Money

The currency used in Prague and Czech is Czech crown and about 27 Czech crowns is 1 Euro. There are a lot of banks, exchange offices and ATM machines, but some restaurants and shops take Euros, so you don’t have to worry much. Banks in Prague are open during the week days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but are closed on weekends.

Phones and Internet

Internet is mostly available in cafes, pubs and bars, but they usually charge about 60-100 crowns per hour. If you are staying at some hotel, there is a big chance that you will get a complimentary wi-fi. When it comes to public phones, most of them take change, but some of them require phone cards that can be purchased on some kiosks, shops and post offices. The country phone code is +420 (or 00420).

Business Hours and Holidays

Business hours in Prague are not strictly defined, but like in the most European counties, shops are usually open from 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. Some of the shops are even open during the weekends and on Thursdays stay open extra long. When it comes to attractions like museums and galleries, they are usually closed on Mondays.  Public holidays include Christmas holidays starting with December 24-26,  January 1, Easter Monday, Labor Day – May 1, May 8, July 5 and 6, September 28, October 28, November 17.

Local Laws and Tips

The local law is that you always need to wear your ID because a policeman can stop you for a routine check and you can pay a ticket if you don’t carry your documents. There is no smoking in public places like  some cafes and restaurants, public buildings, public transportation etc. Drinking in the streets and park is also not allowed, just as consummation of any kind of drugs, especially in public. For emergency, you can dial 112; Police is 158, Fire 150 and Ambulance 155. Also, beware when you are pushing through the crowd in popular tourist places like Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and similar places because pick-pocketing is a problem in Prague and you have to watch your pockets.

Essential Phrases in Czech Language

Even though most of people in Prague speak English language, it is nice if you know at least some basic phrases or words in Czech. Here are some short phrases that you can you learn quick and use in different occasions:

Dobrý den means Good day and is pronounced Doe-bree den.

 Na shledanou means Good bye and is pronounced like Na shlay-dan-ow.

 Ahoj means Hello or Hi ( it is more informal) and it is pronounced like A-hoy.

Prosim means Please  or you’re welcome (depends on occasion) and is pronounced like Pro-seem.