Czechia

Travel tips for Czechia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. Contactless payments are near-universal for transit, restaurants, and small vendors, allowing visitors to go completely cashless, though keeping a small amount of CZK (like 500-1000) is handy for public toilets or the rare cash-only pub.

Try the food

  • Goulash (Guláš): A rich, slow-cooked beef and onion stew heavily spiced with paprika, typically served with soft bread dumplings.
  • Roast pork with dumplings and cabbage (Vepřo knedlo zelo): Tender roasted pork loin served alongside tangy braised cabbage and fluffy bread dumplings.
  • Fried cheese (Smažený sýr): A thick slice of Edam cheese breaded and deep-fried until gooey, usually accompanied by tartar sauce and fries.

Say it in Czech

  • Hello: Dobrý den
  • Thank you: Děkuji
  • Please: Prosím
  • Excuse me: Promiňte
  • How much is this?: Kolik to stojí?
  • The bill please: Účet, prosím
  • Yes / No: Ano / Ne
  • Goodbye: Na shledanou

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type E
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Safe to drink
Emergency
112 (general), 158 (police), 155 (ambulance), 150 (fire)
SIM tip
Pick up a prepaid Vodafone, T-Mobile, or O2 SIM card at Prague Airport, or download an eSIM like Airalo before arrival for immediate data access.

Etiquette

When tipping in restaurants, do not leave money on the table; instead, tell the waiter the total amount you wish to pay, usually rounding up by about 10 percent, when they bring the bill.

Airports in Czechia