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Czech Republic - Travel Guide
Introduction The Czech Republic is where East meets West. Although evidence of life behind the velvet curtain is still widespread in the Czech Republic, Communist rule never left as big a concrete footprint on the country as much as it did in other places. Since the borders were completely opened up in 1989, tourists have flocked to sample the unspoiled charms of this fascinating and varied country. Full of architectural and artistic treasures Prague is undoubtedly the Czech Republic's brightest jewel. Often cited as the most beautiful capital in Europe it is a stunningly preserved city boasting architecture from every notable period of the last thousand years. In the last decade or so it has adapted to its new position as a tourist center and, while retaining its distinctive character, has transformed itself a modern city with international standard hotels, restaurants and entertainment. But the Czech Republic is a lot more than just its capital. Outside the city is an unspoiled expanse of mountains, spotted with small towns and villages. The idyllic rural way of life of centuries ago is preserved in many places, while towns such as Karlovy Vary have been revitalized as tourist centers and are once again as popular as they were in the days of the Grand European Tour of the Victorian age. Boars, bears and deer still roam the mountains and forests with over a third of the country covered in woodland. Ancient castles rise on hills surrounded by dense forests in an awe-inspiring landscape that seems thousands of miles and hundreds of years from modernity. Hardcore travelers might complain about recent changes - but for most tourists and the Czech people the change is for the better now everyone can share the myriad delights of this unique country. History & Culture The Czech Republic's convoluted history begins in around 400BC with the Boii tribe. Modern Bohemia still takes its name from this primitive people who inhabited the territory for the best part of a thousand years before the Slavs. The latter established the first nation proper under the guiding hand of the Premsylid dynasty. Good King (actually Prince) Wenceslas, was part of this dynasty, and although a good ruler was naive, and almost inevitably he was eventually murdered by his brother, the aptly named Boleslav the Cruel, in 929AD. Things then got really complicated as the Moravian and Bohemian elements contested the throne. Eventually Premsyl Otakar managed to not only unite the territory but also extend it into Germany, Poland and Italy. Under Premsylid rule plenty of German nobles had empowered themselves in Bohemia and when John of Luxembourg was appointed king in 1310 he had to battle with them to ascertain his right to rule - despite being just 14 at the time. It was John's son, Charles IV, who was to usher in the Czech Golden Age in the latter half of the 14th century. This was largely due to the fact that as well as being king, Charles was also Holy Roman Emperor. Effectively this meant he could spend vast amounts of money doing up Prague, and the Czech capital became one of Europe's most important centers. But corruption in the Church was still irritating the Czech people and, when reformer John Hus was executed, the fuses of revolution were lit. The reformers (now called the Hussites) rose up, forcing Rome to rally a host of arms in order to put the Czechs down once and for all. Luckily for the Czechs they were led by one-eyed Jan Zizka who roundly pasted the Papal armies. Defeated, the Pope had no option but to sign a peace treaty with Prague, which allowed the Czechs to practice their own version of the mass. Catholic spies allegedly tried to steal this heretic document back - ninth commandment notwithstanding. Another century of political infighting was finally put to bed with the succession of the Habsburgs to the throne. These new Catholic rulers decided to eradicate Protestantism once and for all. Unfortunately for the Czechs, when they put up their dukes to fight for their religion they could only muster a few minor nobles from Transylvania. The Protestants were thus routed at the battle of the White Mountain in 1620, and the Habsburgs gained the throne for the next 300 years. Czechoslovakia seized the opportunity of World War One to claim independence, but Hitler was soon eyeing the country. Amazingly European leaders met with Hitler and agreed he could annexe certain Czech territories if it meant he'd behave himself. The Nazi leader promised he would and promptly moved in unresisted. Less than a year later World War Two broke out. When Soviet Union troops liberated Prague at the end of World War Two the whole of Czechoslovakia became effectively under the sway of Stalin's brand of socialism. For the next few years, until Stalin's death, terror reigned as academics were imprisoned, disappeared or executed as enemies of the state. In 1968 the country re-awakened in the "Prague Spring" when a new socialist government sought to sever the country's links with Moscow. Soviet troops repressed the mini-revolution. It took another 20 years before the people of Czechoslovakia tried again. This time demonstrations and strikes forced the collapse of the Soviet government without the loss of life. It was known as the Velvet Revolution. The formation of Czechoslovakia wasn't to the taste of the Slovak population who wanted their own space, accordingly in 1993 the country split, and the Czech Republic was born. Since then the country has embraced capitalism, becoming more Westernized in outlook every day. The Czech Republic became a full member of the EU in May, 2004. The Czech republic's position on the border of East and West Europe has resulted in a multi-cultural melting pot. The country and its people draw on the religions, cultural influences and even cuisines of several countries at the same time. For the visitor the blend is over-powering and confusing - but the phlegmatic Czechs seem quite unconcerned by their borrowed culture. The most obvious example of this is in cuisine. Czech food borrows heavily from the sour tastes of central European countries, especially Germany, which it borders. However you can also find Russian, Austrian, Polish and Hungarian cuisine on most menus. But, whatever you eat, you get the impression that the Czechs don't really care two figs for where their food comes from - as long as it's filling and tasty. Czech cooking is consequently a delicious blend of flavors. The nation has a similarly hotchpotch attitude to religion. The country boasts some of the finest basilicas and cathedrals in Europe, beautifully preserved for centuries. Many faiths are represented, with Catholicism being dominant although Hussitism is also well represented. The Czechs are rather a cerebral race with a rich tradition in the arts and sciences still evident today, particularly in literature. Undoubtedly Kafka is the most famous of the Czech writers but his literary mantle is now being carried by Milan Kundera and Josef Skvorecky both extremely well-respected in literary circles. Sigmund Freud and playwright Tom Stoppard were also born in the Czech Republic. There is a rich culture of performance art, again born from the Romany lifestyle. Narrative poetry and puppet theatre are extremely popular with "Black theatre" being the most modern incarnation of Czech creativity in this field.
See & Do Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral Prague is a magical city, and Prague Castle is a fairytale castle dominating its skyline. With exhibits and features spanning more than 1,100 years of Czech history, it acts as both an ideal starting point for your tour and as an omnipresent landmark in the city's dense, winding layout. The most inspiring of the many attractions within the castle grounds is undoubtedly St Vitus Cathedral, with its unique, eye-bending exterior and sumptuous interior. Despite the host of paintings and artworks to be seen throughout the castle make sure you take the time to look outwards as well - parts of the grounds offer unparalleled views of the Prague skyline. Prague National Gallery Opened to the public in 1804, this is the largest of Prague's countless museums and galleries. The institution actually comprises several galleries housed in separate buildings including the huge modern art center. The entire collection encompasses Czech and international artists of note, from all schools of art. The Gallery of Modern & Contemporary Art's huge minimalist home is popular while the National Gallery's collection of Old Masters is housed in the Sternbersky Palace. Karlstejn Castle The 14th-century castle at Karlstejn is one of the Czech Republic's most visited tourist sites. It's no wonder people flock to see it, given its imposing exterior, and symbolic architecture - built in three layers to represent the secular world, purgatory and heaven. 40km south-west of Prague, the Emperor Charles IV had the castle built as a repository for the crown jewels, and as a place to store holy relics, the collection of which was his life's work. Boasting walls encrusted with semi-precious stones, and a collection of 129 Gothic paintings by Master Theoderik, the Chapel of the Holy Rood is the central attraction of the complex. The niche in the altar once housed the Czech Coronation Jewels. The castle's surroundings are equally delightful - the towered structure is located on a high promontory, overlooking a hilly landscape of rocky outcrops and steep valleys. Kutná Hora Just 70km from Prague, Kutná Hora at one time was second only to the capital in terms of wealth. The town was transformed by the discovery of silver in the 13th century and the royal mint was established here. The many fine buildings of the town bear testament to this period of prosperity of which the crowning glory is the Cathedral of St Barbara, one of the grandest structures in Europe. The ossuary of Sedlec is a unique attraction not to be missed. So many people desired to be buried in the holy ground here that a local woodcarver was commissioned to do something with the bones. He transformed the chapel, building chandeliers, chalices and wonderful decorations from human skeletons, even signing his name, Frantisek Rint, in bones when he had finished. Karlovy Vary The easiest place in the Czech Republic in which to unwind, Karlovy Vary is "Spa City". The inhabitants of this West Bohemian town have been enjoying the recuperative powers of its 12 hot mineral water springs since the early 16th century. Through the 18th and 19th centuries it was very much an in-vogue resort for German tourists (and the town is still called Karlsbad by Germans). Among the many learned and well-to-do visitors who came to take the waters was Karl Marx, although quite how something as decadent as a spa town ties-in with Communist ideals isn't immediately apparent. The town fell into some disrepair in Communist days, but is now much refurbished, and an ideal place in which to treat yourself to some rest and relaxation. Krkonose Mountains The Czech Republic's landscape hides many natural wonders, the grandest display of which are found among the Krkonose Mountains, on the border with Poland in East Bohemia. Fans of winter sports will be spoilt for choice by the plethora of ski runs and resorts in the area. Daredevils should head for Harrachov, which claims one of the six largest ski-jumps in the world. In the summer, the mountains are ideal for hiking and walkers of all abilities can enjoy the trails and tracks that wind among the peaks. It is worth remembering that some areas are rather remote, and some of the mountains here represent reasonably strenuous climbs for which experience and guides may be necessary. Hrensko To experience the wilder side of the Czech Republic, head for Hrensko, a small village on the banks of the Kamenice River in North Bohemia. Here, impenetrable forests and angry waterfalls are surrounded by delightfully bizarre rock passes and formations. Local guides are recommended for safety and for maximum enjoyment - as well as the dangers of wandering off a cliff or getting lost, the Czech Republic is still home to small populations of bears and wolves. Wallachian Open-Air Museum This impressive open-air complex in Roznov pod Radhostem, in Moravia, is the Czech Republic's largest folk museum, and tells the story of the country's rural life through the centuries in a living working town. Lovers of folk history will relish the displays of traditional craftsmanship - with woodcarving and metalwork just two of the crafts still practiced in the museum. Traditional wooden buildings, including a fully working water mill, demonstrate how the Czech people used to live. The town celebrates four international folklore festivals every year, rekindling the celebrations of times past. Kromeriz The peaceful village of Kromeriz near the Morava River dates from the 12th century. A UNESCO heritage site the town boasts many splendid buildings of historical interest. Of particular note is the town's Renaissance castle complete with its vast and beautiful palatial gardens - in 19th-century style. Parts of the Flower Garden actually date from even earlier, being first established in the mid-17th century. The castle itself is also well worth a visit with the rococo Parliament Hall and the gilded library being two of the highlights. Ceský Ráj A truly remarkable natural phenomenon, the "rock towns" of the Ceský Ráj (literally Czech Paradise) region of East Bohemia have been formed through centuries of wind and rain slowly eroding the sandstone. The result is a collection of otherworldly structures such as the Drabske svetnicky near Mnichovo Hradiste. Several old settlements and castles are littered around the region, the most spectacular of which are the ruined towers of Trosky castle, which sit atop two steep-sided hills facing each other. Geography The Czech Republic first appeared on our maps after the division of former Czechoslovakia in 1993. Located at the heart of the continental landmass the Czech Republic is often thought of as the link between Eastern and Western Europe, and blends the politics and ideology of both. Landlocked between Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia (to which it was yoked for many years as Czechoslovakia), life in the Czech Republic is influenced by all four of these countries. Over 10% of the country's 10.3 million citizens live in the capital, Prague. This leaves vast areas of the country sparsely inhabited. The country is divided into two distinct regions: Bohemia in the west and Moravia to the east. Prague sits in the center of the Bohemian region.To the east, lie the Krkonose Mountains with their opportunities for winter sports. The west and north of the country borders Germany and the region is heavily influenced by the neighboring territory, having a more industrialized outlook than elsewhere in the Czech Republic. Meanwhile South Bohemia boasts many of the country's prettiest medieval towns and cities, and provides a lot of the picture-postcard imagery associated with the Czech Republic.While the most popular attractions are largely located in Bohemia, there are a number of natural gems in the hilly, rugged east. Less developed in industrial and commercial terms, this is where nature takes over. The country's major wine-growing area is located to the south. Over a third of the Czech Republic is forest or woodland. Weather The Czech Republic has four distinct seasons. Spring which falls from March-May, summer from June-August, autumn from September-November and winter from December-February. The weather varies greatly between the cold winter months and the hot summer months. During winter, temperatures can drop to as low as -10°c and you can expect plenty of snow, frost and ice. By contrast, the summers are pleasant and sunny with temperatures reaching as high as 30°c during June and July. Given that summers can be fairly wet, a nice time to visit is during May when the weather is warm and dryer or in the early autumn during September. Transport The Czech Republic has an outstanding transport infrastructure with a comprehensive train network, supplementary bus service and well-maintained roads. Public transport within cities is generally good. by train Rail travel in the Czech Republic is efficient and the rail network comprehensive. Czech Railways operates most national services, and also handles bookings for Euro City and Inter City trains. Thanks to the country's geographical position at the heart of Europe, there are numerous opportunities for international travel. For long journeys, Super City trains offer speed and comfort. Travel on Super City trains is first class only, and services typically include a restaurant carriage, a bar and various other facilities. Staff are friendly and well-informed, and often multi-lingual. It is essential to reserve your seat in advance for a Super City journey. Express trains lack a little of the luxury of Super City's, but are cheaper and are still well maintained. These offer first and second class carriages, as well as refreshments. Your journey will take a little longer, as the train will stop at more locations en route. In summer, cyclists can take advantage of the "Sumava lines", which allow bikes to be taken to various locations in the Sumava mountains, such as Ceske Budejovice, Cesky Krumlov, Horni Plana, Nova Pec and Cerny Kriz. For extremely long journeys trains may have couchettes, but sleeper berths are always limited and you might miss out unless you're quick. Almost any conurbation in the Czech Republic enjoys reliable public transportation from a selection of trams and "trolley buses". Prague also has a small underground train system, which allows those living in the greater Prague area easy access to the city center. Tickets for all of these services should be purchased via vending machines at the relevant stop or station. Depending on the length of your stay, you will be able to find a daily or weekly multi-journey pass to suit you. Your ticket should be stamped as you enter the station or on board the tram, using the machines provided. by bus The state-run company Ceska Statni Automobilova Doprava (CSAD) operates most bus services in the Czech Republic. In Prague you can visit The Prague Public Transit Co. owned and operated by the city of Prague for all city wide bus and tram shcedules. The service offered is increasingly efficient, and the coach network reaches parts of the country that trains do not. Depending on the operator, you will either buy your ticket in advance (i.e. from the bus station, a ticket machine or a tobacconist) or direct from the driver. Most national buses leave from Florenc in Prague 8, and you can check at the office there for further details on timetable and pricing. The smaller Cebus network also connects some of the country's major cities. by car The Czech Republic has a fairly extensive road network including several motorways linking major cities. The majority of roads are paved and in a reasonable state of repair. Rural areas may not have well maintained roads. Travelers wishing to drive while in the Czech Republic must carry an International Driving Permit. The minimum driving age is 18. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left-hand side. Children should not ride in the front passenger seats and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory. If you wish to travel on the motorway you will need to display a sticker (vignette) on the windscreen. Vignettes are available for ten day, six month or twelve month periods. Failure to display a vignette can result in a fine. The speed limit is 130km per hour (81mph) on highways, 90km per hour (56mph) on major roads outside built up areas and 50km per hour (31mph) in built up areas. You are required by law to carry a warning triangle and first aid kit in the vehicle. Note that drinking and driving is not tolerated in the Czech Republic. Unlike most countries in Europe where drivers are permitted a small amount of alcohol the legal blood alcohol limit in the Czech Republic is 0mg. Be especially careful if driving in the morning after drinking the night before. Even a trace amount of alcohol is sufficient to incriminate you if involved in an accident - and jail sentences are common for offences. Fines for lesser road offences are steep (up to CZK2000) and can be issued on the spot. If you are involved in an accident resulting in visible damage to your car you will need to obtain a police report and incident number at the scene. Failure to do so can result in permission for your car to leave the Czech Republic being refused. For emergency road services call the Yellow Angels on Tel: 154. by air Czech Airlines (CSA) is the national airline of the Czech Republic. Despite the small size of the country, the company operates a number of internal flights connecting Prague with Brno, Karlovy Vary and Ostrava. There are no departure taxes payable when leaving the Czech Republic. All other airport taxes are included in the ticket price. by boat The Czech Republic is landlocked which means there are no sea ferry links. The only significant navigable river for transport, trade or cruising is the Elbe. Boats for pleasure and transport run up and down the river to the German city of Dresden from various ports in the Czech Republic, including Usti, the nearest port to Prague. Shopping With the streets of Prague offering modern shopping to match any European capital and the country as a whole having a proud history of art and crafts, shoppers will be in their element, whether its souvenirs or haute couture that they're looking for. What to buy Glass and crystal The real Czech specialties are glass and crystal. Both are produced in high quantity and to an excellent standard across the country, so souvenir shopping should be easy. Handicrafts The open-air museum in Roznov pod Radhostem excels in its selection of traditional Czech wooden handicrafts. Carved wooden utensils, ornaments and toys are always favorites with tourists looking for suitably rustic souvenirs. Antiques Antique-collectors will be kept busy in Prague. Thanks to the popularity of the Museum of Decorative Arts, there are no end of boutiques and galleries selling high-quality porcelain, furniture, miniatures and jewelry. Silver It's hard to beat the town of Kutná Hora for buying silver. Even though it is many years since silver was commercially mined in any great amount here, the town's rich mining history means Kutná Hora is still awash with manufacturers, exhibitors, wholesalers and retailers. It's a short distance to the east of Prague, and easily accessible by rail or car. Operation hours Shops are generally open from 08:00/09:00-18:00 Mon-Fri and 08:00-12:00 Sat. Some stores close for lunch between 12:00-14:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays but large department stores will remain open throughout the weekend from 10:00-18:00. VAT tax refund A sales tax of 15.97% is levied on most goods and services in Czech Republic. When leaving the Czech Republic, tourists can apply for a tax refund on goods bought up to 30 days prior to departure. The minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is CZK2000. To reclaim tax you will need to fill out a VAT refund request form when you make a purchase, which states the amount of refund due. Forms can be obtained from most retailers and Customs Offices. These documents are then stamped by customs officials as you leave the country and mailed back to the store. Refunds can be claimed in person at major airports and at major border crossings. Food & Drink Food Be prepared to abandon calorie counting for the duration of your visit to the Czech republic; food is thick, hearty and filling. Pork is ubiquitous, and will almost certainly come in some kind of stew. Fish selections are normally trout or carp, while geese are the preferred choice of poultry. There's a heavy reliance on sour flavorings, such as sour cream, lemon and vinegar. The origins of this can be traced back to the favorite dishes of neighboring countries, such as the Hungarian goulash and the German sauerkraut, which Czech cuisine has usurped. The distinctive flavor of caraway is an ever-present, it normally is used in no small amount in any cabbage dish, which means it's everywhere. Desserts are popular, and many follow the hearty, filling format of the main course: fruit dumplings, strudel and crumbles are winter dishes eaten all year round. Thanks to Prague's burgeoning popularity, it is now easy to eat almost any kind of international cuisine during your stay and it might be wise to intersperse your Czech eating with some international cuisine - if only for the sake of your arteries. A word of caution - it's likely, in tourist places, that you'll be presented with a dish of nuts, olives or other finger food when you first sit down. This is not a courtesy and if you touch just one you'll pay for the entire (overpriced) dish when you leave. A great location to experience traditional Czech cuisine and atmosphere is The New Town Brewery (NOVOMĚSTSKÝ PIVOVAR) near Wenceslas Square. You can even have a guided tour of the brewery. Specialties Although the Czech Republic is landlocked, fish is a popular peasant dish, for obvious reasons freshwater fish being the main items on the menu. Carp and trout are the most common fish on offer, usually grilled whole, stuffed with lemon and herbs, and served with sour cream sauce and potatoes. The national dish, which remains pretty much constant throughout the country is simple fare of roast pork with cabbage and dumplings (Veprove Knedlik A Zeli). Pork features widely in almost all dishes in the Czech Republic. Another favorite is roast pork with horseradish (Veprove S Krenem), again served with cabbage, usually alongside potatoes. Potatoes have long been a staple of the Czech diet, and although they are usually served chipped or boiled they are also used to make potato dumplings and the country's potato cake - bramboráky, one of the few vegetarian snack options. At the other side of the vegetarian spectrum, although veal has become somewhat unpopular elsewhere due to the perceived cruelty of its creation, the Czechs are keen eaters yet to stop eating it, either in schnitzel form (as escallops in breadcrumbs) or alternatively the rather more hearty Teleci Kyta S Vinnou Omackou, an admittedly tasty traditional dish of a leg of veal served in a white wine sauce. Although good beef steaks can be had all over the country they tend to be more expensive than pork and chicken, and are consequently not as popular with locals. Sour cream is the usual sauce accompaniment. Although more Hungarian or Russian in character, you can find Steak Tartar, the dish of raw beef, egg, lemon and capers, that has become famous as a definitive dish of Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic's rural character has led to a high amount of peasant food becoming popular, or considered as being typical of the country as a whole. Although that's no longer strictly speaking true, you can find plenty of examples of this, and, if you're feeling really daring, you can sample some even in the better restaurants of Prague. Try Drstkova Polevka, a kind of soup made from tripe. Following the fat rich main courses Czechs tend to follow it up with something heavy and stodgy for dessert. Besides the fruit pastries and strudels that have become cornerstones of the Czech diet one of the better sweets is Makovy Kolac. A torte, flavored with poppy-seeds, raisins and cream. Drink The Czech Republic is one of the few countries in the world where the traditional drink is of greater interest and popularity than its food. The tradition of beer brewing in the country dates back to the late 11th century, with certain towns gaining recognition as major brewing centers during the 13th and 14th centuries. History even recalls the part Czech beer played in rescuing the inhabitants of Kutn´ Hora during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), after Swedish troops had become "immobilized" by the potency of the brew! The influence of beer is everywhere, both as a vital part of the country's economy, and as a social habit. Recent statistics claim that the inhabitants of the Czech Republic consume more beer than anywhere else in the world, with an average consumption per person of 161 litres a year. This suggests that every single man, woman and child drinks almost one average sized bottle of beer a day. Today, names such as Staropramen and Budvar are respected in beer-lovers' circles far and wide. Plzenský Prazdroj was the world's first Pilsner, and is exported around the globe. The breweries of Plzenský Prazdroj and Budejovický Budvar both allow tours. But for the ultimate brewing experience, visit the Brewery Museum in Plzen. The oldest museum of its kind in the world, it attracts around 50,000 people annually. It is open all year round (Jan-Mar, 10:00-17:00; Apr-Dec, 10:00-18:00). A similar reputation is starting to be cultivated for Czech wine, particularly those made in the vineyards of South Moravia. Look out especially for the Bzenec Straznice regions, which produce many of the best labels. Finally, Becherovka is a digestif liqueur made from herbs and is an ideal souvenir to bring back home with you. Visas & Embassies The following information regarding visa requirements is intended as a guide only. Since visa regulations can change frequently we are unable to guarantee that information will be updated immediately and recommend that you contact the relevant embassy or consulate before travel. US citizens are required to have a passport and a return air ticket. Visa's are not required. For more detailed information contact Embassy of the Czech Republic 3900 Spring of Freedom St Washington DC 20008 Tel: +1 (1)202-274-9100 Fax: +1 (1)202-966-8540 http://www.mzv.cz/wwwo/?zu=washington pol_washington@embassy.mzv.cz Money Currency: Czech Krona (Crown) (CZK). CZK1=100 hellers Notes: CZK20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 If you need to exchange currency, banks are your best bet as they charge the lowest commission. Large hotels and exchange offices will change currency but the rates will be much higher. One of the best ways to obtain money is to draw cash from ATMs using an international credit or debit card. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities on most street corners. Check with your bank which ATM systems are compatible with your card. Traveler's cheques are widely accepted and it is advised that you carry traveler's cheques in US Dollars or Euros. If people approach you on the street offering to change currency it is wise to refuse. It is customary to tip in restaurants, bars, cafés, hairdressers and taxis. Except in the more upmarket international restaurants of Prague rather than adding a percentage to the bill, tips tend to be calculated by rounding up to the nearest figure. Do not give a tip directly to a waiter or leave it on the table but tell the waiter the rounded-up amount you wish to pay when you are handed the bill, and after checking that a little "accidental" rounding-up hasn't already taken place. In taxis, round the total up to the next 20 Koruna. Communications Telephone
Public telephone boxes accept both coins and cards, although card operated boxes are most common. Telephone cards can be purchased from post offices, airports, railway and metro stations, hotels, and "Tabak" kiosks. The minimum charge for a local call is CZK4. For international directory inquiries Tel: 0135. Post offices are generally open from 08:00-18:00 Mon-Fri. Poste Restante is available at major post offices in cities throughout the country. You will need your passport as proof of identity when collecting any mail. The Czech Republic is embracing the Internet slowly. Prague is becoming increasingly well connected with Internet cafés offering public access to the web. Outside of Prague public access is more limited. There are 21 daily newspapers in The Czech Republic. The Prague Post is the local newspaper in Prague. It is published weekly, in English. Health & Safety Vaccinations No vaccinations are required for entry into the Czech Republic. Health Concerns A reciprocal health agreement with European Economic Area Countries (EEA) means that treatment from a doctor and standard dental treatment is free to EU citizens and those from Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland on presentation of a valid EHIC(European Health Insurance Card, which replaces form E111 as of January 1, 2006), which must be obtained before travel. All travelers, however, including those from EEA countries, should ensure they take out medical insurance before traveling to cover the cost of private care, medical transfers and repatriation in the case of serious illness. Personal Safety Although the Czech Republic has a low rate of violent crime, the level of petty theft and pickpocketing has increased in recent years, especially in Prague. Keep your personal belongings, wallet and bag secure at all times, especially in busy tourist areas and on public transport. Withdraw small amounts of cash from ATM machines or ask your hotel to mind the bulk of your money rather than carrying large amounts around with you. Any important documents, including plane tickets and passport, should be secured in the hotel safe until you need them. Emergency Numbers Police Tel: 158 Ambulance Tel: 155 Fire Tel: 150 Phrasebook Although it is surprising how many people in Prague speak a smattering of English and German, Czech is by far the dominant language in the country. Below are some key phrases that may be useful. Syllables that are in capital letters denote the stress needed in intonation.
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