Can you use euros in Prague?
Euros are NOT the official currency of Czech Republic. Some shops and restaurants will accept euros, but not all of them. It's easier, and cheaper, to use crowns.
– Euro is not in official use. – Some shops, restaurants, and hotels accept payments in Euro and other currencies but usually with an inconvenient exchange rate. – It is recommended to change your Euros at the bank and pay for everything in Czech Crowns.
Pay by mobile (via Google Pay and Apple Pay) and major credit cards (including contactless cards) are widely accepted at hotels, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants in Prague. It is nevertheless advisable to carry some Czech Crowns in cash, as local shops, markets and smaller cafés often prefer it.
How much cash we usually keep in our wallets? Not much, around 1000 CZK (ca 40 euro) but usually even less as we prefer card payments. If you plan paying cash in Prague, one person should have around 2000 – 2500 CZK / day. To cover all standard meals, drinks, tickets.
Conversion rates Euro / Czech Republic Koruna | |
---|---|
10 EUR | 244.70500 CZK |
20 EUR | 489.41000 CZK |
50 EUR | 1223.52500 CZK |
100 EUR | 2447.05000 CZK |
Not much, Prague is a very card friendly city. However, just for your personal comfort and back up you should exchange at least a small portion of your budget to Czech Koruna / Czech Crown (CZK). You can either use a bank branded ATM or stop at a money exchange office.
Using cards in Prague is fine so long as they display the sign which about 90% of places do but to be safe before you start ordering just confirm that they accept the method of payment that you'll be using.
Always carry your passport. Czech Police, customs, or immigration officials can request to see your passport at any time. You may be fined if you fail to produce your passport.
Since credit card acceptance is widespread, you don't have to rely on cash at all. I think you could even go cashless if you want. But I can understand if that's not for everyone, especially visitors. So maybe consider carrying 1000 CZK just to feel comfortable.
Tipping in the Czech Republic is commonly expected. Foreign visitors are often expected to tip at least 10%. (N.B. This practice holds true mainly in Prague and leading tourist "meccas" such as Cesky Krumlov, not in the general countryside, where foreigners are not expected to do anything more than locals.)
Can you use US dollars in Prague?
You don't need to get Czech currency before arriving in Prague. But if you prefer to carry some cash, then euros, US dollars and British pounds are the next best options. They are the easiest to exchange and euros can be used in some shops, which is helpful at the airport and main train station.
Mid-range restaurants: A dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant in Prague can cost anywhere from 800 to 1,500 CZK ($35 to $65 USD), including drinks.
In Prague it's probably around 50 CZK for an espresso coffee. In bigger cities the price is obviously higher. I love flat white and I know that it costs around 70 CZK (in 5th largest city).
The Exchange bureau de change is located very close to Old Town Square, on the corner of náměstí Franze Kafky. It doesn't charge any fees, and the exchange rates are based on those of the Czech National Bank and updated daily.
Latest Currency Exchange Rates: 1 US Dollar = 22.696 Czech Koruna.
EUR | CZK |
---|---|
1 EUR | 24.34 CZK |
5 EUR | 121.74 CZK |
10 EUR | 243.49 CZK |
25 EUR | 608.72 CZK |
With time at your disposal, you'll be able to see exactly what the fee and rate is, and how many euros you'll get for your dollars. It's possible of course that you might get a better deal when you land in Europe. It may well be the case that fees are lower and exchange rates better.
The answer is: Yes, you can drink the tap water in Prague! The tap water in Prague is considered good for human consumption according to the local authorities and meets the European Union's strict quality standards. It undergoes regular testing and treatment to ensure its quality.
In general, I avoid exchanging money in Europe; it's a big rip-off. On average, at a bank you lose about 8 percent when you change dollars to euros or another foreign currency. When you use an airport currency exchange booth such as Forex or Travelex, the hit can be as much as 15 percent.
Walk through the little square and eXchange is directly opposite, on the other side of the road. eXchange is a currency exchange office, and the best place to change money in Prague. It is located in the city centre, close to the Old Town Square, on the corner of Kaprova and Maiselova streets.
Is Prague a cashless city?
Prague is very card friendly. You will be able to pay by card, both by using the magnetic strip and via a contactless payment (the same goes with paying with your phone), anywhere from shops, theatres, and bars to restaurants and even some markets.
Look for ATMs of big Czech banks - KB, Raiffeisenbank, CSOB, ING, Ceska Sporitelna, Airbank, FIO, etc. Their ATMs are always marked with the bank logo. ATM will offer you options to chose DCC (dynamic currency conversion), or sometimes it's called CPC (cardholder preferred currency). Please do not do it!
English is not widely spoken in the Czech Republic. In large cities, such as Prague, and in tourist areas, the locals will speak English. However, if you venture to the smaller towns of Czech Republic, it is unlikely you will encounter anyone who speaks English.
American tourists do not need a visa for visits to the Czech Republic for less than ninety (90) days. For information on extended stays or working in Czech Republic, please contact the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C. If you are the victim of a theft, report it to the Czech police as soon as possible.
Coronavirus - Information of MoI
Entry into the Czech Republic is no longer subject to any special epidemiological conditions to prevent the spread of the disease. The entry-ban for foreigners from third-countries and the obligation to prove infection-free status have been lifted.
References
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