CZECH SURVIVAL GUIDE
Czech Survival Guide
The Essentials
Where are you going?
Language
Weather
Currency
Living expenses budget
Things we can’t live without
Nature & Trips
Pivo
Food & Restaurants
Culture & Events
Relations & Humour
When can you do all of that?
You too can live like a local
Phone & Internet
Transportation
Banks & ATMs
Health & Other useful contacts
Phone applications
Checklist at a glance
Plenty has been written about the challenge of moving to another
country. It’s the surprise of a new environment with new people
and a new way of life that many fear.
We, at UCT Prague, strive for an ever-increasing number of
students and workers from abroad. For years we have come across
funny, bizarre, but also sad stories that stem from cultural
misunderstandings or a simple lack of information.
That is why we put together a brochure aimed at preventing as
many of these situations as possible. Read on and discover what
makes us Czechs slightly different from others and make your
experience in the heart of Europe smoother sailing.
The
Essentials
5
Where are you going?
We like to say that the Czech Republic forms the heart of Europe.
Naturally, many of its characteristics originate from its location.
Its rich history, beautiful nature, and safe surroundings make it a
great place to visit.
10.5 million Prague (1.2 million)
Language
We speak Czech in the Czech Republic. As part of the Slavic
language group, we share plenty of linguistic and cultural
characteristics with Slovakia and some with Poland, Croatia,
Serbia, and many more. Although those languages may sound
similar, be aware that we generally don’t understand each other
too much. Except for Slovaks – we do understand our brothers!
While 82 % of people between 18 and 24 speak a foreign language,
this is not always the case with older generations. Thus, we highly
recommend you learn some basic Czech words and phrases –
it will please every Czech person you encounter and make your
stay much easier!
Tip 1: Download the Duolingo app and offline Czech package on
Google translate.
Tip 2: Check out “Czech for beginners” courses taught at
UCT Prague.
Tip 3: When dealing with local authorities (Foreign Police,
Ministry of Interior, etc.), bring a Czech acquaintance with you if
possible (don’t hesitate to ask for assistance at ESN UCT Prague or
Tutors). It is not uncommon that the office workers will talk to you
exclusively in Czech.
Basic Czech vocabulary
Ahoj (informal)
Hello
Dobrý den (formal)
Thank you Děkuji
No, thanks Ne, děkuji
Promiň (informal)
Sorry
Promiňte (formal)
Yes Ano
No Ne
I don’t understand. Nerozumím.
I don’t know. Nevím.
I don’t speak Czech. Nemluvím česky.
Do you speak English? Mluvíte anglicky?
Where is the bathroom? Kde je WC?
I will have... Dám si…
Beer Pivo
Signs
Warning Upozornění/varování
Exit Východ
Caution Pozor
No entry Zákaz vstupu
Break Přestávka
Open Otevřeno
Close Zavřeno
Weather
Prague and the Czech Republic in general enjoy a mild continental
climate divided into four distinct seasons. The average annual
temperature is 10 °C with summer (around 30 °C) and winter
(around 0 °C) extremes.
What the forecast says:
How it actually feels:
Currency
The currency we use in the Czech Republic is called the crown,
CZK (koruna, shortly Kč in Czech). Unfortunately, you cannot pay
in Euros just yet, but hey, at least the beer is cheaper!
The exchange rate is approximately as follows:
1 US dollar ≈ 20 CZK or 1 EUR ≈ 27 CZK.
The true Czech conversion system works more like this:
Before coming to Prague, we suggest you bring some crowns
with you, but not too much for safety reasons. As there are foreign
exchange corners in airports or the city, you can exchange more
crowns right after you arrive.
Tip 1: Download one of the mobile apps for easy currency
conversion (see mobile apps on page 33).
Tip 2: Try to avoid exchange rate offices in the city centre.
Even if a place says 0 % commission, it does not mean they will
have fair rates! Check the exchange offices episodes on the
YouTube ‘Honest Guide’ channel to find out more.
Living expenses budget
Living expenses vary depending on lifestyle. Therefore, what you
see below is for general reference to give you an idea of how much
a month in Prague can cost you. Generally, you should prepare
from 10 000 to 17 000 CZK.
University Dormitory 3500–5000 CZK/month
Accommodation
Shared flat 7000 CZK/month
Lunch in the campus canteen 80–130 CZK/meal
Food Lunch in the restaurant 150–200 CZK/meal
Shopping and cooking at home 5000 CZK/month
Mobile phone 400 CZK/month
Internet 300 CZK/month
Metro, bus, tram 30 CZK/30 min.
Transportation
Long-term coupon 130 CZK/month
Taxi 28 CZK/km
Cinema ticket 150 CZK
Culture
Theatre ticket 200–500 CZK
Group class (yoga etc.) 150 CZK
Sport
Indoor pool 100 CZK/hour
Tip 1: Check numbeo.com to compare the living cost of your
hometown with Prague.
Tip 2: If you shop online, you have the right to return your
purchase within 14 days period. Nevertheless, always check the
conditions of the shop before acquisition.
Things we
can’t live
without
13
Nature & Trips
Czechs are an outgoing nation – in the true meaning of this word:
going outside. As much as we enjoy a cold glass of beer in the pub
(more on that below), we love to spend time together in nature
and to walk on perfectly marked tourist trails in the countryside
or mountains. Also, don’t be surprised if a Czech person asks you
to go on a bike trip (biking is Czech’s favourite sport!), kayaking,
or even mushrooming. We do that to relax as well!
Many families also have a cottage (chata, chalupa) outside of the
capital where they go to disconnect from the city rush almost
every weekend. This phenomenon goes back almost 100 years
but was the most popular in the 1960s when many people lived in
small flats in big housing estates and wanted to get closer to
nature and have some privacy. Don’t turn down the offer for a
couple of days if you are invited as you might explore an unknown
part of the Czech Republic and have a little trip back in history –
some of the cottages have kept their interiors from previous dec-
ades.
Tip 1: For trip inspiration, try Mapy.cz, which not only shows you
all the marked trails you can imagine, but it can also help you with
planning a nice round trip in a selected area. Even if you plan to
hike around Europe, Mapy.cz is superior to Google Maps
almost anywhere!
Tip 2: Czechs growingly care about sustainability as we want to pre-
serve our nature for the above-mentioned reasons. Please try to sort
your waste. You will find special bins for paper, plastic, glass, and
general trash at a maximum distance of 50m from each household.
Pivo
After all, a common way of socializing is to go to a local pub
(hospoda) to have one beer (“na jedno”). Needless to say, it never
ends with just one. It is not unusual to drink several glasses during
a night out. Beer is simply part of our culture and a natural part of
most local social activities.
Tip 1: Expect to get served 0.5 litres of a beer when ordering one.
Tip 2: Don‘t pour beer from one glass to another. Spoiling the
beverage that we treasure so much might attract many
judgmental looks from any Czech in your surroundings.
Food & Restaurants
So that is beer, but what if you are hungry? Most traditional meals
are meat-based, with thick, often creamy sauces served with
carb-dense sides such as dumplings or potatoes. A typical Czech
restaurant would serve a good selection of them, but you can also
try many of these for affordable prices in the Dejvice
campus canteens. Look for svíčková, znojemská, koprovka, rajská
or vepřo-knedlo-zelo and moravský vrabec. You can also find
places where they keep up with the trends and offer a lighter
version of the traditional meals or even vegan ones!
Are you not up for a whole meal? Unsurprisingly, a nation that is
famous for its beer has plenty of tasty pub snacks. Often called
“něco k pivu” (something with beer) is a must-try.
Tip 1: Czech waiters are typically a bit gloomy and might not
speak English. Please don’t take it personally and try to use that
before-mentioned vocabulary.
Tip 2: It is common to tip waiters for their service (around
10–15 % of the total price), which is almost never included in the
bill. Usually, you do not leave the money on the table but add it to
the bill directly when paying.
Tip 3: Eating dumplings with a hand is a big no-no.
Culture & Events
If you fancy something more than pub culture, Prague offers plenty
of possibilities. We would suggest only a few here:
Many bigger theatres offer plays with English subtitles –
Dejvické divadlo, Švandovo divadlo or even Národní divadlo (which
is worth the visit just for its interior).
Tip 1: Try the Cimrman English Theatre, which will give you a great
insight into Czech humour as it presents comedies about
the legendary, albeit non-existing Czech creative genius,
Jára Cimrman.
Are you thinking about going to the cinema? Avoid multiplexes
and visit smaller local venues like Lucerna, Bio Oko,
Kino Přítomnost, Edison Film Hub, or Kino Pilotů. They screen
Hollywood movies, but also smaller foreign films or
documentaries. For example, Kino Ponrepo has made a name for
screening old-school gems! Furthermore, these venues are worth
visiting for their cosy vibe and interior design.
Would you rather watch something at home? No problem! Netflix
is streaming some of the greatest Czech movies, especially
comedies. So next time you are scrolling down their offer, check
some out. It might give you an insight into the local lifestyle,
culture, or history. The biggest household names of Czech
directors are Forman, Menzel, or Chytilová.
Do you want to get to know Prague and its hidden gems like a
local? Try some of the less touristy guided tours, for example the
one led by homeless people. Because who knows the city streets
better than the people who live there?
For more tips on what to do and where to go, we recommend
checking GoOut.cz or Expats.cz.
Relations & Humour
For the untrained eye, Czechs can seem a bit grim. We are
relatively reserved people that don‘t just throw smiles all around.
• We like to keep our personal distance (1–1,5 m),
especially with strangers, but also with co-workers or
fellow students. Touching people is considered intimate
and is reserved for family members, partners, or
close friends.
• We greet (unknown) people by shaking hands; kissing on
the cheeks or hugging is only for personal relations.
• Our handshake is rather firm.
• On the other hand, it is okay to keep a (shorter) eye
contact with someone or smile at strangers if you feel like
it with no meaning behind it.
• If you fancy someone and would like to invite him/her for
a coffee sometimes, it is accepted to politely ask
someone out.
However, when you get to meet us closer, be ready to share plenty
of beer invitations and jokes. Be prepared for Czech humour,
though. Many find it rather dry (a bit like the British) and, on
occasion, a bit inappropriate or even dark. According to
Sir Michael Palin, a member of Monty Python, Czechs would laugh
at almost everything, and like the British, we lack a
“laughter ceiling”, which many other countries have.
Tip 1: Czechs care about planning and punctuality. We share a bit
with our fellow Germans on this one. To arrive late is considered
disrespectful – especially for a lecture, a meeting, but even when
just going to a pub.
Tip 2: Get in touch with the expat community in Prague. It may
help you in everyday life, in case you feel homesick or just for plain
sharing of stories and situations that you found yourself in when
dealing with Czechs.
When can you do all of that?
Opening hours and public holidays
We observe a few days as public holidays when banks, offices,
department stores, and some shops are closed. Bigger grocery
shops are also closed on selected days (*). On the other hand,
they are generally open on Sunday (in Prague at least; don’t be
surprised if it is not the case in smaller cities).
Museums and tourist attractions tend to stay open on those days,
though many may be closed on Monday or the first working day
after a holiday.
Public holidays in the Czech Republic
1 January New Year’s Day*
March, April Good Friday*
March, April Easter Monday*
1 May Labour Day
8 May Liberation Day*
5 July Saints Cyril and Methodius
6 July Jan Hus Day
28 September Statehood Day*
28 October Independence Day*
17 November Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
24 December Christmas Eve
25 December Christmas Day*
26 December The Second Christmas Day*
You too
can live
like a local
23
Phone & Internet
Mobile service
There are three main mobile network providers in the
Czech Republic – Vodafone, T-Mobile, and Telefónica O2. All are
comparable in terms of services and prices offered. But every
company has its niche! Be sure to compare offers before you buy.
The price of a prepaid SIM card differs according to the services
and usually costs around 200–500 CZK/month with calls, SMS,
and mobile data included.
Internet
There are many local providers which offer a wide range of options
in terms of speed etc. It is a good idea to ask about the options
also while arranging a mobile service.
Restaurants, some shops, or shopping centres offer free Wi-Fi.
You can catch it even in selected trams or at stops. There is also a
free Wi-Fi service on the campus – eduroam (login instructions are
available on the university website). However, we recommend you
get mobile service as soon as possible.
Tip 1: Ask the International Department of UCT Prague for a free
sim card (Czech number + 3 GB of data for starters always helps).
Tip 2: Around 25 % of all Czech internet searches are made via
Seznam.cz. Check this website out and see where Czechs get their
information day in day out.
Transportation
Prague (and the Czech Republic in general) enjoys one of the
world’s most reliable public transport systems. How does it work?
Metro, trams, and buses
Those are the three basic means how to get around the capital.
Prague has three metro lines (A, B, C) in operation, covering the
main city areas. It is very convenient and popular to travel the city
by metro which can save you a lot of time in traffic jams, especially
in the morning and evening rush hours.
Trams are also popular in the city centre as well as on the
outskirts. If you want to have a nice tour through the whole inner
city, try line 22 from Vinohrady to Pražský hrad and get on and off
wherever you feel like it. On the other hand, buses operate less
frequently in the city centre and are more used in the suburbs as a
connection to metro lines.
Apart from those, small ferry boats are also a crucial part of the
public transport system as they offer a quick connection from one
side of the Vltava River to the other.
Night lines
It is very common to use public transport even during the night.
Even though the metro is not in operation from 12 pm until
5 am, you can take the night buses and trams which still pass
frequently. While it might take you longer, you can generally get
anywhere you need anytime.
Tickets
The same ticket is valid for every type of public transport.
The general price is 30–120 CZK per ticket according to the time
validity period of your ticket.
You can buy a one-time ticket from ticket machines on the stops or
inside the trams (card payment only) or download the PID Lítačka
app and buy tickets online.
If you stay for longer and plan to use public transport often, we
strongly suggest you get the transport card, Lítačka, and purchase
a month or even a year ticket – it is also valid for all types of
vehicles, and it will save you plenty of money and nerves!
Tip 1: Always buy your ticket and get it validated right after
entering a public transport vehicle. There are regular controls that
will fine you should you not have your ticket or have it unstamped.
Tip 2: You should stand on the right-hand side of the metro
escalator to let people in a hurry pass.
Tip 3: As a general rule, people exit the public transport first, then
people get on. It is also polite to free your seat and let
the elderly sit.
First steps on the Czech ground
From the Prague airport to the city centre
Taking a taxi can be costly. So, we recommend you take fast
and cheap public transport for less than 1/10 of
the price. You can buy the ticket (90 min.) from a ticket
machine at the bus stop just outside Terminal 2. Take bus
119, get off at “Nádraží Veleslavín” and take metro A
(the green one) to “Můstek” - the city centre.
From the Prague airport to UCT Prague dormitories
You take the same bus 119, get off at “Nádraží Veleslavín” and
take metro A to “Muzeum”. Change to metro C (the red one)
and go to “Chodov” (direction “Háje”). Then, take bus 177 to
the “Volha” stop. You will find the Sázava and Volha
dormitories within walking distance.
Taxi
Taxis in Prague charge around 50 CZK to get in and 28 CZK for
every extra kilometre. Please be careful especially close to the
main tourist sites because there are plenty of crooks that
overcharge foreigners.
Tip 1: When you pay the taxi fee, ask the driver for a receipt in case
you leave your belongings in the car.
Tip 2: We recommend using alternative apps like Uber, Bolt,
or Liftago.
Tip 3: Do not take a taxi in downtown Prague, they might try to rip
you off!
Banks & ATMs
Most stores here accept bank cards – both MasterCard and Visa.
If you stay in the Czech Republic for a longer time, we recommend
you set up an account in a Czech bank to save on the
exchange rates.
Tip 1: Do not use ATMs only marked with the “ATM” sign. Try to
find bank-branded ones (there are plenty). If you do so anyway,
always decline the dynamic conversion.
Tip 2: To set up an account in a Czech bank, always bring your
passport and another identity document (national ID,
driving license, etc.).
Health & Other useful
contacts
Need a health care service in Prague? You can choose from several
medical centres. The most expat-friendly are Na Homolce and
Motol (a special department for English-speakers).
Tip 1: Make sure you have valid medical insurance in the
Czech Republic.
Tip 2: Once in Prague, doctors may require you to pay for
treatment in cash. Ask for a medical report, a bill, and proof of
payment; your health insurance company will reimburse you.
Are you dealing with an emergency? It is always better to call
the service you need directly through the specific numbers below,
but 112 is a good choice too and easy to remember. Calling
emergency lines is free of charge.
fire brigade ambulance
150 155
police emergency
158 112
Tip 1: Look for the nearest street lamp in case of an accident.
They are marked with identification numbers to help people on
the emergency line locate you instantly.
Tip 2: Should you need help with translation or legal assistance,
contact the Centre for Integration of Foreigners or Association for
Integration and Migration. Their services are free of charge.
Phone
applica-
tions
34
There are many mobile apps that will make your life in the
Czech Republic much easier. Here is a shortlist of free applications
that may help you:
Public transport Car-sharing
• PID Lítačka (Prague public • Uniqway
transport – tickets, • Ajo
coupons, timetables) • Car4way
• IDOS (public transport
Online supermarkets
timetables and connections –
• Rohlík
Prague and regional)
• Košík
• ČD Můj vlak (Czech railway
company timetables and Maps
connections) • Mapy.cz
• Regiojet (private railway/
Taxi service
intercity buses timetables
• Liftago
and connections)
• Uber
Food delivery • Bolt
• Dáme jídlo
Cultural tips and events
• Wolt
• GoOut
• Bolt Food
Learning Czech
Bike-sharing • Duolingo
• Rekola • Offline Czech package on
• Nextbike Google translate
Scooter-sharing Banking transfers and budget
• Berider • Revolut
• Splitwise
Checklist at a glance
☐ Passport validity
☐ Long-term (study) visa from Czech Embassies/Consulates
in your home country
☐ Health insurance coverage valid in the Czech Republic
☐ Pre-departure medical check-up
☐ Airplane ticket to the Czech Republic
☐ Credit cards and cash in CZK
Concept and content coordinator
Martin Kraus
Further participation
Adéla Habartová, Radka Pavlíčková, Filip Faltejsek
Professional project management and support
Counselling and Career Center UCT Prague:
Karolína Hanáková, Bára Uhlíková, Richard Nevšímal
Graphic design
Marathonstudio.cz
Memes
Free work by unknown authors
Year of issue 2021 Issue number 1
