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Czech Republic Country Information
During
the past few decades the Czech Republic has slowly been emerging
as a popular tourist destination,
favoured particularly by the discerning traveller seeking culture
and charm rather than pizzazz and parties.
However, most visitors still tend to explore no farther than the
capital, Prague. Fewer than 10 percent of tourists venture into
the countryside, which means they are missing out on a treat. Prague,
westernised and cosmopolitan, is a beautiful city of spires and
a visual feast of medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture.
Leave the city behind and visitors will find a magnificent undulating
landscape of mountains and plains, forests and farmland.
The Czech Republic is divided into two geographic and cultural
sections, Bohemia and Moravia. Bohemian spa towns and laid-back
Moravian wine villages seem to be in a time warp, welcoming visitors
as though they are living museums of a refined and relaxed rural
lifestyle. There are more than 100 castles dotted around the countryside,
ranging from forbidding fortresses to elegant chateaux, all open
to the public.
The Czech countryside is also a major drawcard for hikers, cyclists
and cross-country skiers, with hundreds of kilometres of marked
trails networking the landscape.
Basic Information
Time: GMT +1 (GMT
+2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin
plugs with a hole for a male grounding pin are standard. Most sockets
also take the standard European two-pin plugs.
Current: The official currency is the Czech crown, locally
known as the Koruna (CZK), which is divided into100 haler. Most
credit
cards including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard
are accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling
away from Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques
and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change
and some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed
on weekends. ATMs (known as 'bankomats') are becoming more common
in Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency
at a good rate and without commission. The Czech Republic is still
cheap compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.
Language: Czech is the official language but English and German
are also widely spoken.
Travel
Health: There have been cases of Swine Flu confirmed in
the Czech Republic. There are no vaccination requirements for international
travellers, and no major health risks are associated with travel
to the Czech Republic. A reciprocal health agreement with the UK
entitles citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
to free emergency health care, however medical insurance is still
advised. Visitors to forested areas should seek medical advice
about immunisation against tick borne encephalitis. Outbreaks of
bird flu have been reported; the risk to travellers is low, but
close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and
poultry dishes should be well cooked as a precaution.
Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is optional and no service charge
is added to bills. Gratuities of 10% are expected if the service
is good. Taxi drivers are tipped by rounding up the fare at the
end of the journey.
Safety
Information: The majority of visits to the Czech Republic
are trouble-free, although the country has a risk of indiscriminate
terrorist attacks, which it shares with the rest of the world.
On 1 August 2004 an explosive device in the centre of Prague injured
17 people, including tourists. Petty theft is on the increase,
especially in Prague, and visitors should be vigilant about their
belongings particularly on public transport and around the main
tourist sites.
Local
Customs: Drunken behaviour and drinking in public is punishable
by law.
Business: Punctuality is vital in the Czech business world and
dress should be smart and conservative. Initial greetings are usually
formal, with a firm handshake. Titles and surnames are used, unless
otherwise indicated. There is generally some small talk to establish
rapport at the beginning of meetings; be polite and courteous.
German is the most common foreign language used in the Czech Republic
but English is widely spoken by younger generations. Translators
are available and any attempts at speaking Czech will be appreciated.
Deals can take a long time to manifest due to significant bureaucratic
red tape and it is important to be patient. Business hours are
usually 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and some businesses close during
the month August.
Communications: The international access code for the Czech Republic
is +420. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Area codes are not required,
and the first two digits of the number indicate geographical location.
There are high surcharges on international calls from hotels; it
is cheaper to use the public telephone boxes - phone cards can
be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use
GSM networks and have roaming agreements with all major international
operators, except those in the USA. Internet cafes are available
in the main towns.
Duty
Free: Travellers
to the Czech Republic over 17 years and entering from the EU
do not have to pay customs duty on 800 cigarettes,
or 400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 1kg tobacco; 10 litres of
spirits with alcohol content over 22%, or 20 litres of alcoholic
beverages with alcohol volume less than 22%, or 90 litres of wine
or 60 litres of sparkling wine, or 110 litres of beer. Travellers
arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes
or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, or a proportional
assortment of these; 1 litre spirits or 2 litres wine; 50g perfume
or 250ml eau de toilette; and food, fruits, medications and flowers
for personal use. Other goods to the value of €175 per adult
and €90 per child under 15 years are allowed.
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Weather and Climate in Czech Republic
The climate of the Czech
Republic is continental, characterised by warm, humid, wet summers
and very cold, dry winters. The capital,
Prague, experiences temperatures ranging from 25°F (-4°C)
during winter, to 73°F (23°C) during summer. The mountains
in the north of Czech Republic experience more severe weather,
with around 50 days of snowfall during winter.
Prague has a mild climate
with warm, wet summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures
are 75-79° F (24-26°C), with
chilly nights. In winter daytime temperatures hover around freezing,
falling several degrees lower at night. Spring is generally sunny,
the wettest months being in summer, May to August. Snow is rare
in the city.
Czech Republic Visa and Entry Information
- Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport
valid for at least 90 days beyond period of intended stay. A
visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must
have a passport, but a visa is not required. If passport is endorsed
British National (Overseas), British Subject or British Overseas
Territories Citizen with the right to abode in the UK then
a
visa is not required for a stay of up to three months. In all
other
cases, passports must be valid at least 90 days beyond expiry
date of the visa and a visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport
valid for at least 90 days beyond period of intended stay.
No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must
have a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond period
of intended
stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three
months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require
a visa prior to arrival as well as a valid passport (must
be valid
for at least 90 days beyond expiry date of the visa).
Visitors must register at the 'Authority of Aliens and Border
Police'
within three working days of arrival.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens
must have a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond
period of intended
stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to three
months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals
must have a valid passport or a special (Emergency)
passport. No visa is
required.
Passport/Visa
Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen
area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
The Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a
multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely
within the
borders of all. All visitors must hold an onward or return ticket
or proof of sufficient funds to buy a ticket, and all documents
required for onward travel. Proof of sufficient funds to cover
stay, as well as complete health insurance may also be required.
These must be produced on request at border crossing points.
Visitors must sign a border-crossing card. Passports of all
visitors must
be valid at least 90 days beyond expiry date of the visa, or
90 days beyond period of intended stay for visa exempt nationals.
EEA members just require a valid passport on entry. Visitors
must
register at the 'Authority of Aliens and Border Police' (can
be done by hotels).
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short
notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements
with their embassy or consulate.
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Attractions in Czech Republic
- The
Castle District (Hradèany) - The Castle District stretches across the top of the hill overlooking
the city and incorporates the best churches and museums in Prague
set around three courtyards, immaculate gardens, fortifications
and state apartments.
- St
Vitus Cathedral - Situated within the Castle Complex, the spires
of
St Vitus Cathedral,
an elegant but domineering French Gothic structure, soar above
the ramparts. It is the county’s largest church containing
numerous side chapels, frescoes, tombstones and beautiful stained
glass windows and it literally sparkles with all the finery inside.
- Charles
Bridge (Karluv Most) - The pedestrian Charles Bridge serves as
the focal point for tourists
and is the most photographed feature of the city. Construction
began in 1357 replacing the earlier Judith Bridge of which the
only remaining part is one of the towers at the Malá Strana
gate that can be climbed for a view of the city.
- The
Jewish Museum - The Jewish Museum is the largest and most authentic
of its kind
in Central Europe with one of the most extensive collections
of Judaic art in the world. Situated in the old Jewish Quarter,
exhibitions are spread over a variety of buildings and synagogues,
including the Maisel, Spanish, Klausen and Pinkas Synagogues,
the Ceremonial Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Robert Guttmann
Gallery and the Education and Culture Centre.
Special Events in Chech Republic
- Prague
Spring International Music Festival - Prague Spring has become one of the most prestigious
classical
music festivals in Europe, presenting exceptional artists,
orchestras and chamber music ensembles of international acclaim.
Every year
the festival is traditionally opened and closed by the Prague
Symphony Orchestra. The festival also remembers important anniversaries
in the music world by including works by the composers concerned.
- Prague
Autumn Festival - This international festival of classical music ends the European
summer music festival season and has gained renown for its
programme of celebrated musicians.
- Christmas
Markets - Christmas in Prague is a delightful season made special by
the traditional Christmas markets that sparkle with lights
and colourful
decorations, that resound with Christmas music and smell of
hot mulled wine, sausages and gingerbread. Brightly decorated
wooden
huts sell Czech handicrafts such as puppets, candles, wooden
toys and jewellery, alongside traditional food and drinks.
In Old Town Square, local and international choirs and musical
ensembles
sing Christmas songs, and a wooden stable recreates the Bethlehem
manger scene with live animals. Other festive attractions include
an open-air ice rink and the enormous Christmas tree ablaze
with colourful lights.
Airports in Czech Republic
Prague-Ruzyne International Airport (PRG)
- Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) north west of Prague.
- Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in
October).
- Contacts: Tel: +420 220 113 314.
- Getting
to the city: Cedaz minibus shuttles leave regularly for the
city centre; they can drop passengers off at
hotels throughout
the city. The Airport Express provides the quickest
transport to Prague Main Train Station. Public buses have regular
services to
all areas of Prague departing from the front of the
arrivals
hall. Public transportation (Tel: +420 800 191 817)
fares are based on
time of travel but a minimum 75 minute allotment for
the ride to the city centre costs US1.20 and US$2.50 on
the Airport Express.
Cars can be hired at fixed rates (Tel: +420 220 113
892) or taxis (420 2 2056 1788) are available to the city
centre which both
should
take about 30 minutes. Taxis should cost US$30 and
depart from the outside the arrivals hall.
Car rental: All the major car rental companies are
represented at the airport, including Avis, Europcar,
Hertz and Sixt.
- Airport
Taxis: Taxis are also available outside the Arrivals hall.
For information and prebookings call
+420(0)2 2056
1788. A taxi
to the city centre should cost no more than CZK600
and take around 30 minutes. Agree this price with
the driver
before the journey
begins as many licensed taxis are unmetered. A reputable
taxi company is AAATaxi. Shared minibus taxis are
also a cost effective
option;
call Cedaz on +420(0)2 2491 9240.
- Facilities: There are a number of shops, bars, cafeterias and restaurants
in the main terminal. Bureaux de
change, ATMs and
a bank are also
available; the Travelex in the transit section
is open 24 hours. Mobile phones can be rented from the
Arrivals
hall of Terminal
North 1. Conference and meeting rooms can also
be hired, and wireless Internet access is available
in both terminals.
Disabled
facilities
include wheelchairs and a transit car; passengers
with special needs should contact their airline
in advance.
- Parking: There are abundant short and long-term parking facilities at
the airport. Short-term parking
is
available in front of the
north terminal, and there are more than 3,000
long-term parking bays.
- Departure
Tax: None.
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of page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
Strictly forbidden. Nil percentage of alcohol allowed in
drivers' blood. Fine between 25,000 and 50,000 Czech crown (CZK) and withdrawal
of the driving licence for up to two years.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is considered a criminal offence.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car 18, motorcycle up to 125cc 17, over 125cc
18 years.
Photocard licences are accepted - licenses that do not incorporate
a photo must be
accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
Fines:
On-the-spot , there is a maximum fine for traffic
offence . An official receipt should be obtained.
The police are empowered to retain the driving licence in case
of committing a
serious traffic offence. Illegally parked vehicles may be clamped
or towed away.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol 'natural' (95 and 98 octane), diesel (nafta) and
LPG
(autoplyn or plyn) available. Up to 10 litres of petrol in a can
permitted. Credit
cards accepted at filling stations, check with your card issuer
for usage in Czech
Republic before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Prague to Brno - 210kms (2 hours/5 minutes)
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
more driving distances
Lights:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory throughout the
year.
Fine for non-compliance: approximately 2,000 CZK. Any vehicle warning
lights, other than those supplied with the vehicle as original
equipment, must be made inoperative.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory throughout the
year. The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for driver and passenger
of
motorcycles. It is forbidden for motorcyclists to smoke while riding
their machine.
Motor Insurance:
Third party insurance compulsory.
Passengers / Children in cars:
All passengers must use seat belts. Child
passengers (persons with a weight under 36kg and under 150cm in height)
are not
permitted to travel in a vehicle unless using a suitable restraint
system.
A child seated in the front seats of a vehicle using a suitable child
restraint system
where the airbag is activated must travel facing forward.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front and rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if
fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers: In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h), outside
built-up
areas 55 mph (90 km/h) and motorways (for vehicles not exceeding 3500kg
and
buses) 80 mph (130 km/h).
On expressways that pass through built up areas 50mph (80 km/h).
Maximum speed with snow chains 31 mph (50km/h).
At railway crossings drivers must not exceed 18 mph (30 km/h) for 50m
before the
crossing. The arrival of a train is indicated by red flashing lights
/ red or yellow
flag.
Vehicles that are constructed with a maximum speed of 49mph (80 km/h)
or under
are not permitted to travel on motorways.
Compulsory equipment:
-
First-aid kit
- Warning
triangle - not required for two wheeled vehicles
Spare bulbs
- Winter
equipment - Vehicles must be fitted with either winter tyres
(which
must be marked M&S) or carry snow chains between the 1 November
and
the 30 April. Dependant upon weather conditions (if roads
are covered with
snow) this period may be extended. As snow chains can only
be used when
roads are completely covered, we recommend that winter tyres
are fitted.
The minimum depth on winter tyres is 4mm.
- Reflective
jacket – EU
standard EN471. The driver of a vehicle with 2 or
more axles must carry a reflective waistcoat which has
to be used in the
event of a breakdown or emergency outside a built up area
on expressways
and motorways. It has to be worn when exiting the vehicle
in such
circumstances and therefore must be kept within the car
(not in the boot).
The waistcoat is recommended for passengers and riders
of mopeds and
motorcycles.
Other
rules / requirements:
Motorway tax is payable for the use of motorways and express roads.
A windscreen
sticker must be displayed on all four-wheeled vehicles as evidence
of payment.
Stickers can be purchased at the Czech frontier, UAMK branch offices,
petrol
stations or post offices for periods of one year, one month or
seven consecutive
days. Fines imposed for non-display.
The authorities at the frontier must certify any visible damage
to a vehicle entering
the Czech Republic. If any damage occurs inside the country a police
report must be
obtained at the scene of the accident. Damaged vehicles may only
be taken out of
the country on production of this evidence.
The use of an audible warning device is only permitted in built
up areas to avoid
imminent danger, they are prohibited between 2000hrs and 0600hrs,
and in
Prague.
The use of spiked tyres is prohibited.
A GPS based navigation system which has maps indicating the location
of fixed
speed cameras must have the ‘fixed speed camera PoI (Points
of Interest)’ function
deactivated. The use of radar detectors is prohibited.
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