Capital: Prague
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September)
Telephone services: Country Code: 42 Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: Ambulance – 155, Fire – 150, Police – 158
Tourist information: Czech Tourist Authority, 95 Great Portland Street, London. W1N 5RA. Tel: (020) 7291 9920 Fax: (020) 7436 8300.
Passport information: Valid passport in good condition required by all except nationals of Germany who can enter with a valid national ID card. Passports must be valid for at least 8 months at the time of application and in a reasonable state. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.
Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of EU countries (except those with the endorsement British overseas Citizen who do require a visa. Nationals of Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Estonia; Hungary; Iceland; Latvia; Lithuania; Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Malta; Monaco; Norway; Poland; San Marino; Slovak Rebublic; Slovenia; Switzerland and Vatican City. Nationals of Cuba; South Korea and Malaysia. Nationals of CIS (except nationals of Armenia; Azerbaijan; Georgia; Tajikistan and Uzbekistan who do need visas). Nationals of Romania who have been invited from a Czech national which has been stamped by the representative aliens police and immigration service office.
Health information: Other Health Risks: Tick-borne encephalitis in forested areas
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.
Currency: Koruna (Kc) or Crown = 100 hellers
Exchange: All banks, exchange offices, main hotels and cross border crossings.
NOTE: The import and export of local currency is prohibited by non-residents
All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels, restaurants and shops. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. The preferred currencies are US dollars, Sterling and German DM
ATM availability: Over 1 000 locations.
Cost of living: Currently cheaper than Western Europe. However as visitors are increasing so are the prices, and it can be expected to become increasingly difficult for the budget traveller.
Languages: Czech (spoken with Bohemia and Moravia). Slovak, Russian, German and English are also spoken.
Weather: Mild summers and cold winters
Electricity: Generally 220 volts AC 50 Hz.
Post: There is a 24 hour service available at the main post office in Prague. Poste Restante is available throughout the country.
Transport: FLIGHTS: Very cheap, quick and convenient. RAIL: Fares are low but supplements are payable for travel by express trains. Reservations should be made in advance for long journeys. BUS: Efficient and comfortable. They are more reliable than the train but it is advisable to book in advance. CAR HIRE: Available from several companies. TAXIS: Only use major companies who can tell you the type and colour of the car that will collect you. DOCUMENTATION: A national driving licence will be sufficient.
Special information: When using public transport ensure you pay the correct amount which will avoid paying any extra money to persistent train / bus conductors. Petty theft and pickpocketing are rife. Beware of bogus policemen who may want to see your passport and currency. PHOTOGRAPHY: Do not take photographs of anything connected to the military.