Welcome to Poland, this introduction should give you a great start when you PCS. (Daniel Jędzura (Adobe Stock))
Source
Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to Poland” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in Poland.
112 is the emergency phone number throughout Europe.
Garrison in-processing occurs every Tuesday 9:30-10:30 a.m. and is followed by an off-post housing brief. Culture College is every Wednesday from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Camp Kosciuszko in Bldg. 28. This is required for all personnel and contractors are highly encouraged to attend as well. There are three days of classes and activities along with a checklist that soldiers must complete within seven days.
CAMP KOŚCIUSZKO
Marcelinska 15
61-001, Poznań
FOS ŻAGAŃ
Baza Amerykanska Zarska
68-100, Żagań
FOS POWIDZ
Witkowska 8
62-430, Powidz
All USAG Poland installations have an AAFES store. They range from traditional stores in buildings to mobile containers to flea-market type rodeos. Check with your local Garrison Support Element for open hours. There is no commissary available at USAG Poland installations.
These services are common across Poland, and will deliver meals to off-installation addresses from local restaurants. There is no commissary available at USAG Poland installations.
Grocery: Lidl, Zabka, Netto, Tesco, Spar, Kaufland, Auchan Biedronka
Supercenters: Kaufland, Tesco
Delivery Meals and Groceries: Uber Eats, Pyszne, Frisco, Wolt, Glovo
Home Improvement: OBI, Castorama, Leroy Merlin
Furniture: IKEA, Galeria Polskie Meble (Poznań)
Budget Clothing: KiK, Primark, C&A, H&M, TKMaxx
Bookshops: Empik, BookaRest (Poznań), Bookland
Discount Shops: Action, Dealz, TEDi
Here are resources available for you to learn Polish.
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICES
ACS offers free 10-week basic conversational Polish classes for U.S. military, civilian personnel and their spouses. Classes are in-person at Camp K or via Teams.
MANGO LANGUAGES
Through the Army MWR library websites, yo ucan access Mango Languages courses and the Mango App to learn Polish for free. Visit www.dodmwrlibraries.org for access.
The post office at Camp Kościuszko has basic USPS retail functions where you can mail a parcel or letter out the same way you can at a USPS Post Office in the U.S.
For outgoing mail, it is best to make an account with one of following:
USPS Click-N-Ship® | cns.usps.com
Pirate Ship® | pirateship.com
As a reminder, the APO service is provided for you as an authorized patron. The Post Office may not be used as part of any home-based business or used to provide a tax-free import for local nationals or others not entitled to the service themselves.
Size restrictions to APO
Camp Kościuszko:
Your Name
PSC 1 650 Box XXX
APO AE 09103-XXXX
FOS Żagań:
Your Name
PSC 1 603 Box XXX
APO AE 09008-XXXX
FOS Powidz:
Your Name
PSC 1 601 Box XXX
APO AE 09017-XXXX
Note: The +4 of your ZIP code will depend on the box number assigned to you. The +4 of the ZIP is for all box numbers that fall within a certain range.
Getting a Polish bank account, or a European banking App with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is necessary for paying bills and transferring money. It is also helpful for making purchases, getting cash, and managing funds between dollars and Polish złoty.
Poland is a member of the European Union; however, it has not yet adopted the Euro. The Polish currency is the złoty (PLN). A single złoty is worth 100 grosz.
The cost of living is generally lower in Poland than in the U.S. However, you should be aware that you will have upfront expenses as part of your in-processing and establishing yourself in Poland. Discuss your entitlements and allowances with your current finance office for your respective location.
MONEY EXCHANGES
You can exchange money in banks for Kantors (exchange offices). Banks will likely charge a commission/currency exchange fee, whereas the Kantors (found in malls, rest stops and at the airports) usually provide better exchange rates and don’t charge a commission. It is recommended to avoid exchanges located in airports, as they provide less advantageous rates.
ATMS
An ATM is available at Camp Kościuszko within the M gate.
Throughout Poland, ATMs are widely available.
Check with your CONUS bank or credit union for currency conversion fees and daily limits. Some banks waive international ATM fees.
DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS
Some Polish businesses accept debit and credit cards, but some may not.
It’s always best to carry Polish złoty when off installation.
It is generally better to charge the purchase in the local currency to avoid a poor exchange rate.
LOCAL BANKS
MOBILE APPS
These “portable” international banks are a great tool to get local bills paid in złoty, and often with competitive exchange rates and low fees.
Your on-installation Legal Office can help with simple notaries and powers of attorney on a walk-in basis. Complex notary services and other legal advice is available by appointment.
V Corps Legal Assistance Office (Camp Kościuszko): vcorps.osja-legal-assistance.mil@army.mil
Trial Defense Service Europe: usarmy.bavaria.7atc.mbx.trial-defense-services.mil@army.mil DSN (314) 599-7737
Powers of Attorney are recommended for spouses so they may handle paperwork if the military sponsor is not available due to training or deployment.
Dependents wanting to work while overseas should have their sponsors reach out to their servicing personnel or legal office.
Tax preparation services are no longer handled by legal offices, but there are numerous free options for simple return preparation.
Other legal services offered include wills, medical directives, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) issues, estate planning, immigration, debt or credit problems, and other non-criminal issues.
Assistance with military criminal issues is provided by Trial Defense Service offices.
When you arrive in Poland, put your phone on airplane mode to avoid unexpected charges. Be sure your phone is unlocked by any U.S. carrier before coming to Poland.
WiFi or data-based international communication is possible with these apps:
Signal
Facebook Messenger
Polish cell phone carriers offer reasonably priced pay-as-you-go accounts and monthly subscriptions. Accounts, SIM cards and eSIM products can be ordered online or in shops.
LOCAL PHONE/INTERNET PROVIDERS
