Information - General Country Information
Currency
The official currency is the Czech Crown, however, foreign currency (USD and Euro mainly) is also accepted in major hotels and shops in tourist areas.
Foreign currency can be also changed in banks during their opening hours (Mon-Fri, mostly from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM) and in abundance of exchange offices.
All major credit cards are - at least within the areas visited by tourists - accepted in most restaurants, hotels and shops.
Shopping, traditional Czech goods:
Over 500 art galleries and 500 theme-based museums throughout the country are ready to acquaint you with fine examples of visual art of every genre and period of history and give evidence of the creative potential of the Czech people.
You will certainly appreciate traditional Czech goods, from which the most popular in the world include
- cut glass
- fine porcelain
- pottery
- products made from characteristic Czech garnets
- artificial glass jewellery
- lace
- wooden toys and
- marionettes
Prague and other towns are replete with specialized shops; also visit to glass works can be arranged. Their products include unique made-to-order masterpieces, such as prizes for leading art and sports competitions, gifts for foreign state officials and objects for the dowries of royal courts.
Telecommunication
International telephone calls can be made either from post-offices or hotels but also from telephone boxes. They are operating on telephone cards. Telephone cards can be purchased at post offices, newsagents and newspaper stalls. Additionally the country is covered basically 100% by three mobile phone net providers.
Electricity
Electric current in the Czech Republic is 220 Volts. Euro norm compatible razors and hair dryers can be used in most of the hotels.
Transport
Public transport:
Trams, buses and trolley buses are used for transportation in Czech and Moravian towns. In Prague three metro lines connect the city centre and out-lying districts. Tickets can be obtained at ticket-machines, newsagents and tobacconists.
Taxis
Taxi fees, consisting of a fixed basic rate and a rate per the actual kilometres differ from place to place. The rate per kilometre must be stated both on the taxi's coachwork and inside. Every taxi driver is obliged to issue on request a receipt of the fare paid.
Safety
Czech cities are relatively safe compared to other cities in the world but one should exercise the same commons sense one would in other countries. Do not leave cash, jewellery, traveller’s cheques or other valuables in your hotel room. Every hotel has safe deposit facilities at your disposal.
