Euro Debuts As New Currency of European Union

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You're Going to Love the Euro

Part 3: Where Next? How about Poland?

What was once a "horse and buggy" economy is growing up quickly.

American business has invested $9 billion USD in Poland, and more money is pouring in from throughout Europe. This birthplace of the Warsaw Pact is reaching westward for the hands of willing partners.

More of this Feature

• Part 1: A Pleasant Surprise for Budget-Minded Tourists
• Part 2: Getting More Euros for the Money
• Part 4: The New Europe

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The changes are dramatic. The former Communist Party headquarters now houses the Polish Stock Exchange.

This important nation is now a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and work is moving along on an application for membership in the European Union. In fact, Prime Minister Leszek Miller says a national referendum on the question is likely in 2003, with full membership possible by 2004.

In all, 10 nations formerly under the Soviet sphere of influence are likely to join the EU and begin circulating more euros. The next few years will see even more tourists from the west "discovering" the benefits of a holiday in the east.

This year might be the best yet for some low-cost exploring.

The reason: tourist standards have risen faster than the prices in many nations. In Poland, for example, I bought a loaf of bread, enough ham for two thick sandwiches and a candy bar for about one U.S. dollar. A very nice three-star hotel in the center of Warsaw--complete with pillow mints no less--runs about $70 USD per night.

Euros are destined for these nations in the near future, but for now, you'll have to exchange for local currencies such as the Polish zloty, currently worth about one-fourth of a euro.

A few tips for exploring Eastern Europe:

Avoid the highways for longer trips. They're still in disrepair in many areas. For example, the five-hour trip between Berlin and Warsaw could taken nearly twice that long using the Polish highways. Mass transit is dirt cheap. Cab rides are not.

If you're going to splurge on dining, this is the place to do it. A mid-range meal here costs 40% less than in Paris or Brussels, but that gap is beginning to narrow.

Invest in a phrase book. Unlike western Europe, most people here learned Russian as a second language. English speakers are rare outside of touristed areas.

Don't be afraid to explore. Warsaw is home to a legendary flea market known for some fine Cold War-era memorabilia. But if you go early in the day (as I did), you'll find mostly women's clothing.

Western credit cards and travelers checks are accepted nearly as often as in other parts of Europe. ATMs and other conveniences are readily available in the larger cities.

Next page > The New Europe >

Mark Kahler
Budget Travel Guide

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