When to go
The climatic bridge between Atlantic and Eastern Europe is a cold one. May
to September is a good period to infiltrate the heart of Central Europe with
average daily highs in the mid 20°C (mid 70°F) and fresh nights between about
9°C (47°F) and 14°C (57°F). Rainfall is fairly regular throughout the year, with
just a tad more in spring and autumn and the occasional summer thunderstorm.
Czech winters are a great time to park yourself by a fireplace and enjoy the
country's fine brews as things get pretty bleak outside.
Nature and Geography
Adjoining Austria, Germany, Poland and the Slovak Republic, the Czech
Republic consists of Bohemia in the west and Moravia in the east. Within Moravia
is a small southern part of the historical region called Silesia, the rest of
which is in present-day Poland. The Czech landscape is quite varied. Bohemia to
the west consists of a basin, drained by the Labe and Vltava rivers, surrounded
by mostly low mountains such as the Silesia with its part Krkonose, where one
also finds the highest point in the country, the Snezka at 1602 m. Moravia, the
eastern part, is also quite hilly and is drained predominantly by the Morava
River, but also contains the source of the Odra River. Water from the landlocked
Czech Republic flows to three different seas: the North Sea, Baltic Sea and
Black Sea.
Prague, the capital of both the Czech Republic and Bohemia, sits astride the
Vltava River about 30 km above its junction with the Labe River. The Czech
Republic has a beautiful and diverse landscape with plenty of mountains, gentle
highlands, lowlands, caves, canyons, broad fields, bogs, lakes, ponds and dams.
Unfortunately, the further north you go, the worse the appalling air pollution
and high-altitude acid-rain damage gets - belated pay-back for unregulated
industrialisation since the 19th century.
Climate
The Czech Republic has a mild continental climate with four distinct seasons
(warm summers and cold, cloudy, humid winters, typified by a mixture of maritime
and continental influences). The average daily temperature in January, the coldest of winter months, is about 2°C, in July, the warmest month, is about 24°C (13°C in the night). All four seasons are good for travel, but the spring and fall are the most popular thanks to pleasant, not-too-cold, not-too-hot weather, relatively long
days, and plenty of cultural events. For actual weather information
click here.
How to get there
Czech Republic is situated just in the heart of Europe. Airplane: Prague
has one of the biggest and most important airports in the Central Europe, you
will find here excellent and cheap daily connections to all European capitals
and all continents (direct flights from 2 terminals to more than 130 destinations) – it is an ideal
starting point for your tours in Europe. This modern airport offers very good
services and has also one of the cheapest airport tax. For your budget clients
is convenient that Prague becomes an international hub of all European low cost
airlines. Airport is situated approximately 20 km north-west of the city centre.
Transport between the city and the airport is possible by bus line No.119
running at regular intervals from 04:30 AM to 11:30 PM to its terminal at the
Dejvická underground station of line A. Transport is also possible by
microbuses, which run every 30 minutes form Ruzyne airport to Dejvická
underground station of line A, and Republiky Square in downtown Prague (stop at
the Church of St. Jude). Train: Consider arriving by train, as it's the
easiest (but not the cheapest) way to get from Western Europe to the Czech
Republic. There are some 18 rail crossings into the Republic. Bus:
Throughout Europe, bus transportation is usually less expensive than rail travel
and covers a more extensive area. Most Europeans cities has a cheap daily direct
bus connection to Prague, Brno and Ostrava. Car: By road, visitors can
enter the Republic at over 30 points, and the list is growing all the time. To
avoid fines, a window decal can be obtained from petrol stations to allow legal
driving on the highways for a ten day period. Be aware that statistically, Czech
drivers are some of the worst in Europe. Excessive speed and passing on blind
corners are the main problems.
Crossing Borders
Nationals of all EU countries, Japan, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can visit the Czech Republic for up to 90 days, and UK citizens for up to 180 days, without a visa. Nationals of many other countries must
obtain a visa, which is good for a stay of between 30 and 90 days depending on
your nationality. Foreign visitors to the Czech Republic must have on
arrival a passport, issued by their country of origin, and valid for at least 90
days beyond the period of their planned stay in the Czech Republic. The Czech
Republic requires all foreign persons older than 15 years to have their own
valid document when entering this country. Immigration officers may require a
foreign person arriving in the Czech Republic to present a certificate of health
insurance for the intended period of stay. We provide visa service for our
clients.
Customs
Czech Customs laws are usually lax, but official allowances for importing
duty-free goods are 200 cigarettes (or 250 g of tobacco), 1 litre of alcohol (or
2 litres of wine), and 50 grams of perfume (or 250 ml of toilet water). Most
items brought for personal use during a visit aren't liable to import duty.
Gifts are taxable if the quantity and value aren't in keeping with the
"reasonable needs" of the recipient. There are no longer any currency
restrictions at borders. Live farm animals, plants, produce, coffee, and tea may
not be imported, but household pets can enter with an international health
certificate.
Local Transportation
There are regular flights between Prague and other reasonably sized Czech
cities, even more regular (and reasonably cheap) train services courtesy of
Czech Railways, and a low-cost efficient long-distance bus network. The road
network is good, but drive defensively to counter the local addiction to
excessive speeding. Airplane: Domestic flights between Prague, Ostrava
and Brno are operated by the Czech airlines (CSA). Specialized companies offer
small aircraft for flights to many places throughout the country, or sightseeing
flights. Train: Czech Railways provides clean, efficient train service to
almost every part of the country. Travel is cheap by Western standards. The
broadest range of services is offered on Super City trains consisting of
modernised first class carriages and a dinning car with a bar selection. Trains
of the express category are almost comparable to Inter City trains. They consist
of first and second class carriages and all provide restaurant services. Czech
Railways operates specially modified carriages for handicapped people on
wheelchairs. Bicycles and sport ships are transported in special wagons. Bus:
Long-distance coach connections tend to be faster, more frequent and marginally
cheaper than train connections, and remoter locations require fewer transfers.
Car: The Czech republic has a good network of roads and motorways, well
marked, and ideal for driving. Czech traffic regulations are very similar to
those in other European countries. Car Rental: Many local and foreign
companies offer their services in the Czech Republic. Automobiles of all
categories and marks can be rented, naturally also with a driver. Taxi:
Taxi charges, consisting of a fixed rate and per kilometre rate, differ from
place to place. The rate per kilometre must be stated on the outer side of the
car body as well as inside the car. Every taxi driver is duty-bound to issue on
request a receipt for the fare paid. You are recommended to ask about the fare
in advance. Taxis can be booked by phone 24 hours in advance. Public
transportation: Public transport in Czech and Moravian towns use trams,
buses, and trolley-buses. Prague has three underground lines linking the centre
with suburbs. Fares differ in the different towns. Public transport tickets are
available mainly at ticket machines, newsagents and tobacconists. Tourist
tickets valid for a number of journeys are offered in Prague and other towns.
Tickets must be marked in stamping machines on entry into the underground area,
trams and buses.
Traffic Regulations
To drive in the Czech Republic, you will need an international driver’s license.
When using a motor vehicle, you are required to have a driver’s license and
proof of payment/receipt of the compulsory car insurance (the so-called “green
card” in Czech). The car must have the international number plate of the country
of its registration. The quality of major roads in the Czech Republic approaches
Western European standards; there are, however, relatively few high-speed
highways compared to the United States or Canada. When calculating travel times,
you should expect an average speed of no more than 90 km/h, unless you plan to
use a highway for the entire trip. Less-traveled country roads offer scenic
views and pleasant driving. There is a 130 km p/h limit for highways, 90 km p/h
on other roads, and 50 km p/h within towns and municipalities. Traffic
regulations correspond with those effective in most European countries. Drivers
are not permitted to drink any alcohol before and during the ride; seat belts
are compulsory. Children under 15 years of age can ride in the back seat only.
Motorcyclists and their pillion passengers must wear helmets. There are no road
tolls in the Czech Republic. To use the country’s network of highways, drivers
must purchase a special sticker with the highway symbol - a two- part coupon,
one part of which you stick on the inner side of the windscreen in the bottom
right-hand corner, and keep the other part (a coupon, which is not fastened to
the windscreen, marked with the period of validity or the registration number of
the vehicle, is not valid). These stickers are available for the periods of ten
consecutive days, one month, or one year, and are available at gas stations,
post offices, and border crossings. Sections of roads where stickers are not
required are marked „BEZ POPLATKU“ (free of toll). Coupon prices (you can
order in advance in our agency): vehicles up to 3,5 t – annual 1200 CZK, 1
month 350 CZK, 10 days 250 CZK. Other vehicles using electronic toll system - for more information click here. Yellow Angels:
Controllers of the Central Auto-Moto-Club are ready to help on phone 1230. Autoclub Bohemia Assistance – non-stop emergency service for motorists on phone
1240 (Break-down and towing service for all stuck vehicles).
Parking
For the safety of your vehicle, use only supervised parking lots and garages. Do
not leave any valuables in your unattended car, as they might attract unwanted
attention. In view of traffic jams in the centre of Prague we recommend the use
of parking areas outside the centre at public transport stations or stops.
People
The majority of the inhabitants of the Czech Republic (95%) are ethnically
Czech and speak Czech, a member of the Slavic languages. Other ethnic groups
include Germans, Roma, Hungarians, Ukrainians and Poles. After the 1993
division, some Slovaks remained in the Czech Republic and comprise roughly 2% of
the current population. The border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia is
open for citizens of the former Czechoslovakia. Given the massive rise of
tourism in Prague, English is becoming widely popular among business-owners and
public servants. Despite the very visible presence of cathedrals and church
buildings all over the country, the majority of Czechs (59%) are agnostics or
atheists. Significant religious groups include Roman Catholics (27%),
Protestants (1,2%), and Czechoslovak Hussites (1%).
Culture
Czechoslovakia's main cultural achievements took place primarily in the Middle
Ages and after the 18th century. In the intervening three centuries, control by
Germans resulted in the suppression of native achievement and forced many
artists, musicians, and philosophers to live abroad. The 14th century laid the
basis for a national style in painting. The 19th century witnessed a revival and
further development of painting, music, and sculpture. The National Theatre in
Prague (1883) and the Bratislava National Theatre are also held in high regard
throughout Europe. The 1960's saw a return to prominence of Czechoslovakian
films. "The Shop on Main Street", (1966), and "Loves of a Blonde" (1967), won
general acclaim in the West. Traditional painting in Czechoslovakia during the
19th century was best exemplified by the works of Josef Mánes. The portrait
painter Max Svabinský and the sculptor Josef Myslbek gained recognition around
the turn of the 20th century. Josef Drahovský, who sculpted in various media,
including glass, achieved prominence after World War I. Later in the 20th
century Frantisek Kupka achieved a posthumous reputation as one of the pioneers
of abstract painting. Czech contribution to music has been of notable
international importance. The composer Bedrich Smetana is known as the father of
Bohemian national music; Antonín Dvorák, who was born in Czechoslovakia, lived
and worked in the United States for several years; Leos Janácek is noted for his
operas and songs, some of which were based on folk themes. While the Communists
ruled Czechoslovakia, the film, radio, television, telephone, and telegraph
services were all state-owned. The ministry of information oversaw the editorial
operations of all newspapers, and the ministry of communications was in charge
of distribution. Besides the major Communist newspaper, Rudé Právo (Red
Justice), nationally distributed daily newspapers included the organs of two
parties allied with the Communist party. The combined circulation of the
country's 30 daily newspapers was about 4.4 million. In the late 1980s there
were 4.3 million radios, 4.4 million television sets, and 3.8 million telephones
in use. In the late 1980s the Central Council of Trade Unions, the governing
body of the Revolutionary Trade Union Movement, encompassed 97 percent of the
labor force. It was charged specifically with encouraging productivity,
informing the government about labour needs, and providing recreation for
workers. Membership and monthly dues were generally compulsory. Germanic,
Jewish, and Czech cultures were combined through centuries of history into what
is now the Czech Republic. What resulted was a rich and diverse culture with
distinct art, music, and literature. The new republic's president, Václav Havel,
was a famed playwright and leader in the Czech art world before becoming
involved in government. Poet Jaroslav Seifert won the Nobel Prize for poetry in
1984. The Czech Republic retained the largest libraries and document and
treasure collections from the former Czechoslovakia. In particular, the National
Museum and its library, the library of the Charles University, and the library
of the Czech Republic all have extensive collections. In addition, the
Premonstratensian Monastery of Strahov in Prague is well known for its
collection of notable documents and treasures.
Events
Practically every day is a saint's day in the Czech Republic, and 'special
days', festivals and public holidays are widely acknowledged. On 30 April in
Prague, the Czech version of Walpurgisnacht (Burning of the Witches) is a
pre-Christian festival for warding off evil. Politically incorrect witch burning
is now replaced by all-night bonfire parties on Kampa Island and in suburban
backyards. High culture follows for the remainder of the year with the Prazske
Jaro (Prague Spring) International Music Festival in May and June, the Prague
International Book Fair also in May and the Mozart Festival in September. The
Christmas and New Year season closes the year quietly for most of the Czech
Republic, but Prague is overcome with tourist revelry during a fast and furious
holiday season.
State and Public Holidays
01.01. - Restoration of the Czech independence Day; New Year's Day
March, April - Easter Monday
01.05. - Labour Day
08.05. - Liberation Day (1945)
05.07. - Cyril and Methodius Day - the Slavic Christianity Day
06.07. - Master Jan Hus burning at the stake (1415)
28.09. - St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day)
28.10. - Independent Czechoslovak State Proclamation Day (1918)
17.11. - Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
24.12. - Christmas Eve
25.12. - Christmas Day
26.12. - St. Stephen's Day
Time
GMT / UTC +1 hour. Daylight Saving: Start last Sunday in March and end last
Sunday in October.
Weights Measures System & Electricity
Metric. 220V / 50Hz.
Currency
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown (koruna),
abbreviated as Kc, with the international abbreviation CZK. 1 crown consists of
100 hellers (halér), abbreviated as hal. As the official currency, the Czech
Crown is the best and often the only possible currency to use when paying.
Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the Euro is not
widely accepted here yet. Some stores, restaurants and hotels accept payments in
Euros but the exchange rate may not be very good. You can use coins (1 Kc, 2 Kc, 5 Kc, 10 Kc, 20 Kc, 50 Kc) and banknotes (100 Kc, 200 Kc, 500 Kc, 1000 Kc, 2000 Kc, 5000 Kc). Always change money in a bank or take cash
out of ATM machines, which are plentiful in Prague and every larger town. Be careful when using money exchange offices. Many of them target tourists (especially in Prague) and you may end up paying a high commission or getting a
bad rate without even knowing about it. Never agree to changing money on the street. The purpose of this practice is not to exchange money, but to steal it from you. Don't carry large amounts of cash with you. Carry a credit card and
take money out of a cash machine as you go. You can also use your card to make payments. Major credit cards are accepted in many locations (Eurocard/Mastercard,
American Express, VISA, Diners Club, Japan Credit Bureau, Access and Carte Blanche). The approximate value of 1 USD is 17 CZK and 1 EUR is 24 CZK. For actual exchange rates click here. For
currency conversions
click here.
Tips
Tips of about 10% of the bill's total are catching on, though just rounding up
the bill to a logical point is still more traditional. Tipping was frowned on by
the Communists, and waiters, as you might guess, became lazy, looking for
reasons to avoid your table and make your stay as long as possible in order to
thin the workload. Today, good service, if you should be lucky enough to get it,
demands a decent tip.
Shopping
The quantity and quality of products available in the Czech Republic has
improved dramatically over the past decade, with the most prominent changes
noticeable in Prague, where a number of new hypermarkets and Western-style
shopping malls appeared in the last several years. The increased competition and
consumer demand have resulted in better selection, prices, and service, making
shopping a more enjoyable activity. Czech crystal, glass, porcelain, and
ceramics - Stores selling beautiful Czech crystal and glass products are
plentiful, as are those offering Czech porcelain and handmade ceramic products.
A unique gift is a handmade replica of historical glassware, such as drinking
glasses from the times of Charles IV, Rudolf II, and other centuries.
Jewellery and glass beads - The Czech Republic is famous for its jewellery
produced in Jablonec nad Nisou. Bead jewellery, imitation pearls, strass
jewellery, and custom-made jewellery are some items to look for. If you are
vendors selling tiny overpriced packages to tourists. The best deal is to buy
looking to buy loose glass beads, you will see beads by the pound, although we
have yet to find a store where this is possible. Wooden toys and decorative
items - There are many shops selling Czech wooden toys, handmade soap,
beeswax candles, dried flower arrangements, etc. Botanicus has stores in
multiple locations throughout the country but there are plenty of other little
shops you will certainly run into. Hand-painted Easter eggs ("kraslice")
- A nice little Czech souvenir that will come in especially handy at Easter is a
box of beautiful hand-painted Easter eggs. Many of them are true works of art!
You can find them at markets and souvenir shops all year round. Carlsbad spa
wafers (lázenské oplatky) - If you have a sweet tooth, you will probably
love the spa wafers, a tradition from Karlovy Vary. They come in several
flavours, such as vanilla/nut and chocolate (our favorite!). Either buy them
fresh on the street, or look for them in a grocery store - in that case, make
sure they are made by Opavia. Becherovka - Another staple from Karlovy
Vary is the herbal liquor Becherovka that is said to have medicinal properties
(good for digestion). It can be an acquired taste, so try a bit first.
Business Hours
The opening hour of shops differ, but the most frequent hours are from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM on workdays and from 09:00 AM to noon on Saturday. But the number of
shops open on Sunday is on the rise. Supermarkets and big shopping centres are opened 7 days a week from 10:00 AM till 10:00 PM, some are open 24 hours. Most
stores in the Prague city centre and tourist locations have longer hours and are open on weekends. Banks are mostly opened from 8.00 AM to 05:00 PM on workdays.
Most pharmacies have the same opening hours as shops, and some operate 24 hours. Government offices are open Mondays through Fridays 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM (continuously), private companies are usually open 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM. Main post office in Prague is open 24 hours (limited services after midnight). All businesses are closed on Sundays apart from restaurants, coffee bars, cinemas and some big shopping centres.
Phones and Internet
There are two types of payphones used in the Czech Republic - those that accept coins (EUR and CZK) and those that accept telephone cards (from O2). Both types of payphones can be found easily at many locations in any town or city (you can send also SMS and Emails from some of them). Telephone cards (eg. O2 Trick Card - 180 CZK) can be purchased at newsstands, tobacconists ("Tabák" in Czech), at the post office ("Posta"),
in department stores, hotels, money exchange offices, etc. Telephone cards are convenient for longer and/or more expensive phone calls (e.g. calls abroad) or
if you are going to be making phone calls over a longer time period and do not want to have to worry about having coins handy at all times. If you are planning to stay in the Czech Republic for a longer term and will need a cell phone, it
might make sense to purchase one there. There are three main cell phone companies in the Czech Republic (T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2) with different plans you can choose from. Mobile phone numbers are 9 digits. You can buy also cheap prepaid sim card (200 CZK), which you can use in your own phone (900 MHz / 1800 MHz). Internet cafés with high-speed connection Internet are plentiful in the Czech Republic. You will find one at almost every corner in Prague. Prices and opening hours vary (you will have a hard time
finding an Internet café that stays open after 10 PM, even in downtown Prague). You can usually buy a coffee or a drink to sip while browsing. If you will have laptop with you, you can get connected free of charge via modem (you will pay
only phone costs, around 15 CZK per hour; dial 971200111, username and password: volny) or via Wi-Fi with prepaid internet card or USB stick with prepaid sim card for 3G / EDGE / GPRS networks.
Emergency Phone Numbers
112 - Emergency Central Number
158 - Police
156 - City Police
155 - Ambulance
150 - Fire Department
1180 - Information about telephone numbers in the Czech Republic
1181 - Information about telephone numbers abroad
Staying Healthy
Check your existing insurance policies and credit-card coverage before you
buy travel insurance. In most cases, your existing health plan will provide the
coverage you need. If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor
before your departure. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart
problems, wear a Medic Alert Identification Tag, which will immediately alert
doctors to your condition. Pack prescription medications in your carry-on
luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with
pharmacy labels -- otherwise they won't make it through airport security. Also
bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out.
Don't forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses. Carry the
generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar
with the brand name. Most out-of-country hospitals make you pay your bills up
front, and send you a refund after you've returned home and filed the necessary
paperwork. If you fall ill in the Czech Republic and want the services of an
English-language doctor, you'll probably have to pay up front for services
rendered (and you should be reimbursed by your insurer if the policy is in
order). No inoculations or vaccinations are required to enter the Czech
Republic.
Food
The country's culinary reputation doesn't resound much beyond the borders of
Bohemia, but there are still plenty of tasty treats. A large network of first
class and cheaper restaurants, wine cellars, and pubs offer dishes of the Czech
cuisine and specialities of the whole world. There are international chains of
fast food and vegetarian restaurants. The schnitzels, strudels, and goulashes of
neighbouring Germany and Hungary are familiar to almost everyone. Czech cuisine
borrows from these countries and adds twists like tasty svícková na smetane,
sirloin slices in a baked, vegetable-based cream sauce served over tender,
spongy, sliced dumplings. If prepared with care, Czech dishes are as delicious
as they are hearty. A few innovative restaurateurs have added character to the
generally dull diet of soups, meat, game, potatoes, and dumplings, proving that
even Czech cuisine can be delicate. With the influx of post-revolutionary
tourism came the inevitable explosion of restaurants. The majority of better
Prague restaurants now serve either a selection of continental European standbys
or more exotic niche cuisine. As a result, you can find anything from Indonesian
to Lebanese to Greek to Tex-Mex, a surprising variety when you consider the
vacuum of just a few years ago. Starters, outside the ubiquitous ham rolls and
unappetizing gelatine appetizers shoved in your face by waiters, are usually
soups, often garlic, onion, or beef broth with noodles. The herb soups are often
the most piquant part of the meal, but the meat-based broths, whether chicken or
beef, are frequently served without filtering the heavy renderings. As for main
courses, no self-respecting Czech restaurant could open its doors without
serving at least some version of the three national foods: vepro, knedlo, and
zelo (pork, dumplings, and cabbage). The pork (veprové maso) is usually a
shoulder or brisket that is baked and lightly seasoned, smoked, or breaded and
fried like a schnitzel (rízek). Unlike German sauerkraut, the cabbage (zelí) is
boiled with a light sugar sauce. The dumplings are light and spongy if made from
flour (houskové knedlíky), or dense and pasty if made from potatoes (bramborové
knedlíky). Other standard main courses are the above-mentioned svícková, roast
beef (rostená), baked chicken (grilované kure), and smoked ham and other spicy
cured meats (uzeniny). A local favourite is cmunda - a steaming potato pancake
topped with sweet boiled red cabbage and spicy Moravian smoked pork. Also
popular is wild game, like venison, goose, rabbit, and duck, and the more
exotic, like the wild boar goulash. Czech sauces can be heavy and characterless
but more frequently they are prepared with daring doses of spice. There's also
usually a good selection of indigenous freshwater fish, such as trout, perch,
and carp, the Christmas favourite. People worry about the safety of waterways,
but most fish served in Prague come from controlled fish farms. Since the
country has no coastline, you'll find most seafood at the more expensive
restaurants, but a growing selection of sea bass, shark, and shellfish is
shipped in on ice. Side dishes, usually ordered separately, are rice, fries,
potato croquettes or potato pancakes, and the stalwart sliced dumplings (sponges
for all that sauce on your plate). Many dishes are accompanied by a sour fruit
chutney, such as cranberry, to cut through the dense flavours. As for dessert,
try a palacinka, a crepe-thin pancake filled with chocolate, fruit, or marmalade
and whipped cream. Another favourite is ovocné knedlíky, whole dumplings filled
with strawberries, apricots, or cherries, rolled in sweet butter, and topped
with powdered sugar. The favourite beverage is beer offered in more than fifty
marks. Good beer is available everywhere. Czech and Moravian wines, especially
white ones, are of high quality. A famous wine producing region is southern
Moravia. A Czech speciality is the herb liquor „Becherovka“ distilled in the
west Bohemia spa of Karlovy Vary. But the Moravian „Slivovice“ distilled from
plums is equally popular. Dining Customs - Traditional Czech custom is
simply to find whatever seats are available without the assistance of a hostess,
but newer restaurants have started to employ staff to seat you. Barring this,
just point at the table you want and nod at a nearby waiter to make sure it's
available. Don't be afraid to sit in open seats at the large tables where others
are already seated, as is the case in many pubs and casual restaurants. However,
it's customary to ask "Je tu volno?" ("Is this spot free?") before joining a
large table. Likewise, don't be surprised if others ask to sit at your table.
Just say "Ano, je" ("Yes, it's free"), and make some new friends. Some Czech
restaurants are notorious for placing seemingly free bowls of nuts or olives on
the table or offering platters of appetizers or aperitifs that appear to be
compliments of the house. They're not.
Important Information
Since the early 1990s, Prague has been reborn as a place that welcomes millions
of travellers from all over the world every year. As the tourists stream in,
others flourish. But Prague still remains safe by Western standards. The best
strategy is to use common sense. Don't become paranoid. Make sure you are still
enjoying yourself on your trip. Although pick pocketing is a problem in Prague,
just like it is a problem in many European tourist destinations, it doesn't mean
that thieves are waiting for you at every corner. Czech police probably won't do
much to help you if you were robbed (just like the police in some other European
cities), so prevention is your best protection. Women especially should avoid
walking alone late at night on dark streets, through parks. All visitors should
be watchful of pickpockets in heavily tourist areas, especially on Charles
Bridge, in Old Town Square, and in front of the main train station. Be careful
on crowded trams and subways, especially in the historical centre of Prague.
Don't keep your wallet in a back pocket and don't flash a lot of cash or
jewellery. Don't carry large amounts of cash with you. Leave important documents
in a safe deposit box at your hotel. Know what's happening around you, try not
to find yourself squeezed in a crowd of other passengers. Don't take out your
wallet or money in busy areas. Don't change money on the street.
In case of "Force Majeure" our company reserves the right to withdraw from any
commitment. No valid claim of damage can be made in that case. Force Majeure -
we shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage arising out of or in
connection with the holiday / journey where performances and/or prompt
performance of contract is prevented by reason of war or threat of war, riot,
civil strike, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear
disasters, fire, adverse weather conditions, hostilities or political unrest and
other similar conditions beyond the control of the company. We are not liable
for any injury, loss or damage arising out of or in connection with itinerary
modifications due to circumstances beyond our control.