Planning a trip is exciting, but knowing the "local rules" makes it much smoother. Here is everything you need to know for a stress-free experience.
The Currency: Although we are part of the EU, our official currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro.
Cards vs. Cash: Czechia is highly digitized. You can pay by card (Visa, Mastercard, Apple/Google Pay) almost everywhere—from restaurants and cafes to many souvenir stands.
ATM Warning: Always use ATMs belonging to major banks (e.g., CSOB, KB, Cesks sporitelna). Avoid "Euronet" or standalone street ATMs that often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates.
The Standard: Tipping is customary but not mandatory. If you are satisfied with the service, a tip of 10% is the local standard. In casual places, people often just "round up" the bill.
How to do it: Unlike in the US, don't leave money on the table. Tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay (including tip) when they bring the bill, or select the percentage on the card terminal.
You don’t need to buy bottled water. The tap water in the entire Czech Republic is safe, clean, and of excellent quality. In many restaurants, you can ask for a "carafe of tap water" (voda z kohoutku), though some may charge a small service fee.
Reliability: Our public transport system is one of the best and most reliable in the world.
Tickets: In Prague and other major cities, you can buy tickets directly inside trams and buses using a contactless card.
Mobile Apps: We highly recommend downloading the "Litavka" app for Prague or "IDOS" for national train and bus connections.
Safety: Czechia consistently ranks among the Top 10 safest countries globally. Violent crime is extremely rare.
Emergency Number: In case of any emergency, dial 112. It is the universal European emergency number and operators speak English.
Most shops and malls are open 7 days a week, usually from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Important: On certain National Holidays (e.g., Oct 28, Dec 25-26, May 8), larger shops (over 200m²) must remain closed by law.
The Standard: We use Type E and Type C plugs (European two-pin).
Voltage: Our grid runs on 230V at 50Hz. If traveling from the US, UK, or Asia, make sure you have a universal adapter.
The "Coin" Rule: Public toilets (in stations or city centers) are rarely free. Usually, they cost 10 to 20 CZK. Many now have contactless terminals, but keeping a few small coins handy is always a good idea.
The Bread Basket: In some traditional restaurants, pretzels or bread on the table are not free—you are charged based on what you consume.
Smoking Laws: Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited in all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stops.
While most people in the tourism industry speak excellent English, learning a few basic Czech words will instantly win you smiles. Don't worry about perfect pronunciation—it’s the effort that counts!
In Prague and major tourist spots (like the Bohemian Paradise), you'll be fine with English. In smaller villages, your basic Czech and a smile will do the heavy lifting!
Traveler's Tip: If you find the Czech letter "Ř" impossible to pronounce, don't worry—most of the world does too! Just stick to "Děkuji" and you'll be a local hero.