The worsening situation in Ukraine is again forcing Polish authorities to prepare for a possible new wave of refugees, especially in regions close to the Ukrainian border, such as the Lubelskie Voivodeship. Worries are growing due to the unstable situation on the front, as well as the threat of being left without heat and electricity in winter, which could force Ukrainians to seek safe haven in Poland. According to inPoland, Polish authorities see the situation unfolding in Ukraine as a precondition for another influx of asylum seekers. inPoland reports that Polish authorities have already started preparations to be ready to provide the necessary assistance to the new arrivals. Preparing Lubelskie Voivodeship for the new wave of refugees The Lubelskie Voivodeship, located close to the Ukrainian border, has already prepared for a possible increase in the number of people in need of assistance. Krzysztof Komorski, voivode of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, declared the region’s readiness to promptly deploy refugee reception centres in case of need, demonstrating the high level of preparation of local administrations and non-governmental organisations that have experience in supporting Ukrainians since the beginning of the war. In case the situation in Ukraine deteriorates, refugee reception centres can be opened in just one or two days. This means that the authorities are acting proactively to ensure that assistance and support is prompt. In addition to the local authorities, numerous non-governmental organisations in the Lublin region, which have been actively helping Ukrainians since the beginning of the war, are also on high alert. Using their experience, they are ready to adapt quickly to the growing needs, providing not only housing, but also basic living supplies, medical care and other services. This experience and high organisational capacity are valuable assets that will help to respond quickly to the new wave of migrants. Socio-economic situation in Poland: regional differences As Poland prepares for possible humanitarian challenges, socio-economic conditions in the country remain heterogeneous. There are significant differences in income levels and living standards in different regions. For example, in the municipality of Jezmanowa in the Lower Silesia Voivodship, the average wage level exceeds the incomes of residents of even major Polish cities such as Warsaw and Krakow. Half of the population of this small community with a population of about 5 thousand people receives more than 9.5 thousand zlotys gross, which after taxation is about 6.7 thousand zlotys ‘per hand’ – equivalent to almost 69 thousand hryvnia. Such high wages set Jezmanowa apart from other regions of Poland where incomes are not so significant. Given the economic differences in different regions of Poland, the issue of employment and adaptation of Ukrainian refugees may have certain difficulties. Although the Lubelskie Voivodeship is ready to receive refugees, the level of income and availability of work may be decisive for those who plan to stay here for a long time. Successful integration also depends on the ability of local organisations and authorities to provide not only basic assistance, but also support in the process of social adaptation and employment. Poland, in particular the Lubelskie Voivodeship, is preparing for a potential new wave of Ukrainian refugees by demonstrating a high readiness to provide safe shelter and necessary support. Local authorities and non-governmental organisations with considerable experience in working with Ukrainians are quickly adapting to new challenges and guaranteeing prompt assistance. However, the heterogeneity of the socio-economic situation in different regions of Poland creates additional difficulties for integration, which may require flexible solutions in the future to support refugees.

The issue of ensuring reliable communication abroad has become particularly relevant for Ukrainians in the context of growing mobility, migration and integration into the European space. Mobile internet has become a vital tool for keeping in touch with loved ones, accessing information, work, education and online services. In a situation where the choice is between using roaming from Ukrainian operators and local SIM cards, it is important to choose the best option, taking into account the length of stay, country and personal needs. In this article, we’ll look at the key aspects of both options to help you make an informed decision.

Roaming from Ukrainian operators

In recent years, Ukrainian mobile operators have expanded their roaming services in an effort to make their services more accessible to Ukrainians who travel frequently or have to stay abroad. In particular, Ukraine’s planned accession to the EU’s Roam Like at Home (RLaH) promises to bring roaming costs to the same level as local tariffs in many European countries. This could significantly reduce communication costs, especially for those who only need basic call and internet packages.

• Kyivstar: Offers a favourable Roaming at Home tariff covering more than 27 European countries. Users can benefit from their tariff including access to 20 GB of internet, calls and SMS. For short trips, an additional 10GB package is available for UAH 350.
• Vodafone Ukraine: Offers ‘Affordable Roaming’, which is automatically activated in 30 European countries. The basic package includes 70 minutes of calls and internet, and for frequent use, you can additionally purchase internet packages – 1GB for UAH 50 or 3GB for UAH 120.
• lifecell: One of the leaders in terms of the amount of Internet available in roaming, allowing you to use volumes at the level of Ukrainian tariffs – up to 40 GB. Additional packages include 5 GB for a week for UAH 100 or 40 GB for three weeks for UAH 450.

Advantages of roaming:

• Convenience and simplicity – keeping your number without having to buy a new SIM card.
• Availability in many countries, which is convenient for short trips or trips to several countries.

Disadvantages of roaming:

• Higher cost for long-term use, especially for those who actively use the Internet.
• Restrictions on the amount of Internet for some packages, which may not be enough for frequent use.

Local SIM cards in Europe

For those who plan to stay in a particular country for a long time, an alternative is to purchase a local SIM card. European operators offer a variety of prepaid packages that include large amounts of internet and calling, which can be more beneficial for long-term use.

• Poland. Operators such as Orange and Play offer 20-30 GB of internet for between 30 and 50 zlotys (about 300-400 UAH), which is a good option for students and workers.
• Germany. O2 and Vodafone DE offer up to 20 GB for 20-30 euros, which is suitable for active Internet use.
• Czech Republic. T-Mobile provides 10-15 GB for 15-20 euros, which can be optimal for a long-term stay in the country.

Advantages of local SIM cards:

• A large amount of Internet at a lower price, which is convenient for daily use.
• A wide range of tariffs that can be tailored to individual needs.

Disadvantages of local SIM cards:

• The need to change the number, which can create communication difficulties for those who actively use their Ukrainian number.
• Unavailability in several countries at the same time, which can be inconvenient for travelling.

Comparative analysis: what to choose?

For those travelling to EU countries for a short period of time or planning to move between several countries, roaming with Ukrainian operators may be more profitable. This will allow you to avoid the cost of new SIM cards and keep your Ukrainian number for communication with family and friends.

For those who stay in one country for a long time, a local SIM card will be a more economical option, providing more internet and stable connection at a lower price. The choice between roaming and a local SIM card depends on your needs, length of stay and the specifics of your trip. Roaming offers convenience and versatility for short trips, while a local SIM card is a more cost-effective option for longer stays.