Welcome to Prague Letter - FAQs about Prague

Welcome to Prague!

 In order to make your stay more enjoyable and safe, we have prepared the following list of “what you should know” for you:

 Public Transportation

Prague has an excellent public transportation system.  There are trams (streetcars), busses and the metro (subway) - 3 lines.  They all use the same tickets which can be purchased in the metro stations, in some shops, some hotels, etc.  They cannot be purchased in the tram, bus or subway car.  Follow English instructions on the ticket.  KČ 18 ticket will take you 5 stops with no transfers.  The KČ 26 tickets are good for 75 minutes of unlimited travel with transfers.  Please make sure you validate your ticket as you enter the metro station or tram.  These yellow machines are located on posts as you enter.   An invalidated ticket is the same as no ticket and if checked by the metro personnel, there is a large penalty payable on the spot.   See the map of the system here.

Restrooms – WC – Toilets

Public restrooms in Prague are often not free, each charging differently, anywhere from CZK 3 to CZK 10.  Also, tissue is not always available, it is  best to carry your own.  Most restaurants and larger tourists shops have free restrooms for their clients.

Money

The local currency is called the Czech Crown (Česká koruna) or KČ or CZK.  1 CZK is divided into 100 haléř.  The bills come in 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 denominations.  There are no coins small than 1 crown - they are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.  It is not advisable to change money on the street with anyone.  Sometimes strangers offer unusually high exchange rates to unsuspecting tourists who then end up with counterfeit currency or currency of a different country.  Change your money at the bank (best rate but there is a commission charged), the hotel (convenient), or change offices (often same as hotel) located throughout town.  Also, some vendors cheat their clients by not giving the right amount back after a purchase!  Watch your change! 

The cheapest way of getting local cash is by using an ATM or bankmachine, since it gives out local cash already and the bank rate of that date is used.  Each bank charges a different ATM/bankmachine fee though, so you may want to check with your bank before departure.

Tipping/Gratuity

Restaurant:    Service is generally NOT INCLUDED and it is customary to leave approximately 10% of the bill, depending on service.

Taxi:    approximately 10% of the bill

Local Guide:     CZK 300 – 500 (EUR 10-17) per tour, depending on the service

Local Drivers:    CZK 150 – 300 (EUR 5-10) per tour, depending on the service

Driver/Guide:    CZK 600 - 900 (EUR 20-30) per tour, depending on the service

Walking

What makes this city so picturesque and quaint also makes it strenuous to get around in.  Cobble stone streets, uneven pavement, unsuspecting steps, even potholes are common.  Please watch your footing!

Safety

Unfortunately, just like any larger, cosmopolitan city, Prague (1.2 million) has become a haven for pickpockets.  Please beware in any crowded place such as the tram, metro, bus, a tourist attraction that brings lots of people together (the Astronomical Clock, etc.) or any tight gathering.  Guard your valuables.  It is best to leave your passport and any larger cash in the hotel safe. 

Taxis

It is not advisable to simply hail a cab as in some other cities.  It is known that there are many dishonest taxi drivers that grossly overcharge.  Although the police are working on eradicating this problem, it is still rampant.  Call or have the restaurant you dined in call a reputable taxi company that monitors their taxi drivers. 

Taxi “AAA” is the largest such company and their phone number is:  14 0 14

 
Postage

Postage stamps can usually be purchased in the store that sells postcards.  If not, most hotels sell them as well.  The post offices (Česká pošta) are located throughout town.  The main post office, open 24 hours per day, is in Jindřišská street, just off the Wenceslas Square.  The charges depend on the size of the postcard and where you are sending it to.

Telephone

The telephone in your hotel room is the most convenient, however also the most expensive way to make a telephone call.  Each hotel has different rates.  One can purchase telephone cards in many denominations at the post office, newsstands, tobacco shops, etc.  Public phones are located throughout town, although not very frequent anymore since most people use their own mobil phone. 

VAT or sales tax

If you are holding a passport of a country which is OUTSIDE of the European Union (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, any African or Asian country, etc.) you are entitled to receiving some of the VAT or sales tax back on purchases you make. Sales tax or DPH is 19% on most products and approx. 15% can be refunded.

 The rules are:

·      You need to spend at least KČ 2000 (approx. EUR 75 - USD 100) in one store that participates in the program, on the same day. The logo TAX FREE is written on the door or ask.

·      You need to have the store fill out a form for you – a tax check.

·      You need to have this form stamped by the customs officials at the border or airport when you leave the country (you must show the merchandise to the customs official so don't pack it in your checked luggage). 

·      The refund must be claimed on the border or in your participating home location within 30 days of date of purchase.  The “Tax Free” store will give you all the details if you ask. 

We wish you a wonderful stay!

last updated 2/2009