FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions Welcome to Prague
Hello and welcome to Prague.
Our beautiful city has a great deal to offer. However, like any major tourist capital, it also has a few pitfalls that are important to be aware of.
Before beginning your stay, we recommend that you read the following information carefully.
💳 ATMs (Cash Machines)
Avoid machines labeled simply “ATM.” Instead, use those marked “Bankomat,” which usually belong to official banks.
⚠️ Avoid Euronet machines at all costs. They are recognizable by their yellow and blue branding near the keypad.
ATMs often suggest an excessively high withdrawal amount by default. Always check the displayed amount and select “Other amount” if necessary to enter your preferred sum.
Some machines apply hidden fees. Make sure there is no fixed withdrawal fee (approximately 100–125 CZK) or excessive currency conversion fee (12% or more).
Always decline the currency conversion offered by the machine. If given the option between the local exchange rate and your bank’s exchange rate, choose your bank’s rate.
When paying by card—whether at an ATM or in a store—always select the local currency: CZK (Czech koruna), not euros.
💱 Currency Exchange
If you wish to exchange euros for Czech koruna, check the exchange rate in advance (on average: 1 EUR ≈ 25 CZK).
Czech banknotes do not contain any Cyrillic writing; they are written only in Czech.
A common scam involves offering street exchanges and handing over old Belarusian rubles that are no longer in circulation.
Exchange money only at official exchange offices or banks.
It is not always easy to find a reliable exchange office. Before completing any transaction, carefully verify the displayed exchange rate and compare it with the current market rate available online.
When exchanging money, always keep your receipt. It gives you the right to cancel the transaction within three hours if you are dissatisfied. By law, the exchange office must honor this cancellation.
Make sure the banknotes you receive are current Czech koruna notes and not outdated ones.
Be aware: old and new banknotes look very similar.
Current banknotes have a wide security strip in the center (front side) and a green symbol beneath the denomination on the back, which varies according to the value of the note.
Older banknotes have a much thinner security strip (about 2 mm) and no green symbol on the back beneath the denomination.
Always check your banknotes before leaving the exchange office.
TRANSPORT 🚋 Public Transport in Prague
Prague’s public transport system is efficient and reliable. We recommend downloading the PID Lítačka app, which allows you to purchase tickets online.
In Prague, you pay for time, not distance. The most common ticket options are: 30 minutes, 90 minutes, 24 hours, and 72 hours, as well as longer-term passes.
Paper tickets must be validated once at the beginning of your first journey. In case of inspection, an unvalidated or unreadable ticket may result in a fine.
🎟 Reduced Fares
Children under 15 and adults over 65 travel free of charge (proof of age is required).
Passengers aged 60–65 are eligible for reduced fares.
✈️ From the Airport
Avoid private shuttle buses connecting the airport directly to the main train station, as they are often more expensive. Regular public transport lines serve the airport at standard fares and are equally efficient.
🚕 Taxis
Avoid hailing taxis on the street. Instead, use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Bolt, which show the price in advance and reduce the risk of overcharging, especially if you do not speak Czech.
🍽 Dining
Prague can be relatively expensive, especially in the historic city center where prices are higher. Keep this in mind when choosing a restaurant or bar.
A useful local benchmark—similar to the “Big Mac Index”—is the price of a pint of Pilsner Urquell. In a standard establishment, it typically costs around 75 CZK (approximately €3).
Be attentive when reviewing menus. If beer is unusually cheap, carefully check the food prices. Some establishments attract customers with low drink prices but charge high prices for meals.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the city. However, some traditional taverns and certain restaurants (particularly some burger establishments) may accept cash only. It is advisable to ask in advance.