- Tourist Information
- Currency Exchange
- Credit Cards
- Business Hours
- Time Zone
- Electricity
- Weather
- Emergency Telephone Numbers
- Taxi
- Public Transportation
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.
Currency Exchange
The official currency of Czechia is the Czech Crown (CZK) also known as Czech koruna (Kč). It’s best to exchange currency in Czechia at a bank, ATM, or Kantor (currency exchange service).
It will almost always be cheaper to use an ATM in Czechia than to exchange cash from home due to the exchange rate, although ATMs may charge a fee for cash withdrawals. It is also advisable to withdraw in the Czech Crown rather than in your home currency when using an ATM otherwise, the ATM has a license to mark up the exchange rate you’re getting. This is known as ‘Dynamic Currency Conversion’ and you may pay extra. Also, if you’re given the option to make a payment in your home currency, it’s also better to decline it and pay in the local currency.
Banks are easy to find in Czechia, especially in larger cities. It’s recommend 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. Consider getting some local currency before arriving in Prague for immediate expenses.
Credit Cards
Major credit 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.
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 travelers 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 with 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.