Useful Information for Travelers in Czech Republic

The customs regulations of the Czech Republic allow free import of:

• 200 cigarettes
• 1 liter of spirits
• 2 liters of wine
• 50 ml perfume or 250 ml eau de toilette
• drugs – unlimited
• other goods in the amount of CZK 30,000

Import and export of Czech and foreign currency into and out of the country is not limited. When buying antiques and rare works of art, it is better to immediately ask if their export is possible directly from the customs authorities or at the appropriate institution.

For the transportation of pets, an international confirmation of vaccinations against rabies is required, and it is also necessary to undergo a veterinary examination at least 3 days before departure.

Phone number of the city veterinary office in Prague: +420/2/255 619.

According to gradphysics.com, the Czech koruna (Kc) is the official national convertible currency. There are banknotes of various denominations in circulation: 20 Ks, 50 Ks, 100 Ks, 200 Ks, 500 Ks, 1000 Ks, 5000 Ks and coins – hellers (Hal); 50 Hal 1 crown = 100 hellers.

The exchange rate of the Czech crown is 70% dependent on the euro and 30% on the US dollar and is practically stable: 1 dollar = 26 kroons, 1 euro = 32 kroons.

Import and export from the country of valid Czech banknotes and coins, their transfer to another country or from another country is allowed. The declaration is issued for the import and export of gold, gold coins and currency in excess of 200,000 Ks.

You can exchange hard currency for Czech crowns at exchange offices located at railway stations, at the airport, in large hotels, at the main post office. In hotels or cafes, the krone exchange rate is usually higher. For currency exchange in banks and exchange offices, a fee is charged, the amounts of which can vary significantly from each other. It is more profitable to change the currency after all in banks, where the most acceptable exchange rate is. Many banks are open until 4 p.m. on weekdays and closed on weekends. Don’t forget about it on the day of departure.

The most reputable banks in Prague

• Pragobank:
  Prague 1, Jungmannova 32
• Czech National Bank:
  Prague 1, Na prikope 28
• Paris National Bank:
  Prague 1, Opletalova 25

There are usually ATMs next to them, for the use of which pan-European credit cards are required. In the Czech Republic, Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard, American Express credit cards are accepted for payment.

The identification color of mail in the Czech Republic is orange. The main post office is located on Wenceslas Square (Jindrisska 14) – open around the clock. Opening hours of other post offices on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00, on Saturday until 12:00.

The Czech Republic has a direct telephone connection with all states. You can call from telephone booths, payment is made both by coins and cards. You can also call from a hotel, but this is usually more expensive than buying a phone card, which are sold at post offices, newsstands, travel agencies, and currency exchange offices. They come in volumes of 250 units and cost from 250 crowns. With a phone card of 250 units, you can talk to Russia for 12 minutes.

The code of the Czech Republic is +420, the code of Russia is 007, Ukraine is 00380, Prague is 2, Brno is 5.

Naturally, a tourist simply cannot ignore the shops. This is a kind of entertainment. Typical Czech goods: Bohemian crystal, porcelain, glass, bijouterie, jewelry, leather goods (bags, gloves). The center of Prague is a continuous chain of department stores, company stores, boutiques.

The most famous department stores in Prague

• KOTVA (KOTVA) – Nam. Republic 8

• KRONE (KRONE) – Wenceslas Square. 58

• TESCO (TECKO) – Narodni 63/26

• BILA LABUT – Na Porici 23

• DUM MODY (DUM FASHION) – Vaclavske nam. 58

• ВАТ’А (БАТЯ) – Vaclavske nam. 6

• DETSKY DUM – Na Prikope 15

Many of them are located in the historical center of the city.

Large shopping centers are also located:
– at the station. metro Andel (Andel) – NOVY SMISNOV (NEW SMICHOV)
– at the station. metro Flora – FLORA

Shopping centers with a large number of shops are located at the terminal stations of the Zlicin and Cerny most metro stations, Nadrazi Holesovice. In small towns, you can often buy quality goods much cheaper than in Prague. Most shops are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00.

When buying in the Czech Republic, you can save up to 22% (VAT). You can take advantage of this advantage when shopping in stores with the “Tax Free” sign. The invoice amount must exceed 2000 Kc (incl. VAT). For “Tax Free” registration, ask the seller to issue a completed check and a “Tax Free” envelope.
When leaving the Czech Republic, present the “Tax Free” check at the customs office for stamping no later than 30 days from the date of purchase. Attention: without a customs seal, a refund is not possible!

Czech national dishes – roast pork and “unsurpassed” dumplings. Heavy meat dishes with a lot of fat have long been the food of the peasants of Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia.

A variety of sausages, frankfurters, shpekachki, as well as various types of cabbage are popular. Out of competition – goulash, various meat dishes with sauces with indispensable dumplings, which are supposed to be dipped in sauce. There are many kinds of dumplings: potato or wheat dumplings, dumplings with bacon or fruit. Side dishes are also varied – boiled, fried potatoes, french fries, different types of rice, vegetables. It is worth trying the famous onion or garlic stew, as well as old-fashioned dishes such as game pâté or small unleavened pancakes with plum jam. Czechs love white bagels. On every corner you can have a sausage in a bagel with ketchup and mustard.

And, of course, no meal is complete without the famous Czech beer. Each of the local beers has its own splendor, and choosing the best one is a matter of personal taste. Everything is worth a try: Pilsner Urkwell (Plzeński Prazdroj), Budweiser, Gambrinus, Staropramen or Velikopopovicky Kozel strong beer, etc.

In wine restaurants, bars, cellars, Becherovka is popular – a gastric liquor infused with herbs, Slivovitsa – plum vodka and Borovichka – vodka with cones. As a rule, all restaurants also offer international cuisine.