How Things Work in Czech Republic
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — rounding up or leaving 10% is the norm.
Updated 2025-06
Prague has an excellent integrated metro, tram, and bus network operated by DPP; validate your ticket before boarding.
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic has solid public healthcare; EU citizens with an EHIC card receive covered treatment, and pharmacies are widely available.
Updated 2025-06
Czech law is generally pragmatic, but tourists should be aware of specific rules around public conduct, especially in Prague's historic center.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 112 for all emergencies in Czech Republic, or use dedicated lines: 158 (police), 155 (ambulance), 150 (fire).
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic has no strict dress requirements, but cover up for churches and pack layers for Prague's cool temperatures.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18, and Czech Republic is famous for the world's highest beer consumption per capita with very affordable prices.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is not customary in Czech Republic — prices in shops and restaurants are fixed.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally unrestricted in Czech Republic, with Prague's architecture offering exceptional shooting opportunities.
Updated 2025-06
Most tourist-area shops in Prague open on Sundays, but banks close and national holidays cause widespread closures.
Updated 2025-06
Use Uber or Bolt in Czech Republic — Prague taxis have a long history of overcharging tourists.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Czech Republic and Prague's supply is considered excellent quality.
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic uses CZK (koruna), not euros — always pay in CZK and never accept dynamic currency conversion (DCC).
Updated 2025-06
Local SIMs from T-Mobile CZ, O2 CZ, or Vodafone CZ are easy to buy; EU residents can use their home roaming plan for free.
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic uses Type C/E plugs at 230V/50Hz — the same as most of continental Europe.
Updated 2025-06
Prague has several well-documented tourist scams — DCC at ATMs, taxi overcharging, and strip club credit card fraud are the most serious.
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic is generally very safe; the main tourist risk is petty theft and pickpocketing in central Prague.
Updated 2025-06
Czechs are initially reserved but warm up quickly; beer culture, dry humor, and punctuality are central to Czech social life.
Updated 2025-06
Czech is a complex Western Slavic language, but English is widely spoken in Prague's hospitality sector — a few Czech phrases go a long way.
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic is landlocked but has popular lake and reservoir swimming spots, with Máchovo jezero and Brno reservoir being the top destinations.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right; Czech Republic enforces zero-tolerance drink-driving (0.00% BAC) and requires a motorway vignette sticker.
Updated 2025-06
Czech cuisine centers on hearty meat dishes, dumplings, and exceptional beer — seek out local hospoda pubs and the Lokál chain for authentic food at fair prices.
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic's religious sites are predominantly Christian churches and Jewish synagogues — dress modestly and follow posted photography rules.
Updated 2025-06
Visit Czech Republic May to September for warm weather; Christmas markets in November–December are also spectacular.
Updated 2025-06
Czech Republic is significantly cheaper than Western Europe — eat where locals eat, use public transport, drink beer at local pubs, and always pay in CZK.
Updated 2025-06