Practical Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Prague

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Prague is a compact, historic, and walkable city with stunning architecture, great beer, and seasonal crowds—plan for peak-season crowds and dress for variable weather.

Visa / entry requirements

- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa required. Carry ID.
- US/Canada/Australia/NZ: visa-free for short stays (usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period) with valid passport.
- Other nationalities: check the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local consulate for visa rules and Schengen requirements.
- Passport validity: generally at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area; confirm with your embassy.

Best time to visit

- April–June and September–October: best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
- July–August: warmest but busiest and most expensive; expect long lines at major sights.
- November–February: cold, short days, fewer tourists; attractive for low-season prices and Christmas markets in December.

Safety tips

- Prague is generally safe, but use common sense.
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (Old Town, Charles Bridge, trams, tourist buses). Keep valuables secure and use anti-theft bags.
- Beware of card skimming at some ATMs—use machines in banks when possible.
- Avoid unofficial taxis; use reputable apps (Bolt, Uber in some areas) or licensed taxis (look for company and meter). Agree price in advance if no meter.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (EU-wide emergency number), 158 police, 155 ambulance.

Local customs & etiquette

- Polite greetings: a simple Dobrý den (Good day) is appreciated. Learn a few Czech phrases; locals value the effort.
- Tipping: common to round up or leave ~10% in restaurants if service is not included; small tip for taxis and hotel porters.
- Dress: smart casual; churches and religious sites expect modest dress.
- Drinking culture: beer is a point of pride—toast with eye contact and say Na zdraví.

Currency & money

- Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Euro is

Prague Travel Questions & Answers

Practical Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Prague

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