Jurisdiction Guide

April to June and September to October offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Mountain areas like Krkonoše can be chilly even in spring or autumn.

Cash is still used, especially in small towns, though cards are accepted in cities. Tipping is common, usually rounding up or leaving 10 percent. English is spoken in tourist zones but less so outside Prague. Buy a local SIM at the airport or shops; Vodafone and T-Mobile are popular. Public transport is reliable and cheap, stamps or tickets must be validated before boarding.

Greet people with a handshake, eye contact matters. Dress neat for restaurants or theaters. Never clink glasses without eye contact. Don't discuss politics or make loud jokes about history. Shoes off indoors is standard in homes.

Pickpocketing happens in Prague, especially near Charles Bridge and trams. Watch for tourist scams: fake taxis, currency exchange tricks. Roads outside cities can be slippery in winter. Tap water is safe but check signs in old buildings.

Olomouc has quieter squares and UNESCO sites. Moravian wine villages like Mikulov offer tastings and views. Vysočina's forests and castles are peaceful, popular with cyclists.

EU, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter Czechia visa-free for up to 90 days in the Schengen area. For longer stays, student, work, or family visas are available. Residency permits exist for business, but no special digital nomad visa yet.

Trains connect cities and towns efficiently; main lines run on time, but rural connections can be slower. Buses reach places trains don't, including regional villages. Prague's metro and trams are reliable. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt work in cities, but rent a car for remote areas.

Try roast pork with dumplings and cabbage, fried cheese, and beef goulash. Pilsner-style beer is everywhere; Moravian wine is growing in popularity. Cafés serve hearty soups, and pub food is heavy and filling. Vegetarian dishes exist, but menus focus on meat. Tap water is safe and bread comes free with meals.

Prague costs more, with mid-range meals from 250 CZK and rooms from 1500 CZK. Smaller towns are cheaper, beer starts at 40 CZK per pint. Budget travelers can get by on 900 CZK daily using hostels and public transport. Upscale hotels and dining cost double or more.