finger against his neck, he is inviting you to join him for a drink (probably vodka).
7. Littering, chewing gum while speaking to someone and any kind of loud behavior is generally considered to be unacceptable in Poland.
8. If you are invited to a Polish home, be sure to bring a gift. Flowers for the hostess is a good choice, but note that red roses are reserved for romantic situations in many cultures, while lilies are often associated with funerals.
9. During meals, the host may invite you to eat additional portions. It is traditional in many European cultures to turn down the first invitation.
10. When eating at restaurants, always use utensils. Note that very few items are eaten with the hands. Also, adhere to the European standard of the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand. Avoid the Americanized "cross over" where one uses the knife only to cut meat, while using the fork in the right hand otherwise. Place your utensils together on one side of the plate when you have finished eating. The best practice is to place your knife and fork together in the 4 o'clock position on your plate. Meanwhile, if you wish to pause between courses, cross your utensils on the plate.
11. Western business practices are quickly becoming the norm across Europe, including such things as business lunches. One should not, however, enter into business discussions without some light introductory conversation, politesse and other such niceties. In this regard, it is acceptable to ask about your counterpart's family. If the lunch or dinner meeting is your idea, you should insist on payment being your responsibility.
12. Generally, Poles dress in a causal but conservative manner, except at dinners or other more formal engagements. Conservative suits (dark in color with ties and white shirts) are usually worn by businessmen, while women's business attire consists of dark skirts and dresses. Discretion is advised in the realm of business, while trendy fashions may be more acceptable in other less formal domains of life.
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