Basics
In Poland 4 network providers are operating:
- Orange (formerly IDEA)
- Plus (by Polkomtel)
- Play (by P4)
- T-Mobile (formerly ERA)
Also, more and more MVNOs and subsidiaries of the operators are arriving on the scene competing with four major operators and reselling their networks. Thus all 4 operators have pretty similar market shares around 25%. Their price battles has led to one of the lowest rates for data in Central Europe.
Frequencies
GSM up to EDGE is on 900 and 1800 MHz like all over Europe. 3G/UMTS covers all of the country on 900MHz up to HSPA+ and 2100 MHz up to DC-HSPA+ speed available in most of the country. 4G/LTE has been rolled out on 800, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz frequency and is generally free of charge for prepaid. In 2015 new spectrum on 800 and 2600 MHz was auctioned and in 2016 allocated to the 4 operators.
Availability
SIM cards can be bought at many places: shops, kiosk, newsagents, petrol stations, tobacconists or the stores of the network operators.
Managing your account online may require Polish language skills, as no English homepage is available. You can try Google Translate for navigating their websites. Nevertheless, the bonus system you have on a Polish SIM can be quite confusing to foreigners.
Currently you can get mini, micro and nano SIMs. Although a nano SIM may be harder to get (but can be cut). Prepaid still has about 50% of the total market in Poland and is called Na kartę. Tethering and VoIP are available without any additional cost on all operators.
Mandatory registration
Up to 2016 you could buy a prepaid SIM card in Poland without registration at every street corner like chewing gum. This has changed since July 2016 because of the new anti-terrorism act.
Registration is now taking place mostly in the stores and sales outlets of the providers. There, you are required to register by showing your national ID card or a foreign passport and adding the SIM card number. The operators are giving out high bonuses for registration. SIM cards for minors below 13 years of age now need the consent of a parent.
It's not possible anymore to buy a prepaid starter set without showing your ID. Take care, that many places still sell them, but you can't register there, especially if you have a foreign ID. But without registration, you SIM card won't be activated. That's why it's recommended to go directly to an operator's store instead located in towns and shopping centers. Furthermore, all 2000 kiosks of the Ruch chain (locator) and many post offices sell and register SIM cards of all 4 providers and most MVNOs.
More than 50 million prepaid SIMs in Poland need to be registered within the next months and the first blocking could take place as early as February 2017. As there is no legal limit of how many SIM cards can be activated on someone's name, a black market has now emerged. Some vendors sell cards registered on their name for a high surcharge of 20 PLN or more on the internet which is illegal according to Polish law.
Orange
2G and 3G, 4G/LTE (800, 1800, 2600 MHz): Orange Coverage Map good coverage in Poland. LTE is open for prepaid and covers already 96% of population in 2016. Orange is still the market leader in the country by a narrow margin.
Availability
The best way is to buy a Orange Free na kartę starter. This starter pack is sold at 5 PLN with 1 GB included and at 20 PLN with 5 GB included plus the starter price as credit.
If it is not available you can buy any Orange prepaid starter like Yes or Smart plans for 5 or 10 PLN. It contains 1 GB for 10 days plus the start-up credit. Buy it in an Orange store or at a place where they can register it on your name. All Ruch kiosks nationwide can do the registration for Orange.
Later change the plan to Orange Free na Kartę by sending SMS "FREE" to 3033 (for 0.15-0.20 PLN) or by sending code 101*40# (for free) to get the extra bonus for top-up.
Check your balance with *124*#. By texting "START" to free number 8002, package validity will expand to 1 year for 3 PLN.
Top-up
Top-up vouchers are widely available in supermarkets, newsstands, petrol stations, grocery stores. For top-up type: *125*<top-up code>#
There are many websites that offer top-up online. You can use for example Orange official webpage doladowania.orange.pl and top-up by credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
You can also top-up a Polish Orange card on the international Orange top up web page - available in English: https://topup.orange.com only if you have an original SIM card from one of these countries (list) for verification.
Users of Orange Free na Kartę plans only get free data packages for each top-up that is the highest bonus in the country right now:
| Recharge | Free data | Valid for: |
|---|---|---|
| 5 PLN | 500 MB | 2 days |
| 10 PLN | 1 GB | 5 days |
| 25 or 30 PLN | 6 GB | 30 days |
| 50 PLN | 15 GB | 90 days |
| 100 PLN | 50 GB | 150 days |
| 200 PLN | 100 GB | 150 days |
You can check remaining data from bonus packages using *101*01# code or check bonus volume by sending a SMS with "ILE" to 411 (for 0.20 PLN).
That are extra packages. You can still use money from top-up for making calls, texting, transferring additional data (at 0.01 PLN for 100 kB) or buying additional packages (see below).
Data feature packs
Default rate on Free is 0.10 PLN per MB. Users of all Orange prepaid plans (incl. Orange Free na Kartę plan) can buy following data packages:
| Data | Validity | Cost | Activation | Check Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 24 hours | 2 PLN | NET2 | ILE2 |
| 500 MB | 30 days | 5 PLN | NET5 | ILE500 |
| 2 GB | 30 days | 12 PLN | NET12 | ILE |
| 2 GB + unlimited dom. texts | 30 days | 15 PLN | PAKIET15 | ILE15 |
| 5 GB + unlimited dom. texts | 30 days | 25 PLN | PAKIET25 | ILE25 |
For activation text code to 260, for data balance check text code to 260.
When data from packages 200 MB and 500 MB is used up, overuse is paid at standard rates (from 0.10 PLN/MB to 5 PLN/MB, depends on plan). When data from packages 2 GB and 5 GB is used up, you can still have connection for free, to the end of validity of package, but with 64 kbps download speed.
In summer 2016 new so-called flexible internet packages (Elastyczny Pakiet Internetowy) have been introduced with very low rates indeed and can be booked on any prepaid plan:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 PLN | 3 GB | 3 days | AKT 3 |
| 5 PLN | 5 GB | 5 days | AKT 5 |
| 7 PLN | 7 GB | 7 days | AKT 7 |
| 10 PLN | 10 GB | 10 days | AKT 10 |
| 30 PLN | 30 GB | 30 days | AKT 30 |
| 50 PLN | 50 GB | 50 days | AKT 50 |
| 100 PLN | 100 GB | 100 days | AKT 100 |
Activate by texting code to 360 or online on your account. Check balance by texting 'ILE' to 360. All packages auto-renew. To stop text 'KONIEC' (for end) to 360. All SMS are charged like local texts around 0.20 PLN.
EU roaming offer
Orange in Poland offers data roaming packs in all countries of the EU/EEA (excl. Switzerland):
- 50 MB for 3 days: 3 PLN, activation: *110*73# or text 'INT1' to 553
- 300 MB for 7 days: 15 PLN, activation: *110*74# or text 'INT2' to 553
You can activate packages multiple times. When you activate next package, megabytes from the both packages are summed up and overall expiration date is set to the expiration date of the last activated package. So it makes sense to activate next package when expiration date of previous package is almost over.
This is the cheapest EU roaming offer in Poland right now.
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in Polish: http://www.orange.pl
Plus (by Polkomtel)
Plus (formerly Plus GSM) is the brand name of Poland's mobile phone network operator Polkomtel. The company is entirely owned by Spartan Capital Holdings sp. z o.o. It still operates an GSM-incompatible CDMA network too.
Plus has a very good coverage throughout the country on 2G and 3G while their 4G/LTE network already covers more than 2/3 of the population right now: Plus Coverage Map 4G/LTE is available on prepaid cards with speeds up to 150 Mbps.
Availablity
The SIM card comes with a bilingual Polish/English leaflet. Managing your account online would require Polish language skills, as no English homepage is available. As you need to register now, go to a store of the operator and show your ID or ask at a kiosk before buying, if they are able to register it on a foreign passport.
Users can register at 670 branches of Relay, Inmedio and 1Minute chains. Besides these, the operator offers registration at 1,300 Plus or Cyfrowy Polsat outlets, 270 Neonet shops, 1,800 Ruch kiosks and 4,600 post offices.
Top-ups are available at Plus stores, service stations, kiosks, grocery stores or online using credit cards. To top-up by vouchers, type *123*<voucher PIN>#. To check balance and validity, type *100#.
Voice and data SIM card
They sell their Bez limitu (= unlimited) tariff lines for voice and data with different starter packs. For voice and data you should look for the green Bez limitu do wszystkich sieci komórkowych (= unlimited to all networks). The starter pack is for 5 PLN. If you top-up at least 30 PLN in the first 15 days, you will get free domestic calls and SMS and 3 GB data for 5 days. These bundles can be added:
- weekly packages for 7 days:
- free domestic calls and 500 MB data: 8 PLN - activation: *136*11*08#
- free domestic calls and SMS and 500 MB data: 10 PLN - activation: *136*11*09#
- free domestic calls and SMS, 3 GB data and free Facebook: 13 PLN - activation: *136*11*10#
- for extra data you can activate:
- 500 MB for 3 PLN - activation: *136*11*12#
- 1 GB for 7 PLN - activation: *136*11*13#
- 2 GB for 10 PLN - activation: *136*11*14#
- monthly packages for 30 days:
- free domestic calls and 500 MB (promotion: plus 5 GB) data: 25 PLN - activation: *136*11*03#
- free domestic calls and SMS, 6 GB and free Facebook (promotion: plus 5 GB) data: 29 PLN - activation: *136*11*05#
- for extra data you can activate:
- 1 GB for 10 PLN - activation: *136*11*15#
- 2 GB for 13 PLN - activation: *136*11*16#
To get the 5 GB promotion, you need to text the word 'TAK' (= yes) to 80505. This bonus data is valid for 30 days too and can be only activated once.
All packages auto-renew. to stop type activation code with '00' instead of '11' in the middle. Packages can also be activated and deactivated on your personal account (in Polish). Check data balance by *136#. You can only activate one package at the same time. Overuse is at default rate of 1.90 PLN per MB.
For free Facebook in the plans where it's not included you can *136*11*01 for 5 PLN per month. By code *136*11*18# you can extend the validity of your SIM to one year for 10 PLN.
Data-only SIM card
Their data SIM for tablets and routers is the all green Ja Internet na kartę. The starter pack is available in two sizes:
- for 5 PLN: with 500 MB for 7 days and 5 x 1 GB, if you top-up for at least 20 PLN
- for 15 PLN: with 3 GB for 14 days and 12 x 1 GB, if you top-up for at least 20 PLN
Note, that their SIM cards are misleadingly advertised as "5 GB" or "15 GB". This is only true if you add the bonuses when you top-up for PLN 20 or more (see below).
If 4G/LTE with speeds of up to 150 Mbps doesn't work, type *101*11*23# to enable for free.
Data feature packs
| Price | Data Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 PLN | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 20 PLN | 3 GB (+ 1 GB) | 14 days |
| 30 PLN | 5 GB (+ 1 GB) | 30 days |
| 50 PLN | 11 GB (+ 1 GB) | 60 days |
| 100 PLN | 35 GB (+ 1 GB) | 120 days |
| 150 PLN | 35 GB (+ 1 GB) | 365 days |
The 1 GB in brackets refers to the included bonus of the starter pack and is available for 5 or 12 times. For top-ups of 20 PLN there is another promotion: you need to text the word 'TAK' (= yes) to 80505 to get another 5 GB. This bonus data is valid for 30 days too and can be only activated once.
To purchase a package, log on at www.online.plus.pl with you 9-digit phone number and the last (!) four digits of your PUK or use USSD code *123# on your phone. Check data balance by code *121#. Overuse is charged at a very low 0.01 PLN per 300 KB.
By code *121*11*03# their "night offer" can be activated. It gives you 200 GB high speed traffic in 30 days only in the night hours from 1:00am to 8:00am local time for 10 PLN. To stop auto-renewal, type *121*00*03#.
Roaming Offer
Plus offers the following data packages valid in EU, Norway, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Island, Turkey and USA (on both AT&T and T-Mobile):
| Data allowance | 100 MB | 400 MB | 1 GB |
| Cost | 9 PLN | 19 PLN | 39 PLN |
| Validity | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days |
| Activation | *121*11*86# | *121*11*87# | *121*11*88# |
Remaining data allowance can be checked with *121#. Packages can be booked multiple times. 4G/3G/2G technologies are available, depending on roaming partners. Plus is the local partner network of the Vodafone group, so Vodafone networks are prefered, but others may be also available.
More info
- APN: internet (for 3G/2G only)
- APN: plus (for LTE/3G/2G)
- Website in Polish only: http://www.plus.pl/
Play
Play, owned by P4, is the smallest of the 4 network operators having a 23% market share with the most aggressive pricing. By the end of 2013 it had covered 80% of the population with 3G/UMTS on 900 and 2100 MHz which it misleadingly still calls "4G". But real 4G on 800, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz LTE is available for 89% of the population in 2016: Play Coverage Map (go to Internet. There it shows "4G/LTE" which is UMTS and LTE combined! The bright purple area is 3G/HSPA+, only the dark purple 4G/LTE.)
Play has a limited number of its own network masts in the country covering only the main cities. But it is able to roam for free on all other Polish 2G/3G networks (there is no access to LTE of other networks) - as a result, almost every network mast (for any network) is actually allowing Play customers to connect for free - both for GSM and for data. (Note: only the voice+data packages can roam on non-Play towers, data-only packages do not roam).
Play has one of the most confusing SIM card portfolios in Europe. They have different tariff lines with different add-ons and default rates. Generally, all tariff lines can be switched, but not to/from the cheapest rate called Play Internet na Kartę. Their English website contains an English description of some prepaid plans as well as instructions for choosing a plan, but lacks essential infos about the "Internet na karte" offer or how to terminate a package, which is only available in Polish or here.
Availability
Their SIM card can be bought at kiosks, petrol stations and other points of sale: Play Store Locator. If you want to be sure, that your SIM is registered at the point of sale, go to a branded Play store and show your ID. Registration takes place at all Play stores, Ruck kiosks and postal offices.
Recharging can be done online and select the payment method Karta płatnicza found at the bottom of the screen. Otherwise recharge vouchers are available at service stations, supermarkets, and many other places starting 5 PLN up to 150 PLN. To check balance, type *101#.
You can download the Play24 app for iOS and Android to manage your account and check balances.
Play na Kartę
Play na Kartę is their standard prepaid product line sold for 5 PLN in a starter pack. You can change from any tariff to this line by typing *163*6#. Card is valid for 10 days. Default data is high PLN 1.20 / MB.
Top-ups are from 5 PLN valid for 5 days to 100 PLN valid for 150 days. They don't include bonus data. You need to add a data package (see below).
Play na Kartę Lubię to!
This different product line can be used with same starter. This tariff must be activated/changed by *163*7# and card is active for 10 days with 250 MB high-speed data for the start. Default internet is free, unlimited, but capped at slow 32 kbps. To prolong, you have to recharge which gives you included bonus for data. For every top up:
- of up to 9 PLN, you get 50 MB bonus and 5 days validity
- of up to 24 PLN, you get 200 MB bonus and 10 days validity
- of up to 49 PLN, you get 500 MB bonus and 30 days validity
- of up to 99 PLN, you get 1.5 GB bonus and 100 days validity
- of 100 PLN or more, you get 3.5 GB bonus and 150 days vaildity
For more high-speed data you need to add a package (see below).
FORMUŁA Play na Kartę
FORMUŁA is another prepaid line. You can change any starter pack for 5 PLN to this tariff line by typing *163*10#. FORMUŁA Unlimited is a combo pack giving free domestic calls and SMS and a data allowance:
- for 7 days: 500 MB - 9 PLN, activation: *111*406*1#
- for 30 days: 6 GB - 25 PLN, activation: *111*407*1#
To stop auto-renewal type ending *2#, to check data package ending *3#. Default rate for data on this paln is a low 0.20 PLN per MB up to 5 PLN. Then it will be throttled to 8 kbps for free.
Data feature packages
These monthly data packs work with Play na Kartę, Play na Kartę Lubię to! and FORMUŁA Play na Kartę:
- 600 MB: 5 PLN - activation: *111*541*1#
- 2 GB: 9 PLN - activation: *111*542*1#
- 6 GB: 20 PLN - activation: *111*543*1#
All packages auto-renew and give you 100 MB bonus after renewal. To stop, type code and replace 1 by 2 at last digit. To check consumption of the data package, type activation ending with *3.
Play Internet na Kartę:
Remember that users of Play Internet na Kartę have access to Play's own network only - unlike to the other tariffs, there is no national roaming available on this plan. Their product line Play Internet na Kartę has the cheapest data at slightly higher voice and text rates. Default data rate stays at very low 0.02 PLN per MB. This prepaid line cannot be changed with other plans.
It comes in 3 different starter packs with an allowance for the start;
- for free: Wypróbuy 4G LTE Ultra with 500 MB for 3 days
- 9 PLN: Starter 3 GB with 3 GB included valid for 7 days
- 19 PLN: Starter 30 GB with 30 GB included valid for 7 days
- 50 PLN: Starter "25 GB" with 3 GB included for 1 month + 11 times 2 GB per month
Default data rate is a very low 0.01 PLN per MB. To add more data, you need to top-up these amounts which translates into data:
| Recharge | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 PLN | 3 GB | 7 days |
| 20 PLN | 6 GB | 14 days |
| 30 PLN | 9 GB | 30 days |
| 50 PLN | 15 GB | 60 days |
| 100 PLN | 50 GB | 120 days |
Additionally so-called "unlimited internet packages" can be booked on Play Internet na Kartę tariff line only:
- "unlimited" internet for a day (= 24 hours) FUP = 10 GB: PLN 5, activation: *111*791*1#
- "unlimited" internet for a week (= 7 days) FUP = 30 GB: PLN 20, activation: *111*789*1#
- "unlimited" internet for a month (= 30 days) FUP = 100 GB: PLN 49, activation: *111*783*1#
All these "unlimited" add-ons auto-renew and must be stopped by replacing 1 by 2 as last digit in the code. "Unlimited" is limited by a FUP that throttles, if you exceed data to 1 Mbps.
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in Polish: http://www.Play.pl
- or basic info in English: http:www.play.pl/en
T-Mobile
tmobile
T-Mobile Poland has a good coverage on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE in the country: coverage map (for LTE scroll). LTE is open for prepaid and covers 98% of population in 2016 already.
Availability
They sell two prepaid starter packs for 5 PLN in their stores (locator):
- T-Mobile na kartę: their voice & data SIM for 5 PLN
- Internet na kartę: their data-only SIM for 5 PLN with 1 GB preloaded
Top-ups are available at the usual places. To top-up by voucher, type *111*<voucher code>#, to check balance *101#.
Voice and data SIM T-Mobile na kartę
The following data packages are offered for their voice and data SIM:
- daily rate for 2 PLN with 250 MB high speed volume.The daily rate is only debited when going online on that day. A day is a 0:00-23:59 hrs calendar day. Activation: *100*863#, status: *100*863#1, deactivation: *100*863#2. This is the default rate for data.
- 250 MB for 30 days: 6 PLN, activation: *100*865#
- 1 GB for 30 days: 10 PLN, activation: *100*862#
- 3 GB for 30 days: 20 PLN, activation: *100*861#
- 6 GB for 30 days: 30 PLN, activation: *100*860#
To check status, enter activation code and replace # by *1#. All packages auto-renew. To stop, enter activation code and replace # by *2#.
Data SIM Internet na kartę
These are the add-ons for their data SIM Internet na kartę:
| Value | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 PLN | 1 GB | 5 days | *140*701# |
| 10 PLN | 1 GB | 30 days | *140*702# |
| 15 PLN | 2 GB | 30 days | *140*703# |
| 10 PLN | 3 GB | 10 days | *140*704# |
| 20 PLN | 3 GB | 30 days | *140*705# |
| 30 PLN | 5 GB | 60 days | *140*706# |
| 50 PLN | 12 GB | 60 days | *140*707# |
| 100 PLN | 25 GB | 120 days | *140*708# |
When daily or monthly data allowance is used up, line will be throttled to 16 Kbps. Packs will renew automatically if there is credit and not deactivated. The 30-day waiting period can be bypassed by sending an SMS with text NIE to 80333.
T-Mobile roaming option
For roaming on T-Mobile and Telekom networks only in the countries of Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Rep., Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Albania, Macedonia, Romania and Greece a special 1 GB data pack with unlimited SMS for 7 days is sold at 50 PLN. To activate, type *132*5*1#. ****You must be a customer for 100 days to receive this package.****
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in Polish: http://www.t-mobile.pl
Red Bull Mobile
Red Bull Mobile is a joint venture between P4/Play and Red Bull energy drink. It's not a MVNO as it belongs to Play and sold at their stores as a different brand aimed at the urban youth. It uses the network of Play in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE: Play Coverage Map
Availabilty
The SIM starter pack is sold at Play stores (Play Store Locator). The SIM needs to be registered before it's activated. They offer free SIMs in promotions, but there are generally two starter packs:
- for 5 PLN: without included allowances, buy bundles (see below)
- for 9 PLN: with free unlimited LTE internet (on Play's own 4G/LTE network only, no 3G)
To recharge you can use the same recharge methods as for PLAY. To check your balance dial *111#. To activate the number you need to do one call (or misscall). Also the Play24 app can be used by Red Bull Mobile users. They give these high data bonuses for top-ups:
| Recharge | Bonus:
5 Zł pack |
Bonus:
9 Zł pack |
Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-9 PLN | 100 MB | 10 MB | 5 days |
| 10-24 PLN | 1 GB | 100 MB | 10 days |
| 25-49 PLN | 7 GB | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 50-99 PLN | 16 GB | 2 GB | 100 days |
| 100-299 PLN | 36 GB | 2 GB | 150 days |
Data feature packages
You can add these monthly combo packages to the 5 PLN starter packs:
- for 3 days: unlimited dom. calls and SMS, 300 MB, 3 PLN - activation: *111*614*1#
- for 7 days: unlimited dom. calls and SMS, 700 MB, 7 PLN - activation: *111*615*1#
- for 30 days: unlimited dom. calls and SMS, 3 GB, 30 PLN - activation: *111*763*1#
All packages auto-renew if not stopped by code. Stop by replacing 1 by 2 at last digit in code. When data volume is used up, speed will be throttled to 32 kbps.
These monthly data-only bundles can be booked on both plans, the PLN 5 and 9:
- 600 MB: 5 PLN - activation: *111*547*1#
- 2 GB: 9 PLN - activation: *111*548*1#
- 6 GB: 20 PLN - activation: *111*549*1#
These packages are for 30 days and will not auto-renew.
"Unlimited" 4G/LTE option
This option is only for their 9 PLN starter. You can check your tariff by calling *111*49*1#. You can activate "unlimited" 4G/LTE internet for free. This can be used on Play's own 4G/LTE network ONLY and all 2G/3G transfer is charged additionally. To activate this offer, you'll need to have 30 PLN credit on your card that won't be used for the activation fee, as it is free. It just has to be there. To activate, call *111*480*1#. To check status dial *111*480*3#. A FUP of 200 GB applies and internet for 30 days completely is given out for free. This option can be booked every month.
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in Polish: http://www.redbullmobile.pl/
nju mobile
Nju mobile is the second brand of Orange in Poland aimed at young people. It's not a MVNO, but an Orange subsidiary They often have better promotions than the original Orange brand.
Availability
Starter packs in mini and micro sizes are available in all Orange stores and further outlets. There are starters for 4, 5 or 20 PLN, each with the same credit preloaded valid for 30 days. Do the registration there (registration points).
On a promotional starter called 'starter 2 GB za darmo' that is given out for free, you will 2 GB for free for 31 days and for 10 times another 2 GB, every time you top-up at least 25 PLN.
Top-up nju mobile with regular Orange vouchers or through the same way as Orange (see above). Check balance by calling *127*1#.
Data feature packages
Default data is at 0.19 PLN per MB. Better add one of these monthly packages:
| Data Volume | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 350 MB | 7 PLN | *127*53# |
| 500 MB | 5 PLN | *127*58# |
| 1.5 GB | 9 PLN | *127*59# |
| 5 GB | 19 PLN | *127*62# |
Their packages won't renew automatically.
Promotions
- For a cap of 29 PLN per month, you get unlimited dom. calls and SMS to cell phones and a cap of 10 PLN to landlines plus 10 GB of data. Activation is by *127*63#.
- If you have already spent 1.20 PLN on any given day on domestic calls, texts or data, the rest of your domestic calls and text and 250 MB of data will be free. You can opt in this promotion "for eternity" by typing *127*64# for a subscription fee of 6 PLN paid only once.
EU roaming offer
Nju gives out cheap roaming packages for the EU at slightly higher prices than Orange:
- 50 MB for 3 days: 5 PLN - activation: text 'START 50' to 8020
- 200 MB for 7 days: 20 PLN - activation: text 'START 200' to 8020
- 500 MB for 14 days: 30 PLN - activation: text 'START 500' to 8020
You'll be notified by SMS, when package is activated.
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in Polish: http://www.njumobile.pl
Lycamobile
The UK-based operator Lycamobile opened its Polish branch in 2011. It's operating as MVNO on the Plus network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. For coverage check Plus (see above).
Availability
Their SIM cards are available for free in micro-, mini- or nano size in their outlets. They have many agencies around the country in newsstands, kiosks, supermarkets and online sent to a Polish address. But better buy it in one of their sales outlets, where they can register it on your name.
Top-ups can be purchased there as well in 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 PLN denominations. You are expected to make a top-up right away, as the SIM doesn't include credit. It's valid for only 6 months without being recharged.
Top-ups are also available online. Foreign credit cards are accepted. The website has an English option too. When topping up, you will be asked for an ID number and a local address. The ID can be a PESEL (Poland national ID) or any other ID. You can use your passport number and your hotel address.
Data feature packs
These reduced monthly data packages are available to be booked on the SIM:
| Volume | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 100 MB | 2 PLN | *139*5103# |
| 300 MB | 3 PLN | *139*5107# |
| 1 GB | 5 PLN | *139*5200# |
| 2 GB | 7 PLN | *139*5201# |
| 3 GB | 10 PLN | *139*5202# |
| 5 GB | 15 PLN | *139*5104# |
| 15 GB | 25 PLN | *139*5105# |
| 30 GB | 35 PLN | *139*5106# |
For activation send code. To check status dial *137#. These packages will automatically renew, if there is credit. To stop, call customer service on 322 or dial *190# at latest 20.00h on the day of expirery of the old pack. Default data rate outside of these packages displayed above is 0.21 PLN per MB. For extra data, add one of these two bolt-ons:
- 500 MB: 3 PLN, activation: *139*601#
- 1 GB: 5 PLN, activation: *139*602#
These extra packages are only valid for the rest of the running time of the base pack.
EU roaming offer
Lycamobile offers cheap roaming bundles to be used in certain EU countries only. All packages are valid for 30 days and can't be renewed ahead of time. For more info see Euro5.
Internet settings
- APN: data.lycamobile.pl
- Username: lmpl (that's lowecase L, not capital i).
- Password: plus
- Tethering/hotspot use may be blocked
- Website in English: http://www.lycamobile.pl/en
Klucz mobile
Klucz mobile is another new MVNO on the Plus network (see above). It started in 2013 and has very cheap international call rates and data too. 2G, 3G and finally 4G/LTE is accessible with new SIM cards given out now.
Availablilty
Their SIM card may be hard to find. That's why they publish this list of outlets: Klucz Mobile Sales Points. All Teletorium phone stores sell it too. The SIM is for free and credit stays alive for 360 days. Be sure to register it at the point of purchase or it won't be activated.
Data feature packs
Default rate is 0.20 PLN per MB. So add one of these packs valid for 30 days:
|
Volume |
Price |
Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 2 PLN | *121*11*01# |
| 500 MB | 3 PLN | *121*11*02# |
| 1 GB | 5 PLN | *121*11*03# |
| 2 GB | 8 PLN | *121*11*04# |
| 5 GB | 17 PLN | *121*11*05# |
For activation enter code. Check balance by *100# and status of active packages by *121#. Packages won't renew automatically after 30 days, but need to be booked again.
More info
- APN: www.klucz.net
- Website in Polish: http://www.klucz.net/
Heyah
Heyah is a long established subsidiary of T-Mobile (coverage and stores see above) in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.
Availability
Heyah prepaid SIM cards are available for 5 zł (or discounted for 3 zł) including the same credit valid for 7 days at T-Mobile stores and many other places. Better go to a T-Mobile store for registration.
Top-ups can be made there or online and are valid for 100 days. To top-up by voucher, type *109*<PIN code>#, check balance by *108#.
In 2015 they changed their portfolio from the old daily plan to new monthly combined packages.
Combo feature packs
All new Heyah SIM cards are based on their new combo packs called Smart:
| Pack | Price | Data | SMS/MMS | Extras | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 9.99 zł | 1 GB | *140*800# | ||
| M | 14.99 zł | 2 GB | unlimited | *140*801# | |
| L | 19.99 zł | 3 GB | unlimited | WA, FB | *140*802# |
| XL | 29.99 zł | 5 GB | unlimited | WA, FB | *140*803# |
SMS and MMS are domestic only. The extras (WA) for Whatsapp and (FB) for Facebook are unlimited (excl. VoIP). For activation type code. All packages renew automatically after 30 days. For deactivation type *140*2, for data balance check *140*1#.
For more data you can book one of these add-ons valid for the rest of the running time of the Smart base package:
- 250 MB: 6 zł - activation: *140*880#
- 1 GB: 10 zł - activation: *140*881#
- 3 GB: 20 zł - activation: *140*882#
- 6 GB: 30 zł - activation: *140*883#
- unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp for 30 days: 4.99 zł - activation: *140*795#
More info
- APN: internet
- Username and password: heyah
- Website in Polish: http://www.heyah.pl
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile started as MVNO in Poland in 2012. It uses the Play network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE where available. Where Play network is not available, Virgin Mobile can roam on T-Mobile's 2G/3G, but not 4G/LTE without any surcharge.
Availability
Their starter packs are available online or in a lot of stores: Virgin mobile Store Locator for PLN 5. Better go to a store, where they can register it on your name.
Top-ups can be made online after registration by international credit card or PayPal too. Credit stays alive for one year. Check balance by *101#.
#FREEMIUM plan
On the Freemium offer you get 30 domestic minutes, 30 domestic SMS and 300 MB each month for free. This offer can be activated on every Virgin Mobile SIM card by code *222*000#. Free packages renew automatically after 30 days, but unused packages don't roll forward into next period. After 6 months the offer automatically deactivates, but then it can be activated again. When data volume is used up, speed will be throttled to 32 kbps. Existing customers can switch to this plan by typing *222*000#. On Freemium the following data packs are available for more data:
| Volume | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB | 4 zł | *222*300# |
| 500 MB | 5 zł | *222*500# |
| 1 GB | 8 zł | *222*1024# |
| 3 GB | 15 zł | *222*3072# |
| 10 GB | 25 zł | *222*10# |
Validity is the same as free base plan. Eg. you activated your Freemium offer on Oct, 15th and you have bought an extra data pack on 25th Oct. On Nov,15th all unused data will be cleared and then another free 300 MB package will be given. Balance of free and paid packages can be checked by *222#.
Other tariff plans
Virgin mobile offers other tariffs valid for 30 days too. They all include unlimited domestic calls and text. Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, Gadu Gadu and Ask.fm are not debited from your allowance. Only the monthly data allowance differs:
- BEZLIMITU (Unlimited): 7 GB: 29 zł - activation: *222*29#
- NAJLEPIEJ (Best): 11 GB: 39 zł - activation: *222*39#
- DLAMNIESUPER (Super for me): 13 GB: 59 zł - activation: *222*59#
More info
- APN: internet
- Website in Polish: http://virginmobile.pl/
Fakt mobile
Fakt Mobile is a new joint venture between Fakt, the leading tabloid newspaper in the country and P4, owner of Play. That's why it started in 2015 on the network of Play in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.
Availability
Starter packs are available in many newspaper kiosks. They used to be given out for free, but since registration is enforced in Poland, you'll need to register to activate. Ask, if they can register there or go to any Play registration point instead (Play stores, Ruch kiosks or postal offices). Starter kit is sold for 5 PLN with the same credit included valid for 30 days.
When you text 'BONUS1GB' to 4949, they'll give you 1 GB valid for 31 days as a starter bonus.
To top-up, you can use any Play scratch card of 5, 10, 30 or 50 PLN all valid for 12 months. SIM stays valid for 14 months. Check balance by *101#.
Data feature packages
No data without packages. All of their packages are valid for 31 days:
- 500 MB: 5 PLN, activation: *111*704*1
- 1 GB: 9 PLN, activation: *111*705*1
- 4 GB: 19 PLN, activation: *111*706*1
- 10 GB: 29 PLN, activation: *111*707*1
To check data balance within packages, type *107#. Using more data, speed will be throttled to 32 kbps. Packages are not auto-renewed. You can book multiple packages, even at the same time.
Internet settings
- APN: internet
- Website in Polish: http://www.faktmobile.pl/
PolishWiFi
PolishWiFi rents pocket WiFi routers which allow travellers to stay connected in Poland.
Clients can book online and their hotspot can be delivered everywhere in Poland in 24 hours. Standard delivery in Poland to a post box is 3 €, to a private address, hotel, B&B or Airport is 4 €.
The 3G and 4G hotspots can be shared by up to 10 devices and battery lasts for 6 hours.
A prepaid envelope is given for the return and can be used from everywhere in Poland. 45 € for a 3G device and 100 € for a 4G device is charged from your credit card, if you don't return or damage the device. The rental rates:
| Rental
Period |
3G Hotspot with
"unlimited" data |
4G Hotspot with
"unlimited" data |
|---|---|---|
| Device | Huawei E5330 | Huawei E3573 |
| 3 days | 7.90 €/day | 8.90 €/day |
| 4-6 days | 7.50 €/day | 8.50 €/day |
| 7-10 days | 6.50 €/day | 7.50 €/day |
| 11-14 days | 5.50 €/day | 6.50 €/day |
| 15-30 days | 5.00 €/day | 6.00 €/day |
| 31-60 days | 3.00 €/day | 5.50 €/day |
FUP for the "unlimited" plan in Poland is 100 GB for rentals below 30 days. Speed will be throttled beyond.
- Website: polishwifi.com