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Travel Essentials › Czech Republic

Travel Essentials

Czech Republic: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types C and E, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 158, Ambulance 155, Fire 150. Tipping: Round up or leave about 10% in restaurants, telling the server the total when you pay. Tap water: Generally safe to drink.

Open The Czech Republic Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and E, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: portal.gov.cz

Tipping

Round up or leave about 10% in restaurants, telling the server the total when you pay.

Water And Health

Tap water

Generally safe to drink

Vaccines

Routine vaccines; hepatitis A; hepatitis B for unvaccinated travelers under 60; tick-borne encephalitis for extensive tick exposure (hiking or camping)

Malaria

None

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: wwwnc.cdc.gov

Apps To Download Before You Go

• Bolt: The most used ride-hailing app in Prague and Brno; Uber also operates.
• PID Lítačka: Prague public transport tickets and journey planning for metro, trams and buses.
• Můj vlak (České dráhy): The national railway's app for timetables and tickets across the country.
• IDOS: The nationwide timetable search everyone uses for trains and buses.
• RegioJet: Cheap, comfortable private trains and buses to Brno, Vienna, Bratislava and beyond.
• WhatsApp: The most common messaging app, with Messenger close behind.
• Mapy.cz: The beloved Czech map app, better than Google for hiking and cycling trails.
• Liftago: Czech taxi app using licensed drivers.
• Wolt: Leading food delivery in Czech cities, with Foodora as the main rival.
• Rohlík: The popular Czech online grocery delivery service.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A firm handshake with eye contact is standard on meeting; Czechs tend to be reserved with strangers but warm once acquainted.

Pub etiquette. In traditional pubs, sit where directed and a beer may be brought automatically unless you decline; tipping around 10% by rounding up is customary.

Punctuality and directness. Punctuality is valued for both social and business meetings; Czechs can be direct and unsentimental in conversation, which is not meant as rudeness.

Safety And Scams

The Czech Republic, including Prague, is very safe with low violent crime; pickpocketing and tourist-targeted scams in busy areas are the main concern.

Currency exchange tricks. Street money changers may offer great rates but hand over expired or foreign (e.g., Belarusian) currency instead of koruna; use licensed exchange offices or banks.

Unlicensed taxis. Unmetered taxis near the airport or Wenceslas Square can charge far above normal fares; use official ranks, apps like Bolt/Uber, or ask your hotel to book.

Bar/club overcharging. Friendly locals sometimes invite tourists to a bar that later presents a hugely inflated bill; be cautious of unsolicited invitations.

Women travelers. Women travel very safely with low rates of harassment; normal urban precautions apply, especially in nightlife districts late at night.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Mostly Safe

Same-sex relationships are legal and registered partnerships are recognized (though marriage is not yet fully equal); the Czech Republic is among Central Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries, with Prague's Vinohrady district a visible, welcoming scene.

What Things Cost

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

May and September offer the best balance of mild weather and manageable crowds; summer is warm and busiest, winter is cold but atmospheric (Christmas markets, snow).

Do You Need A Visa?

Czech Republic visa requirements by nationality

Phrases

Basic Czech phrases

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