Going to en République tchèque: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay en République tchèque

Money en République tchèque

Currency: the currency is the koruna česká (Kč or CZK), otherwise known as the Czech crown. A Czech crown used to be divided into 100 haléřu (h), but these no longer exist and the smallest coin is the 1 Kč.

Banknotes of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 Kč, and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Kč are used.

The Czech Republic has joined the European Union, but it will be some years before the country adopts the euro.

In January 2025, the observed exchange rate was as follows:

1 € = approx. 25.2 Kč.

Budget & Tips en République tchèque

Remember that while the Czech capital is expensive, the rest of the country is really cheap. Note, however, that some very touristy towns such as Karlovy Vary or Český Krumlov are almost as expensive as Prague, but the tourist season there is much shorter. Accommodation will make up the bulk of your budget in these cities. On the other hand, restaurants in traditional hospodas are inexpensive.

Small budget: minimum budget €50 to €80. This includes a bed in a youth hostel, a meal on the run, a more elaborate meal in the evening, as well as transport and selected visits.

Medium budget: €90 to €150. One night's accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse or in a comfort or charming hotel, plus two meals, transport, visits and shows.

Large budget: from €180 per person per day. Luxury hotel, meals, miscellaneous..

Passport and visas en République tchèque

For citizens of the European Union or Switzerland, a valid national identity card or passport is sufficient for a tourist stay in the Czech Republic of less than three months.

Driver's license en République tchèque

Driving licenses issued in most European countries, including France, are recognized in the Czech Republic. Don't forget them if you're thinking of renting a car, and don't forget to make a photocopy to show in the event of loss.

Health en République tchèque

Don't forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card, which will cover you when you use the public health system. You can download it from your espace Ameli.

Mandatory vaccination en République tchèque

There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering the Czech Republic. However, if you're planning to go hiking in summer, make sure you're up to date with your vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, which is still rife in Central Europe.

Security en République tchèque

The Czech Republic is a safe destination with a low crime rate, even if petty crime has been on the rise in recent years. There's no reason to be paranoid, but please observe the basic rules of caution when it comes to your belongings in town: wallets, jewelry, cameras (especially in Prague's first districts, where the density of tourist crowds makes it easy to pick pockets).

Time difference en République tchèque

There are no time differences, summer or winter, as the changeover dates are harmonized throughout the EU.

Spoken languages en République tchèque

The national language is Czech. Before considering a trip to the Czech Republic, you should brush up on your German. Despite the eternal feeling of attraction and repulsion that seems to characterize the relationship between Czechs and Germans, it is always the former language that is used in front of a tourist. English is gaining ground, as it is everywhere (Czechs are very understandable when they speak it), and French is far behind. In fact, French is becoming a luxury language for the Czechs and is ceasing to be a useful language. Those who speak it are convinced Francophiles and are more numerous in Moravia. The old Czech-French friendship, once not only cultural but also political, seems to have disappeared. The Czechs have become accustomed to the arrival of German capital, the presence of thousands of Americans in Prague, official American visits, as well as noisy and numerous British and Italian tourists. Although the French are often considered a cultured and brilliant people (which is nice in a country where you don't like everyone and especially not your neighbors), French, despite its reputation as a beautiful melodic language, comes in third place. It is interesting to note that there are four French high schools in the country: in Prague and Tábor in Bohemia, in Brno and Olomouc in Moravia.

Communication en République tchèque

Territorial coverage is very good and your phone will work everywhere, with the exception of a few very remote white zones in the mountains. Wifi is now available in almost all establishments: hotels, restaurants, bars, in Prague as well as in the provinces.

Electricity and measurements en République tchèque

The Czech Republic uses the metric system. The voltage is 220 V, so you can safely use your usual electrical appliances or recharge your cell phone in the hotels.

Luggage en République tchèque

Apart from your favorite wine or cheese, there's not much you won't find in Prague and the Czech Republic. You might even be seduced by Czech wines and cheeses! Elsewhere in the country, large, well-stocked supermarkets can be found in all major and medium-sized towns. You really need to be stranded in a rural mountain village to find yourself in difficulty. Take along clothing appropriate to the season, a useful umbrella in summer and a heavy coat in winter. If you wish to attend a prestigious concert, don't forget to dress appropriately. If you're undergoing special treatment, you'll need to bring what you need in case it isn't available on site.

Daily life en République tchèque

Hello? en République tchèque

From France to Czech Republic. 00 + 420 (Czech code) + 9-digit number.

From the Czech Republic to France. 00 + 33 (code for France) + correspondent's number without the initial 0 (i.e. 9 digits).

In the Czech Republic in the same district. 9-digit number.

Within the Czech Republic, between different districts. 9-digit number, no prefix to be added.

French cell phone packages work in the Czech Republic, and you won't necessarily need to buy a local SIM card, but it's up to you to check the rates with your operator. If you don't have a cell phone, you'll be able to use a few phone booths, although, as in France a few years ago, these are becoming increasingly rare. Prepaid cards are on sale in tobacconists and small grocery stores.

Accessibility en République tchèque

In the Czech Republic, there is still a lot of work to be done to accommodate people with disabilities. Very few sites are equipped to receive people with disabilities. However, the efforts of some cities that are beginning to implement real policies in this area are to be commended. This is the case in the most touristy cities such as Prague, Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary. In the Czech capital, all new subway stations are equipped with elevators, but in the older ones (those in the city center, which serve the tourist spots), there are often only Escalators, or even a single staircase. Many stores have a few steps, and for hotels it is best to ask in advance. Many restaurants and cafes are located in basements. It's mostly the art galleries and museums that have been undergoing work lately, most of which are now easily accessible (they state this on their websites).

Health en République tchèque

The country's health situation is good, and hospital facilities are of a high standard. Drinking water and well-stocked pharmacies are to be found everywhere. However, if you need special treatment, it's best to bring your own medication and prescription to avoid taking any risks.

Medical staff are well-trained, and most will be able to communicate with you in English in Prague and other major cities such as Brno and Ostrava. In more remote parts of the country, with rural general practitioners, this will not be as systematic.

The French Embassy has a list of French-speaking doctors and other medical information. 24-hour hotline: +420 721 968 888 - www.france.cz

For advice before your trip, don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).

Beware ofCentral European tick-borne encephalitis. This disease is transmitted to humans by ticks, which are very common in forests in summer. Two weeks after the bite, symptoms are similar to those of a summer flu. The disease can lead to neurological complications of varying severity, with impaired balance and diminished intellectual capacity. In 1-2% of cases, it is fatal. There is a vaccine, but no specific treatment, so if you haven't been vaccinated, wear long clothing when walking in the forest and inspect your body thoroughly after any hike.

If you have a Visa® or MasterCard® bank card, you're automatically covered by medical insurance and repatriation assistance for any trip abroad lasting less than 90 days (you don't have to pay for your trip with your card to be covered; simply holding a valid card ensures you're covered). Ask your bank for details, and carefully check the overall amount of coverage and deductibles, as well as the conditions of coverage and exclusion clauses. If you are not covered by one of these cards, don't forget to take out medical assistance before you leave.

Emergency numbers en République tchèque

Emergencies. 112

Medical emergencies. 155

Fire department. 150

Police. 158

Securty en République tchèque

Prague is a fairly safe city, but it's also an extremely touristy one where pickpockets can be rife. But don't be paranoid, just take the obvious precautions. If you have a vehicle, don't leave anything in sight inside the car. On foot, be on your guard in crowded tourist areas (Charles Bridge, Castle, tramway 22). Beware of anyone trying to distract you. Be careful when boarding streetcars, when everyone is jostling each other. Finally, remember that you don't have to show your money to a plainclothes policeman, or even one in uniform. If you have any doubts about a police officer (plainclothes - real or fake), ask to go with the person to the nearest police station(policejní stanice). The rest of the country is less touristy and therefore less prone to theft, but be as careful as in any other European city.

In the event of theft, always report the lost item to the police so that you can be reimbursed, and replace your papers at your embassy (if it's your passport). And, you never know, always go to the Lost & Found office: Karolíny Světlé 5, Praha 1. Tel: +420 224 235 085.

For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.

LGBTQ en République tchèque

The country's communist past has left its mark on local mentalities. But the younger generation is here to change things, especially in the city of Ostrava, known for its memorable parties that welcome the gay community. In Prague, very soon after the collapse of the Eastern bloc, the rainbow flag appeared on many establishments, and the Prague Gay Pride is now one of the biggest celebrations of the gay community in Eastern Europe. In the provinces, you may have to adapt and not flaunt your sexual orientation too much if you feel you'll be met with disapproval, but you won't feel any hostility in any case.

Embassies and consulates en République tchèque

Embassy of France. Velkopřevorské nam. 2, tel: +420 251 17 17 11, www.france.cz

Embassy of Belgium. Valdštejnská 2, tel: +420 257 533 525, www.czechrepublic.diplomatie.belgium.be

Embassy of Switzerland. Pevnostni 7, tel: +420 220 40 06 11, www.eda.admin.ch/prag

Mail en République tchèque

Czech Post(Česká pošta) works very well, and a letter posted in Prague will quickly reach your friends. A stamp or letter (or postcard) to France will cost 39 Kč (approx. €1.6).

Post offices. They are generally open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and on Saturday mornings. You can buy stamps almost anywhere you find postcards. Elsewhere in the country, you'll usually find a post office in the main square of a town or village.

Prague Central Post Office. Jindřišská 909/14, tel. +420 604 221 504, www.postaonline.cz

Local media en République tchèque

The press

Czechs are avid readers of the daily press. Blesk, a sensationalist newspaper (www.blesk.cz), has the highest circulation, followed by Mladá Fronta dnes, a former socialist youth newspaper that claims to be independent (www.idnes.cz), Právo, an organ of the former Communist Party that has also become independent (www.pravo.cz), and finally Lidové Noviny, the equivalent of Le Monde, which has become the daily of reference, with an image of seriousness and credibility (www.lidovky.cz). The enormous popularity of Blesk, which in the early days of the revolution was undoubtedly the result of the frustration engendered by forty years of censorship, waned. We soon reached saturation point. In the Czech Republic, as in all the former Communist bloc countries, publications multiplied, but only the strongest survived, often backed by foreign capital (as in the case of Mladá Fronta, which belonged to the Hersant group before being sold to a German press group).

Television

As far as television is concerned, in record time, Nova has become the number-one channel, far ahead of the two public channels, not only in the Czech Republic, but in the whole of Eastern Europe. Nova has all the trappings of commercial television à la Berlusconi: endless American series, great games, a spectacular news program... People love it (children too, of course). Its director answers listeners' questions live every week. The public channels try to counterbalance Nova's sensationalism, but they always seem too dull.

Radio

As far as radio is concerned, a law on private radio stations was passed in 1992, resulting in a massive arrival of private stations on the FM band. The most popular stations are Europe 2, Frekvence 1, Radio City, Kiss... In Prague, you can also listen to the BBC, RFI and Voice of America on FM.

On the Internet

www.prague.eu. Tourist information about Prague, mainly in French.

www.radio.cz/fr. Programs to listen to or articles to reread on various themes: sports, politics, culture..

www.avantgarde-prague.cz. This French-speaking agency's website contains a wealth of useful information and tips in French. Particularly useful for organizing your stay and booking hotels, shows and excursions in advance.

www.musica.cz. A site dedicated to Czech music, a bit specialized, but sure to delight music fans.

www.czechlit.cz. The same thing, but for literary types.

www.lidovky.cz. The website of the newspaper of the same name, focusing on national and international business news.

www.respekt.cz. The website of a weekly newspaper covering national and international news, sometimes satirically.