Around Prague: Advice and recommendations

Information / Practical advice

Advice and recommendations

Practical advice

On the basis of many years of experience answering questions raised by tourists in our information centres, we have put together a number of recommendations, practical pieces of advice as well as useful information.

Entry requirements
Important telephone numbers
National telephone codes
Postal services
Crime
Police stations
Blocking further usage of credit cards
Embassies and consulates
Health care
Transport in the Czech Republic
Traffic regulation
Motorway tax stickers
Integrated public transport in Prague
Transport to/from the airport
Taxi service
Parking in Prague
Vintage tram
Customs regulations
Reclaiming Value Added Tax
National holidays

Opening hours in shops

Opening hours at cultural monuments

Religious services

Changing money

Electricity supply
Drinking water

Lost property office

Left-luggage offices

Student discounts

Entry requirements

Citizens of most European countries and the USA do not require a visa to enter the Czech Republic. Despite that it is advisable to check whether you will need a visa at least fourteen days before your departure. The Czech embassy in your country will provide you with all the information you require and issue with a transit or entry visa if needed. Residence permits and visas are also issued by the Immigration Office in Prague (going under the unnecessarily complicated Czech name of (Oblastní ředitelství cizinecké a pohraniční policie). Foreign visitors requiring visas must register with the local Immigration Office within three workdays of entering the country (in Prague at the address Olšanská 2, Prague 3 - in person only). Individual accommodation facilities have foreign visitors registered automatically.

Immigration Office:
Olšanská 2
130 51 Prague 3
Phone: + 420 974 820 238

Opening hours:
Monday: 7.30 - 11.30, 12.15 - 15.00
Tuesday: 7.30 - 11.30, 12.15 - 15.00
Wednesday: 8.00 - 12.15, 13.00 - 17.00
Thursday: 7.30 - 11.30, 12.15 - 15.00
Friday: closed

Important telephone numbers

All telephone numbers in the Czech Republic are nine-digit numbers. Most numbers in Prague start with 2 unless they are mobile telephone numbers or the numbers mentioned below. If you are calling through a foreign operator then you must dial 00 420. We recommend you to purchase Trick telephone cards for calling from public telephone boxes, which can also be used for international calls. You can also use Globe Call prepaid cards, which are cheaper than local cards for international calls. You can buy telephone cards in newsagents/tobacco shops, at post offices and at our information centres.

Ambulance	155
Police	158
Fire service	150
Municipal police	156
Road accident service:	1230, 1240
General information:	12 444
Directory inquiries (numbers in Prague and the Czech Republic)	1188
International directory inquiries and information about services and rates abroad	1181
To block AMERICAN EXPRESS cards	222 800 222
To block MasterCard credit cards	001 6367227111
To block VIZA credit cards	001 4105817931

National telephone codes

Australia 0061
Austria 0043
Belgium 0032
Canada 001
Czech Republic 00420
Denmark 0045
France 0033
Germany 0049
Great Britain 0044
Greece 0030
Italy 0039
Japan 0081
Netherlands 0031
Norway 0047
Poland 0048
Russia 007
Slovakia 00421
Spain 0034
Sweden 0046
Switzerland 0041
USA 001

Postal services

Post offices are often the only place where you can buy stamps by themselves. You can also buy stamps to a limited extent in some newsagents and bookshops. Post offices also sell telephone cards, mobile telephone cards and motorway tax stickers. Most post offices also provide copying, fax and express mail services (more information at www.cpost.cz ). Post office opening hours: Mon – Fri from 8.00 to 19.00. Only the Main Post Office is open almost non-stop (closed 24.00 – 2.00)

Price of stamps:

weight	Czech Republic (registered)	Europe	Overseas (air mail)
up to 20g	CZK 7.50 (19)	CZK 10	CZK 10 (12)
up to 50g	CZK 12 (22)	CZK 20	CZK 20 (24)
up to 100g	CZK 15 (25)	CZK 35	CZK 35 (43)

Post offices in the centre of Prague:

Main post office - Jindrisska 14
Hybernska 15 – near Namesti Republiky
Kaprova 12 – near the Old Town Square
Josefska 4
Rybna 14
Na Frantisku 32

Crime

In the context of Europe both Prague and the Czech Republic as a whole are considered as being safe. However, as in every European city, you should keep a close eye on your personal belongings and valuables, especially when in the city centre, in restaurants and when travelling by Metro or tram (especially Nos. 22 and 23).
We recommend tourists to make a photocopy of the first page of their passports and put it in a safe place (e.g. in the hotel safe). Only carry a small amount of cash and travellers cheques with you. Don't make it easy for thieves - don't put purses, wallets or mobile phones in the pockets of rucksacks, and don't leave your luggage or bags unattended.
In the event of theft or other criminal activity immediately go to the nearest police station. Every police station has an interpreter speaking English or German. If you lose your travel documents, inform your respective consulate. In the event your credit card is stolen call the appropriate number (given below) to block further usage.

Police stations

Prague 1: Jungmannovo náměstí 9,tel.: 974 851750
Prague 1: Bartolomějská 14, tel.: 974 851 700
Prague 1: Benediktská 1, tel.: 974 851 710
Prague 1: Krakovská 11, tel.: 974 851 720
Prague 1: Hybernská 2, tel.: 974 851 505
Prague 2: Sokolská 38, tel.: 974 852 111
Prague 3: Lupáčova 11, tel.: 974 853 111
Prague 4: U plynárny 2, tel: 974 854 111
Prague 5: Nádražní 16, tel.: 974 855 111
Prague 6: Pelléova 21, tel.: 974 856 111
Prague 7: Františka Křižíka 24, tel.: 974 857 111
Prague 8: Trousilova 3, tel.: 974 858 111
Prague 9: Jandova 1, tel.: 974 859 111
Prague 10: Přípotoční 300, tel.: 974 860 111

Blocking further usage of credit cards

In the event of theft of credit cards call the following numbers:

VISA: 001 4105817931
MasterCard: 001 6367227111
AMERICAN EXPRESS: 222 800 222

Embassies and consulates

Australian consulate
Klimentská 10, Prague 1,110 00
tel: 296 578 350, 296 578 351
09.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 17.00 /Mon - Fri/
Belgian embassy
Valdštejnská 6, Prague 1 - Malá Strana, 118 01
tel: 257 533 283 - 287
e-mail: Ambabel-Prague@mbox.vol.cz
08.30 - 12.30, 14.00 - 17.00 /Mon - Thurs/
08.30 - 12.30, 14.00 - 16.00 /Fri/
Brazilian embassy
Sušická 12, P.O.Box 79, Prague 6, 160 41
tel: 224 324 965, 224 321 910, 224 315 881
e-mail: chebrem@mbox.vol.cz
Opening hours
09.00 - 15.00 /Mon - Fri/
10.00 - 14.00 /Mon - Fri/ visas
Chinese embassy
Pelléova 18, Prague 6 – Bubeneč, 160 00
tel: 224 311 323
/Protocol/ 233 028 800 /12.00 - 13.30 Mo-Fri/
08.00 - 12.00, 13.30 - 16.30 /Mon - Fri/
Danish embassy
Maltézské náměstí 5 P.O. Box 25, Prague 1 - Malá Strana,
118 01
tel: 257 531 600, e-mail: prgamb@um.dk
08.30 - 16.30 /Mon - Fri/
Finnish embassy
Hellichova 1, Prague 1, 110 00
tel: 251 177 251, e-mail: sanomat.pra@formin.fi
08.00 - 12.00, 13.00 - 16.15,
09.00 - 12.00 /visas/
French embassy
Velkopřevorské nám. 2, P.O.Box 102, Prague 1, 118 01
tel: 251 171 711
09.00 - 13.00, 15.00 - 18.30 /Mon - Thurs/
09.00 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.00 /Fri/
Irish embassy
Tržiště 13, Prague 1, 118 00
tel: 257 530 061-4, e-mail: irishembassy@iol.cz
09.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 17.00
Italian embassy
Nerudova 20, Prague 1 - Malá Strana, 118 00
tel: 233 080 111, e-mail: italemba@mbox.vol.cz
08.30 - 14.00 15.00 - 18.00 /Mon - Fri/
Israeli embassy
Badeniho 2, Prague 7, 170 06
tel: 233 097 500, 233 097 513, 233 097 515
09.00 - 12.00 /Mon - Fri/
Japanese embassy
Maltézské nám. 6, Prague 1 - Malá Strana, 118 01
tel: 257 533 546, 257 530 884, 257 011 011
e-mail: bunka.jp@volny.cz
08.30 - 12.30,13.30 - 17.30 /Mon - Fri/
Canadian embassy
Muchova 6, Prague 6, 160 00
tel: 272 101 800
08.00 - 12.30, 13.30 - 16.00 /Mon - Fri/
Hungarian embassy
Českomalínská 20, Prague 6 – Bubeneč, 160 00
tel: 233 324 454, 220 317 200
e-mail: huembprg@vol.cz
08.00 - 16.30 /Mon - Thurs/ 08.00 - 14.00 /Fri/
German embassy
Vlašská 19, Prague 1, 118 01
tel: 257 113 111, 257 531 481
e-mail: ZReg@Prag.auswaertiges-amt.de
08.00 - 16.30 /Mon - Thurs/ 08.00 - 15.00 /Fri/
Dutch embassy
Gotthardská 6/27, Prague 6 – Bubeneč, 160 00
tel: 224 312 190, e-mail: nlgovpra@ti.cz
09.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 17.00
Norwegian embassy
Hellichova 1/458, Prague 1 - Malá Strana, 118 00
tel: 257 323 737, 257 321 768
e-mail: emb.prague@mfa.no
09.00 - 15.30
New Zealand consulate
Dykova 19, Prague 10, 101 00
tel: 222 514 672, e-mail: egermayer@nzconsul.cz
Polish embassy
Valdštejnská 8, Prague 1, 118 01
tel: 257 530 388 /Embassy/ 257 530 397 /Ambassador's Office/ 257 530 395 /Office of the Head of Political Section/
e-mail: ambrpczechy@mbox.vol.cz
08.00 - 16.00
Portuguese embassy
nám. Kinských 7, Prague 5, 150 00
tel: 257 311 230, 257 311 231
09.00 - 16.00
Austrian embassy
Viktora Huga 10, Prague 5 - Smíchov
151 15
tel: 257 090 511, e-mail: austrianembassy@vol.cz
08.30 - 16.30 /Mon - Fri/
Russian embassy
nám. Pod Kaštany 1, Prague 6 – Bubeneč, 160 00
tel: 233 374 100, 233 375 358 /Protocol/, 233 371 548, 233 371 549
e-mail: rusembassy@cdnet.org
08.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 17.00 /Mon - Fri/
Greek embassy
Helénská 2, Prague 2, 120 00
tel: 222 250 943, 222 250 955, e-mail: greekemb@czn.cz
08.30 - 15.30
Slovenian
Pod Hradbami 1, Prague 6, 160 00
tel: 233 113 051, 233 113 052 /Secretary of the Ambassador/, e-mail: skembassy@pha.inecnet.cz
08.00 - 12.00, 13.00 - 16.00
Spanish
Pevnostní 9, Prague 6, 162 00
tel: 224 311 222, 224 311 441, e-mail: EmbPrague@gts.cz
08.30 - 16.00 /Mon-Fri/
Swedish embassy
Úvoz 13, P.O. Box 35, Prague 612, 160 12
tel: 220 313 200,
e-mail: ambassaden.prag@foreign.ministry.se
08.30 - 12.30, 13.30 - 16.30
Swiss embassy
Pevnostní 7, P.O.Box 84, Prague 6, 162 01
tel: 220 400 611
e-mail: Vertretung@pra.rep.admin.ch
Mon, Tues/ 08.00 - 13.15 14.00 - 18.00 /Wed/ 08.00 - 13.15, 14.00 - 17.00 /Thurs/ 08.00 - 14.00 /Fri/
Ukrainian embassy
Charlese de Gaulla 29, Prague 6, 160 00
tel: 233 342 000
e-mail: kosak@mbox.vol.cz
08.00 - 12.00, 13.00 - 17.00 /Mon - Fri/
US embassy
Tržiště 15, Prague 1, 118 01
tel: 257 530 663, 257 532 716 /after hours/
08.00 - 16.30 /Mon - Fri/
British embassy
Thunovská 14, Prague 1, 118 00
tel: 257 402 111
08.30 - 12.30, 13.30 - 17.00

Health care

In the event of an acute illness or accident foreign tourists can receive treatment in any hospital or first aid facility. In the Na Homolce hospital there is a department for foreigners dealing in all branches of medicine. It also has an emergency service where they speak English, German, French and Russian. The address is Prague 5, Roentgenova 2, tel. 257 272 144, 257 272 146

Private clinics: - Visits at home or at the hotel, all branches of medicine, doctor on call 24 hours, doctors speak English and German

Health Centre Prague - Prague 1, Vodičkova 28, tel.: 224 220 040, 603 433 833, 603 481 361
Unicare - Prague 6, Na Dlouhém lánu 11, tel. 235 356 553
First Medical Clinic of Prague - Prague 2, Tylovo náměstí 3, tel. 224 251 319
Canadian Medical Care - Prague 6, Veleslavínská 30, tel. 235 360 133
American Medical Center - Prague 7, Janovského 48, tel. 220 807 756
General Health Care Corporation - Prague 1, Krakovská 8, tel. 222 211 206

Pharmacies in the centre of Prague: open Mon - Fri, mostly 8.00 - 18.00

Malé náměstí 13
Dlouhá 9
Malostranské náměstí 15
Malé náměstí 13
Zlatnická 7
Havelská 14
Václavské náměstí 64
Národní 35
Hybernská 12
Pohořelec 25

Pharmacies with emergency service:

Prague 1 - Palackého 5, tel. 224 946 982
Prague 2 - Belgická 37, tel. 222 519 731
Prague 4 - Soukalova 3355, tel. 241 770 498
Prague 5 - Štefánikova 6, tel. 257 320 918
Prague 7 - Milady Horákové 18, tel. 233 375 599
Prague 8 - Budínova 2 (Bulovka hospital), tel. 266 082 017

Emergency medical service: open Mon - Sun, mostly 19.00 - 7.00

Prague 1 - Palackého 5, tel. 224 949 181
Prague 2 - Sokolská 27, tel. 224 266 150
Prague 3 - Koněvova 205, tel. 284 862 149
Prague 4 - Pacovská 31, tel. 241 733 917
Prague 5 - Kartouzská 6, tel. 257 323 219
Prague 6 - Vítězné náměstí 13, tel. 233 340 912
Prague 7 - Dukelských hrdinů 1, tel. 233 370 391
Prague 8 - Budínova 2 (Bulovka hospital), tel. 283 842 222
Prague 9 - Sokolovská 304, tel. 266 310 372
Prague 10 - Nad Olšinami 4, tel. 274 812 509

Emergency dental service: open Mon - Sun, mostly 19.00 - 7.00

Prague 1 - Palackého 5, tel. 224 946 981
Prague 4 - Pacovská 31, tel. 241 733 918

Transport in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is easily accessible by all means of transport, no matter whether you decide to travel by car, coach, rail or air. There are many border-crossing points. The country has dense road and rail networks.
Information about railway and bus timetables is available at www.idos.cz or by calling: 900 119 041 (11 crowns/minute), 900 149 044. (14 crowns/minute, reduced waiting time). They will also inform you about flights at these numbers, or you can call the Czech Airports Authority at: 220 113 314,
220 113 321.

The staff at our information centres will be pleased to provide all the transport information you need.

Traffic regulations

speed limit in tons and villages - 50 km/h
outside towns and villages - 90 km/h
motorways - 130 km/h
documents required: national driving licence is enough for the citizens of most European countries with the exception of those of Turkey, Albania and Greece, who must have an international driving licence.

Motorway tax sticker

Before driving on motorways, you must buy a motorway tax sticker (available at petrol stations and post offices).

PRICES:	Up to 3.5 tons	From 3.5 to 12 tons	Above 12 tons
1 year	CZK 1000	CZK 7 000	CZK 14 000
2 month	CZK 300	CZK 1 750	CZK 3 500
15 days	CZK 200	CZK 650	CZK 1 300
1 day	-	-	CZK 250

Integrated public transport in Prague

Prague public transport consists of the Metro, trams and buses. There is also a cable railway at Petřín Hill. You will find information boards at bus, tram and Metro stations. Tickets are valid for all forms of public transport in the city, including the cable railway at Petřín. You can buy tickets from the automatic ticket machines at all Metro stations, at some newsagents, at the Public Transport Information Centres and at our information centres.

Different types of ticket:

20 min. (non-transferrable) – 18 CZK
75 min. (for 90 min. at weekends + after 8 pm on weekdays) – 26 CZK

Tourist tickets: (on sale at the Public Transport Information Centres or on our information centres)

24 hours – 80 CZK
3 days – 220 CZK
7 days – 280 CZK
15 days – 320 CZK

Public Transport Information Centres in Prague:

At Muzeum Metro station (lines A and C), daily 7.00 - 21.00
At Můstek Metro station (line B), daily 7.00 - 18.00
At Anděl Metro station (line B), Mon - Fri 7.00 - 18.00
At Nádraží Holešovice Metro station (line C), Mon - Fri 7.00 - 18.00
In the arrivals hall at Prague Airport, daily 7.00 - 22.00

Metro
The Metro runs every day from 5.00 to 24.00. Intervals during peak hours are 2 - 4 minutes, off-peak 4 - 10 minutes.

The Prague Metro has three lines:
A   Skalka - Dejvická
B   Černý Most - Zličín
C   Letňany - Háje

Stations where you can change lines:
Muzeum (lines A and C),
Můstek (lines A and B) and
Florenc (lines B and C).

Trams
These run daily from 4.30 until 00.15; night service between 00.15 and 4.30 run by Nos. 51 - 58 with 30-minute intervals. Central station for night trams is at Lazarská. Timetables are located at individual
tram stops.

Buses
Day and night operations are similar to the tram service;
night service is provided by buses Nos. 501 - 512. Bus timetables are located at individual bus stops.

Cable railway
The cable car to the top of Petřín starts at Újezd and also stops halfway at Nebozízek. It is in operation from 9.00 to 23.30 and has 10 or 15-minute intervals. The same tickets as for the rest of Prague public transport are valid.

Passengers can be stopped by ticket inspectors at any time during their journey. Passengers must be able to show they have a valid ticket. On the other hand, the inspector must identify him or herself by presenting the yellow and black badge and a valid identity card bearing a photograph of the holder. The number on the identity card must be the same as that on the badge.

More information is available at www.dp-praha.cz or by calling:296 191 817, daily 7.00 – 21.00.

Transport to/from the airport

Shuttle transport: Čedaz minibuses for eight passengers runs from Exit S every 30 minutes from 6.00 till 21.00 and back from Náměstí Republiky to the airport every 30 minutes from 5.30 till 21.30. The price per person with baggage is 90 crowns.
Public transport bus No. 119 and bus No. 100, price: 12 crowns per ticket (the same ticket as is valid for all forms of municipal transport) valid for 60 minutes, at weekends 90 minutes.

Bus No. 119 - Dejvická Metro station - Prague Ruzyně Airport and back, the journey takes about 20 minutes

Dejvická – Prague Ruzyně Airport Mon – Sun 4.52 -0.18, every 10 minutes, at weekends about every 20 minutes.
Prague Ruzyně Airport – Dejvická Mon – Sun 4.25 – 23.40
Bus No. 100 - Zličín Metro station – Prague Ruzyně Airport and back, the journey takes about 15 minutes

Zličín – Prague Ruzyně Airport Mon – Sun 5.44 – 23.40, every 30 minutes
Prague Ruzyně Airport – Zličín Mon - Sun 5.27 – 23.50

Taxi service

Before taking a taxi, ask the driver how much the journey will cost. Don't pay more than you have to. We recommend you to call the Speed Cars service where they will tell you the approximate cost beforehand. Tel.: +420 224 234 234.

Parking in Prague

If you are coming to Prague by car, we don't recommend you to park in the city centre. Parking in the centre is divided into three zones:

Orange zone
Maximum parking time 2 hours. Parking fee: 40 crowns per hour, 10 crowns for 15 minutes (minimum time 15 minutes). The zone is in operation from 8.00 - 18.00.
Green zone
Maximum parking time 6 hours. Parking fee: 30 crowns per hour, 15 crowns for 30 minutes, and 120 crowns for 6 hours. The zone is in operation from 8.00 - 18.00. Both zones have parking meters that take 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 crown coins.
Blue zone
Parking here is exclusively for residents and companies based in the Prague 1 district. Only vehicles with parking permits may park here. Most parking places in the city centre have blue marking on the road. Parking here without a valid permit is subject to fines of 200 – 5,000 crowns (depending on the mood of the policeman or woman). Your vehicle might also be towed away (this will cost 1,450 crowns plus the fee in the special car park - about 200 crowns per day) or the police might fit a wheel lock (removal after paying a fine of 200 – 5,000 crowns again at the discretion of the policeman or woman involved).

Car parks open to the public: usually cost 40 crowns per hour, 300 – 600 crowns a day

Prague 1, náměstí Jana Palacha
Prague 1, Divadelní (National Theatre)
Prague 1, Králodvorská (Kotva department store)
Prague 1, Hotel Renaissance
Prague 1, Hotel Prague Marriott
Prague 1, náměstí Curieových (Hotel InterContinental)
Prague 1, Opletalova (near Wenceslas Square)
Prague 1, Bolzanova (Main Station)
Prague 2, Wilsonova (Helios Garages)
Prague 2, Václavská
Prague 3, Fibichova (TV transmitter)
Prague 3, Táboristská (Hotel Olšanka)
Prague 3, Vinohradská (Hotel Don Giovanni)
Prague 4, Milevská (Hotel Corinthia Panorama)
Prague 4, Hráského (near the Billa department store)
Prague 4, Antala Staška (near the Prior department store)
Prague 4, Pankrácké nám. (Congress Centre)
Prague 4, Olbrachtova

We recommend you to park outside the centres using the P + R car parks located near Metro stations. These car parks are fenced in and guarded. They are open between 4.00 a.m. and 1.00 a.m. the next day (while the Metro is running). Parking there only costs 10 crowns a day.

Line A Skalka
Line B Zličín
Line B Nové Butovice
Line B Radlická
Line B Palmovka
Line B Rajská Zahrada
Line B Černý Most
Line C Nádraží Holešovice
Line C Opatov

Vintage tram
Sightseeing trips in vintage trams begin every hour on the hour at the tram stop Výstaviště (Exhibition Grounds) or Vozovna Střešovice from 12.00 to 18.00 every Saturday and Sunday. The trip lasts about 40 minutes and costs 25 crowns. The vintage trams are in operation from 29.3. till 17. 11.

Vintage tram schedule:

Vozovna Střešovice - Výstaviště
Vozovna Střešovice 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00, 18.00
Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) 12.03, 13.03, 14.03, 15.03, 16.03, 17.03, 18.03
Malostranská -M- 12.08, 13.08, 14.08, 15.08, 16.08, 17.08, 18.08
Národní divadlo (National Theatre) 12.17, 13.17, 14.17, 15.17, 16.17, 17.17, 18.17
Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) 12.23, 13.23, 14.23, 15.23, 16.23, 17.23, 18.23
Masarykovo nádraží -M- 12.27, 13.27, 14.27, 15.27, 16.27, 17.27, 18.27
Náměstí republiky -M- 12.29, 13.29, 14.29, 15.29, 16.29, 17.29, 18.29
Strossmayerovo náměstí 12.35, 13.35, 14.35, 15.35, 16.35, 17.35, 18.35
Výstaviště (Exhibition Grounds) 12.38, 13.38, 14.38, 15.38, 16.38, 17.38, 18.38
Výstaviště - Vozovna Střešovice
Výstaviště 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00, 18.00
Strossmayerovo náměstí 12.03, 13.03, 14.03, 15.03, 16.03, 17.03, 18.03
Náměstí Republiky -M- 12.10, 13.10, 14.10, 15.10, 16.10, 17.10, 18.10
Masarykovo nádraží -M- 12.12, 13.12, 14.12, 15.12, 16.12, 17.12, 18.12
Václavské náměstí 12.15, 13.15, 14.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17.15, 18.15
Národní divadlo 12.21, 13.21, 14.21, 15.21, 16.21, 17.21, 18.21
Malostranská -M- 12.31, 13.31, 14.31, 15.31, 16.31, 17.31, 18.31
Pražský hrad 12.35, 13.35, 14.35, 15.35, 16.35, 17.35, 18.35
Vozovna Střešovice 12.38, 13.38, 14.38, 15.38, 16.38, 17.38, 18.38

Customs regulations

Importing goods
Goods of a non-commercial nature can be imported duty free with the following limitations:
Only persons over the age of 16 may import tobacco products:

200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (cigars weighing no more than 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.
Only persons over the age of 18 may import alcohol: 1 litre of drinks with an alcohol content of over 22% by volume, or sparkling wine; 2 litres of wine.
50 g of perfume or 0.25 l of eau de toilette; medicines required by travellers during their stay in the country.
Each traveller may import goods with a total value not exceeding 6,000 crowns (children under 15 only 3,000 crowns). People cannot pool their allowances to import goods over the value of 6,000 crowns. For example, a television worth 7,000 crowns will be subject to duty to the full amount, no matter how many people are travelling together.

Prague Customs Office: Prague 8, Sokolovská 22, tel. 224 816 256
Customs Office at the Main Station: Prague 2, Wilsonova 80, tel. 224 221 905
Airport Customs Office: Prague 6, Prague Ruzyně Airport, tel. 220 113 100
Post Office customs clearance: Prague 5, Plzeňská 139, tel. 257 019 102

Export of goods
Goods of a non-commercial nature and intended for the personal consumption of the traveller during his/her stay abroad or as a gift is duty free unless it concerns goods subject to special legal regulations, for instance those governing export of animals, natural medicines, protection of cultural monuments and works of art. In this case the relevant export permits must be presented to the customs. This particularly concerns items of a cultural and historical value, which can only be exported with a certificate issued by the appropriate organisation or institution (museums, galleries, archives, libraries, conservation organisations, etc).

Reclaiming Value Added Tax - outside European Union only

As a foreign tourist you have the right to reclaim VAT on goods you have purchased in the Czech Republic and are exporting from the country.
This concerns only goods worth over 2,500 crowns that are exported within 60 days of their purchase. This does not apply to tobacco products, alcohol or any services (e.g. car hire, accommodation, etc.). If you are a foreign tourist and wish to make use of this service, you need to do only one thing: buy the goods in shops with the TAX FREE SHOPPING logo of the company Global Refund and respect three simple rules:

SHOPPING Buy your goods in shops where you see the TAX FREE SHOPPING logo of Global Refund
(over 210, 000 shops throughout the world) and ask for the tax free form for reclaiming VAT.
You will find well-trained sales assistants that will advise you and help you fill out the form.
CUSTOMS When leaving the Czech Republic show the goods, form, receipt and your passport to the customs officials and get them to stamp the form. Customs officials are well informed about the Tax Free system run by Global Refund.
COLLECT YOUR RETURNED VAT You have several possibilities: immediate payment in cash at the nearest Global Refund payments office (over 200 offices throughout the world), payment by transfer to your credit card account or by cheque sent to the address desired. Can anything be easier?

Locations for reclaiming VAT

Czech Republic – airports
Prague Travelex, Acron – Duty Free shop, Cash Point
Prague - old airport Duty Free Shop
Karlovy Vary Duty Free Shop

Border with Germany

Aš / Selb Czech International
Boží Dar / Oberwiesenthal Infocentrum, TO&MI
Cínovec / Zinnwald Czech International
Folmava / Furth im Wald Czech International, TO&MI
Hora Sv. Šebestiána / Reitzenhain ART - 38
Hřensko / Schmilka TO&MI
Petrovice / Bahratal TO&MI
Rozvadov / Waidhaus TO&MI
Strážný / Philippsreuth 2T - exchange
Sv. Kříž / Waldsassen TO&MI
Varnsdorf / Seifhennersdorf TO&MI
Vojtanov / Schönberg Czech International
Železná Ruda / Bayer. Eisenstein Czech International

Border with Austria

Dolní Dvořiště / Wullowitz I-kontakt, TO&MI
České Velenice / Gműnd TO&MI
Halámky / Neunagelberg TO&MI
Hatě / Kleinhaugsdorf TO&MI
Hevlín / Laa an der Thaya TO&MI
Mikulov / Drasenhofen ÖAMTC
Studánky / Neigetschlag P-Inf

Border with Poland

Bohumín / Chalupki PST Ostrava
Český Těšín / Cieszyn Cash Point
Habartice / Zawidów PZM
Harrachov / Jakuszyce PZM
Náchod / Kudowa Słone PZM
Sudice / Pietraszyn

Border with Slovakia

Bílá / Klokočov PST Slovakia
Bílá – Bumbálka / Makov PST Ostrava, PST Slovakia
Brumov – Bylnice / Horné Srnie PST Ostrava
Břeclav / Kúty (D2) Interspedit, TO&MI
Lanžhot / Brodské Interspedit
Hodonín / Holič Interspedit, TO&MI
Starý Hrozenkov / Drietoma Interspedit, PST Slovakia
Střelná / Lysá pod Makytou PST Slovakia
Sudoměřice / Skalica Interspedit
Velká nad Veličkou / Vrbovce Interspedit

Locations for reclaiming VAT abroad – airports

Amsterdam
Barcelona
Berlin
Copenhagen
Dűsseldorf
Frankfurt
Geneva
Gothenburg
Hamburg
Helsinki
Lisbon
London
Madrid
Moscow
Műnchen
Nice
Osaka
Oslo
Paris
Rome
Singapore
Stockholm
Tokyo
Vienna
Zűrich

National holidays:

January 1 - New Year's Day, formation of the independent Czech Republic
Easter Monday
May 1 - Labour Day
May 8 - Liberation Day (1945)
July 5 - Feast of St. Cyril and St. Methodius
July 6 - Jan Hus (1415)
September 28 - Czech National Day
October 28 - Foundation of the independent Czechoslovak Republic (1918)
November 17 - Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day

Opening hours in shops

Most shops are open Mon to Fri, from 9.00 till 18.00. Many shops in the centre of Prague are open till 20.00 and at weekends as well. This applies also to department stores in the centre (Debenhams, Kotva, Tesco). Hypermarkets in shopping centres (Carrefour at Anděl, Tesco in Letňany, etc.) are open 24 hours a day, and shops in the centres are open till 22.00. Most shops are closed on national holidays (this does not apply on Christmas Eve).

Opening hours at cultural monuments

Most monuments are open every day except for Monday. Monuments in the Jewish Town are closed on Saturday. Most castles and stately homes are open to the public only during the season (May - September).

Castles open in the winter season:

Castle/stately home month days hours
Benátky nad Jizerou XII, Mon-Fri, 8-16
Blansko XI-XII, Tues-Fri, 9-17
Budyně nad Ohří X-II Sat-Sun 13,30-15,30
Častolovice X-XII Sat-Sun 9-18
Dobříš III,XI Sat-Sun 9-16
Chodský hrad 15.10.-14.4. Sat-Sun 10-15
Hasištejn do 31.11. daily 10-18
Házmburk X-IV Sat-Sun 10-16
Helfenburg all year round
Helfštejn III,XI Sat-Sun 9-16
Hrádek u Nechanic 29.11.-21.12. Sat-Sun 9-17
Jičín all year round Tues-Sun 9-17
Karlštejn X-XII, III-IV Tues-Sun 9-16
Kutná Hora Vlašák XI-II Daily 10-16
Ledeč nad Sázavou X-V Mon-Fri 8-16
Loket XI-III Tues-Sun 9-16
Mladá Boleslav X-IV Tues-Sun 9-16
Nelahozeves XI-III Tues-Sun 9-15
Nové Hrady all year round Tues-Sun 9-16
Nový Jičín I-III Tues-Fri, Sun 9-15
Pardubice all year round Tues-Sun 10-18
Prostějov all year round Tues-Sun 9-17
Roudnice nad Labem all year round Tues-Sun 10-17
Sokolov/Falknov all year round Wed-Sun 9-17
Staré Hrady all year round Mon-Fri 9-17
Starý Jičín XI-II Sun 13-17
Střekov X-XII Tues-Sun 9-16
Špilberk IX-IV Tues-Sun 9-17
Šternberk XI-III Sat-Sun 10-15
Štramberk XI-IV Sat-Sun 10-16
Třebíč X-III Tues-Sun 8-16
Uherský Brod all year round Tues-Sun 9-16,45
Valečov all year round Sat-Sun 9-16
Veltrusy X-XII Sat-Sun 9-16
Vrchlabí all year round Tues-Sun 8-17

Religious services

You will find a current list of Catholic services in Prague on the website of Concordia Prague:
http://www.cbox.cz/concordiapax

Changing money

The best way to change money is at a bank or in our information centres
(Celetná 14, Karlova 1, Národní 4, Nerudova 4), where we can offer you very good exchange rates.

If you decide to use the services of one of the exchange bureaus in the centre of Prague, don't forget to ask beforehand how many crowns they will actually give you for your money. Many exchange bureaus lure tourists by offering attractive exchange rates, but then charge hefty handling charges (in the centre up to 25%). Never change money on the street. Recently, there have been many cases of tourists getting cheated, for instance, by receiving out-of-date Bulgarian money instead of Czech crowns.

Internet

Access to the Internet is possible in the Internet cafes. The price in the centre of Prague is around 1.5 crowns per minute. We recommend you to use our Internet connection in our information centre in Karlova 1, where the price is 1. 50 crowns/minute with free minute bonuses after 30 minutes.

Electricity supply

230 V. It is often difficult to obtain adapters for Czech sockets. However, you should be able to buy one in the department stores (Tesco or Kotva) or in one of our information centres.

Drinking water

You don't have to fear drinking water from the tap. Only the water in trains is not for drinking.

Lost property office

Prague 1, Karoliny Světlé 5, tel. 224 235 085

Left luggage offices

You will find left luggage offices at all train and most bus stations. If you want to have 24-hour access to your luggage then you have to use the lockers at the Main Station. You can ask our staff at the tourist information centre at Celetná 14 to look after your bags for a short time.

Tipping

Tips of around 5% of the bill are normally expected in restaurants, bars and coffeehouses. If you are satisfied with the service there is nothing to stop you giving a bigger tip. Some restaurants add a service fee of anything of up to 30%. If this service charge is not given on the menu and you have not been informed of it before ordering your meal, then you certainly don't have to pay it. People working in the hospitality industry have a wage as everyone else does, and so tips should only be given as an expression of your satisfaction with the service they provide you with.

Student discounts

The ISIC card will give you the right to a whole number of discounts in relation to transport as well as entrance to museums, monuments and even accommodation in some hostels. You should always ask about the discount beforehand.




	100 EUR			2619 CZK

	100 USD			1552 CZK

	100 GBP			4074 CZK

	1000 JPY			150 CZK

	Learn more about changing Czech money here


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Just 3 steps to get your accommodation or sightseeing in Prague:

1. Use a reservation interface that is accessible from every relevant part of the website after clicking on the “RESERVATION” sign bellow the demanded section.

2. After sending the reservation to our operators you will promptly receive an e-mail with a form (it will be attached text document) where you fill your MASTERCARD/VISA details for making payment or just authorising deposit (in case of accommodation) according to price list written at every section. Please use our website currency converter that operates with condition and rates used at our exchange offices in downtown of Prague.

3. Send us filled copy of the received form by fax to 00 420 257 217 711 or by e-mail to zdenek@aroundprague.com . Then we will send you voucher that will confirm, explain and guarantee your reservation.

This method is safe and works for several years already. In case you would feel this way of charging inconvenient contact us to zdenek@aroundprague.com to discuss another options to make payment. You can also send money directly to our company´s account and fax us the payment order copy (Company: Jitka Rolinkova, Bank: CSOB - Ceskoslovenska obchodni banka, Moskevska 25, 10100, Praha 10, Czech Republic, Account number: 131347039/ 0300, IBAN: CZ 47 0300 0000 0001 3134 7039, SWIFT: cekoczpp)

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