Czech Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations. That's why tripmydream decided to collect all the most useful tips for those who are just going to go there.
Czech Etiquette
As in any country in the world, in Czech Republic, a tourist unfamiliar with the nuances of the national character of the Czechs may inadvertently make a blunder that will significantly spoil the whole vacation. To avoid such mishaps, you should take note of the following:
- It is customary among Czechs to shake hands, no matter with a man or a woman. At the same time, men expect a woman to say hello first.
- Czechs are very reverent about the politeness of conversation: "hello," "please," "thank you" - these words are in constant use here.
- In stores, there is one, at first glance, a strange rule: all goods are usually put in a special basket or cart, even if you came to buy only a bottle of water or bread.
- In stores and markets, it is not customary to break the queue. No matter how much you are in a hurry, wait until you are served.
- Don't make jokes and remarks about the Czechs' love of beer. Here it is consumed in more than reasonable quantities, but the image of the Czech Republic as a "beer" country is created at the expense of foreign tourists.
- In the Czech Republic, it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages in public places: subway, transport, at bus stops, in parks and on the street, as well as near schools and health care facilities.
- The country has a strict ban on smoking in unauthorized places (in public places and closed areas of platforms). Violations are punishable by a fine.
- In conversation with locals, you should refrain from comparing Czechs with other nations, especially Russians. And to call the Czech Republic Czechoslovakia - and even more so.
- And, of course, cleanliness. In the Czech Republic, this is taken very seriously: for throwing paper or (God forbid!) gum on the street, you will be obliged to pay a fine of 1000 crowns in cash or up to 30,000 crowns through the bank.
Security
Czech Republic, in principle, is not characterized by a high level of crime, but even here a tourist should adhere to elementary safety rules:
- Do not carry large sums of cash or bank cards. It is better to have with you the necessary minimum, and the rest to leave in the hotel safe.
- It is also not worth keeping your passport with you. It is better (and safer) to make a copy of the first page (with a photo) and carry it with you, and the original left in the hotel.
- Tourists are also advised not to carry anything important or valuable (money, documents and so on) in bags and backpacks, as petty theft is very common in the Czech Republic. The same applies to pockets.
- In case of conflict situations (e.g. robbery), never confront the aggressor. It is better to just give him money and valuables, and then contact the police. And then go to the police.
Every traveler should have these contacts with them in case of emergencies:
- National Tourist Office of the Czech Republic: (+420) 24-211-458 (from 10:00 to 18:00)
- The telephone inquiry service for Russian-speaking tourists - (+420) 220-513-213 or mobile (+420) 773-688-037. The service works from 9:00 to 21:00, the fee is charged in accordance with the tariffs of the operator.
- Duty pharmacies - 220-081
- The single telephone number of emergency services is 112. You can call it from anywhere in the Czech Republic and report a traffic accident, fire, disaster, accident or call an ambulance
- Ambulance (Zachranna sluzba) - 155
- Fire department (Hasici) - 150
Technical roadside assistance - 154 or 123
Useful Trivia
When going to the Czech Republic, take into account a few tips that will make your stay in the country much easier:
- Czech Republic, although it is part of the Schengen zone and is a member of the EU, stubbornly does not want to recognize the euro. Therefore, take care to exchange your money for Czech crowns in advance (you can do it, for example, at the exchange office on Politickyh Veznu Street). And in general, of course, it is more reliable to do it in banks. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 16:30. When exchanging currency, they usually charge a commission (1-15%), so it is better to first find out how much you will receive, and then change. Some of the most reliable ones are Ceska sporitelna, CSOB, Komercni banka and Zivnostenska banka.
- In the Czech Republic you can pay with bank cards. Traditional Visa and Mastercard, as well as Diners Club and American Express are in use.
- To make calls from a pay phone you need to use a coin or buy a card. The latter are sold at post offices, newsstands, currency exchange offices and tourist offices.
- When shopping in self-service stores, be careful: it is not uncommon for tourists to be cheated.
Shopping in the Czech Republic
When you go to the Czech Republic, you'll probably be shopping for souvenirs or just a few new things, so our tips will come in handy:
- In stores in the Czech Republic that support Tax Free, if you buy more than 2500 CZK, you can get a 14% VAT refund. For this you will need a regular receipt and a Tax Free receipt. To get the latter, you need to have your passport or a copy of it, and you can return the VAT either when you leave the country or at Tax Free points in your home country.
- When buying antique items, be sure to specify the amount of duty that you will have to pay when you take the purchase out of the country.
- In order not to be tormented by the question of what to bring as a souvenir, remember that the best things to bring from the Czech Republic are glass/crystal/laceware, pomegranate jewelry, liqueurs, as well as porcelain or ceramics. Medicinal cosmetics, sweets and handmade toys are also good souvenirs.
- Planning a shopping tour to the Czech Republic, take into account that the selling season here traditionally begins immediately after Christmas and New Year's Eve, followed by "continuation of the banquet" in April and July. And this celebration of shopaholism ends in September-October.
Tip: If you prefer shopping in big shopping centers, you should definitely visit Prague. Paris Street, Wenceslas Square, the Myslbek Shopping Gallery in Příkop and the huge Palladium in the heart of Prague are the places to go.
Not attracted to branded shopping malls? Want something original and 100% handmade? Then check out Mostecka Street and the flea market on Kolbenova Street.
What to see in the Czech Republic.
Every country has its iconic places, without visiting which your trip will be incomplete. So, what you need to see in the Czech Republic, besides the capital:
- The Cathedral of Peter and Paul in Brno to marvel at the grandeur of the Gothic architecture.
- Fabulous Czech castles: Rožmberk, Orlik, Karlštejn, Zvíkov, Sychrov ...
- Pilsen, the beer capital, to see for yourself that Czech beer is the most delicious.
- The town of Pardubice, where you can taste the famous gingerbread with anise, coriander, mint, pepper and a host of other flavors.
- Cesky Krumlov - the most popular historical area of Southern Bohemia, famous for its unique architecture and variety of styles.
- The town of Telč - the Venice of Bohemia, where you should definitely walk through the halls of the local palace.
Have a great trip!
