At a Glance
Currency
Czech Koruna (CZK)
Need to know Before You Go
Average daily spend
g Need to Know g Contents
Forward planning is essential to any successful trip. Be prepared for all eventualities by considering the following points before you travel.
For a stay of up to three months for the purpose of tourism, EU nationals and citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa. For visa information specific to your home country, consult your nearest Czech embassy or check online.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
∑ mzv.cz
Visitors can get up-to-date travel safety information from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US State Department, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
AUS
UK
∑ gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US
An individual is permitted to carry the following within the EU for personal use:
Tobacco products
800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 1 kg of smoking tobacco.
Alcohol
10 litres of alcoholic beverages above 22% strength, 20 litres of alcoholic beverages below 22% strength, 90 litres of wine (60 litres of which can be sparkling wine) and 110 litres of beer.
Cash
If entering or leaving the EU with €10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in other currencies) it must be declared to the customs authorities.
If travelling outside the EU limits vary so check restrictions before departing.
It is wise to take out insurance that covers theft, loss, medical problems, cancellation and delays. EU citizens are eligible for free emergency medical care in the Czech Republic provided they have a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
Visitors from outside the EU must arrange their own private medical insurance.
EHIC
∑ gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card
No inoculations are needed for travellers visiting the Czech Republic.
Most establishments accept major credit, debit and prepaid currency cards. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly common, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller items and local markets.
Prague offers a huge variety of accommodation, comprising luxury five-star hotels, family-run B&Bs and budget hostels.
Prices are often inflated during peak season (summer, Easter and Christmas holidays), so it’s worth booking well in advance. Prague City Tourism provides a list of accommodation to suit all needs.
Airport assistance is available for free but must be booked in advance through your airline or travel agency.
Narrow streets and uneven paving make Prague tricky for wheelchair users. However, services are improving. Most public buildings are now fitted with entry ramps.
Trams and buses have low access, and main Metro stations are fitted with lifts. Timetables at tram stops indicate which services are wheelchair-accessible. Visit the Prague Public Transport Company website to plan your journey using wheelchair-accessible Metro stations, trams and buses.
Accessible Prague can arrange transport from the airport to the city centre for wheelchair users and they offer tours tailored to visitors’ needs. The Prague Organisation of Wheelchair Users has a range of resources available, including maps and guides in Braille.
Accessible Prague
Prague Organisation of Wheelchair Users
Prague Public Transport Company
∑ dpp.cz
The Slavic language of Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic. English replaced Russian as the second language of choice after the Velvet Revolution (1989). Those working in the tourist industry usually have a good level of English, French, Russian and often German too, but it’s appreciated if you can handle a few niceties in the local language before continuing the conversation in English.
Mondays
Some museums and attractions are closed for the day.
Weekends
Some shops close early on Saturdays and for the day on Sundays. Public transport runs a reduced service.
Public holidays
Schools, banks and most public services are closed; shops, some museums and attractions close early or for the day.
Need to know Before You Go
Currency
Czech Koruna (CZK)
Need to know Before You Go
Need to know Before You Go
Need to know Before You Go
Power sockets are type E, fitting two-pronged plugs. Standard voltage is 230 volts.
Need to know Before You Go
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day |
| 19 Apr | Good Friday |
| 22 Apr | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 8 May | Liberation Day |
| 5 Jul | Saints Cyril and Methodius Day |
| 6 Jul | Jan Hus Day |
| 28 Sept | Day of the Czech Statehood |
| 28 Oct | Independent Czechoslovak State Day |
| 24 Dec | Christmas Eve |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | St Stephen’s Day |