Poland

Basics
In Poland 5 network providers are operating:

Also, more and more MVNOs and subsidiaries of the operators are arriving on the scene competing with four major operators and reselling their networks. The first 4 operators have pretty similar market shares around 25%. Their price battles have led to one of the lowest rates for data in the EU.
 * Orange (formerly IDEA)
 * Play (by P4)
 * Plus (by Polkomtel)
 * T-Mobile (formerly ERA)
 * Aero2 (including Sferia)

Frequencies and coverage
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.

What coverage is concerned T-Mobile and Orange are best sharing 10-11,000 transmitters in the country, followed by Plus and Aero2 with 7,500 in 2017. Play is in 4th position with only 5,000 antennas, but compensates this lack by roaming agreements with the other 3 providers, that are only available on some tariffs.

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.

Top-ups and validity
All Polish operators decline credit or debits cards from out of the country for top-ups on their website. In Poland you should go to shops and kiosks instead that sell recharges all over starting at 5 PLN. This ban makes it hard to keep a SIM card alive from out of the country as most SIMs need to be topped up once a year not to be suspended. Credit validity varies between providers and often depends on the top-up amount.

Two local Polish top-up sites have proven to accept foreign credit cards without surcharges: So there should be no need to go to 3rd party sites with high premiums.
 * on the website http://doladowania.payu.pl/ payed by credit or debit card
 * on the app or website: http://www.doladowania.pl/ by credit/debit card through MasterPass

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 a 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. Registration is swift and straightforward. It only takes a minute and about 10-30 minutes to activate your SIM card.

It's not possible anymore to buy a prepaid starter set without showing your ID. Take care, that some places like kiosks still sell them, but you can't register there. 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, kiosks of the Ruch chain (locator) and many post offices sell and register SIM cards of all 4 providers and most MVNOs. For all operators maps of registration points are linked. More than 50 million prepaid SIMs in Poland are registered in Poland in 2016/7 and the first blocking could take place as early as 2017. For legal reasons, better stay away from Polish SIM cards sold on the internet on someone else's name.

EU roaming: No roam like at home?
Poland is part of the EU, where from June 2017 new international roaming rules are enforced based on the 'roam like at home' principle. For specifics about the new regulation check European Union chapter and every provider below. Note, that because of very low domestic rates Polish operators will keep on surcharging EU roaming with 0.02-0.21 PLN per MB (or 20-210 PLN per GB) for EU data roaming from June 2017. Most of pre-paid and post paid tariffs include EU allowance in Poland. This applies only to MNO's (Mobile Network Operators: Orange, T-Mobile, Plus, Play) as MVNO's decided not to comply with the EU roaming-free regulation.

The basic rule is as follows: If your tariff includes monthly payment for no-limit voice and data, you will receive no-limit voice and ~0,25GB for each 5zł of your plan price.

Example:

T-Mobile Prepaid plan includes 10GB of data and no-limit voice and text's for 25zł. In the EU you can use no-limit and voice and 1,25GB of data (25/5 = 5. 5*0,25GB = 1,25GB). So you can use 5GB in Poland and then 1,25GB in any other EU country.

This is subject to FUP (Fair Usage Policy), where in each 4 month period your phone should be logged to Polish network for most of the time - otherwise you will see inflated rates.

Orange Polska
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 with the best coverage and speeds.

Availability
As your SIM card needs to be registered to be activated, buy the SIM in an official store or outlet. If you have bought it at other places, check this manual in English how and where to register.

T he 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.

I f it's 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. Many stores nationwide can do the registration for Orange.

Later change the plan to Orange Free na Kart ę 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.

Recharges
Top-up vouchers are widely available in supermarkets, newsstands, petrol stations, grocery stores. For top-up type: *125*#

Users of Orange Free na Kartę plans only get free data packages for each top-up which is the highest bonus in the country right now: 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).

Also, you can buy so-called elastic internet packages (Elastyczny Pakiet Internetowy):

That are extra packages. For activation text code to 360, to check balance text 'ILE' to 360. 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: 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.

VoLTE and VoWIFI
In Orange you can use VoLTE and VoWIFI without any suarches only in Poland. To use VoWIFI and VoLTE you must have compatibility smartphones (iOS: from iPhone 6; Android: Samsung phones, but you must install branding software).

EU roaming rules
Orange in Poland applies a general standard rate of 0.10 PLN per MB for roaming in the EU. Domestic bonuses or packages don't count.

More info

 * APN: internet


 * Website in Polish: http://www.orange.pl

Play
Play, owned by P4, used to be the smallest of the 4 network operators in Poland. But by their aggressive pricing, it moved to 2nd position in 2016/7.

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 92% of the population in 2017: 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 only around 5,000 of its own antennas in the country, far less then the other 3 operators. Many Play customers are allowed roam for free on all Polish 2G/3G networks, but there is no 4G/LTE on other networks and 3G roaming speed is limited to 1,5 Mbps for download and 1 Mbps for upload. As a result, almost every antenna (for any network) is actually allowing Play customers to connect without surcharges for GSM and for 3G data. But the discounted Play Internet na Kartę plan remains excluded from roaming and stays on Play's more limited own network only. This own coverage is 8-20% lower than the other providers.

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, Ruch kiosks and postal offices (see map).

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, Android and Windows 10 Mobile 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: For more high-speed data you need to add a package (see below).
 * 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

Data feature packages
These monthly data packs work with Play na Kartę and Play na Kartę Lubię to!: 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.
 * 600 MB: 5 PLN - activation: *111*541*1#
 * 2 GB: 9 PLN - activation: *111*542*1#
 * 6 GB: 20 PLN - activation: *111*543*1#

Play OdNOWA
This plan caused a revolution in the Polish market when it was introduced in spring 2017. Starter is sold at 5 PLN without allowances. All top-ups stay valid indefinitely as long as one recharge is done per year. You can change to this plan by *163*20#.

Here is the sensation: All packages will also stay valid "forever" until they are used up. You can add bundles for voice and these two data packages: Check balances by *180#. Packages are more expensive than on other plans, but never expire. Overage fee is low 0.02 PLN per MB. There is a fee of 2 PLN charged in months without any consumption.
 * 1 GB forever valid: 5 PLN - activation: *111*842*1#
 * 6 GB forever valid: 25 PLN - activation: *111*843*1#

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 (see above). Their product line Play Internet na Kartę has the cheapest domestic 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 different starter packs with an allowance for the start with only-SIM or with dongle: 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: Additionally so-called "unlimited internet packages" can be booked on Play Internet na Kartę tariff line only: 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.
 * for free: Wypróbuj 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
 * 89 PLN Starter 30 GB + Huawei E3131 3G
 * 159 PLN Starter 30 GB + Huawei E3372h 4G
 * 219 PLN Starter 3 GB + Huawei E5573 4G WI-FI
 * "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#

VoWIFI
In Play you can use VoWIFI without any suarches in all new tarrifs. If you want to use VoWIFI, first check compatibility devices (iOS: from iPhone 5C; Android: Must have branding software), and send SMS START to 282 (free).

EU roaming surcharge
Play in Poland gives out their version "roam like at home". Standard rates per MB are applied, even if you have bought a packfe: You can buy additional package with 500 MB for 19 PLN.
 * on Play OdNowa,  FORMUŁA Play na Kartę, Play na kartę: 0.09 PLN per MB
 * on Play na Kartę Lubie to!: 0.04 PLN per MB
 * on Play Internet na Kartę: 0.02 PLN per MB

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in Polish: http://www.Play.pl
 * or basic info in English: http:www.play.pl/en

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 operates 2 separate networks: GSM/HSPA/LTE and GSM-incompatible CDMA 450 MHZ network in Nordisk company. Note that CDMA 450 MHz is not compatible with either usual GSM or usual CDMA devices and requires own device. Plus using LTE 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz for Aero2 and 800 MHz for Sferia, but often have own antennas with LTE 2600 MHz. It is local Vodafone partner.

Plus has a 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
To register you need to go to a store of the operator (locator) and show your ID or ask at a kiosk before buying, if they are able to register it on a foreign passport. Starters are sold from 5 PLN with different bonuses and credits (see below).

Plus offers additional registration at 1,300 Plus or Cyfrowy Polsat outlets, 270 Neonet shops, 1,800 Ruch kiosks, 4,600 post offices and many other points shown on this map.

Top-ups are available at Plus stores, service stations, kiosks, grocery stores or online using credit cards. To top-up by vouchers, type *123*#. 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: To get the 3x5 GB promotion, you need buy 29 PLN packages and send text  'TAK' (= yes) to 80880. This bonus data is valid for 3 months (5 GB for month).
 * 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 2 GB data: 25 PLN - activation: *136*11*03#
 * free domestic calls and SMS, 6 GB and free Facebook (promotion: plus 15 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#

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 new starter packs are available in two sizes with Spiderman on front: If 4G/LTE with speeds of up to 150 Mbps doesn't work, type *101*11*23# to enable for free. To get the 3x5 GB promotion, you need to text the word 'TAK' (= yes) to 80880. This bonus data is valid for 3 months (5 GB for month).
 * for 5 PLN: with 2 GB for 7 days and free YouTube for 7 days, if you top-up 30 PLN
 * for 15 PLN: with 5 GB for 14 days and 30 GB for a year, if you top-up 30 PLN

Data feature packs
You can add these packages to the data SIM: The 50% extra bonus is given out for staying with the operator after 3 months or more by entering  If you top-up 100 PLN or 150 PLN, you'll get extra credit
 * 136*11*02#.
 * 100 PLN, extra 15 PLN
 * 150 PLN, extra 30 PLN + 1 year credit valid

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 1am-8am local time for 10 PLN. To stop auto-renewal, type *121*00*03#.

You can add these packages:

All packages auto-renew, except of the 5 GB.
You can buy Pakiet Youtube: 2.5 GB for 480p resolution. If you want activate, use Plus Online aplication

EU roaming surcharge
Plus in Poland interprets "roam like at home" and doesn't give out EU roaming data at domestic rates, but applies a high surcharge of 0.19 PLN per MB (= 190 PLN per GB) from 15 June 2017.

But you can buy these roaming packages to use on EU and USA (on both T-Mobile and AT&T). For activation, use the Plus Online app:
 * Pakiet Euroatlantycki S - 100 MB for 7 days: 9 PLN, activation: *121*11*86#
 * Pakiet Euroatlantycki M - 400 MB for 14 days: 19 PLN, activation: *121*11*87#
 * Pakiet Euroatlantycki L - 1 GB for 30 days: 39 PLN, activation: *121*11*88#

More info

 * APN: internet (for 3G/2G only)
 * APN: plus (for LTE/3G/2G)
 * Website in Polish only: http://www.plus.pl/

T-Mobile Polska
T-Mobile in Poland has a good coverage on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE: coverage map (for LTE scroll). 4G/LTE is open for prepaid and covers 98% of population in 2016 already.

As smallest operator in 2016/7 it's roaming for free on Orange giving customers the best coverage and speeds in the country.

Availability
They sell two prepaid starter packs for 5 PLN in their stores (locator): For registration of SIM cards that are bought at other places, scroll down this page for a map.
 * T-Mobile na kartę: their voice & data SIM for 5 PLN
 * Internet na kartę: their data-only SIM for 5 PLN with 1 GB valid for 5 days preloaded

Top-ups are available at the usual places. To top-up by voucher, type *111* #, to check balance *101#.

Voice and data SIM - T-Mobile na kartę
In 2017 they offer two different "unlimited " plans, either by day or by month: To check status, enter activation code and replace # by *1#. All packages auto-renew. To stop, enter activation code and replace # by *2#.
 * "unlimited" per day: 1 PLN including all domestic calls, SMS and 300 MB data per calendar day until midnight. Rate is not charged if there are no calls, SMS or less than 5 MB data use. To activate, type *140*296#. For more data until midnight you can add:
 * 300 MB: 0.50 PLN, activation: *140*296*3#
 * 1 GB: 1 PLN, activation: *140*296*4#
 * "unlimited" per month: 25 PLN including all domestic calls, SMS and 10 GB data per month. To activate, type *140*265#. For more data within the billing month you can add:
 * 1 GB: 5 PLN, activation: *140*265*3#
 * 3 GB: 9 PLN, activation: *140*265*4#
 * 5 GB: 12 PLN, activation: *140*265*5#

Data SIM - Internet na kartę
This data-only SIM is intended for modems and tables. It includes the "Strong LTE" option. Every 5 days 1 GB is given out for 5 PLN. This can't be stopped, but you can change to other data billing cycles:

When data allowance is used up, speed will be throttled to 16 Kbps. Packs will renew automatically if there is credit. You can renew ahead of time by sending an SMS with text NIE to 80333.

EU roaming surcharge
T-Mobile in Poland gives out something like"roam like at home". If you using their "unlimited per month" plan, you'll get 1.26 GB to use in EU included. Default rate for EU roaming on all other plans is 0.09 PLN per MB.

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 (included 4G LTE Ultra): 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: 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:
 * 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)

Data feature packages
You can add these monthly combo packages to the 5 PLN starter packs: 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.
 * 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#

These monthly data-only bundles can be booked on both plans, the PLN 5 and 9: These packages are for 30 days and will not auto-renew.
 * 600 MB: 5 PLN - activation: *111*547*1#
 * 2 GB: 9 PLN - activation: *111*548*1#
 * 6 GB: 20 PLN - activation: *111*549*1#

"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.

EU roaming surcharge
Standard rate per MB: 0.04 PLN. You can buy additional package with 500 MB for 19 PLN. Domestic data packages are not honoured.

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in Polish: http://www.redbullmobile.pl/

Plush
Plush is the second brand of Plus in Poland aimed at young people. It's not a MVNO, but an Plus subsidiary. Like nju on Orange, they often have better promotions than the original Plus brand.

Availability
Starter packs in mini and micro sizes are available in all Plus stores and further outlets. There are starters for 5 PLN, each with the same credit preloaded valid for 30 days. Also you can use Plus Online aplication for managing your account in Plush.

Top-ups are available at Plus stores, service stations, kiosks, grocery stores or [https://doladuj.plushbezlimitu.pl/ online using credit cards. To top-up by Plus vouchers, type *123*#. To check balance and validity, type *100#. If 4G/LTE speeds up to 300 Mbps doesn't work, enter *101*11*24#.

They sell two prepaid starter packs for 5 PLN in their stores (locator):
 * Chcę gadać pisać mieć dużo netu = voice & data SIM
 * Chcę mieć bardzo dużo netu =  data-only SIM

Voice & data SIM
Default data is 0.19 PLN per MB. In 2017 they offer three different plans, all valid for 30 days: If you have used up your data package, your internet speed will be throtted to 32 kbps. These add-ons are offered:
 * Pakiet YouTube: first 30 days free, thereafter 5 PLN for 30 days, 2.5 GB for YouTube, optimized for 480p resolution, activation: *121*11*01#.
 * Rok Ważności konta: one year credit validity, activation: *136*11*10# and top-up.

Data-only SIM
This data-only SIM is directed to data users, but you can call and text too. To change to this plan, enter *136*11*01#. Default rate is 0.19 PLN per MB. These packages are valid for 30 days: If you've used up your data package, your internet speed will be throtted to 32 kbps. The same two add-ons for YouTube and validity (see above) can be added. Plus also applies surcharges for EU roaming of 0.19 PLN per MB or buy roaming packages shown under Plus.

More information

 * EU roaming: no included domestic packages, general rate: 0.19 PLN per MB.
 * APN: internet
 * Website in Polish: www.plushbezlimitu.pl

nju mobile
Nju mobile is the second brand of Orange in Poland and like Plush by Plus 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).

Starters are from 4-20 PLN giving different amounts of bonuses depending on promotion. You will normally end up with some GB and some more PLN even on the smaller starter packs.

You can top-up nju mobile with regular Orange vouchers but you have to type *128*# (on vouchers are only informations for regular Orange top-uping rules).

Nju is one of the few brands whose topped up credit stays valid forever. You are only supposed to make one recharge per half year to keep your SIM plan alive. Check balance by calling *127*1#.

Data feature packages
Nju has daily and monthly plans with calls, texts and data:
 * daily plans (based on a calendar day):
 * do komórkowych: default rate without included allowance or a base rate. Activation: *127*54# for 6 PLN. Data is at standard price of 0.19 PLN per MB.
 * wszystko komórkowe: 250 MB per day and unlimited SMS capped at 1.20 PLN. Activation: *127*64# for 6 PLN. For more data you can add the promotional package.
 * monthly plans for 30 days:
 * miesio 19: 3 GB per month capped at 19 PLN. Activation: *127*56# for free
 * Wszystko komórkowe: 10 GB per month and unlimited calls and SMS at 29 PLN. Activation: *127*63# for free

Promotions
NJU offers a 9 GB data package for 9 PLN with full LTE speed. This can be activated by *127*69# or texting 'AKT' to 80355. Check package balance by *127*69*1#. This package can only be added to the daily plans, not the monthly plans. This package is for 31 days and will not auto-renew.

EU roaming
After having reached a small internal limit depending on plan, the general rate for EU roaming is 0.04 PLN per MB regardless of the remaining domestic allowance.

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:

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: These extra packages are only valid for the rest of the running time of the base pack.
 * 500 MB: 3 PLN, activation: *139*601#
 * 1 GB: 5 PLN, activation: *139*602#

EU roaming surcharge
Lycamobile in Poland is exempt from "roam like at home" and doesn't give out EU roaming data at domestic rates, but applies a rather high surcharge of 0.21 PLN per MB (= 215.4 PLN per GB) from 15 June 2017.

More info

 * 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: 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.

Klucz Internet Na kartę
In 2017 Klucz started a new offer with a data-only SIM. You can buy starter pack for 10 PLN. These basic packages are valid for 30 days and auto-renew: For extra data, you can add these packages: The add-on packages don't auto-renew.
 * 10 PLN: 3 GB, *121*11*30#
 * 15 PLN: 5 GB, *121*11*31#
 * 25 PLN: 10 GB, *121*11*32#
 * 35 PLN: 15 GB, *121*11*33#

Also, you can buy Klucz Premium package with 100 GB included + 200 GB to use in night (1:00 -8:00). Cost: 50 PLN. Package is auto-renew.
 * Activation: *136*11*12#
 * Deactivation: *136*00*12#

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. You can use Mój T-Mobile aplication to manage your account in Heyah

Top-ups can be made there or online and are valid for 100 days. To top-up by voucher, type *109*#, 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 the same offer as T-Mobile, but only on month: You can buy data add-ons:
 * 25 PLN/30 days unlimited calls and SMS, 10 GB data
 * 1 GB: 5 PLN, activation: *140*265*3#
 * 3 GB: 9 PLN, activation: *140*265*4#
 * 5 GB: 12 PLN, activation: *140*265*5#

More info

 * general EU roaming rate: 0.09 PLN per MB, domestic allowances are not honoured


 * 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: * - promotion prices

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: * To activate extra data call *222*333# It's free of charge.
 * PEŁENLUZ (Full play): 2+3* GB: 19 zł - activation: *222*19#
 * BEZLIMITU (Unlimited): 4+7* GB: 29 zł - activation: *222*29#
 * NAJLEPIEJ (Best): 8+10* GB: 39 zł - activation: *222*39#
 * DLAMNIESUPER (Super for me): 10+10* GB: 59 zł - activation: *222*59#

You can double of your data in tarrif plans. If you want more data, call *222*555#. 5 PLN/30 days.

EU roaming surcharge
Virgin Mobile in Poland is exempt from "roam like at home" and doesn't give out EU roaming data at domestic rates, but applies a surcharge of 0.12 PLN per MB.

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 plan stays valid for 14 months. Check balance by *101#.

Data feature packages
No data are given out without packages. All of their packages are valid for 31 days: To check data balance within packages, type activation code ending with *3 instead of *1. 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.

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in Polish: http://www.faktmobile.pl/

PolishWiFi
PolishWiFi rents pocket WiFi routers which allow travellers to stay connected in Poland. PolishWiFi using Play infrastructure.

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: FUP for the "unlimited" plan in Poland is 100 GB for rentals below 30 days. Speed will be throttled beyond.
 * Website: polishwifi.com