Organize your stay Czech Republic
Money Czech Republic
Currency: the currency is the koruna česká (Kč or CZK), otherwise known as the Czech crown. A Czech crown used to be divided into 100 haléřu (h), but these no longer exist and the smallest coin is the 1 Kč.
Banknotes of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 Kč, and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Kč are used.
The Czech Republic has joined the European Union, but it will be some time before the country adopts the euro. A 2018 report by the European Commission reveals that the Czech Republic does not meet all the overriding criteria for euro adoption, including price stability. Membership of ERM II (exchange rate) for a minimum of two years is also a mandatory criterion for a country adopting the single currency, but the Czech Republic is not yet participating in this mechanism.
In May 2022, the observed exchange rate was as follows:
1 € = approx. 25 Kč.
Budget & Tips Czech Republic
Remember that while the Czech capital is expensive, the rest of the country is really cheap. Note, however, that some very touristy towns such as Karlovy Vary or Český Krumlov are almost as expensive as Prague. Accommodation will make up the bulk of your budget in the cities. On the other hand, eating out is still cheap in traditional hospodas.
Small budget: minimum budget €50 to €80. This includes a bed in a youth hostel, a meal on the run, a more elaborate meal, as well as transport and sightseeing.
Medium budget: €90 to €150. One night's accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse or in a Comfort or Charm hotel, two meals, plus transport, sightseeing and entertainment.
Large budget: from €180 per person per day. Luxury hotel, meals, miscellaneous..
Passport and visas Czech Republic
For citizens of the European Union or Switzerland, a valid national identity card or passport is sufficient for a tourist stay in the Czech Republic of less than three months.
Driver's license Czech Republic
Driving licenses issued in most European countries, including France, are recognized in the Czech Republic. Don't forget them if you're thinking of renting a car, and don't forget to make a photocopy to show in the event of loss.
Health Czech Republic
Don't forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card, which will cover you when you use the public health system. You can download it from your espace Ameli.
Mandatory vaccination Czech Republic
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering the Czech Republic. However, if you're planning to go hiking in summer, make sure you're up to date with your vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, which is still rife in Central Europe.
Time difference Czech Republic
There are no time differences, summer or winter, as the changeover dates are harmonized throughout the EU.
Spoken languages Czech Republic
The national language is Czech. Before considering a trip to the Czech Republic, you should brush up on your German. Despite the eternal feeling of attraction and repulsion that seems to characterize the relationship between Czechs and Germans, it is always the former language that is used in front of a tourist. English is gaining ground, as it is everywhere (Czechs are very understandable when they speak it), and French is far behind. In fact, French is becoming a luxury language for the Czechs and is ceasing to be a useful language. Those who speak it are convinced Francophiles and are more numerous in Moravia. The old Czech-French friendship, once not only cultural but also political, seems to have disappeared. The Czechs have become accustomed to the arrival of German capital, the presence of thousands of Americans in Prague, official American visits, as well as noisy and numerous British and Italian tourists. Although the French are often considered a cultured and brilliant people (which is nice in a country where you don't like everyone and especially not your neighbors), French, despite its reputation as a beautiful melodic language, comes in third place. It is interesting to note that there are four French high schools in the country: in Prague and Tábor in Bohemia, in Brno and Olomouc in Moravia.
Communication Czech Republic
Territorial coverage is very good and your phone will work everywhere, with the exception of a few very remote white zones in the mountains. Wifi is now available in almost all establishments: hotels, restaurants, bars, in Prague as well as in the provinces.
Electricity and measurements Czech Republic
The Czech Republic uses the metric system. The voltage is 220 V, so you can safely use your usual electrical appliances or recharge your cell phone in the hotels.
Luggage Czech Republic
Apart from your favorite wine or cheese, there's not much you won't find in Prague and the Czech Republic. You might even be seduced by Czech wines and cheeses! Elsewhere in the country, large, well-stocked supermarkets can be found in all major and medium-sized towns. You really need to be stranded in a rural mountain village to find yourself in difficulty. Take along clothing appropriate to the season, a useful umbrella in summer and a heavy coat in winter. If you wish to attend a prestigious concert, don't forget to dress appropriately. If you're undergoing special treatment, you'll need to bring what you need in case it isn't available on site.
