Basic information for travelers

Here are some useful basics for travelers heading to Prague :

• Language: Czech is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
• Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Many places accept cards, but small shops may prefer cash.
• Time: Central European Time (GMT +1), Central European Summer Time +1(GMT +2)
• Visa Requirements: Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens enter freely; many nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
• Credit Cards & ATMs: Cards widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard most common). ATMs are very common ( located on the streets, banks, metro stations, shopping malls—prefer bank-operated machines to avoid high fees from private operators.
  
• Electrical Voltage In the Czech Republic, a voltage of 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz is used; E-type electrical sockets (French sockets) with an earth pin are standard. 
• Weather: Winters are cold; summers warm but not extreme. Spring and early fall are ideal for sightseeing.
• Peak tourism: May–September.
• Best Areas to Stay: Prague 1- Old Town, Malá Strana (historic & scenic), Prague 2 and 3 -Vinohrady, Žižkov (local & trendy), or Prague 7
• Tourist Hotspots: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter.
• Getting from Airport: The airport has no direct metro. Use Airport Express (AE) bus, bus + metro combo, or taxi/ride-share.
• Transport Tickets: Use paper tickets or Lítačka app. Tickets must be validated when you first board. Fines apply for unvalidated tickets.
• Taxi & Rideshare: Official taxis should use meters. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Bolt are widely used and typically cheaper.
• Water Safety:
  Tap water is safe to drink throughout Prague.
• Health Care:
  Pharmacies (“lékarna“) are common. EU citizens can use the EHIC card. Non-EU travelers should have travel insurance.
• Business Hours:
  • Shops usually open 09:00–20:00 (weekdays & Saturday).
  • Sundays: many shops are closed
  • Shopping malls and shops in the city centre are open every day until late evening
• Internet & SIM Cards:
  • Free Wi-Fi is widespread.
  • Local prepaid SIMs available from O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile; eSIMs are widely supported.
• Public Holiday – On public holiday days most of the shops and other facilities tend to be closed. 1 January, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May, 8 May, 5 July, 6 July, 28 September, 28 October, 17 November, 24 December, 25 December, 26 December 
  
• Driving Rules:
  • Right-hand driving.
  • Zero alcohol tolerance when driving.
  • Vignettes required for motorways (digital stickers).
• Local Laws / Conduct:
• Drinking alcohol in public is restricted in some areas (especially Prague 1). Signs mark no-drink zones.
• Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars. Designated outdoor areas only.
• It’s illegal to deface or climb monuments, including Charles Bridge statues.
• Those who violate the nighttime quiet hours, which in Czech Republic is defined as the period between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., face a fine.
   
• Local Etiquette & Social Norms:
• Removing shoes when visiting someone’s home is common, the same applies to Airbnb apartments
• Silence is valued on public transport—keep noise low.
• Restrooms:
• Public toilets often charge a small fee.
• In cafés or restaurants, sometimes you may need to ask for a code or receipt to access restrooms.
• Public Transport Etiquette:
• Offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers.
• Stand on the right side of escalators; walk on the left.
• Tourist Cards:
• Prague Visitor Pass offers public transport + free/discounted entry to many attractions, often cost-effective.
• Many museums close on Mondays.
• Shopping Tax Refunds:
• Non-EU travelers can claim VAT refunds when spending above certain thresholds in participating stores.
• Photography:
• Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas.
• Some museums and historic interiors require an additional photo permit.
• Tipping: 10% is standard; some restaurants allow you to add it on the card machine, but many expect it in cash. Taxi drivers: rounding up is common. Hotels: small tips for porters/housekeeping is welcome