Driving in Czechia: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license.
• Road Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities like Prague, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.0%—zero tolerance.
• Road Conditions: Roads are well-maintained, but rural routes like those to Český Krumlov can be narrow. Winter driving (December-February) requires winter tires if temperatures drop below 4°C.
• Tolls: Highways require a vignette (toll sticker), available at gas stations or online. A 10-day vignette costs around 310 CZK.
• Parking: Prague has color-coded parking zones—blue for residents, orange for short-term (2 hours). Use parking apps or meters in cities.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is widely available—look for services like the Czech AAA.
• Useful Resource: For more on driving regulations, visit the Czech Ministry of Transport website.

Currency in Czechia: Using the Czech Koruna for Your Trip

• Czech Koruna: Czechia uses the Czech Koruna (CZK). Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 CZK; notes in 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 CZK.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or reputable exchange offices in Prague for fair rates. Avoid airport kiosks due to high fees.
• Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted in cities like Prague and Brno, but cash is useful in smaller towns like Telč. Always have small denominations for local markets.
• ATMs: ATMs are plentiful—look for banks like ČSOB or Komerční banka. Check for withdrawal fees with your bank.

Legal Guide to Czechia: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to fines or imprisonment. Drinking in public spaces, like Prague’s Old Town Square, is banned and may result in fines.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Czechs value punctuality—arrive on time for reservations or tours. Dress modestly when visiting churches like St. Vitus Cathedral. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography is allowed in most tourist sites, but some museums, like the National Gallery in Prague, may charge a fee for photos.
• Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are generally fine but should be discreet. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and at public transport stops.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free within the EU. Non-EU travelers have stricter limits—check regulations.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact the Czech police at 158.

Travel Safety in Czechia: Staying Safe on Your Trip

• Crime in Czechia: Czechia is safe, but pickpocketing is common in tourist spots like Prague’s Charles Bridge or Wenceslas Square—keep your belongings secure.
• Road Safety: Roads are generally safe, but cobblestone streets in cities like Český Krumlov can be slippery when wet. Watch for trams in Prague.
• Health Risks: No major health risks. Tap water is safe everywhere. Ticks can be a concern in forested areas like the Bohemian Forest—use repellent in summer.
• Natural Hazards: Winters (December-February) can be icy—watch for slippery sidewalks in Prague. Summer storms may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.
• Medical Facilities: Prague has excellent hospitals like Motol University Hospital. Pharmacies (“lékárna”) are widespread—look for green cross signs.
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. The tourist police in Prague can assist with minor issues—look for them in high-traffic areas.
• Public Transport Safety: Prague’s metro, trams, and buses are safe but crowded during peak hours. Validate your ticket to avoid fines from inspectors.

Culture & Etiquette in Czechia: What to Know

• Greetings: Czechs are polite but reserved—greet with a handshake and “Dobrý den” (Good day). Use first names only when invited.
• Dining Customs: At restaurants, it’s polite to wait to be seated. Tipping is expected—round up the bill or add 10%. Say “Na zdraví” (Cheers) when toasting with beer.
• Religious Sites: Dress modestly at churches like St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague—cover shoulders and knees. Photography may be restricted inside.
• Festivals: Prague Spring (May) is a renowned music festival, while Christmas markets in December fill cities with festive stalls selling mulled wine and trdelník.
• Language Tips: Czech is the official language, but English is common in tourist areas. Learning “Děkuji” (Thank you) is appreciated.
• Tipping: Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants and cafés in Prague. In smaller towns, rounding up the bill is sufficient.

Local Cuisine in Czechia: Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

• Svíčková: Marinated beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with dumplings and cranberry sauce.
• Goulash: A hearty stew of beef, onions, and paprika, often served with dumplings or bread.
• Trdelník: A sweet pastry rolled in sugar and nuts, often sold at street stalls in Prague.
• Czech Beer: Try Pilsner Urquell or Budweiser Budvar, staples of Czech beer culture.
• Becherovka: A herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary, often sipped as a digestif.
• Where to Eat: In Prague, Lokál Dlouhá offers authentic Czech dishes in a traditional setting. For a cozy meal in Český Krumlov, try Krčma v Šatlavské—both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Czechia: Must-Visit Places

• Prague Castle: The largest ancient castle in the world, overlooking the Vltava River, with stunning Gothic architecture. Book your tickets on Tiqets.
• Český Krumlov: A UNESCO-listed town with a fairytale castle and charming cobblestone streets. Book a guided tour on Tiqets.
• Kutná Hora Bone Church: The Sedlec Ossuary, decorated with human bones, is a hauntingly unique site. Get your tickets on Tiqets.
• Karlovy Vary: A picturesque spa town famous for its thermal springs and colorful architecture. Book a spa day on Tiqets.
• Karlštejn Castle: A Gothic castle near Prague, built by Emperor Charles IV to house crown jewels. Reserve your visit on Tiqets.
• Brno’s Špilberk Castle: A historic fortress in Czechia’s second-largest city, offering panoramic views. Book a tour on Tiqets.
• Dining Spots: In Prague, Lokál Dlouhá serves classics like svíčková in a lively beer hall atmosphere—reservations recommended. In Český Krumlov, Krčma v Šatlavské offers hearty goulash and a medieval tavern vibe.

Flights to Czechia: Travel Options

Václav Havel Airport in Prague is the main entry point, with flights from cities like London, Paris, and New York. Airport shuttles or taxis to central Prague take about 30 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for Czechia