Czech Republic

Czech Crown is the main and official currency of Czech Republic. Although some hotels, restaurants and shops do accept Euro, German Marks and USD but Czech Crown (CZK) is preferable, as many of them do not. The notes are in denomination of CZK 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000. Almost all the major cards are accepted in the country including Visa, MasterCard/Euro Card, American Express, Diners Club, Discover and Maestro for most of the transactions. One can use them at hotels, international shops and more expensive restaurants, but cash is must for small shops and cheaper eating joints.

One can obtain amazing exchange rate in the Czech Republic for Czech crown than at their country or hometown. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all the bank branches, authorized exchange centres, major hotels and road border crossings. In Prague, the best place in the country to get money exchanged is the city centre. Also, try to avoid small exchange booths claiming not to charge any commission but offering poor rate. Withdrawing Czech Crown from ATM is also a perfect option with transaction fee levied by your own bank.

The festivals in the Czech Republic are all about celebrating their culture of art, music and literature. The Prague Spring International Music Festival is one such festival that celebrates the amazing performances by various artistes, symphony orchestras and music ensembles from all around the world. It is held for around three weeks from May to June. Another major festival is the Summer Shakespeare Festival that takes place from June through September at the Prague Castle. The festival is a real treat for literature lovers where some astounding performances are held entrenching the viewer with memories for life. Prague Autumn International Music Festival is yet another great festival that witnesses some great performances by the best musicians around f the globe and attracting plenty of classical music lovers.

The Czech Republic has very high standards of healthcare facilities with very well maintained and equipped hospitals. With several public and private healthcare are coming up at good pace, the place is also a hub of medical tourism owing to cheap cost of procedures as compared to other parts of Europe. In general, food and water are clean and yap water is edible as long as proper hygienic precautions are taken. In forested rural areas, however, Tick-borne encephalitis exists during the summer season. Also, it is sometimes recommended to take vaccination against hepatitis B.

Czechs in general are quite reserved in their dealings especially with foreigners, although in other aspect they are not much different from North Americans or other Europeans. Shaking hands is the common form of greeting while kissing on cheeks is mainly kept for family or close friends. A simple hello (Dobr_ den) on entering a shop and a good-bye (na shledanou) to a shopkeeper on leaving is a casual way of starting and ending a conversation. Talking loudly in public is considered rude; however, the rule is often disregarded while in pubs. Prague is a cosmopolitan city with fashion loving people, so do not reserve yourself while in the city and dress fashionably. Although make sure to carry clothes as per the weather conditions. Tipping is usually practiced in Prague on common basis, however not mandatory. One is expected to tip around 10-15 per cent of the bill amount to the waiter, although make sure it is not already added in the bill. Same tipping practice goes for the taxi drivers.

1. Carry light clothes such as shorts, skirts, shirts and dresses for pleasant days of summer, spring and autumn. 2. Always keep Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, waterproof jacket or umbrella, as weather is quite unpredictable in the country. 3. For winters, pack your warm sweaters, coats, hats and gloves, as it gets quite chilly. 4. Prague is a compact city and so a pair of good and comfortable shoes is highly advisable as various attractions and sights are at walking distance. 5. Pick pocketing is one of the most common crimes, so beware at the crowded public places, especially when in Prague. 6. Although being a city of fashion, Prague is quite casual about the dress code at restaurants, theatres and opera houses. 7. It is recommended to distribute your cash and cards in different bags and pockets. Also, do not carry large amount of cash with you.

The food of the Czech Republic is quite filling and heavy comprising of mainly meat and starch. High in calories, the meat (pork or beef) is usually accompanied with potatoes, bread, potato dumplings, rice, and sauerkraut. The food is presented with heavy cream sauce. One can simply see the influence of the neighbouring countries Austria and Hungary on food. Desserts in the country are mostly a blend of fruit and pastry, sometimes served with ice cream. Do not be surprised if you spot someone downing a beer with breakfast, it can be a common sight. Czech beer is very well known for its good taste (Pilsner is the best known) and often cheaper than coffee. There are several other varieties of liqueurs, which are further flavoured with herbs. Coffee, au lait or Turkish, is very famous, latter being very strong.