World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 56

vendors or small shops only take Polish cash.

stay at hotels may have a breakfast option as

Also, most banks charge a foreign transaction

part of their hotel package.

fee for each transaction, so pilgrims should be
sure to check with their bank before making the

For lunch and dinner, the vouchers can be used

trip. Pilgrims will want to inform their bank of

at local restaurants or food tents nearby World

their intended credit card use overseas before

Youth Day activities such as catechetical

they depart so that the bank does not think the

sessions, central events, and cultural festival

card has been stolen. Pilgrims should not

locations. Some meals will be available for a

bother with travelers’ checks as the widespread

single ticket while others will require two. Be

acceptance of credit cards and debit cards as

aware that different countries have various

well as the availability ATMs have made them

customs related to which meal is largest (in

somewhat obsolete. On the return to the

Poland, for instance, the biggest meal of the day

United States, pilgrims should note that banks

is lunch, while in the United States, the largest

and currency exchanges may charge another fee

meal is usually dinner). The flexible voucher

to convert Polish złoty back into U.S. currency.

system allows for this flexibility. Further
instructions on how to use the voucher system

Food and Meals

in Kraków will be included with the pilgrim

Americans should have no trouble with

packet upon arrival or on the WYD website.

traditional Polish food items that often revolve
around meat, potatoes, and bread. Of course,

Emergencies and Protection

many American restaurant chains are also

If you or any members of your group are in an

available in Europe if pilgrims need something

emergency situation in Poland, you can dial 112

more familiar. During World Youth Day,

(this is the equivalent to our 911). Many Poles

registered participants who choose the meal

speak English and will assist you. There are also

option will receive food vouchers as part of

many World Youth Day volunteers (who speak

their pilgrim registration. If leaders have a travel

multiple languages) around Kraków (and the

company putting the pilgrimage together, be

surrounding areas) who can provide assistance

sure to review which meals are provided and

or point you in the right direction for more

which meals will be on you own. If your group

information. In addition, you can get non-

is using simple housing, there will be breakfast

emergency assistance from the United States

available (with basic breakfast items) near your

Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and

housing or catechetical sites. Some groups who

the U.S. Consulate, both of which will have
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