Czech Republic Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Prague
- Currency
- Czech Koruna (CZK Kč)
- Best time to visit
- May to June and September to October for comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. July–August is peak season. December offers magical Christmas markets.
Visa requirements
Part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens enter freely. USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and most Western nations are visa-free for up to 90 days.
Getting around
Czech Railways and comfortable coach lines like RegioJet and FlixBus connect Prague with Brno, Český Krumlov and beyond cheaply and efficiently. Prague has an excellent metro, tram and bus system on integrated tickets, and taxis plus apps like Bolt and Uber are widely available.
Safety
Very safe destination. Watch for pickpockets in Old Town Square and on the Charles Bridge in peak season. Taxi scams were historically common — use Bolt or Uber. Drink tap water freely — it's safe and good quality.
Tipping customs
Tipping is customary and usually around 10%. In restaurants tell the server the total you want to pay as you hand over the money rather than leaving coins on the table, round up taxi fares, and leave small change for hotel porters and housekeeping.
Travel tips
Prague Castle is the world's largest ancient castle complex — allow a full morning. Czech beer (pilsner originated here — Pilsen is 90 minutes from Prague) is a cultural institution. The Czech Crown (Koruna) is not the Euro — exchange cash or use ATMs, not airport kiosks.