A Netherlands couple reports feeling "proper unwelcome" during a week exploring Wrocław and Katowice, experiencing eye-rolling staff, hostile stares on public transit, and service refusals. The post has sparked debate about whether Poland has a customer service problem or if these were isolated incidents.
"Soon as we tried speaking English in shops or restaurants, the vibe shifted," wrote the traveler. "Staff rolling eyes, pretending not to understand, serving people who came in after us first. One woman in a cafe in Katowice just walked off mid-order when my girlfriend asked if they had oat milk. Not even kidding."
The couple, both white Europeans who wouldn't "look like foreigners" until speaking, reported uncomfortable stares on trams "like we'd pissed in someone's cereal." They emphasized they weren't being loud or acting inappropriately - just existing and speaking English to each other.
The City Divide
Wrocław fared slightly better, likely due to higher tourist traffic, but Katowice "felt like we were inconveniencing people just by being there." This raises questions about Poland's tourism strategy - if smaller cities want international visitors, they need to address service culture.
The traveler contrasted this with experiences in Germany, France, and Spain: "even places where English isn't common, people at least try or crack a smile."
Is This a Pattern?
The Reddit thread drew mixed responses. Some commenters validated the experience, noting similar encounters in smaller Polish cities. Others suggested the couple hit an or encountered staff having bad days.
