RIPE 89

Useful Information

Tourist Information

Prague has many official and independent tourist information offices all over the city. Prague Airport has an information desk and visitor’s centre in the passenger terminal check-in hall. The opening hours of the information desks depend on the operating times of airlines. The YouTube channel Honest Guide run by Prague locals has a series of Prague Guides.

Currency Exchange

The official currency of Czechia is the Czech Crown (CZK) also known as Czech koruna (Kč). As payment cards are generally accepted, it might not be necessary to exchange money at a směnárna (currency exchange service). Beware that there are a few exchange offices which offer an extremely bad exchange rate. Always compare published exchange rates to see if the difference between ‘We Buy’ and ‘We Sell’ is too big. In case you have been tricked, you have a right to revert the transaction within three hours. Also, never exchange money on the street. Those people are trying to trick you into accepting worthless expired Belarusian rubles in place of Czech crowns.

Withdrawing Czech crowns from an ATM might be the most convenient way of getting some cash. Make sure to decline the offered Dynamic Currency Conversion from Czech crowns to your card’s currency, as this conversion is always worse than your bank’s exchange rate. Some ATMs are also known to charge a withdrawal fee to foreign cards. In that case, look for an ATM of a different bank.

Banks are easy to find in Czechia, especially in larger cities. It’s recommended to compare exchange rates and fees to ensure you get the best deal and banks often offer competitive rates. Before travelling, it’s advisable to check with your bank regarding international transaction fees and notify them of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Payment Cards

Major credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. However, it’s always good to carry some cash for smaller vendors or establishments that may not accept cards.

Business Hours

Most shops and businesses in Prague operate from around 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends. However, some supermarkets, malls, and tourist areas may have extended hours.

Czechoslovak Independence Day (28 October)

On 28 October, Czechia celebrates Czechoslovak Independence Day, a national holiday commemorating the anniversary of establishing an independent state. This day is significant in Czech history and is marked by various ceremonies, including official state events and public celebrations. As a national holiday, most businesses and offices are closed, and shops with an area of over 200 square metres will not open. However, pharmacies, small shops, and restaurants will remain operational. Public transport will follow Sunday schedules while other public services may experience reduced hours.

Time Zone

Prague follows Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 during standard time and UTC+2 during daylight saving time.
From Sunday, 27 October, Czechia will be in UTC+1 time zone.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Prague is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Plugs are of the European type with two round pins, so travellers from other regions may need adapters.

Weather

Prague experiences a cold winter and it is advisable to pack plenty of layers for your trip. The average temperature ranges from lows of 2°C to highs of 9°C.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for general emergencies, 155 for medical assistance, and 158 for police.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Prague, but it’s essential to use licensed taxis from reputable companies to avoid scams. Uber and other ride-sharing services also operate in the city.

Public Transportation

Prague has an efficient and extensive public transportation system consisting of metro, trams, and buses. Visitors can purchase tickets from vending machines or at metro stations and validate them upon boarding. A variety of ticket options are available, including single-ride tickets, day passes, and multi-day passes.

RIPE 89 attendees receive free ticket transportation during their stay in Prague. Learn more