FAQs For WMACi Toruń
This is guide is for the upcoming 2023 WMA Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland.
This is a summary of the most frequently asked questions and is to be used as a guide. In addition, please feel free to contact the Team USATF Masters Team Management Group, listed below, for more detailed or specific questions.
MASTERS TEAM MANAGEMENT GROUP
Jerry Bookin-Weiner, Chair, USATF Masters Track & Field Committee
Phone: 410-336-0198 (will have Polish cell number in Poland)
Email: mtfchair@usatf.org
Robert Thomas, Vice Chair, USATF Masters Track & Field Committee
Phone: 317-201-1934
Email: mtfvicechair@usatf.org
Colleen Barney, USATF Masters Track & Field Active Athlete Rep
Phone: (949) 378-6602
Email: mtfactiveathlete@usatf.org
Philip Greenwald, USATF Masters Track & Field Team Manager
Phone: (917) 349-8432
Email: greenwaldp@att.net
Mary Rosado, USATF Masters LDR/Non-Stadia Team Manager
Phone: (917) 400-3961
Email: rosadomaryv@gmail.com
Perry Jenkins, Chair, USATF Masters LDR Committee
Phone: (716) 572-1380
Email: pjenkins@buffalo.edu
TRAVEL SECTION
When is the best time to arrive if I’m attending a WMA (World Masters Athletics) or any other international competition?
It is best to arrive in the same time zone 48 or more hours prior to your first day of competition. There are formulas to help determine the best time to arrive in a foreign country but not every system works for every person. The goal to keep in mind is not to feel rushed and overwhelmed before your event.
When should I book my flight if I’m traveling abroad?
There are several key considerations in booking a flight:
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- Making a 100% determination you are going to compete.
- Setting up several airfare trackers to determine when the airfare is really a good “deal” (Ex: http://matrix.itasoftware.com & http://www.skyscanner.com to name a few).
Researching the layover times to catch your connecting flights to and from your destination (you should allow a MINIMUM of 2-3 hours to get through customs and immigration control when laying over internationally).
How can I get from the airport in Warsaw to Toruń?
There are basically three alternatives:
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- Rent a car – see below for more information about renting cars in Poland.
- Take the train – there are trains every 10 minutes from the airport to the main Warsaw station and trains every hour from there to Toruń; the trip from Warsaw varies from two and a half to three hours – the cost is under $40 round trip. The meet website has links to the Polish railways’ website and booking site here, scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Take a bus – the LOC is arranging buses from Warsaw Airport. The cost is €40 each way, paid in cash at the airport. A form for booking the buses is here.
How do I know if the hotel I choose is a quality choice from the event site?
The LOC and/or bidders of the event want everyone to enjoy their stay in the host country and will provide hotels with an acceptable reputation and service.
Toruń Local Organizing Committee Accommodations Webpage
Is there a Team USATF Masters Team Hotel?
Team USATF Masters has room blocks at two hotels. That information, including how to make reservations and payments is available here.
What if I don’t want to stay in a hotel, what are some other options and websites to book my stay?
Here are a few sites and always read the comments others have left and if there are any requirements and/or restrictions. Each person’s experience may be different.
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- VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) http://www.vrbo.com (focus on vacation or second-home rentals)
- Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com
- Housetrip http://www.housetrip.com
- Tripping http://www.tripping.com
- Wimdu http://www.wimdu.com
- Roomorama https://www.roomorama.com
I want to rent a car or vehicle; is there anything I should do differently than here in the US?
You need a valid driver’s license as well as an international driver’s license to drive a car in Poland. U.S. drivers can obtain an international driver’s license from AAA. In addition, proof of auto insurance is required.
What if I want to extend my trip?
There is information about travel from other cities and their proximity to Toruń on the host website.
Passport and what do I need to know?
You must have a valid passport to travel to Poland. If you do not have one, please visit travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html to begin the process. This should be done several months in advance as, according to the latest from the Department of State, it takes at least 8-11 weeks to process and 5-7 weeks if you pay for expedited service. If you already have a US passport, be sure that it expires at least 90 days after you will leave Poland (so after July 2, 2023, if you are departing immediately after the meet ends).
NO VISA is required for USA citizens when traveling to Poland. Anybody traveling on a passport from another country must check the information on the visa requirements applicable to that country.
Note: If you have a US Passport, always check to be sure you meet the minimum requirements for traveling to the destination country. This includes the expiration date of the passport – while the requirement for Poland is 90 days from the date you intend to depart Poland, it is always recommended that you should have six months remaining (especially if you are considering visiting nearby countries while in Europe). Click here for documents and other requirements for Poland.
Are there maps available to help me navigate the city/country?
The WMA Toruń 2023 website has information about all of the venues that will be used
For a more detailed map, use the Google Maps link below
What local transportation options are available?
Athletes will be entitled to free use of the public transportation system in Toruń by showing their credential badges. All venues are located quite close to tram and/or bus stops. Local transportation options are explained on the meet website.
Where is the best place to look for weather updates?
Two recommended apps:
Should I contact my cellular provider if I’m traveling abroad? Will there be Wi-Fi or Hotspots?
You should always contact your cellular provider before traveling abroad. Each provider has different plans and restrictions, and it is best to contact them a few weeks prior to your departure. Note roaming charges are high in Europe. You should use your phone, if possible, on a limited basis to avoid this additional fee.
There are usually Hotspots and Wi-Fi available which will help save costs when checking emails and communicating with family and friends back home. Many hotels, restaurants, and other public places offer Wi-Fi.
WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi to communicate with those inside and outside the country. Additionally, the team uses it to communicate during the event. Please install on your smartphone www.whatsapp.com and then click this link to join our group chat. For those with iPhones, you might check into Dial Assist, a feature recently added that can allow you to use your iPhone to make calls when in Airplane Mode but on WiFi. Check with your carrier and/or Apple before leaving the US.
Should I use currency or a credit card traveling abroad?
This is an individual choice, and some examples may help you determine which option (s) will be best for you and your situation.
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- Best to have both currency and a card just in case there is an emergency. If you decide to use a card, it is advisable to use one that has a Chip embedded. Almost all venues in Europe use this type of card (Chip and Pin) instead of the magnetic strip. Most US credit card issuers are now offering this type of card and please contact your credit card company to see if they have this available if you do not already have one.
- Currency Only- Poland does not use the euro, it uses the zloty as currency. You should contact your bank to determine when you will need to order it. The exchange rate used is the day you place your order. Try to budget what you will need the funds for such as food, souvenirs, transportation, etc. The goal is to get enough currency and not too much to avoid an adverse exchange rate when you return to the US.
- The best place to exchange your foreign currency is usually a bank or local ATM and not the currency exchange booths at the airport. Check on your ATM card’s fees before leaving the US.
- Many athletes have found that converting in the country or at a local US credit union yields the best rates.
- ATMs often have better rates than either bank tellers or currency shops.
- Card Only-Contact your credit card company and let them know you will be leaving the country and that you plan to use your credit card (s). If you fail to notify your credit card company, they may place a hold on your card believing it is stolen since you are in another country.
- Check with your credit card company to see if they add a “foreign transaction fee” to charges in other countries. Some do; some do not. Those charges can be anywhere from 3-5% of the actual charge.
NOTE: The Zloty is the currency in Poland. The currency code for the Zloty is PLN, and the currency symbol is zł. The rate has generally been about zł1.00 to $0.20, or put another way, a US dollar is worth about zł4.90. Note that exchange rates have been quite volatile since early September 2022, so the rates need to be checked frequently. Below, you’ll find sources for up-to-the-minute Zloty rates and a currency converter.
Exchange information:
https://www.xe.com/currency/eur-euro/
Here are 2 links to calculate your currency when abroad:
www1.oanda.com/currency/converter
Travel, Medical, and Evacuation Insurance
Insurance can be critically important for Americans traveling abroad. You should first check to see what kind of coverage, if any, your existing insurance provides. Many medical plans do not cover you while you are outside the U.S. Others provide no coverage if you require medical evacuation or, God forbid, repatriation of your remains.
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- There are many companies that offer many different types of travel, overseas medical, and evacuation insurance. Good places to start in determining what is best for you, should you need it, are the following websites: (Both of them provide information about policies offered by several different companies and allow you to comparison shop.)
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- Some people have found that Divers Alert Network offers good coverage (you do not have to be a diver to qualify) at good rates:
www.diversalertnetwork.org/trip - It is important to note that coverage for pre-existing conditions is not included in all travel medical and evacuation policies and even those that do have restrictions (often you must purchase your insurance within as little as 10 days after making your initial trip payment).
- Because there is a risk that if you test positive for COVID while in Poland you may be required to quarantine, you should check to make sure that you are covered not just for the expense of changing your ticket, but also the additional expense you will incur for a stay that may last up to two weeks.
- Some people have found that Divers Alert Network offers good coverage (you do not have to be a diver to qualify) at good rates:
PACKING FOR MY TRIP
How many suitcases can I bring? Should I pack more than enough?
Each person will need to decide this for themselves, however; most if not all airlines charge extra for additional bags and unless your stay is for an extended amount of time, you should try to bring only one checked bag that weighs 50lb or less.
NOTE:
- If you plan to purchase souvenirs, pack an extra empty bag that you can use as a carry-on.
- Remember you are only allowed 2 carry-on bags so pack wisely.
Besides your Team USATF Masters uniform, check the weather for the dates you plan to arrive and leave to come back to your city in the US. The average high and low temperatures in Toruń during the period of the meet are 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit and 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit. The listed items are simply suggestions:
- Bring comfortable shoes! There will be a lot of walking compared to what you may do at home.
- You are going to need a warm jacket/coat when you are outdoors.
- Long Pants and/or Jeans.
- Sunscreen, hat, glasses (you be surprised how many people forget to pack these especially if you are packing last minute), especially if you are competing in the outdoor non-stadia or throwing events (discus, hammer, javelin). Just because it is cold, does not mean it will not be sunny.
- One dressy outfit (most athletes tend to dress up for the Team USATF Masters athletes’ party.
- Toiletry items-Remember that items can come open in transit, so all liquids should be packed in Ziploc bags.
In your carry-on bag:
- Pack everything you need to compete: your competition uniform, spikes/competition shoes, etc. If your checked luggage doesn’t make it, you can still compete until it arrives.
- Put prescription drugs in your carry-on and bring enough for your entire trip. (Just like your competition shoes, this can be an issue if your checked bags are lost). Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container for travel both to Poland and back to the US.
- Pack your TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) papers in your carry-on with your passport/visa and other important documents.
- Ideally, you should try to pack a few days prior to your departure to see what items work and those that can stay behind.
- Try to pack only what you need and will wear!
Can I bring food/snacks during my trip?
Yes! It is highly recommended to bring along non-perishable, nutritious, and easily “packable” food. Bring food you like to eat and will keep you from having a sugar or hunger episode on the plane or during your layovers.
FINAL TIPS
Print out everything you will need prior to leaving-location, map and address of the stadium (s) you will be competing at during the championships, your hotel, etc. Leave your emergency contact information as to your travel plans in case something happens while you are away.
It is a very good idea to write any important medical information and emergency contact numbers on the back of your bibs.
