Currency in che. The Czech crown is the national currency in the Czech Republic. How to book a tour

Although Prague is a Schengen territory and the Czech Republic is located in the European Union, euros are not particularly used there. And the currency is Czech crowns. No, taxi drivers will gladly take euros from you, but at a rather extortionate rate. What costs 7 euros in crowns (converted) will be rounded up to 10 when paying in euros. Rounding will be very free. Even 5 euros in kroons can easily turn into 10 euros. It’s the same story in cafes and everywhere else in general. Therefore, it is advisable to travel with euros (you can also use dollars). And already in the Czech Republic, change the currency to crowns.

Why is the euro better? Because from Prague you can go on an excursion to Dresden or Vienna, and euros go there. But with cash rubles - it’s better not to. It will not be possible to exchange them at an adequate rate. Because even for euros/crowns the exchange rate is extortionate almost everywhere (except for a couple of places, which I’ll talk about below). It’s not worth talking about rubles at all.

There will be a more or less normal kroon/ruble exchange rate only in one case - if you pay with a ruble card and the bank debits rubles from you, recalculating the purchased goods/services in kroons at the exchange rate. But all the same - according to some complicated exchange rate, most likely through the euro.

Therefore, personally, if I travel, I take some cash in euros + bank cards in euros.

2. Where is the best place to change currency in Prague?

In Prague there is a currency exchange at every step. There are especially many of them on “tourist paths”, for example, on Wenceslas Square.

But, if you turn from Wenceslas Square onto Opletalova Street and then immediately left (to Politických Vězňů Street), then on the left hand there will be 2-3 so-called “Arab exchangers”. These are the most common currency exchanges, but they are run by Arabs and Arabs sit at the counter. And these same Arabs in Prague usually give the most favorable rates for cash exchange (in the screenshot from Google cards, the exchanger where I exchanged - everything seemed to be ok).

If at Wenceslas, say, the best rate is 23.2 (look again), then the Arabs will give you a higher rate - 23.8. It is quite safe to change with them. But out of caution, it is always and everywhere better to change 50 euros at a time. If everything went well, you can immediately change another 50-100 euros. But more than 100 - I still wouldn’t risk it, neither with the Arabs nor with the Czechs.

And below I will write how to get by in Prague with a minimum of exchanges. And now - a little about deception.

3. Deception during exchange

On the same Wenceslas Square (and in other places popular with tourists) there are many exchangers who write a good rate, say 23, but in reality they will exchange at 18. Usually they cheat like this: somewhere in small letters it will be indicated that that is a good rate, on which you calculate - it only occurs when exchanging from 2000 or 10,000 euros. True, you will find out this AFTER the exchange, when you won’t be able to reverse the deal.

Another way to cheat is when the course is good, but an additional commission is taken.

And they also like to entice you: you come and want to change 50 euros, and they say, from 100 euros, the exchange rate will be better (yes, it will be, but they will modestly keep silent about the commission, say, 10 euros from each operation).

(By the way, exchange commissions are still preserved, for example, in some places in Riga, in Vilnius. But there, even at the station exchange office - this is all very clearly marked and posted in large letters, but in Prague - often not).

Therefore, BEFORE the exchange, be sure to clarify in plain text (or better yet, demand - have them write it on a piece of paper) how many crowns will I receive for so many euros? And then divide the crowns into euros on your phone and compare whether the exchange rate is the right one or the wrong one. And clarify again - “no commission?” And only then change it.

Yes, this is all very similar to Russia in the 90s. But such is the currency exchange in Prague, oddly enough.

Another sign of a normal bank is that after the exchange they give you a receipt that says how much and what you exchanged, how much and what you received.

4. Cards in euros

In view of the above, it is better to contact exchangers as little as possible. By the way, why do you need cash Czech crowns at all? Well, leave a tip. Well, buy tickets for a tram or a pleasure boat. Or by taxi. (Although in Prague taxis are trash in terms of deception, but even in taxis cards are often accepted).

In general, cash crowns are really only needed for some small things. Or where cards are not accepted (and they are accepted almost everywhere).

It turns out that you need about the following cash crowns:

for city transport for 5 days, say, 30 euros for two.
for souvenirs - the same amount (although I bought souvenirs using the card without any problems).
for tips (in 5 days two people will eat 20-30 times, if a tip of 1 euro = 30 euros).

Therefore, for 5 days it makes sense to exchange for crowns - 100-120 euros, and for the rest - pay by bank card in euros. And that's why. According to the map, you get the most favorable rate. Even more profitable than the Arabs. For the Arabs, let's say roughly - 23.8, and the card will be written off at 24.3 CZK/euro. And this course will be as close as possible to the official one.

It turns out, why withdraw cash from the card at an ATM (and lose on commissions for withdrawals abroad), and then change this cash (and lose a second time at a worse rate or commission during the exchange). It's easier to pay with a card right away.

Before traveling to the Czech Republic, everyone faces one of the most important questions: “What is the currency in the Czech Republic?” And it’s not without reason that this question worries so many. Although the Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, the country is not part of the euro zone and therefore the currency of the Czech Republic is not the euro, which can be bought at any bank in your homeland.

Based on the above, tourists have several more questions: “What currency should I take with me to the Czech Republic/Prague?”, “Where in the Czech Republic/Prague can I exchange currency?” and, “How much money to take with me to the Czech Republic (Prague and other cities of the country )?".

In this article we will answer all of the above questions in order and give some practical advice!

Czech currency! What currency should I take with me to the Czech Republic?

The official currency and monetary unit of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown/Koruna ceska (CZK, Kč). In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 crowns, coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

It is most profitable to pay in the Czech Republic in Czech crowns, although in almost all tourist places, for example, in the center of Prague, Karlovy Vary and other cities, Euros are also accepted for payment. But let’s make a reservation right away: paying in Euros in the Czech Republic is EXTREMELY UNFAVORABLE!!! When paying in euros, you overpay, sometimes several times, for example: entrance to a public toilet at a train station costs 10 crowns or 50 euro cents, and in the city center 10 crowns or 1 euro. The difference is noticeable. Or another example, the classic Czech delicacy trdlo costs 60 Kč in crowns, and 2.5 € in euros.

So, it is most profitable to take Czech crowns with you to the Czech Republic. But since they are practically impossible to find in our country, although in the banks of some cities, for example, in Krasnodar, we saw that you can purchase crowns on order, but this is the exception rather than the rule, and the exchange rate may not be profitable, then take it with you to the Czech Republic /Prague is better than euros or dollars. We recommend euros; exchange in the Czech Republic will be more profitable.

Both cash and bank cards are accepted for payment in the country, with the exception of some street stalls and small shops. It is better to have euro or dollar cards, as there are fewer losses on conversion.

Currency exchange in the Czech Republic/Prague

Czech banks and exchange offices accept for exchange both euros and American dollars, as well as Russian rubles, and other currencies - yuan, Australian and Canadian dollars, Polish zlotys, etc.

We do not recommend exchanging Russian rubles for crowns in the Czech Republic, as well as buying crowns in advance, the exchange rate is unfavorable. As we said earlier, it is better to buy euros at home and exchange them in the Czech Republic for local crowns. For example, with us, for 100 Russian rubles they gave only 12.5 Czech crowns, while for 1 euro in a good exchange office it was 26.95 crowns (on that day the official exchange rate of the euro to the ruble was 74.49).

The best way to exchange euros for Czech crowns is at exchange offices; there are a lot of them in the city, you can find them at every step. Most exchangers do not charge commissions, look for ones that say 0% commission.

For personal peace of mind and safety before exchanging, we advise you to follow a few simple rules:

1. First of all, without haste or fuss, calculate for yourself how much Czech crowns you should receive in your hands after the exchange.

2. Ask the exchange office employee: “How many crowns will I get for my 100 Euros?” He should calculate and show you the amount on the calculator.

3. If the amount shown by the cashier matches the rate on the sign at the exchanger and it suits you, feel free to exchange the currency.

4. Without leaving the window of the exchange office, even though there is already a queue behind you, carefully count the amount received from the cashier and only after you are sure that it is correct, leave.

Exchangers can be easily identified by their CHANGE signs.

The exchange rate at exchange offices in the center of tourist cities is unfavorable. It's best to move a couple of blocks from the city center and take a look there. For example, in the historical center of Prague we came across exchange offices whose rate was simply extortionate - 16 crowns for 1 euro.

An excellent dinner for two with beer will cost about 700-1500 CZK. Coffee and pastries are about 150-200 CZK for two. Soups from 50 to 80 CZK per serving. Beer from 30 to 65 CZK per 0.5 liter glass. A knuckle in a restaurant weighing 1300-1500 grams - 300-450 CZK. Street food - 50 CZK per 100 grams of side dish and from 90 CZK per 100 grams of shank. Sausages in a bun or with bread - 70 CZK. Trdlo classic - 60 CZK. Ice cream - 30 CZK per scoop. Shopping at the supermarket for breakfast: two eco-yogurts, apples, bananas, drinking water, cookies - 100 - 150 CZK.

Last modified 10/28/2018

The Czech Republic is a country where almost everything is sold. Therefore, even if you forgot something, don’t be upset, because supermarkets and the market will amaze you with their variety of goods. In terms of mentality, the country's residents are similar to Russians. What is the best thing to take with you when traveling to this hospitable European country?

About backpacks and suitcases

How not to pack too much and take everything that is useful and not heavy in order to feel comfortable while traveling. It is better to take with you and try to compactly pack only the necessary things.

You shouldn’t fill your backpack to capacity; some things will have to be sacrificed, and the missing things can be bought on the spot. In the Czech Republic the climate is different from Russia. In winter it never gets colder than -17 degrees, and in summer it doesn’t get hotter than 30 degrees. Clothes should be taken depending on the season; under no circumstances take your entire wardrobe with you.

To see the castles of the Middle Ages, you won’t need a lot of things, so a backpack will be more appropriate. Don't forget to take a first aid kit and several comfortable sets of clothes, as you will have to walk a lot.

For skiing fun you need to have equipment. Renting equipment here is quite reasonable, prices here are lower than in Switzerland and Austria.

Let's get ready to go. What documents are needed

It would be nice to have with you not only Russian and foreign passports, but also copies of them. In addition, take with you a driver's license, a printed e-ticket, a hotel voucher and a child's birth certificate if your spouse is not traveling with you.

As for paying for a train using a bank card, not only do you have to worry about the availability of money on the card, banks can block cards at the slightest suspicion of international transactions. This often happens when tourists are abroad. It's a good idea to notify your bank about your trip.

Before visiting attractions, print out the route map, as well as the Prague metro map, and it would be nice to have a train and bus schedule. If you are used to using Google or Yandex maps, this will be an additional advantage.

Carry-on luggage, what do we take with us?

The flight to the Czech Republic is nothing, just 2.5-3 hours and you are already in Prague. Therefore, we take with us only what is necessary. It is advisable to eat before departure, and you can take cookies and juice with you. If you can tolerate hunger, don’t have stomach problems and are traveling without children, then you can tolerate hunger. A first aid kit and wet wipes are the most important things; we’ll talk about the first aid kit in detail.

The smaller the wardrobe, the better

Many people travel to this European country to enjoy the natural beauty of the Czech Republic, as well as the beautiful architecture. Clothes should be light and comfortable. Shoes should be comfortable to avoid problems with calluses. It is especially important to have comfortable shoes when going to Charles Bridge, Prague Castle or Visegrad. It’s cool in the Czech Republic in the evening, and if you go boating, then warm clothes are a must, especially for the underground Punkva River or an excursion to the Macochov Abyss.

If you decide to visit Czech castles, dress appropriately. In this case, standard trousers are suitable for men, while women need to take a scarf or scarf.

First aid kit and its contents

We take with us a standard first aid kit. We make sure to check for pain relief, fever relief, antiemetics, and anything for allergies.

If you have children, you can take children's medicines based on syrups (). In addition, you need to take bandages, bandages and mosquito spray. As you know, Czech cuisine is famous for its fatty and colorful dishes with a lot of seasonings, so you need to think carefully about the availability of medications to improve digestion. Another option is not to rely on it, eat your usual food.

Be sure to take a cream to avoid sunburn. If you are in large cities, you are unlikely to get sunburned, but if you are in the Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve, this is acceptable. In addition, in the Czech Republic there are mountains and crystal lakes, where the sun's rays become more dangerous. Take the collection of your first aid kit very seriously - after all, buying medicine in the Czech Republic will not be so easy, since our medicines have some differences from the Czech ones, and it will not be easy to explain to the seller about your desires.

What products do we take with us?

You shouldn't bother with this at all. Czech supermarkets have everything you need. If you are traveling with children, then there should be enough food for them until the hotel. Having reached the Czech Republic, you can buy everything you need on the spot, there will be no difficulties with this.

Attitude towards cigarettes

The Czech Republic is one of the leaders in tobacco smoking; it ranks 11th in the world in tobacco consumption. There are countless retail outlets where they sell cigarettes, so buying cigarettes will not be a problem. As for the import of cigarettes into the country, there are restrictions. The maximum you can take is:

200 cigarettes;
50 cigars;
50 grams of tobacco

Do you need to bring alcohol with you?

Don’t even think about it, the Czechs simply won’t understand you. This is a country that is famous for its elite beers for every taste. It is sold almost everywhere: in pubs, on the street, in cafes, restaurants. As for the import of alcohol, you are allowed to take with you:

1 liter of strong alcohol
2 liters of wine

What currency to take to the Czech Republic

It’s good to have euros with you; it’s easier to exchange them for Czech crowns. In addition, many shops and restaurants accept this currency. How much money should you take with you? This is a separate conversation; we will consider this topic in detail in the next article.

Important little things

The number of stars in a hotel matters a lot. A small number of stars means there is a high chance that you will not see an iron or hairdryer in your room.
The batteries and phone charger must be in the package, otherwise they may be confiscated and you will have to buy new ones, which is an extra expense.
There is no need to think about adapters for sockets; sockets with Type type are used here.
There are a lot of souvenirs in the Czech Republic; if you need porcelain or Bohemian glass, then stock up on bubble wrap, which is not easy to find in the Czech Republic.

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It’s not good to give advice, but I will still give you, Dear Readers, a number of tips so as not to get into an unpleasant situation in Prague. The situations may be different, but they all usually stem from basic lack of information. After all, if you come on your own and don’t have a guide at hand, it’s very easy to find yourself in an awkward situation...

Money exchange in Prague

So let's start with exchanging money. Agree, this is an important point for a tourist who comes to a country where Czech crowns and not euros are used in circulation. So. If you don’t care how many crowns you get for your euros, the main thing is to get cash as quickly as possible, contact any exchanger. As in the whole world, the closer you are to the main tourist sites, the worse the rate is for you and the better for the exchanger. If you are a frugal person, exchange money on Politicky Veznu Street, which runs parallel to Wenceslas Square. These exchangers are run by the Arabs; they have maintained the most favorable exchange rates since the Velvet Revolution. If you have a credit card, feel free to use it in stores and most restaurants. In this case, the currency exchange will take place at the internal rate of the payment system.

About Prague restaurants.

I understand your desire to sit in a restaurant in the very center of Prague, on Old Town Square with a view of the ancient cities. Then don’t expect that you will not only have to pay 1.5 times more for food than in a restaurant a little further away, but also pay a good tip, which may well be included in the amount. This is normal, you have to pay for the service and place. It is customary to tip 5-10% of the amount. Thrifty Germans only sip beer in such restaurants, but our fellow citizens boldly fill the table with food. Cheers!

More about tipping. In the Czech Republic, it is customary not to leave a tip on the table, but to immediately state the amount including the tip. For example, the waiter calculated you and told you the amount of 180 CZK. You give him a bill and say “190 CZK.” He will say Thank you and give you change. But if you haven’t yet mastered the Czech language very well and don’t have it at hand, just put the amount with the tip and say Thank you (Decuy).

We exchanged money, ate, and want some entertainment. Many casinos await gamblers in Prague. Gambling has not yet been banned in this city. Go ahead, good fortune awaits you!

For people interested in history and travel, the stalls near the Powder Tower offer excursions to cities and castles nearby Prague. You can go and have a look. But, in my opinion, it will be cheaper to immediately book an excursion from a tour operator. Or read travel blogs, for example Alexey Marakulin's Blog, and go to the treasured place on your own. It's much cheaper and... more fun!

Public transport in Prague.

Most tourists from Russia and Ukraine are under the impression that public transport in Prague is free. Of course, we don’t understand how it is that there are no turnstiles in the metro, and how an angry conductor with a frayed handbag doesn’t walk around the bus demanding payment for the fare. There is no such thing here. Here you have to pay yourself. Tickets (changes) are purchased from vending machines and kiosks, and when entering public transport they are redeemed in yellow machines. The machine indicates the time of ticket redemption and the place where the ticket was redeemed. A ticket for 32 CZK is valid for an hour and a half of travel, and you can change to another transport. Don't try to be a rabbit. The eared man pays a fine of 700 Ks (30 euros).

What to do in the evening in Prague?

Walk! In the evening, Prague changes dramatically. The narrow streets become even more fabulous, the bridges even more magical, the beer even tastier. It's time for kisses and hugs with a view. And if you want to jump in a fun international company, go to the Lucerne disco club on Wenceslas Square, or to Charles Lazne on the embankment. It can be fun there.

And now the main tips:

1. Do not try to explain to the controller that you are Russian and do not understand Czech. You will still have to pay the fine - that's their job.

2. If you exchanged money and do not agree with the exchange rate, do not try to return it back, this will be a second transaction for which you will also be charged a commission.

3. If you get a huge bill at a restaurant, you can try to dispute it, but you won't win much.

4. If you didn’t like the excursion, then you have every chance of becoming a tour guide.

5. If you want to find the best Czech beer, just go to your nearest restaurant. It's all the best!

Welcome to Prague! If you have any more questions, ask!

How to travel to Prague cheaper? Let's share secrets.

Tours around Europe by minibus with an experienced guide-driver.
Groups of 6-8 people. No prepayment or additional fees. payments.

When traveling to the Czech Republic for the first time, tourists are faced with difficulties in exchanging the currency of their home country for Czech crowns. Indeed, crowns are rarely sold outside of this wonderful state, and the exchange has to be done on Czech soil. What difficulties can you encounter when exchanging money? What banknotes are best to take with you?

What is accepted in the Czech Republic?

In the Czech Republic, you can pay not only in crowns, but also in euros. True, payment in euros seems economically unprofitable. For example, if we consider the cost of the Trdlo delicacy in Czech currency, it will cost only 20 crowns, but in EU currency it will cost 2.5 euros. Such differences in amounts will occur very often, so it is best to pay in kroons.

You can exchange money for crowns in large banks, both in the tourist’s homeland and in the Czech Republic. There the percentage of the transaction will be minimal. Small banks and exchangers often charge large commissions of 30-40% of the amount for their services. They write the terms of exchange in small print and swap the buying and selling rates on the electronic display.

These tricks are aimed at making as much money as possible from unsuspecting foreigners. Arabs do the same thing on the streets, exchanging currency at an extortionate rate. All experienced travelers advise against using their services.

How to solve the problem with the exchange?

There are several ways to safely resolve the problem of exchanging money for crowns:

Find out the exchange rate for your own bank card. Often, it is much more profitable than exchange in all other places, but it is still worth having some amount of cash on hand;
When exchanging at a bank or exchange office, independently calculate how many crowns you will get at the specified rate, and then ask to see the calculation on a calculator. Sometimes the exchange rate is quite acceptable;
Take advantage of cashbacks or exchange money for crowns in advance. So, in the first case, part of the amount spent is returned to the client’s card, and in the second case, you will have to exchange money for the order.

If for some reason you have to choose only between the euro and the dollar for calculation, then it is better to give preference to the euro. They can be used to pay for purchases without any exchange.

Good to know! " In the historical center of Prague it is almost impossible to change money profitably. The most profitable exchange is possible outside the Old Town».

In small stores and cafes remote from the center, they do not accept bank cards for payment, but the selection there is much better, as are the prices. Therefore, you need to have a certain amount of crowns with you so as not to ruin your vacation due to difficulties with exchange.

The Czech Republic is a country with a long history, as well as a large number of attractions, restaurants and entertainment. There are places where you can spend money usefully and with pleasure. But it’s still not worth changing Russian rubles there, since the exchange rate seems completely irrational. But you can come there with euros or crowns and enjoy all the delights of this state to the fullest.

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