Prague – know before you go:
Money –
- ·The official currency in Prague at the moment is the Koruna (CZK). Though the Czech Republic was made part of the EU in 2005 as an accession state, the country has not yet implemented the Euro, though some hotels will accept it.
- ·There are ATMs all over the city and the majority of them take credit and bank cards sporting the Cirrus and Plus marks.
- ·You don’t usually have to tip as it’s often included in the service charge but it’s the done thing to round up a bill or a taxi fair to the nearest ten.
Business hours –
·Most shops open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. On Saturdays a lot of them close at noon, while banks are usually open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Between 9am to 6pm is when you’ll find the majority of museums and galleries open, while they’re usually closed on Mondays.
Visas/Passports –
·If you have a valid passport you can enter the Czech Republic. Nationals of all western European countries, the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand can stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days without a visa and UK nationals can stay for up to 180 days without a visa. Nationals of South Africa and many other countries need to obtain a visa, which will allow them stay from anything between 30 and 90 days according to specific nationality.
Emergencies –
·For police, ambulance and fire services call 155.
When’s a good time to go –
·Many of the attractions throughout the Czech Republic are closed during the summer months, or keep shortened hours, but Prague is pretty much open all year round. If you’re not a fan of crowds you’d do well to avoid the Xmas and Easter holidays… May and June can get fairly intense as well. Of course if you want hustle, bustle and buzz all around you then these are the times to go, but for a change of pace head out in the winter months. You’ll be spoilt for choice and price as the hotels empty out, and the snow-laden hilltops and streetscapes of Prague in January and February make it the most beautiful time of year to visit.
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