TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
There are two main tourist information offices in Prague.
1. Na Prikope 20, near to Wenceslas Square, Prague 1:
April to October: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm.
November to March: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm.
2. Staromestska Radnice - Old Town Hall, Old Town Square, Prague 1:
April to October: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm.
November to March: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm.
MONEY INFORMATION - Tourist exchange rates
Currency in Prague
The Czech Republic is a member of the E.U., but the currency in Prague is still the Czech Crown (czk). Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 & 5000czk.
Czech Republic expects to join the Euro in 2010-2011.
ATM's / Cash point machines
Prague centre: As in any other European capital, Prague has cash point machines spread throughout the city. Visa, mastercard, maestro, visa debit & American Express cards can be used to withdraw cash from the ATM's of most Czech & International Banks.
ATM's at Prague airport: as you exit customs, cash points are inside the airport terminal, to the left of the exit doors.
Currency exchange
Our top tip for currency exchange in Prague is at the bureau de change "Xchange", on the corner of Kaprova and Maiselova streets, near the Old Town Square.
Aside from Xchange, banks are the best places to change money. Most offer good rates and fairly low commissions. Tourist banks are located throughout Prague, but are most prevalent in and around Wenceslas Square, and en-route to the Old Town Square.
As a last resort, there are many currency exchange offices located in small booths throughout the centre of Prague. These are fairly honest, but currency exchange rates can vary wildly, as can commission charges. Ask for the final amount you will receive after all charges before handing over your money.
American Express
Tourists with American Express travelers cheques can redeem them at the American Express office in central Prague: American Express, Wenceslas Square 56, Prague 1.
Credit cards
Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, shops and hotels throughout Prague.
Lost credit cards
American Express card info - Tel: 224 194 400
Visa card info - Tel: 224 125 353
Mastercard & Eurocard info - Tel: 224 423 135
WEATHER INFORMATION
Prague's geographical location in Central Europe brings fairly extreme weather patterns. There are marked differences between seasons. The weather in spring is usually warm & fairly dry; summer is hot & sunny; autumn is cool & wet; winter can be very cold with ice & snow. Average temperature in December and January is minus 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). In the hottest months, June and July, the temperature usually hovers around 30C (86F).
Such contrasts in climate add to the romantic appeal of Prague, a city well equipped to keep the tourist comfortable and entertained all year round.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Prague's public transport network is well integrated, cheap and efficient. Public transport operates frequently and one single ticket permits travel on all metros, trams & buses:
more information
TELEPHONE & POST INFORMATION
Phone calls in Prague can be made using coins - 4czk is the minimum for a local call - or phone cards, which can be purchased at most post offices and news stands.
International Dialling Code to reach the Czech Republic: 00420
Emergency telephone numbers
150 Fire department
155 Ambulance
156 Municipal police
158 Police
141 23 First aid children
141 23 First aid adults
141 22 Dental first aid
141 24 Pharmacy first aid
Telephone enquiries and telegraph services
1180 Information regarding telephone numbers in the Czech Republic
1181 Directory enquiries and information about services and rates abroad
14118 Tourist information (telephone service)
133 002 National operator
133 001 Telegrams
133 000 Wake up calls
Main post office
Jindrisska 14, Prague 1
Open 2 a.m. - midnight
Tel. 221 131 111
Postage rates
Domestic Letters/Postcards: 6.50czk
International Letters/Postcards: Europe 9czk - Overseas 14czk.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Medical emergencies - tourist services
Doctor Prague Health Centre:
Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1.
Tel: 224 220 040 or 24hr service: 603 433 833.
www.doctor-prague.cz
Sololska 27, Prague 2. Tel: 224 266 150.
Konevova 205, Prague 3. Tel: 284 862 149.
Pharmacy 24 hours - tourist services
Palackeho 5, Prague 1. Tel: 224 946 982.
Belgicka 37, Prague 2. Tel: 222 513 396.
Stefanikova 6, Prague 5. Tel: 257 320 918
Dental emergencies - tourist services
European Dental Centre:
Wenceslas Square 33, Prague 1.
Languages: English, French, German, Russian & Czech.
Open: 24 hour on-call emergency service.
Tel: 224 228 994.
Website: www.edcdental.cz.
American Dental Associates:
V celnici 4, Prague 4.
Open: Mon-Thu 08:30-20:00, Fri 08:30-17:00. Sat 10:30-21:00
Tel: 221 181 121.
Website: www.americandental.cz.
Palackeho 5, Prague 1
Tel: 224 946 981
Mon-Fri 19:00-06:30 Sat-Sun 24hrs.
VISA INFORMATION
The Czech Republic is now part of the European Union. Nationals of all E.U. countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the USA and many other countries can visit Prague for up to 90 days, and UK citizens for up to 180 days, without a visa. Nationals of South Africa and certain other countries must obtain a visa before travel.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Prague is a safe city to walk around and public transport, even at night, is used by everyone, young and old. Assaults are very rare and a visible police presence tends to avert problems before they arise. As in any city though, the tourist is a target for the unscrupulous; pick pockets are skillful, so keep a close eye on your valuables; beware over-charging in restaurants and double-pricing in hotels; and, watch out for Prague taxi drivers, who are notorious for taking the tourist on a very long ride around the city.
At Prague Experience we work closely with all our service suppliers. Our aim is to ensure all visitors enjoy a fantastic experience in Prague and we do not list any supplier who falls short of our expectations. All our services have been thoroughly tested.
TIPPING IN PRAGUE
While tips are gratefully received by people in the tourist industry in Prague, tipping is fairly relaxed and workers do not normally chase them. As a general rule of thumb, if you are happy with the service you have received, a tip of 5%-10% is appropriate. |