Czech Republic

Bordered by Germany, Austria and Slovakia, the Czech Republic is a landlocked European country with a growing tourism industry. In fact, after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, the capital city of Prague has become one of the top tourist destinations in Europe!

Whether you are planning on visiting this fantastic historic city or one of the country’s famous spa cities, you will have access to a wide variety of things to do. The country also hosts various festivals throughout the year including the Czech Beer Festival in Prague (which is the largest in the country) and Pilsner Fest which takes place each year in the city of Pilsen. Make sure you book your accommodation in advance, as hotel rooms can book out.

Sights and attractions await around every corner, even where you least expect it! Take a look through our Czech Republic Travel Blog and, by learning more about what this great country has to offer, you can plan your visit accordingly.

Czech Republic Travel Blog Travel Tips

  • Medical: Depending on where you are traveling from, you could be entitled to a free European Health Insurance Card. This card allows you access to various state provided medical services. However, since this is by no means a substitute for travel or international medical insurance, you should still take out additional coverage for your own peace of mind. You should also contact your doctor and perhaps the Czech Republic’s embassy or consulate in your city to confirm whether you need to have any specific vaccines. This should be done about 8 weeks before you travel so that your body can recover from the effects of the vaccine(s) before you embark on your trip.
  • Travel funds/finances: Depending on where you are visiting from, you should make sure that your local currency can easily be converted once in the Czech Republic. In most cases, travellers’ cheques are the best option but you should check the commission fees and any other charges before accepting the exchange. The Prague city police also advise visitors to exchange funds and cheques at banks and official financial institutes. Street exchanges often provide foreigners with counterfeit bills.
  • Local laws: When visiting any foreign country, it is of utmost importance that you adhere to the local laws. Even if you see a local resident doing something they should not, you should never follow their lead. Take note of allocated crossing areas such as those specifically designated for crossing tram lines. A simple indiscretion can result in a fine or worse. Drunk and disorderly behaviour is also not tolerated and, what you might think of as lively banter, could land you in a holding cell, paying a hefty fine or both. In accordance with local laws, you need to carry your passport with you at all times. As a precautionary measure, make sure that you keep copies of all relevant documents at your hotel. Have these documents approved by a certified notary or otherwise officially legalised and authenticated as a copy of the original just in case you misplace the original.
  • General safety and local crime: Pickpocketing and theft are the most common forms of crime. You are strongly advised to carry as little cash on your person as possible and avoid dark streets and alleys at night. If you find yourself in a particularly crowded area, make sure that you watch your belongings closely. Pickpockets favour such places as busy trains and trams. Routes that lead to high profile tourist attractions are also at the top of their list for pickpocketing locations. While some police officers may hide in plain sight wearing civilian clothes, if you are ever asked to show your cash for verification, you should refuse. Police might ask to see your identification but if you are in doubt, you can call the local authorities or offer to go to the nearest police station.