Czech Republic

The official language of Česko is Czech. In major cities and tourist areas like,, and, English is widely spoken, particularly among younger people and in the service industry. Outside these areas, especially in smaller towns and rural regions, English proficiency may be limited. Learning a few basic Czech phrases will be appreciated and useful.

Getting a local SIM or eSIM is straightforward. Major providers like O2, Vodafone, and T-Mobile have stores in airports, train stations, and shopping centers, and no ID registration is required for prepaid SIMs. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, hotels, and public spaces.

Tap water in the Czech Republic is safe to drink.

Pharmacies (lékárna) are widely available in towns and cities, typically marked with a green cross. They usually operate during standard business hours. For after-hours needs, a rotating roster of emergency pharmacies provides 24/7 service; check local listings for the nearest option.

For most travelers, no specific vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. If you plan extended stays in rural or forested areas, particularly from spring to autumn, consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of EU, EEA, and Switzerland can enter and reside freely. Many non-EU nationalities, including those from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Other travelers typically need a Schengen visa.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel. Czech MFA – information for foreigners

Czech people are generally polite and reserved. A simple "Dobrý den" (good day) or "Děkuji" (thank you) is always appreciated.

When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Asking permission before photographing individuals is respectful. Bargaining is not common in shops or restaurants; prices are usually fixed. It may occur at flea markets.

Public holidays in the Czech Republic typically mean banks and many shops are closed, and public transport may run on a reduced schedule. Plan ahead for these days.

Most shops operate Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Banks are generally open weekdays, closing earlier on Fridays. Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays.

• By train: The national rail network, operated by České dráhy (ČD), is reliable and connects major cities like,, and. For better prices, book tickets in advance online, especially on popular routes. Other operators like RegioJet and Leo Express also serve select routes.
• By bus: An extensive network of inter-city buses, including operators like FlixBus and RegioJet, serves destinations across the country. Buses often reach smaller towns not on the rail network and can be a cheaper alternative to trains.
• By car: A motorway vignette is required for using motorways and expressways. A 10-day vignette costs approximately 300 CZK (~12 EUR) and can be purchased online at edalnice.cz or at petrol stations. Roads are generally well-maintained.
• Public transport (city): Major cities like,, and have efficient public transport systems (trams, buses, metro in Prague). Tickets can often be purchased directly on board using contactless bank cards or via mobile apps.

Czech cuisine is hearty, emphasizing meat, potatoes, and rich sauces. Lunch is often the most substantial meal of the day, with many locals eating at work canteens or traditional pubs (hospody). Dinner tends to be lighter, and dining out at a pub for a traditional meal is a common social activity. Staples like dumplings (knedlíky) accompany many dishes.

Notable dishes to try include svíčková (marinated beef sirloin in a cream sauce), guláš (goulash, often served with dumplings), and vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut). For a quick bite, look for smažený sýr (fried cheese) or chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches). While popular with tourists, trdelník (a sweet pastry) is actually of Slovak origin and not a traditional Czech dish.

The Czech Republic is famous for its beer (pivo), which is often cheaper than bottled water in restaurants. Popular brands include Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar. Moravian wines are also increasingly recognized, particularly white varieties. Other local drinks include Becherovka (a herbal liqueur), Slivovice (plum brandy), and Kofola, a distinct local cola.

The Czech Republic's must-see towns span its two historic regions, Bohemia and Moravia. Start with the capital, then head west to the spa town of and the brewing city of. South Bohemia is home to the fairy-tale town of — its UNESCO-listed old town is centred on Historic Centre of Český Krumlov — and the regional hub. East of Prague, the UNESCO towns of, famed for its Gothic ossuary, and, with its arcaded Renaissance square, make easy day trips, while and anchor the east and north.

In Moravia, explore, a dynamic city known for its modernist architecture, and the wine town of, close to chateaux like Lednice Château (Lednice Chateau). Further north, boasts a magnificent Baroque column, while offers a taste of the country's industrial heritage.