27. 1. 2023 | Inspirace
If you’re considering coming to Czechia, you probably looked up some basic information about us already. You might know that our national drink is beer, our favourite sport is ice hockey, we’re one of the safest countries in the world and that Prague is a gem when it comes to medieval cities. But what are all those smaller cultural things a simple internet search usually won’t tell you and are peculiar about us?
Almost everybody uses public transport
Public transport in Czechia isn’t something only the poor use, but a safe, fast and comfortable method of getting around. Especially in big cities like Prague and Brno, which suffer from frequent traffic jams during rush hours, public transport is a lifesaver. Metro, trams and buses are almost always exactly on time, run frequently and are clean. If you’re staying for a whole semester, always buy a monthly commuter’s pass to save money and experience the convenience of unlimited travel.
Czech mentality
Czech people are known to be generally friendly and helpful, but also rather timid and shy around foreigners, especially if they don’t feel confident about their English. We’re almost always on time when it comes to meetings, but, at the same time, we’re not a workaholic culture. Czechs are usually more to the chill side while still delivering good work results.
Customer service
Don’t expect servitude in shops. Czech shop assistants used to have a very bad reputation for their rude behaviour towards customers, but 1) that’s not true anymore 2) it was never really that horrible in the first place. It seems shop assistants shocked a few foreigners in 90s because of their lack of perfect customer service and then it somehow sticked with them. The truth? Czech shop assistants are generally friendly and helpful, but don’t expect them to become your personal servants and smile all the time just because you came to buy something.
Strict no shoes policy at home
In some cultures, it’s not a problem to wear shoes indoors when visiting people’s homes. However, Czechia is definitely NOT one of those countries. Shoes have to be always taken off immediately upon arrival and left at the entrance on a shoe rack. But don’t worry, it’s customary to offer visitors some slippers so you won’t get cold. Also, Czech households often have carpets.
Language barrier in smaller cities
Yes, English is a lingua franca of this age, but still be prepared to encounter some difficulties when visiting Czechia, especially in smaller cities. While Prague is heavily focused on tourism, so everybody in shops and facilities speaks English, it’s not automatic in smaller cities. English is a compulsory language at Czech schools, but, sadly, it’s rarely taught effectively and students who don’t plan to go to university or work in tourism usually give up studying it further and never learn to speak fluently.
Distinctive forms of inland tourism
Obviously, the Czech Republic doesn’t have access to the sea, but Czech people still love sunbathing and swimming, so we’re making use of our lakes. Many famous lakes have camps and facilities nearby, so it’s common for Czech people to spend their summer weekends there. When hot weather strikes, their shores look very similar to beaches.
Other very distinctive feature about Czech people is their fondness of cottages in the mountains. You don’t have to be particularly rich to buy such a simple residence and, for many people, it’s a way how to escape bustling cities for a relaxing weekend away. Many Czech people also like hiking.
Mushrooming
Apart from hiking, almost nobody says no to a stroll in a forest. Moreover, we’re a nation literally hooked on mushrooming. If you’re American, you probably feel horrified by our strange hobby, but we’re highly proficient when it comes to distinguishing edible mushrooms from poisonous ones, almost as if it’s in our blood.
FAQs
Czech Republic has High-quality educational system. Czech universities emphasize quality, variability, accessibility, and materiality in their education. From the academic institutions of Czech students are sure to get internationally recognized qualifications.
Why did you choose to study in the Czech Republic? ›
Czech Republic has High-quality educational system. Czech universities emphasize quality, variability, accessibility, and materiality in their education. From the academic institutions of Czech students are sure to get internationally recognized qualifications.
What is Czech best known for? ›
The Czech Republic is known for its stunning castles, unique culture, beer and so much more. Keep on reading to see all the interesting facts about the Czech Republic we have up our sleeve.
What are the benefits of living in the Czech Republic? ›
Life in the Czech Republic is just comfortable
Smart public transport system, settled life, delicious national cuisine and the best prices in Europe. Citizens of the Czech Republic also have a lot of opportunities to travel comfortably and budget-friendly around Europe.
What are the pros and cons of studying in Czech Republic? ›
The Czech Republic
Pros: high–quality and high-level education, social support for students - various discounts, low living costs compared to other European countries. It`s possible to work while studying. Cons: high competition for legal, educational, economic, medical programmes.
Why you should learn Czech? ›
It will help you understand the culture. You'll be able to watch old Czech movies in original dubbing, because some puns just cannot be translated. You'll be able to read poems, you'll understand jokes and idioms. Simply, it will help you understand, among other things, the Czech way of life.
What is unique about Czech culture? ›
The Czech Republic is renowned for its support of writers, artists, and the bohemian lifestyle. Outside of the historic capital of Prague is a countryside filled with farms, forests, villages and castles.
What are 5 facts about Prague? ›
Cool facts about Prague
- You can visit a beer spa.
- Karlovy Lázně is the home of central europe's largest club.]
- Prague castle is the globe's largest castle.
- The best views of the city are at the petrin tower.
- Prague residents drink the most beer per capita in the world.
It is a safe country.
The crime rate in the country is very low. Czech Republic is in the list of 15 most peaceful countries in the world. In terms of ecology and cleanliness, the country ranks 6th in the world. It has excellent water and food quality and a healthy environment, so its health indicators are always good.
What is the number 1 in Czech? ›
1 Jedna. (slow) Jed-na. Jedna.
In 2023 Czechia ranks 11st (out of 53 countries). Czechia was praised for its good health care for children and high-quality and affordable education. It scored highly in leisure options (10th), travel and transit (7th), healthcare (21st), safety and security (11st), work and leisure (4th).
What is beautiful about Czech Republic? ›
The country boasts 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many castles and beautiful old towns. Everybody knows Prague.
Is Czechia cheap to live in? ›
Thanks to cheap public transportation, healthcare and entertainment, the Czech Republic is among the most affordable European Union countries. For students, the average cost of living in the Czech Republic ranges from 350 to 750 USD per month.
What to know before moving to the Czech Republic? ›
What should every expat know before moving to Prague?
- Different neighborhoods suit different personalities. ...
- Public transportation will be your best friend. ...
- Beer is cheaper than water (yes, seriously) ...
- Be prepared for some serious bureaucracy. ...
- Czech language is difficult…but worth learning.
Roast pork with dumplings and cabbage (pečené vepřové s knedlíky a se zelím, colloquially vepřo-knedlo-zelo) is often considered the most typical Czech dish. It consists of cabbage and is either cooked or served pickled. There are different varieties, from sour to sweet.
Why is Czech Republic interesting? ›
The Czech Republic is the birthplace of Franz Kafka and the country that elected the writer-playwright Vaclav Havel as its first president. As you can see, thinkers and masters of words are loved here.
Is Czech Republic a good place to study abroad? ›
The Czech Republic offers high quality study programs as well as affordable living costs and enjoyable student life, all in one brilliant study abroad destination! With its wonderful castles and chateaus, charming historic cities and natural treasures, the Czech Republic is a must-visit place.
What is the quality of education in Czech Republic? ›
The Czech education system is known for its high standards and rigorous academic programs. It is also highly regarded for being inclusive, with a focus on equal opportunities for all students. This has made the country a popular destination for international students seeking to further their studies.
If you’re considering coming to Czechia, you probably looked up some basic information about us already. You might know that our national drink is beer, our favourite sport is ice hockey, we’re one of the safest countries in the world and that Prague is a gem when it comes to medieval cities. But what are all those smaller cultural things a simple internet search usually won’t tell you and are peculiar about us?