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| | | Prague tourist information:
Prague Experience is the No1 Prague tourist information guide, for this first-rate tourist destination. Sightseeing & entertainment in Prague is superb, food & drink is good value and plentiful, and a compact city centre makes walking between tourist attractions easy. |
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| Prague Tourist Information | | |  TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
The main Prague tourist information office is at the Old Town Square:
Staromestska Radnice, Old Town Hall, Old Town Square, Prague 1
April to October: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00
November to March: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-17:00
There is also a small Prague tourist information office at the Main Train Station:
Hlavni Nadrazi (Main Train Station),
Wilsonova 8,
New Town, Prague 2
April to October: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00
November to March: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-17:00 | | |  MONEY INFORMATION
Cost of living in Prague
Food and drink prices in Prague are generally lower than in Western Europe, but are increasing. Beer and wine in ordinary pubs is still cheap. Clothes and other consumer goods cost about the same.
Currency in Prague
The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (czk). Czech Republic expects to join the Euro (€) in 2012.
The Euro is accepted in larger hotels, shops and some restaurants, but most only take the Czech Crown. |
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Currency in Prague |
Czech banknotes are issued in these denominations:
50/100/200/500/1000/2000/5000.
Currency exchange
Visitors will normally receive a better exchange rate for the Czech Crown in Prague than in their home country, if you observe the following guidelines.
Cash points (ATM's) in Prague
The simplest and most cost effective means of obtaining currency in Prague is to withdraw Czech Crowns from a cash point machine (ATM). They accept debit and credit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard/EuroCard, Maestro & American Express.
Prague Airport (Terminal 1): as you exit customs, cash point machines (ATM's) are located to the left of the exit doors, inside the airport terminal building - Prague Airport.
City Centre: cash points (ATM's) are located at Czech and International banks. These are most common around Wenceslas Square and en-route to the Old Town Square.
Best places to change money in Prague
Our top tip for currency exchange in Prague is the bureau de change eXchange, located just off the Old Town Square. Suitable for tourist and business currency exchange.
Alternatively, banks in Prague offer good exchange rates and low commissions. These are most common around Wenceslas Square and en-route to the Old Town Square.
As a last resort, Prague has many currency exchange offices located in small booths. Offers of 0% commission and confusing signs often mask a poor exchange rate. Avoid these if possible. If you do use them, first ask what the total amount you will receive is.
Credit card acceptance in Prague
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, international shops and more expensive restaurants. Many local shops and cheaper restaurants do not accept credit cards.
If you have a choice of paying in cash or by credit card, cash is always preferred. | | |  WEATHER INFORMATION - 10 day weather forecast
Prague weather |
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Prague's location in Central Europe creates fairly extreme weather patterns, with marked differences between the seasons. As a rough guide, the weather in spring is warm & fairly dry; summer is hot & sunny; autumn is cool & wet; and winter can be very cold with ice & snow. The average temperature in June/July is 30C (86F). In December/January it is -5C (41F) and snow flurries are frequent.
Such contrasts in weather conditions only add to the romantic appeal of Prague, a city equipped to keep the tourist comfortable and entertained all year round. | | | |  PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN PRAGUE
Prague's public transportation network is cheap, efficient and well integrated. Public transport runs frequently day and night, and a single ticket permits travel on all trams, buses and the metro:
Prague public transportation information | | |  TELEPHONE & POST
The majority of public telephone boxes accept phone cards. These cost 200czk or 300czk and are available from post offices, news stands, tobacconists and hotels.
International Dialling Code for the Czech Republic: 00420
Emergency telephone numbers
General emergency number 112
Fire 150 - Ambulance 155 - Municipal police 156 - Police 158
First aid
141 23 - Pharmacy first aid
141 24 - Dental first aid
141 22
Telephone enquiries and telegraph services
Directory enquiries for the Czech Republic - 1180
Directory enquiries for International calls - 1181
Tourist information - 14118
National operator - 133 002
Post office (main post office)
Jindrisska 14 (just off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1
Open daily 2am-midnight.
Tel. 221 131 111
Postage rates
Domestic letters & postcards: 10czk (50g)
International letters & postcards: Europe 17czk (20g) 21czk (50g) | | |  MEDICAL INFORMATION
Doctor - 24 hour tourist service
Doctor Prague Health Centre:
Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1
Tel: 224 220 040 or 24hr: 603 433 833/603 481 361
Web:
www.doctor-prague.cz
Pharmacy - 24 hour tourist services
Palackeho 5, Prague 1 - Tel: 224 946 982
Belgicka 37, Prague 2 - Tel: 222 519 731
Stefanikova 6, Prague 5 - Tel: 257 320 918
Dentists - 24 hour tourist services
European Dental Centre:
Wenceslas Square 33, Prague 1
Languages: English, French, German, Russian, Czech
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00
24 hour on-call emergency service (extra charge)
Tel: 224 228 994 Web: www.edcdental.cz |
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Prague Medical Information |
American Dental Associates:
V Celnici 4, Prague 1
Open: Mon-Thu 08:30-20:00, Fri 08:30-17:00, Sat 10:30-21:00
Tel: 221 181 121 Web: www.americandental.cz
Emergency dental service - Palackeho 5, Prague 1
Open: Mon-Fri 19:00-06:30, Sat-Sun 24hrs
Tel: 224 946 981 |
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 LOST PROPERTY OFFICE
Prague 1, Karoliny Svetle 5.
Tel: 224 235 085 |
| |  VISA & PASSPORT INFORMATION
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. Nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, USA and other countries can visit Prague without a visa. Some travelers do require a visa though, issued before travel: visa & passport information | | |
 FOREIGN EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Foreign Embassies in Prague: Foreign embassies in Prague
Czech Embassy in London: Czech Embassy in London
Czech Embassies Worldwide: Czech embassies worldwide |
| |  ELECTRICITY IN PRAGUE
As in most of continental Europe, the electricity supply in Prague is 220v. Electrical sockets take standard European two-pin plugs. British, North American and other non-European tourists are advised to bring adaptors with them, which can usually be purchased at your departure airport. If you arrive in Prague without one, try Tesco's. | | |
 TIPPING IN PRAGUE
While tips are naturally welcomed by people in the tourist industry in Prague, tipping is fairly relaxed and workers do not normally chase for a tip. 5%-10% is appropriate. |
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 DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Prague is a very safe city to walk around. Public transport, even at night, is used by everyone, young and old alike. Assaults are extremely rare. As in any city though, the tourist is a target for the unscrupulous: Pickpockets are skillful, so keep a close eye on valuables at all times - don't use your back pocket for your wallet and avoid hanging your handbag on your chair in public places. Use the safe at your accommodation. Beware over-charging in restaurants by checking the bill thoroughly. In taxis, insist the taxi driver puts the meter on or refuse the ride. If you really want to take one without a meter, agree a price before you enter the taxi.
The aim of Prague Experience is to help make your trip to Prague as enjoyable and hassle free as possible; to avoid the pitfalls. Tourist services listed on this website have been thoroughly tested and any falling short of our expectations are removed. Our Prague airport transfers use polite, honest drivers. Our accommodation is safe and secure. Our restaurants are trustworthy. And, we genuinely do sell the best sightseeing tours, and the best seats at the best Prague opera houses. |
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 WHEELCHAIR USERS & DISABLED ACCESS
Wheelchair users will be pleased to note that Prague is a compact city, so distances between sights and attractions are fairly short. Cobbled streets in many areas however (notably in the Old Town and Mala Strana) can be hard going on wheelchairs, although can be overcome with some effort.
The main challenge wheelchair users face is the lack of disabled toilets. Most buildings in the city centre are old, and almost no toilets have been adapted for the disabled.
Accessibility for disabled passengers in public transport is improving: Around half of Prague metro stations offer wheelchair access. Hlavní Nádraží and Nádraží Holešovice train stations have self-operating lifts. Most trams and buses however do not have wheelchair access, but newer ones are slowly being introduced - pubic transport.
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, so are a good option for traveling around. For your arrival in Prague, our Prague airport taxis service will arrange a suitable vehicle.
For accommodation, the New Town is the best area to stay in. Road surfaces are more even and there are more modern hotels and apartments, restaurants, international shops and entertainment. That said, the Hilton Hotel, located on the outskirts of the city centre, is the best equipped hotel for the disabled, with 15 barrier-free rooms.
Some restaurants and cafes are located at street level, others have lifts to cellar restaurants and roof terraces. Prague Experience list restaurants accessible to wheelchair users, although special disabled toilets are almost non-existent: Prague restaurants with wheelchair access.
Most Prague opera houses & concert halls offer wheelchair access, but few theatres.
Many Prague sights and attractions are accessible to wheelchairs.
Some sightseeing tours are open to wheelchair users: Prague By Night, Karlovy Vary, Terezin, Medieval Experience, Czech Folk Night and Illuminated Fountain. A companion is needed to help with getting on and off the coach.
For river cruises there is access to the quay side via a ramp. All vessels except Prague Jazz Boat accommodate wheelchairs - although there are no disabled toilets onboard.
Prague Experience is committed to helping wheelchair users wherever possible with their travel plans. Use the normal booking forms to book any of the tourist services we list on our website, and let us know your requirements in the special requests box. |
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 CHILDREN ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Prague is very safe to walk around and to travel on public transport, so parents need have no extra concerns for their children, over the normal care one would take in a city. Just watch out for trams on the streets if you are not used to them.
Restaurants, bars and cafes will happily allow children to accompany adults; some restaurants even have high chairs for babies. Smoking can often be the main deterrent to taking children somewhere, so look for restaurants with non-smoking areas. Kids' menus are rare, but waiters will offer useful advice on food suitable for children.
There are many activities for children to enjoy in Prague, from parks and outdoor areas to Gothic towers, Petrin Hill, Prague Zoo, swimming pools, river cruises and a host of puppet and theatre performances to choose from: children activities in Prague |
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 CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Arriving in Prague: If you come directly from another EU country, you can bring an unlimited amount of most goods into Prague, including alcohol and tobacco, as long as they are for your own use and transported by you.
Leaving Prague:
If you travel from Prague to another EU country, you can take an unlimited amount of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, if they are for your own use and transported by you. For those returning to the UK, the official line is that customs officers are more likely to ask questions if you have more than the following:
3200 cigarettes. 400 cigarillos. 200 cigars. 3kg of smoking tobacco. 110 litres of beer. 90 litres of wine. 20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry). 10 litres of spirits. |
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 MORE TOURIST INFORMATION
For a useful introduction to Prague: Prague tourism information. | | |
| If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences: contact us. |
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