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Travellers Essentials
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into the Czech Republic
without incurring customs duty by persons over 18 years of
age:
a)200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g
tobacco.
b)1 litre of spirits; 2 litres of wine (only half the above
mentioned quantities for stays of 2 days or less)
c) 500ml of perfume or 250ml toilet water, and gifts up to
a value of Kc3000.
Currency
The currency for Czech Republic is Koruna (Kc) or Crown =
100 hellers. Notes are in denominations of Kc5000, 2000, 1000,
500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of Kc50,
20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 hellers.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency (including travellers cheques) can be exchanged
at all bank branches and at authorised exchange offices, main
hotels and road border crossings.
Credit cards
Major cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
and others may be used to exchange currency and are also accepted
in some hotels, restaurants and shops.
Travelers cheques
Travellrs cheques are widely accepted, here. However, to avoid
additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to
take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Eurocheques
are also accepted by certain restaurants and shops bearing
the EC sign.
Health care
No vaccinations are required. There is a reciprocal health
agreement with the UK. On production of a UK passport and
proof of residence, hospital and other medical care will be
provided free of charge in case of illness or accident. Prescribed
medicine will be charged for. Other international agreements
exist for free health care and visitors are advised to check
with their national health authorities. Medical insurance
is advised in all other cases.
Getting There
By Air:
The national airline is Czech Airlines (CSA). There are also
several small airlines.
By Rail:
The most convenient routes to the Czech Republic from Western
Europe are via Berlin, Würzburg or Frankfurt, Nuremburg, Munich,
Zurich or Vienna to Prague. ROAD: The Czech Republic can be
entered via Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic or Austria.
By Bus:
There is an international bus network covering most European
cities. There are connections to Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt/M.,
Amsterdam, London and other main cities from Florenc and Zelivskeho
by Bus Terminals (Metro stations),the service are several
times a week.
Getting Around
By Air:
Czech Airlines (CSA) operates an extensive domestic service.
There are regular domestic flights from Prague to Ostrava.
By River:
Navigable waterways can be found in the country and the main
river ports are located at Prague.
By Rail:
The rail network is operated by Czech Railways. There are
several daily express trains between Prague, the main cities
and resorts. Fares are low, but supplements are payable for
travel by express trains.
By Road:
By Bus:
The extensive bus network mostly covers areas not accessible
by rail and is efficient and comfortable.
Car hire:
Self-drive cars may be hired through Avis, Eurodollar, Hertz
and other companies. Seat belts are compulsory and drinking
is absolutely prohibited. There is a road emergency service
available by calling 154. A valid national driving licence
is sufficient for car hire.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal
dinners and at quality hotels or restaurants.
Tipping
A 5-10% tip is usual, in restaurants, hotels, or any public
areas, however tipping more than stated is not compulsory.
Business Hours
Businessmen wear suits. A knowledge of German is useful as
English is not widely spoken among the older generation. Long
business lunches are usual. Avoid visits during July and August
as many businesses close for holidays. Office hours, are from
0800-1600 Monday to Friday.
When To Go
May, June and September are the prime visiting months, with
April and October as chillier and sometimes cheaper alternatives.
Most Czechs take their holidays in July and August when hotels
and tourist sights are more than usually crowded.
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