Good to Know
Transport, safety, tips, phrases and answers — all in one place.
Getting around
Free public transport · June 27 – July 7, 2026
Carry your Convention badge (with the authorization formula on the back) and a valid photo ID.
- Buses (day & night lines)
- Trams
- Metro (M1 & M2)
- SKM urban railway
Free travel is valid within ticket Zone 1 only — the whole city plus Izabelin, Łomianki, Marki, Ząbki and Konstancin-Jeziorna. Most attractions are inside Zone 1.
Regional Koleje Mazowieckie trains (green-and-white) are NOT included and need a separate ticket.
Buses & trams: On buses and trams you do not scan anything — just show your badge if an inspector asks.
Metro: To enter any metro station you must scan the QR code (back of your badge, or the Metro QR screen here) at the ticket gate every time. The QR code is not needed if you use the elevator.
Open today’s Metro QRTaxis, bikes, scooters & car rental
iTaxi
iTaxi app · ☎ +48 737 737 737
10% off rides over 40 PLN (max 20 PLN) — code IC2026, valid Jun 27 – Jul 8
Premium taxi & ride-hailing. In the app open Promotions (Promocje) and enter code IC2026.
Other taxis & ride-hailing
Uber · Bolt · FreeNow
Official Warsaw taxis have a yellow-and-red stripe and mermaid emblem on the door, a side number and a fare sticker. Always agree the fare first; booking via app or hotline is safest.
Veturilo public bikes
Veturilo / Nextbike app
~350 stations citywide. First 20 minutes of each ride are free. Top up at least 10 PLN, scan to unlock, and return to any station the same day by closing the rear-wheel lock.
Electric scooters
Bolt · Dott · Lime
Use bike lanes where available, or roads up to 30 km/h. Park responsibly so you don’t block sidewalks.
Carsharing & rental
Traficar · 4Mobility · 99Rent · Avis
Usually unnecessary during convention days. Useful for exploring Poland before/after. Most cars are manual; automatics available. Carsharing lets you end the ride almost anywhere via app.
Planning a journey & arriving in Warsaw
- Jakdojade app
- Google Maps
- wtp.waw.pl
Numbers next to a transport icon are line numbers (e.g. tram 13/26/27). Tickets can also be bought in Jakdojade and at machines — but not from the driver.
By planeWarsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) ~7 km from center · Warsaw Modlin (WMI) ~35 km.
By trainWarszawa Centralna station, in the city center, with international connections.
By carCheck hotel parking in advance. On-street parking is often paid; some highways are toll roads.
Safety
Call emergency · 112Use 112 (free, Europe-wide) for any immediate threat to life, health or safety — serious injury or sudden illness, fire, road accident, or crime. Stay calm; give the exact location, the number and condition of any injured, and your name and phone number.
DPA document & Convention Helpline
Before you arrive, make sure your DPA (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care) is current and complete, and that your healthcare agent will actually be reachable during your stay. Update chronic conditions, allergies and medications.
Convention Helpline — number is printed in your delegate materials. Use it for help finding a medical facility, organizational issues, lost documents, safety questions, or any unforeseen situation. For an immediate threat, always call 112 first.
Practical tips
Weather — sun and rain
In July temperatures usually run 18–31°C, but expect heatwaves, sudden cool drops, storms and heavy rain. Pack light clothing, a light waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, an umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Bring rain/sun protection to the convention — some stadium seating is uncovered. Drink water regularly; volunteers help with access during the program.
What to carry on you
Always carry a completed, current, signed DPA (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care) — it need not be in Polish. Make a copy of your passport photo page or other ID. Consider extra medical insurance and keep your insurer’s contact and policy handy. If you take medication regularly, bring an adequate supply.
Money & payments
Poland is largely cashless — cards and mobile/contactless payments are widely accepted. Still carry some cash (PLN) for small shops, markets, kiosks and toilets.
Sunday shopping
Most shops close on Sundays (only small owner-run shops, gas stations, on-duty pharmacies, station/airport shops and Żabka stores stay open). Sunday, June 28 is a designated shopping Sunday — malls and supermarkets will be open. Weekdays/Saturdays shops are typically 8:00–21:00.
Public toilets
Free in shopping malls. In restaurants/cafés/gas stations you can usually ask staff — buying something small is polite. Stations and parks may charge 1, 2 or 5 PLN, so keep coins handy. Women = circle, men = triangle (universal pictograms increasingly used).
PET bottle & can deposits
Certain plastic PET bottles and cans add a 0.50 PLN deposit at checkout, refundable at return machines. Don’t crush them and keep the labels on, or they won’t be accepted.
Waste separation
Bins are colour-coded: blue = paper, yellow = metals & plastics, green = glass, brown = bio-waste, black = mixed. Rules vary slightly by city — check local labels.
Wi-Fi & getting online
Wi-Fi is widely available — hotels, cafés, restaurants, malls, airports — plus public hotspots in parks and stations.
Electrical sockets
Poland uses 230V / 50Hz. Devices rated 220–240V work directly (most of Europe/Asia). For 100–127V countries (USA, Canada, parts of South America) you may need a converter — though most chargers handle 100–240V and only need a plug adapter.
Delegate FAQ
Selected Delegates — General Information
How do I become a confirmed delegate?
Within 30 days, complete at least one of: purchase your airline ticket, or reserve your hotel room for seven nights at a hotel on the rooming list. Then immediately update your itinerary on My Trip.
What if I can’t finalize my whole itinerary in 30 days?
You can usually secure the convention-week hotel reservation now and adjust arrival/departure dates later if your flights require it. Reserve as soon as possible so activities can be planned.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
Immediately update your status on My Trip so others can be invited.
How can I reserve a hotel room?
Choose a hotel on the rooming list (accessed via My Trip). Each hotel has its own “Website” link — book through it, or by phone or email. Negotiated rates are for delegates only, so don’t share the links.
Do I have to use a hotel on the rooming list?
Yes — even if you find something cheaper. Rates were negotiated for a set number of rooms, and the designated hotels simplify transport to the convention and branch-sponsored activities.
How many nights must I stay?
A minimum of seven nights, so you can enjoy activities and association with local brothers and sisters before or after the convention. You may stay up to ten nights at the negotiated rate (please don’t ask for longer at that rate).
What should I consider when buying airline tickets?
Buy on your own or via a travel agency. “Buddy pass” tickets are not recommended (delegates have been stranded waiting for return seats). Frequent-flyer reward tickets may require waiting for availability.
What if I’m traveling with a group?
A travel group must stay in the same hotel and have the same itinerary for tours and branch-sponsored activities.
What activities are available for confirmed delegates?
Field service, gatherings with the friends, and sightseeing excursions before and after the convention — an “interchange of encouragement” (Romans 1:12).
How much do branch-sponsored activities cost?
Some involve an expense to the branch. The activities list on My Trip shows recommended donation amounts so you can budget. You may contribute via donate.jw.org.
Can I visit other local attractions?
Yes — arrange personal sightseeing before or after on your own or with a travel agency. During the required seven days you must use a hotel on the rooming list.
What are the arrangements for meals?
Breakfast is usually included with your hotel. A lunch bag is provided for the three convention days (you can defray costs via donate.jw.org). Other meals are your responsibility — local markets or restaurants.
Why consider health limitations?
Tours and activities often involve long walking and standing, and summer heat can add strain. Prayerfully consider your health and personal safety before confirming.
Why “calculate the expense” (Luke 14:28)?
Airfare, hotels and food can be costly. Be fully prepared to cover your own travel, accommodation and food. Delegates shouldn’t expect local Witnesses to sponsor the visit or make unreasonable demands.
Confirmed Delegates
Full answers are in your JW Hub event materials.
• Can the branch office or Hospitality Committee help with travel documentation?
• How much baggage should I bring?
• How will I get from the airport to the hotel?
• How will I get from the hotel to the convention?
• What considerations should I take regarding my medical needs during the trip?
• How should I dress when traveling and in the convention city?
• When should I wear my lapel card?
• What if a delegate is no longer exemplary?
Airline & Car Rental Discounts
Full answers are in your JW Hub event materials.
• Do I have to use the specified airlines for my travel?
• The booking website or code isn’t working / the discount isn’t applying — am I doing something wrong?
• What’s the best way to search for my flights?
• I’m sightseeing before/after the convention — do the discounts still apply?
• The discount code shows no price advantage — should I still use it?
• Can I use the discount code through an online travel agency (Expedia, etc.)?
• Can I use the discount code through my regular travel agency?
• Friends/family travel with us but aren’t attending — can they use the discounts?
• I need to change my ticketed itinerary — how?
• Will I need to rent a vehicle?
Polish phrases
Basics
Dzień dobry
Hello / Good morning
[jen DOH-bri]
Cześć
Hi (informal)
[cheshch]
Do widzenia
Goodbye
[doh veed-ZEH-nya]
Proszę
Please / Here you go
[PROH-sheh]
Dziękuję
Thank you
[jen-KOO-yeh]
Przepraszam
Sorry / Excuse me
[pseh-PRAH-sham]
Tak / Nie
Yes / No
[tahk / nyeh]
Zapraszam / Witaj
Welcome
[zah-PRAH-sham / VEE-tigh]
Meeting brothers & sisters
Mam na imię
My name is / I’m
[mahm nah EE-myeh]
Miło Cię poznać
Nice to meet you
[MEE-woh chyeh POZ-nach]
Brat
Brother
[braht]
Siostra
Sister
[SHOS-trah]
Kongres Międzynarodowy
International Convention
[KON-gres myen-dzy-nah-roh-DOH-vi]
Delegat
Delegate
[DEH-leh-ghat]
Głoszenie
Preaching
[gwoh-SHEH-nyeh]
Prezent
Gift
[PREH-zent]
Zajęcie
Activity
[zai-YEN-cheh]
Most young people speak English; older generations may not. Address young ones by first name; for older ones use Brother/Sister (brat / siostra) before the name, and Mr./Mrs. (Pan / Pani / Państwo) for those who aren’t Witnesses. Even one Polish word — even a funny-sounding one — brings joy and breaks the ice. Translator apps are common and fine to use.
Field ministry
You’ll share in the ministry with the local congregation — often using intercoms in apartment buildings in the city, in rural villages, or in cart witnessing. Local brothers and sisters will support you. Some also share with Warsaw’s many foreign-language speakers (Ukrainian, English, Spanish, Russian).
- In JW Library, download this year’s convention trailer in Polish.
- Practice switching languages on jw.org.
- Review “Witnessing Through a Camera or an Intercom” (mwb 20.09 p. 8).
- Wear comfortable shoes — and pray to Jehovah for his spirit and blessing.
“Dzień dobry! Zapraszam na specjalny kongres. To jest dla Pana/Pani.” — “Hello! I invite you to a special convention. This is for you.”