That said, I’d you’re not white and straight, small towns could be very unwelcoming, from people staring, to telling you to go, to physical violence. Rare but true.
During my last visit, wireless phone service was super in the major cities...even better than Canada's.
As a tourist, Poland was a pretty big bang on my money: Equivalent item from the west for 1/3 of the cost while enjoying modern amenities. But I can see non Polish speakers would have difficulties living there in the longer term. During my trips, I insisted on travelling with at least one native Polish speaker.
But hand on heart can I say to someone outside that narrow blueprint it’s definitely fine? Nope.
It would rather be the odd skinhead on the bus or in the street. The current government is also quietly accepting such behaviours, as it is their voter base, so the few “bad apples” feel they can act with impunity.
I don’t want to overplay it, it’s not Nazi Germany, but for sure something to consider. Nice place one way or the other.
Also, the idea that the current government is quietly accepting skinhead violence is preposterous.
There are Indian people living and working in Poland, so it can’t be too bad. Right wing media say nothing of racist attacks. Left wing media describe them all the time. There are vocal nationalists, most of whom never go past their grumblings.
I raise it as I’d be somewhat concerned sending a non-white or job-straight friend into rural Poland.
If you look at UK Foreign Office travel advice, the LGBT intolerance warrants a mention, but no other warning: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/poland/local-laws-a... . I guess attitudes to non-white people could get a similar treatment.