Prague Guide
Useful information
Climate
Cold winters with snow and mild, often wet summers. The best time to visit is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer is the tourist high season.
Language
Official language is Czech, but English and German are also widely spoken.
Money and Rate
The official currency is the Koruna (Kc), which is divided into 100 haler. Most credit cards including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling away from Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, change bureaux and some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on weekends. ATMs (known as ’bankomats’) are becoming more common in Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a good rate and without commission. The Czech Republic is still cheap compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.
The rate of the CZK to each currency is different every day. Aprox. values you can get for a foreign currency (1EUR = 28CZK; 1USD = 22CZK; 1GBP = 41CZK)
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 April - October)
Electricity
The normal electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz. Round pin plugs with a hole for a male grounding pin are standard. Most sockets also take the standard European two-pin plugs.
Opening times
Offices, services and most stores are closed on Saturday (afternoon) and Sunday. In City Centre are most shops, cafes and restaurants opened all day long.
Tips
Service is included in the bill in restaurants and hotels. Usually a good tip is approximately 10%.
Visitors
Tourist offices and information bureaux will give you a friendly welcome and provide good advice and service.
