Prague Tourist Information Guide | Currency (2024)

Prague Tourist Information

For a list of the top places to visit in Prague, view .

Currency and where to exchange money in Prague

100/200/500/1000/2000/5000 CZK.

Pay by mobile (via Google Pay and Apple Pay) and credit/debit cards (including contactless cards) are widely accepted at hotels, shops, bars, cafés and restaurants in Prague. Life in the city is no different in this respect than, for example, in London or Paris.

Paying in Cash

Czech people are proud of their currency. If you wish to pay in cash, the majority of shops, bars, cafés and tourist attractions in Prague only accept Czech Crowns (CZK).

Some larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept Euros (EUR) too, but not all.

The trend is towards cashless payments, but it is still advisable to carry at least a small amount of Czech Crowns. Some local businesses and market stalls do prefer it.

Currency exchange: where to find the best exchange rates in Prague

To change money into Czech Crowns, visitors should obtain a better exchange rate in Prague than in their home country.

The best exchange rate is usually obtained by withdrawing Czech Crowns from a cash machine (ATM) at a bank in Prague, even accounting for any transaction fees your card issuer may levy.

(i) Cash machines (ATMs) in Prague

ATMs in Prague accept credit/debit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Key points on withdrawing cash from an ATM:

1. Use a debit card if possible, as transaction fees are generally lower than for a credit card. If you only have a credit card, it is still worthwhile using it.

2. Use an ATM that belongs to a bank. If you are unsure, use an ATM at an actual bank. We do NOT recommend using a currency exchange company's ATM or a stand alone ATM in a random location, as these usually impose extra transaction fees.

To change cash for Czech Crowns in Prague, the best exchange rates can be obtained from a currency exchange office (Bureau de Change) in the city centre (NOT at the airport).

Currency exchange offices are located throughout the city centre, in particular around Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square and the Lesser Town Square.

It is advisable to use one of the larger currency exchange offices, one with a room inside where you can carry out your transaction in a calm manner. In contrast, be wary of the small currency exchange booths with just a window on the street; some offer competitive rates, but at others offers of 0% commission and confusing signs can mask a poor rate.

The best way to protect yourself in all cases is to ask what the total amount you will receive is before handing over any money. Good exchange offices will tell you this as a matter of course.

For excellent exchange rates, with no commission and good customer service, we recommend:

eXchange: Náměstí Franze Kafky 2 (near Old Town Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-20:00; Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00. Tel: 222 700 890.

Exchange Prague: Wenceslas Square 60, Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-19:00. Tel: 605 531 130. info@prahaexchange.cz.

Samiko Exchange Office: Štěpánská 39 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat 09:00-17:00. Tel: 602 211 043.

Another option is to change money at a bank. Banks offer good exchange rates, but do charge a small commission. The main area for banking in Prague is Wenceslas Square.

COST OF LIVING IN PRAGUE

Prices for the provision of services such as hairdressers, and health and beauty treatments are generally lower than in Western Europe. Also, health tourism, while not wide spread, is a factor because dental and medical care is of a high standard and prices are reasonable.

Prices for cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, international clothing brands and durable consumer goods in Prague are similar to elsewhere in Europe.

The average temperature in December and January is -1°C (30°F), but it can deviate dramatically in either direction. There are bright and sunny, relatively warm periods when temperatures rise to 10°C (50°F). Equally, there can be heavy bouts of snow that last several days or weeks, when temperatures drop to between -10°C (25°F) and -15°C (5°F).

When to Visit Prague

The majestic squares, historic buildings and cobbled streets are a joy to explore both in the hot summer sunshine and in the heavy snows of winter. The Vltava River, parks and gardens offer different experiences with every season.

Tourist attractions, restaurants and theatres are equipped to welcome visitors at all times; buildings are heated in the winter, and many are air-conditioned in the summer.

Above all, the city is somewhere to kick back and relax: from spring through to autumn, an al fresco drink at a pavement café or in a beer garden basking in the sunshine can be a highlight of your trip; in the winter, a warm and cosy ambience awaits inside the pubs, restaurants and traditional cafés.

Spring (April to June, including Easter) is a popular time for tourists to visit Prague. This is closely followed by Autumn (September to October), and then December: the Christmas markets usually run from late November to early January, when the festive atmosphere draws in visitors from around the world. New Year's Eve is perhaps the most popular time of all.

Hotel and flight prices fluctuate according to demand: the most expensive times to book a trip to Prague are weekends in May, April, June, September, October and December, in this order. If you can travel midweek, there are bargains from Sunday to Thursday night all year round.

July and August present an anomaly to exploit. There are fewer tourists to jostle with and visitors can enjoy lovely sunny weather at relatively low cost; flights and accommodation are cheaper in the height of the summer because many Europeans prefer to head to a Mediterranean beach.

The remaining months of November, January, February and March present an opportunity to enjoy a cheap city break without the crowds. You gamble on the weather, but at certain times you get the feeling you have the city all to yourself.

While flight and hotel prices can vary widely throughout the year, and can get more expensive the closer you get to the date of your trip, the prices for sightseeing, eating and entertainment in Prague remain more or less the same at all times.

View our guide to where to stay in Prague.

What to Wear in Prague

However, even in summer the weather can be highly changeable. Bring a fleece and a waterproof jacket or umbrella, in case of a cold snap or heavy shower.

In the winter, you will be glad of a warm coat, hat and gloves. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea, to protect you against rain or snow.

Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot, so a comfortable pair of shoes is a good idea all year round. The city centre is compact, making it easy to walk between the Prague sights and tourist attractions. And the most important sights, such as Prague Castle and the Old Town Square, are only fully accessible on foot.

While it may be nice to dress smartly, and many people do, Prague is a fairly casual city. Restaurants, concert venues, theatres and other tourist venues do not have strict dress codes, and accept most forms of attire.

WiFi and Internet Access

WiFi is fast and widely available in Prague. Hotels, bars, cafés, restaurants and river cruises all offer free WiFi. And for as little as the price of a coffee, visitors can hook into the free WiFi at one of the many coffee houses and fast food restaurants in the city, such as Costa Coffee, Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Popeyes, Bageterie Boulevard, Salaterie and Paul.

WiFi is also fast and free at Prague Airport.

Telephone and Post

International Dialling Code for Czechia (Czech Republic): +420.

Useful & emergency telephone numbers

Directory enquiries: Czech numbers: 1180. International numbers: 1181.

Electricity

British, North American and other non-EU visitors will need adaptors, which can be purchased in Prague at the electrical retailer Datart. Address: Národní 28 and Palladium Shopping Centre.

Public Transport in Prague

Tipping

Smoking

Children's Activities & Families

Accessibility: Wheelchairs, Walking Difficulties, PRAMS & BUGGIES

And wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, and families with prams and pushchairs will be pleased to note that Prague's city centre is compact, with many sights and tourist attractions located close to each other.

Stay in a hotel in the city centre (Prague 1), and if you can walk short distances or be pushed, you can participate in much of the sightseeing and entertainment on offer without using public transport or taxis.

Read more in our Prague Accessibility Guide.

Dangers & Annoyances - Prague IS a safe city, BUT...

Nonetheless, there are things to be mindful of:

In terms of danger, watch out for trams when crossing roads. You may not hear them coming, they have the right of way over other traffic, and rarely stop unless forced to. And trams cannot brake quickly. Be careful also to supervise children.

As for annoyances, the following advice is based on our personal experience of using tourist services in Prague and on feedback received from previous visitors to the city:

Taxis are notorious for overcharging. If you are flying to Prague and intend to travel by taxi to your hotel, book an airport transfer in advance through a reputable company.

If you decide to hail a taxi on the street, whether you are at the airport or in the city centre, avoid unmarked taxis. Choose a taxi that has the name of the taxi company written along the side of the vehicle. Otherwise, even if the driver has a meter (which by law they should have), you cannot trust it - some drivers will set the meter at whatever rate they like. The best approach is to agree a price, or at least get a rough idea of cost, before you enter the taxi.

Pickpockets are a problem, so keep a close eye on your valuables. Make sure you can see or feel your money and personal possessions at all times. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket, or hang your handbag on the back of your chair in cafés. Violence is not an issue, pickpockets prefer easy targets. So just be careful and there is no need for further concern. And always observe the golden rule: If you don't need to carry it, leave it in the hotel safe.

Beware overcharging in restaurants that are heavily-frequented by tourists. Check the bill carefully to ensure it adds up, and that only the items you ordered appear on it. Plus, see if a service charge or tip has been added to the bill. If it has, there is no need for a further tip.

When you buy a product or service from a shop or a market stall, and you pay in cash, check that you receive the correct change. And perhaps ask for a receipt if you are not given one.

If you require cash, avoid using small currency exchange booths. Use the larger Bureau de Change or withdraw money from an ATM belonging to a bank - currency exchange

Our mission at Prague Experience is to help visitors experience the best of Prague. Tourist services listed on this website have been fully tested and approved - and if a service subsequently falls short, it is removed (places do change): our Prague airport transfers service charges a set fee to anywhere in Prague, and our drivers are polite and honest; the restaurants we list serve great food, and provide good customer service; we only list the best performances at the finest opera houses and concert halls and theatres in Prague; and we only list the best sightseeing tours and river cruises the city has to offer.

Medical Services & Healthcare

Try to avoid insect and tick bites when travelling outside Prague, especially in forested areas. They can cause significant irritation and infections of the skin.

The standard of healthcare in Czechia is impressive, particularly in Prague. The country performs above the EU average in terms of affordability, low waiting times and outcomes, and the capital city is a popular destination for medical tourism.

For Czech citizens, health insurance is compulsory.

EU citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

UK citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Other nationals, and EU and UK citizens that require more extensive medical cover, are advised to arrange appropriate travel insurance.

Tourists seeking medical attention have several options:

Pharmacies offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments and conditions.

Doctors and Dentists are available 24/7 in Prague for more serious health issues.

For Emergency Care, dial 112 to be connected to the EU emergency line, which guarantees an English-speaking operator. Alternatively, contact the Czech medical emergency services on 155. Ambulance response times are generally good.

There are a lot of pharmacies in Prague. Most are located in the New Town, where there are both stand-alone stores and chemists in shopping malls.

Dr. Max Lékárna, Vodickova 40 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.

Lékárna AVE, Havlíčkova 5 (near Old Town Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00.
Tel: 601 201 489.
Web: Website.

Dr. Max Lékárna, Praha Hlavní Nadrazi (Prague Main Railway Station), Wilsonova 8, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-20:00.

Lékárna U svate Ludmily, Belgická 37, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-21:00; Sat 08:00-20:00; Sun 09:00-20:00.
Tel: 222 513 396.

Fragnerova Lékárna U Černého orla, Malostranské náměstí 14, Lesser Town, Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:30-18:00.
Tel: 257 219 744.
Web: Website.

Doctor Prague, Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1.
Standard Open: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00. Tel: 224 220 040.
Emergency Hotel Doctor Open: 24 hrs. Tel: 603 433 833.

Malo Clinic, Kateřinská 18, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Thu 07:30-19:30; Fri 07:30-16:30; 24hr emergency service.
Tel: 775 785 222. Website.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Prague are very low, and life has returned to normal.
Find out the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) News for Prague.

Passport & Visa Information for visitors

Other nationals may require a visa: more visa information.

Foreign Embassies & Consulates

Customs Allowances within the European Union (EU)

If you travel to Prague from a non-EU country, you can bring most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco, but not meat or dairy products.

Departure: If you travel to an EU country from Prague, you can carry an unlimited quantity of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, so long as it is for personal use.

If you travel to a non-EU country from Prague, you can carry most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco. And you are exempt from paying VAT and taxes on alcohol - duty-free alcohol is available for purchase at Prague Airport (PRG).

How much duty-free you can carry depends on the rules of the country you are flying to.Travellers bound for the UK, for example, can return home with:
-42 litres of beer and 18 litres of still wine;
-4 litres of spirits OR 9 litres of sparkling wine, fortified wine or any alcoholic beverage less than 22% ABV;
-200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco OR 200 sticks of tobacco OR any proportional combination of these.

Lost Property

More Information

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