About Czech Republic

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Time zone

The Czech Republic lies in the GMT +1 time zone, usually referred to as Central European Time (CET). The clocks are changed by one hour creating winter time and summer time (GTM + 2).

Climate

Geographically speaking, the Czech Republic is situated in a temperate zone, and there are four seasons of approximately all the same length. Winters are relatively mild (the average January temperature is -2 °C, 28,4 °F) and summers are not too hot (the average July temperature is 20 °C, 68 °F), so you can travel to the Czech Republic at any time without being too concerned about the weather.

Electricity

The electricity network in the Czech Republic has a voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50 Hz. Plug sockets have two round holes and one round pin. If for example you have a universal recharger, all you will need is a simple connector with your system and with the Czech system on the other end. If your appliance works on another voltage or frequency, you will need a more complicated adapter. This can easily be purchased in the Czech Republic or borrowed in a hotel.

Important telephone numbers

The most important emergency services have three-digit numbers which you should have with you at all times in case you should need them. These numbers can be called free of charge from mobiles even without a SIM card inserted.

Telephones

The international dialling code for the Czech Republic is +420 (or 00 420). When calling from abroad this must be dialled first, followed by the 9-digit number.

Embassies and consulates

You can access assistance in difficult situations from your country’s embassy. Embassies are always located in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, and a complete list can be found on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs website (www.mzv.cz). Some countries do not have an embassy in the Czech Republic but are represented by a consulate (for instance Australia, Columbia, Malta, New Zealand and Sri Lanka).

Entrance to the Czech Republic and visas

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union.

Travel with animals

Several requirements must be met for travelling to and around the Czech Republic with dogs, cats and ferrets:

Tariff quotas

Customs checks at state borders ended on the date the Czech Republic joined the EU. Checks remained only at the outer borders of the EU. This is why you will only come across checks at international airports.
Exemption of goods brought into the EU from customs duty, VAT and consumer tax relates to goods imported occasionally for personal use.

Public holidays

Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays mean most banks and offices will be closed. Ordinary shops also close on Sundays and public holidays, while supermarkets and shopping centres often stay open. It’s no problem on these days to visit a concert, exhibition, restaurant or bar.

Business hours

Small shops
In small towns most shops are open Mon – Fri, from 8 or 9am until 6pm, and only in the morning on Saturdays. In big cities shops may stay open until 9pm. Only a few small shops have a lunch break, usually between 12 and 1pm.

Language

The only official language in the Czech Republic is Czech, which is spoken by 96 % of the population. However, have no fear, as especially in larger cities you can make yourself understood in English relatively easily. Older generations of Czechs can speak Russian and you could also try German. French, Italian and Spanish are not widely spoken.

Internet

The Czech Republic enjoys good internet connections, so you will have few problems getting online. In recent years slow dial-up modems have been replaced by quicker broadband lines and Wi-Fi networks.

Postal services

Postal services are officially provided by the Czech Post Office. It has exclusive right to operate the service for post up to 50 g in weight. Should you need to send anything heavier, you can choose from tens of Czech and international couriers operating in the Czech Republic.

Money

The official currency used in the Czech Republic is the Czech crown which has the international abbreviation CZK. The Czech Republic has been a member of the EU since May 1, 2004, but will only enter the Euro Zone around 2010. You can pay for goods and services in the Czech Republic with cash and cards. There are also places in the country where payment can be made in euros – in most retail chains, electronics shops, at petrol stations and in restaurants. There are exchange offices on literally every corner in large towns.

Tipping

Tips aren’t usually left by guests on the table. Should you wish to tip staff, add around 10% onto the bill or round it up. It’s up to you what sum you tell the waiter you wish to pay when he brings the bill. If you say nothing, you will receive the exact change. If you say the word ‘děkuji’ when the waiter is giving you the change, he will understand that the remainder has been left as a tip.

Smoking

In the Czech Republic, you will find restaurants where smoking is permitted, completely non-smoking restaurants and also those which have separate rooms for non-smokers (this is probably the most common alternative) or there is a ban on smoking around noon in the restaurant.

There is a complete ban on smoking in enclosed areas freely accessible to the public, public transport, covered platforms, shelters and waiting rooms for public road and rail transport as well as public transport in cities.

Healthcare

State-run and private medical facilities exist in the Czech Republic. Most of them have concluded a contract with an insurance company on provision and settlement of costs for healthcare and only provide insured patients with the essential care subject to settlement of the excess as stipulated by law – this relates to EU citizens who have a European health insurance card.

Health insurance

Within the EU
A European health insurance card may be enough for citizens of countries, which are EU members. In terms of treatment in medical facilities in the Czech Republic, this proves that the patient is insured in the EU and that medical care will be paid for by his or her insurance company.

Transport

Air travel and airports
The largest airport in the Czech Republic is Prague-Ruzyně. There are smaller international airports in several other towns and cities. Most flights from Czech airports are international services, as it is better to use other modes of transport for domestic travel.

Accommodation

Tourists can choose accommodation in the Czech Republic according to the level of comfort they require, their financial means and lifestyle. You can stay at a hotel, motel, botel, family run guesthouse, in a campsite, in a cottage, in a private flat or in a student hostel. Of course you can always stay in the luxurious surroundings of a chateau.

Safety

The Czech Republic is a safe European country, but despite this, it is advisable to be cautious just like in any other large European city. Being careful and sticking to certain safety principles are all part of a pleasantly spent holiday.