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Czech Republic Practical Information
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 Some DOs and DON'Ts,
plus a few other practical tips
MONEY MATTERS
Exchange rate: Usually, one US dollar buys around 33 Czech crowns (abbreviation: Kc or CZK); ergo, for every Kc100, you have spent about $3. Current exchange rates can be found through the Universal Currency Converter, at http://www.xe.net/ucc/.
DO bring your ATM card, which will give you access to Czech money immediately after you arrive, plus a few travelers' cheques and your credit card as a backup. It is quite difficult, and expensive, to obtain Czech currency in the United States; if you feel that you must obtain it before you leave, then American Express or Thomas Cook are your best bets.
DON'T bring personal or company checks - they will not be accepted as payment for goods or services. Shops and restaurants, especially in Prague, will accept most major credit cards (Visa, AmEx, MasterCard), and, of course, cash (Czech crowns only!).
HEALTH ISSUES
There are no health risks associated with traveling to the Czech Republic. The hygiene standards are reasonably high and the risk of infectious diseases (other than the seasonal flu) is low. No vaccinations or immunizations are required (or even recommended.) The tapwater is safe to drink, although it may have an unpleasant odor due to chlorination; bottled spring water is available everywhere.
As there are no international agreements in place between the US and the Czech Republic regarding free emergency medical care, we recommend that you purchase travel medical insurance prior to traveling.
In the case of an emergency, you should call for an ambulance; the toll-free number is 155; try to have a Czech-speaking person assist you with the call.
In Prague, there are several hospitals with English-speaking doctors that cater to foreigners; you will need to pay a fee for a visit to any of them. Here are a few numbers to call:
American Medical Center: 80 77 56
Canadian Medical Center: 316 5519
First Medical Clinic: 2481 0744
Na Homolce Hospital Policlinic for Foreigners: 5292 2146
Dental Emergencies: 24 22 76 63
Health Centre Prague, s.r.o.: 24 22 00 40
ELECTRICITY
DO bring an adaptor if you plan to use American appliances. The Czech Republic uses the 220V system common throughout Western Europe; plugs have two rounded prongs. You will need a voltage converter, or (if your appliance has a 120/220V switch) a plug adaptor to use your electrical appliances, PCs, etc. in the Czech Republic. The adaptors are available in hardware and travel stores throughout the US.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Country Code: 420; when calling from the US, dial 011-420-area code-number.
City/Area Codes can have between 1 and 3 digits; e.g., Prague is 2. These codes are preceded by a zero when calling from another area code within the Czech Republic; the zero is dropped when calling from abroad, thus: When calling from the US, dial 011.420.2.local #. When calling from Europe, dial 00.420.2.local #. When calling from within the Czech Republic but outside of Prague, dial 02.local #. When calling from Prague, dial just the local #.
Local numbers can have anywhere between four and nine (yes, nine!) digits--there is no "standard length" for a Czech phone number. If you can't get through although you have the correct area code, the number has probably changed. (Unfortunately, this happens quite often.) In that case, call us at 212.288.0830, ext. 101 or 105 or call directory assistance at 120 (from the US, call 011.420.2.120).
DO buy a telephone card--you will probably need one sooner or later. These are available from larger post offices, airports, railway stations, metro stations, big department stores, kiosks, and hotels. There are several types of these cards, usually from 50 to 150 units.
When calling the US, you can simply dial 001, followed by area code and number; you will pay around $1-$1.30 per minute. Alternatively, you can use the following US-based direct-dial services:
AT&T: 00-420-00101
MCI: 00-420-0011
Sprint: 00-420-87187
DON'T bring your cell phone. Your cell phone is most likely 800MHz. In the Czech Republic, the current standard is 450MHz. Therefore, your cell phone won't work there. If you want to use a cell phone, you have to purchase or rent one--contact Eurotel or Radiomobil.
Internet access: Some business hotels include Internet facilities and dataports in the cost of the room. There are numerous Internet cafes in Prague, especially in the center.
SAFETY
In general, the Czech Republic is a very safe country, and you'll feel comfortable walking around at any time of day or night. The two things to look out for, especially in Prague, are:
PICKPOCKETS
Stay alert, and they'll never get you.
TAXIS
Overcharging foreigners is, unfortunately, still a frequent occurrence in Prague, although the situation is s-l-o-w-l-y improving. To avoid "being taken for a ride," DO use reliable radio taxi companies like AAA (tel. in Prague 1080), hotel taxis, or public transit (see our separate sheet on Transportation).
OPENING HOURS & SHOPPING
DO some shopping! Favorite souvenirs and best bargains include glass and crystal, handmade toys and marionettes, art (glass, paintings, photography, even sculpture), classical music CDs, intricately decorated eggshells and other folklore items, photography and art books, minor antiques, jewelry with Czech garnets, wines, and beer paraphernalia.
Credit cards (AmEx, Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most major stores.
Opening hours: For shops and banks, the hours of operation are generally 9-5 (some shops, especially those in the country, still hold rigorous lunch breaks between 12 and 1pm); banks may close as early as 4pm. On Saturday, most stores close at noon and are closed on Sunday.
Museums and cultural monuments (castles, chateaux, galleries) are usually closed on Mondays and on days following public holidays. They are open on most holidays except Christmas and New Year. Their opening hours vary, but none are open after 6pm.
NOTE: The Jewish Museum in Prague is closed on Saturday and all Jewish holidays.
TIPPING
DO leave a tip at a restaurant: an approx.10% tip, rounded up to the next 10 crowns, is sufficient. DON'T leave change on the table--it's not done. Instead, the guest is expected to name the total amount (s)he's going to pay, including the tip, when (s)he is handed the check. When paying for a taxi, round the fare up to the next 20 (or, for longer trips, 50) crowns.
VAT Refunds
As of April 1, 2000, foreign visitors to the Czech Republic can apply for value added tax (VAT) reimbursement when leaving the country. Minimum price of a single item to be refunded is CZK 1,000. Visitors can ask for refunds of all purchases made within 30 days prior to their departure from the country. Foreigners must claim the reimbursement at the retail store they have bought the goods no later than 3 months after the day of purchase.
VAT Reimbursement Forms, which have to be certified by customs authorities upon departure, can be obtained at Financial Offices, Customs Offices, and some retailers. |
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