Czech Republic

General

The Czech Republic is a member of the EU.

Time

The time in the Czech Republic is the same as Amsterdam, Paris and Rome and one hour ahead of London.

Languages

Czech, but English and German are well understood.

Border formalities

Travel documents

Many formalities and agreements about matters such as necessary travel documents, car papers, requirements relating to your means of transport and accommodation, medical expenses and taking pets with you do not only depend on the country you are travelling to but also on your departure point and nationality. The length of your stay can also play a role here.

We advise you to consult the relevant authorities before your departure about:

which travel documents you will need for yourself and your fellow passengers
which documents you need for your car
which regulations your caravan must meet
which goods you may import and export
how medical treatment will be arranged and paid for in your holiday destination in cases of accident or illness
whether you can take pets. Contact your vets well in advance. They can give you information about the necessary vaccinations, proof thereof and obligations on return. It would also make sense to enquire whether any special regulations apply to your pet in public places at your holiday destination. In some countries for example dogs must always be muzzled or transported in a cage.

You will find plenty of general information on www.europa.eu but make certain you select information that is relevant to your specific situation.

For the most recent customs regulations you should get in contact with the authorities of your holiday destination in your country of residence.

Currency

The currency in the Czech Republic is the koruny (or crown) (CZK). Approximate exchange rates September 2016: £1 = CZK 37. You can exchange money at the border exchange offices and also at banks and travel agencies.

Cash machines

There are sufficient cash machines in the Czech Republic.

Credit cards

Many restaurants, shops and service stations accept credit cards.

Opening times/Public holidays

Banks

Banks are open weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00.

Shops

Open weekdays until 18:00, on Saturdays until 13:00.

Chemists

There are plenty of chemists in the cities. Prague has 24 hour chemists.

Public holidays

New Year's Day and Czech Foundation Day
Easter
1 May (Labour Day)
8 May (Liberation Day)
5 July (Cyril and Methodius Day)
6 July (Jan Hus Day)
28 September (National Day)
28 October (Independence Day)
17 November (Freedom and Democracy Day)
24 December (Christmas Eve)
Christmas

Communication

(Mobile)phones

The mobile network works well throughout the Czech Republic. There is a 3G network for mobile internet.

Wifi, internet

You can make use of a WiFi network at more and more public locations, often for free.

Post

Open on weekdays until 17:00 and on Saturday mornings.

Roads and traffic

Road network

Main roads are of good quality. Driving after dark has its risks, because of vehicles without lights on the road. In view of the congestion in the centre of Prague you are advised to use the Park and Ride car parks on the outskirts and travel to the centre by tram. You can contact the breakdown service (ÚAMK CR) day and night on tel. 1230.

Traffic regulations

There is a total ban on alcohol when driving. Remember, all traffic in the Czech Republic drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers.

The Czech Republic uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km) and speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h). Traffic from the right has priority except on main roads. Traffic on a roundabout has priority over traffic wishing to enter it. Accidents involving injury or damage must be reported immediately to the police. The use of dipped headlights during the day and throughout the year is mandatory. You may only phone hands-free. Children under 18 years must wear a cycle helmet, helmets are also advised for older people. In the case of tailback you must move to the left or right of the road and leave space in the middle for the emergency services. Winter tyres are recommended between 1 November and 31 March.

Navigation

Notification of fixed speed cameras by navigation systems or mobile phones is not permitted.

Caravans, motorhomes

It is not allowed to stay overnight in a caravan or motorhome on public roads. Motorhomes weighing more than 3.5 tonnes must pay a toll per kilometre by means of an electronic box. See www.premid.cz for more information.

Maximum allowed measurements of combined length

Height 4 metres, width 2.55 metres and maximum length 18.75 metres (of which the trailer maximum 12 metres).

Tolls

You must have a special vignette (toll sticker) on motorways and major roads. Nearly all the roads leading to Prague fall into this category. Vignettes are on sale for varying periods. They are available at border crossings, post offices and larger service stations. More information: www.premid.cz.

Fuel

All types of fuel are available in the Czech Republic. LPG is also available in many places.

Filling stations

Filling stations on motorways and in larger towns are open permanently; elsewhere they are usually open until 19:00. At filling stations with internationally recognised brands in larger towns you can pay by credit card.

Emergency number

112: national emergency number for fire, police and ambulance.

Camping

Camping has a nostalgic character in the Czech Republic as many Czechs still go camping with a tent. But campsites are developing: more marked out pitches are being created, electricity is nearly always available, the number of service stations for motorhomes is increasing and more and more campsites offer their guests wifi.

Practical

Make sure you have a world adaptor for electrical appliances.
You are advised to drink bottled (mineral) water in preference to mains water.