Currency
Czech currency is the Czech crown, the Koruna (Kc).
US $1= 20 Koruna
GBP £1= 33 Koruna
EUR €1= 27 Koruna
In the Czech Republic, ATM’s are fairly plentiful and most will accept major credit cards. The major banks are the best place to change traveller’s cheques and cash. Watch out for high fees at private exchange outlets.
Generally, travelling in the Czech Republic is cheap, although hotel accommodation in Prague can be expensive. You can save money by staying in hostels or pensions, eating at restaurants outside touristy areas, and using public transportation.
Tipping in restaurants in the Czech Republic is optional although the custom is to round up the bill by about 10%. The same goes for taxi drivers.
People
With a population of 10.5 million, the Czech Republic is one of the most populated countries of Eastern and Central Europe. About 70% of the people are ethnically Czech and 1.4% are Slovak. Other sizeable minorities include Germans, Poles, and Ukranians.
Travel
When travelling within the Czech Republic, buses are usually faster and cheaper than trains but many do not operate on the weekends. Renting a car is also an option and will give you the flexibility to stop along the way and enjoy sights off the beaten path. Prague has a decent public transportation system and you can use the bus, metro, or tram to get to most places if you cannot get there on foot.
Eurail (a single rail pass that allows travel between multiple countries) trains/tickets are also available when traveling through these countries.
Food
The most famous Czech cuisine is undeniably its beer. Bohemian beer ranks with the best in the world and is cheap and plentiful throughout the country and a great bargain outside touristy areas. When food becomes necessary, expect heavy sauces and a variety of soups to start. Dumplings and meat are both quite popular. You can find vegetarian restaurants in Prague, but expect a hearty diet. A unique favorite in pubs is the famous beer cheese (pivny syr). A smelly brie-like cheese, it is usually served with small piles of onion, butter, chopped pickle, paprika, and other spices to mix in. If you are lucky you can get a shot of beer foam from the bartender to stir in before spreading it on your bread.
Language
Not surprisingly, Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic and you may want to bring along an English-Czech phrasebook if you plan on being there for a while. A number of Czechs also understand German and in Prague, English will suffice.
Climate
The Czech Republic climate is temperate with chilly winters and rain and snow possible. The best weather is in the summer but the region is also the most crowded during July and August as well as during the holiday periods of Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.
Visas
These countries entered the European Union in May 2004, so entry for EU citizens is now unrestricted, you will only require your passport.
Citizens of the United States, Switzerland, Japan, and New Zealand can stay up to 90 days in the Czech Republic without a visa. Those from New Zealand and Australia can stay up to 180 days. Canadians, Australians, and South Africans will need travel visas. Visas cannot be obtained at the border or the airport.
