Going to à PRAGUE: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay à PRAGUE
Money à PRAGUE
The currency is the koruna česká (Kč or CZK), otherwise known as the Czech koruna. It is divided into 100 haléřů (h). 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 joined the European Union on May1 , 2004, but adoption of the euro has been delayed year by year, to the point where leaders are now talking about keeping the Czech koruna.
The exchange rates observed in November 2024 were: 100 Kč = €3.95; €1 = 25.3 Kč.
Budget & Tips à PRAGUE
With the effects of the global crisis, hotel rates have slowed down in recent years, particularly in the off-season, correcting years of sometimes unreasonable increases. Unfortunately, the health crisis has also led to the closure of many establishments, reducing supply and keeping prices high. High-season demand is still high enough to keep prices staggering, up to five times or more the normal rates for Prague Spring and Christmas. On the other hand, in the low season (October-November and February-March), there are more and more promotional offers on Internet sites, and hotels slash their prices to attract customers. Be on the lookout.
In any case, accommodation remains the main expense of a stay in Prague. But if you're not too demanding and a bed in a youth hostel suits you, dormitories can be found for less than €25 in the city center, out of season. Again, in high season, a single bed in a dormitory can cost up to €90 in even the most spartan establishments. Hotels, on the other hand, are quite expensive. In Prague, expect to pay between Kč1,900 and Kč2,300 for a double room in a (very) standard hotel in mid-season. After that, the price rises very quickly. Hotels in the slightly more outlying districts of Vinohrady and Žižkov are relatively cheaper. From there, it's a 10-15 minute streetcar ride to the city center. A valid solution if you're staying for more than a weekend.
Meals, on the other hand, are fairly inexpensive, although inflation is beginning to push prices up here too. Czech cuisine has the added advantage of being served in generous portions. A good dish and a beer will make you forget your hunger and will set you back between 200 and 400 Kč. But if you like your food a little more elaborate, you'll have to pay a lot more, especially in gourmet restaurants, of which there are many in an increasingly gentrified city center. For those who prefer to compose their own meals, no problem: supermarkets and grocery stores are plentiful. Seasonal fruit is much cheaper at the market. It's always a good idea to check your restaurant bill, as unordered dishes tend to appear on it. Be aware that bread, which is given to you at the start, is not free, nor are any extras. Tipping is never included in the bill, and waiters will remind you of this (even if you've only ordered a small coffee...). In the most touristy places, waiters sometimes assess their own tips and add 10-15% to the bill. It's up to you to decide whether you approve of this method..
Transport is efficient and inexpensive. A ticket (metro, streetcar, bus) costs 30 Kč, or around €1.24, for the shortest journeys (30 minutes). But most of the time, you'll have to buy tickets for 40 Kč (or €1.65), valid for 90 minutes, just so you don't get caught breaking the law at the 31stminute ! Weekly passes are also very attractive. Long-distance travel by bus or train is, compared with France, really cheap.
As for visits and extras (outings, concerts), it all depends on your requirements and your means. Museum entrance fees range from €1.50 to €16, but the full Prague Castle tour with photo option costs 450 Kč (€18) on its own.
Passport and visas à PRAGUE
A valid identity card or passport is all you need to visit the Czech Republic. If you come across a fussy policeman or customs officer, make sure that your papers are valid for at least another six months after the date of entry into the country.
Driver's license à PRAGUE
If your driving license was issued in a European Union country and is still valid, you can use it to drive or rent a car in the Czech Republic. Very useful if you're planning to visit the Prague area.
Health à PRAGUE
There are no particular risks in the Czech Republic. However, it is advisable to take out an international insurance policy. The standard of Czech medicine is comparable to that in Western countries, with the difference that Czech doctors are paid three times less than their Western European counterparts. Most of them are state employees, and share the sad salary situation of civil servants. As the lack of resources is sometimes flagrant, it's best to avoid seeking treatment in certain Czech hospitals. But the situation is improving every year, and it's much easier and safer to go to hospital than it was ten years ago.
Mandatory vaccination à PRAGUE
There is no mandatory vaccination to travel to the Czech Republic, and Prague is a very safe city. However, it is recommended to check if your vaccinations are up to date and, depending on the length of your trip, to get vaccinated againsthepatitis A and ticks, especially if you leave Prague during your stay.
Security à PRAGUE
Prague is a fairly safe city, but it's also an extremely touristy one; put yourself in the shoes of pickpockets... 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 divert your attention when withdrawing money from an ATM. Be careful when boarding streetcars, when everyone is jostling for position. 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 and found office: Karolíny Světlé 5.
Time difference à PRAGUE
Prague is in the GMT + 1 time zone, so the time in the Czech capital is the same as in France. The changeover from summer to winter time and vice versa takes place on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.
Spoken languages à PRAGUE
In Prague, as in the whole Czech Republic, we speak Czech. While German and Russian were for a very long time the most widely spoken foreign languages in the country, they have now been overtaken by English. This is now more a question of generation. While older people and rural populations speak more and more German and Russian, young people prefer English for the most part. The Frenchman comes far behind. Old French-Czech friendly relations, once not only cultural but also political, seem to have disappeared.
Communication à PRAGUE
It's easy to spend your mobile and 4 or 5G package in the Czech Republic. Calls to France and Europe are no longer subject to surcharges, but be sure to check the amount of data usage abroad included in your package, which can vary from one operator to another. You can also choose to equip yourself with a local chip, on sale in all downtown stores. The city's coverage is very good, and you'll have no problem communicating with your loved ones. Wifi has become commonplace (and free) in hotels, cafés and restaurants, so that cybercafés have all but disappeared from Prague's streets.
Electricity and measurements à PRAGUE
The Czech Republic uses the same system. The voltage is 220 V, so you can use your usual devices and charge them as safely as at home.
Luggage à PRAGUE
Summers can be stifling in Prague, where the climate is continental. Take light clothing, sunglasses and a hat or cap to provide shade. In winter, on the other hand, temperatures can be harsh, so warm clothing is a must. In any case, don't forget to bring good shoes: Prague can be discovered on foot, and the cobblestones don't do poor soles any favors. Heels should also be avoided. If you're going to a concert or the opera, don't forget to bring a smart outfit. There isn't much of a dress code at the door, but Czechs are used to dressing up for the occasion, so you might as well go local.
Daily life à PRAGUE
Hello? à PRAGUE
Calls made to Europe from a cell phone are included in the packages of the main French operators. Find out about the rates beyond the call duration you are entitled to, as well as the cost of using data abroad. To call a number in France, dial +33 followed by the number of your correspondent without the initial "0". To call the Czech Republic, dial +420 followed by the 9-digit number of your correspondent. In the Czech Republic, within the same district, dial directly the 9 digits of the correspondent.
Accessibility à PRAGUE
Unfortunately,people with reduced mobility have a hard time in the Czech capital and elsewhere. Even though the city is making more and more efforts, a cruel lack of facilities to make life easier can be felt at every step. All new subway stations are equipped with elevators, but in the old 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. Some establishments offer a few adapted rooms, but they are rare. Many restaurants and cafes are located in basements. Most art galleries and museums have been renovated recently and are now easily accessible. Finally, the cobblestone streets of Malá Straná and the country's historic cities are not really ideal for wheelchairs.
Prague is not a very easy city for small children. The tours revolve a lot around literature, architecture or history, and it's hard to keep their attention for a whole day on these subjects, especially when you have them pounding the pavement. Try to alternate by taking advantage of what Prague has to offer: the miniature book museums or the Grévin museum will be able to motivate the younger ones. The Prague Zoo or the Chocolate Museum are other good places to go. As for activities, Prague is full ofescape games. You can also take them to the top of the Petřín tower, or go pedal boating on the Vltava River. Finally, a shopping session, in the wooden toy or puppet stores, will also be an opportunity for them to discover the city from a childhood perspective.
Health à PRAGUE
Health facilities in Prague are excellent, but not all doctors speak French or English. In case of illness, you can contact the French consulate, which will provide you with a list of approved French-speaking doctors. In the city's pharmacies, you can buy aspirin, paracetamol and other parapharmaceutical treatments without a prescription. For the more specific medications you may need, remember to bring your prescription with you. One of the largest pharmacies in Prague is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on Palackého Street, number 5.
Emergency numbers à PRAGUE
Throughout the European Union, 112 is the emergency number for contacting an ambulance, fire brigade or police. This number is free of charge, whether dialed on a fixed-line telephone, a mobile phone or from a telephone booth. 112 is available 24 hours a day. For ambulances, dial 155, and for firefighters, 150.
Securty à PRAGUE
Prague is a fairly safe city, but it's also an extremely touristy one; put yourself in the shoes of pickpockets... 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, metro, etc.).
Beware of anyone trying to divert your attention. Be careful when boarding streetcars, when everyone is jostling each other. Remember that you don't have to show your money to a plainclothes policeman, or even one in uniform... If in doubt about a policeman (real or fake?), ask to go with the person to the nearest police station (Polícia). 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. In the rest of the country, the same safety rules apply, especially in the most touristy towns.
LGBTQ à PRAGUE
LGBTQ people will enjoy a high level of tolerance in Prague, even if the gay-friendly flag is not displayed on every street corner. The majority of gay-friendly hotels and clubs are located in the Vinohrady district. In the city center, many nightclubs and bars now organize special evenings open to the gay community. For addresses and information, visit https://prague.gayguide.net.
Embassies and consulates à PRAGUE
France has an embassy in Prague (https://cz.ambafrance.org), as do other French-speaking countries: Belgium, Switzerland and Canada.
Mail à PRAGUE
Czech Post (Česká Pošta) works well, and a letter posted in Prague will reach your friends quickly. A stamp or letter to France costs 44 Kč. More info at www.ceskaposta.cz. You can buy stamps almost anywhere you find postcards.
Prague's central post office is located in the New Town (Nové Město) at Jindřišská 14. It operates daily from 2 a.m. to midnight.
As for the poste restante(uložené zásilky), you can receive your mail at the following address: poste restante Jindřišská 14, Praha 1. Please have your passport ready to collect your mail at counter 28 in the main hall.
Local media à PRAGUE
Press, radio, television... the media offer is important in the Czech Republic, but, to take advantage of it, you will have to speak Czech, which is not the case for everyone. One of the best sources of political, social and cultural information in French is the Radio Praha website (www.radio.cz/fr). Many good tips are also listed on the website of expats in the Czech Republic, www.expats.cz, in English. Finally, for more tourist information and practical information on the city, you can connect to the official website of the city: www.prague.eu/fr.
