Ask most people what they would associate with Poland and the answers are bound to involve the word ‘hardship’. It’s difficult to find a Central European country that has endured so much over the years and yet come out with its head held high, but Poland is a story of exactly this.. Probably the most well-known cause of turmoil in Poland was the German invasion in World War II, which managed to wipe out nearly 20 percent of the population along with the vast majority of the Jewish inhabitants. At the end of the Second World War, Poland was left in the control of the Soviet Union and Communist rule was established – to a degree at least. Stalin himself said that to impose Communism on Poland would be like trying to saddle a cow and this sentiment was echoed through the 20th Century, which saw anticommunist protests and a stubborn will of the people, backed by Pope John Paul II.

Thanks to this protest and hardiness of the populace, the Communist government in charge of the nation for so long was far more sympathetic than any other Soviet country, and when the fall of the Soviet Union came about in the early 90s, Poland was in a unique position amongst former Soviet states – they were ready to adopt change, and this forward-thinking progressive nature that had been nurtured over the years made for a fast changing economy with private businesses popping up all over the country, NATO membership alongside former ‘enemy’ nations (in an official sense, at least) like the United States, as well as EU membership which was attained in 2004.

Lush woodland forests and lakes dominate the North of Poland, showing off some astounding natural beauty in these hilly regions. Travelling further South and the terrain becomes more mountainous as the Sudety Mountain ranges are approached, and the vast sandy beaches on the Baltic coast are another option for visitors – the country may not be the most geographically diverse, but the scenery can be utterly magnificent. A real spirit of togetherness reigns in Poland, which is shown by the vast majority of the country’s people and their legendary hospitality – it isn’t unheard of for an accidental meeting between a local and a visitor to turn into a meeting with the extended family and lavish meal – it really is a country where strangers are just friends you haven’t met. With the people showing indomitable spirit and a shockingly friendly nature along with the vast potential for economic growth and stunning geography, Poland is ideal for any potential off plan investors.

Healthcare in Poland is of a good standard, and a reciprocal health agreement between the UK and Poland mean British nationals receive free treatment on production of a valid NHS card. It is still advised that health insurance is taken out though, as costs for additional treatments and prescription drugs can mount up.

Mobile phone coverage is very good throughout the country, though obviously signals cannot be relied on in more rural areas. Landlines are generally of a good standard, but some refurbishment of the phone line systems is still going on and disruptions in service could occur.

Normal banking hours in larger towns and cities are from 0900 to 1600 Monday to Friday and 0900 to 1300 on Saturdays, whereas banks in smaller towns cannot be relied on for longer opening hours. Shopping hours are from 0600 to 1900 Mondays through Fridays, but are shorter on weekends. There are numerous night shops and supermarkets that open longer hours, and 24 hour stores are becoming all the more common.

Formal procedures are expected of all business encounters, so a handshake, a suit and extended notice of a meeting will go down well.

Service charges are not normally included in bills, and a 10 to 15 percent tip is customary in most situations. Tips for hotel porters and waiters are also customary, though there is no specified amount for this.