Czech Republic

There are few places in the world as welcoming

to the nu nomad as the Czech Republic (or “Ceska Republika” if you’re a local)–the very heart of Central Europe. From the amazing, history-rich, city of Prague with its golden temples–to bridges, and other breath-taking architecture: art deco and art nuevo, Gothic, and beyond–to its picturesque towns scattered throughout the country (not to mention that the country is very Internet-friendly), Czech is a must nomad place. But if great museums, galleries, concerts (many inside awesome churches), fine restaurants and bars don’t grab you, there’s always their world-famous beer to put you in the right mood.

Nomadic ratings

A

: Very Good / B

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: Just Okay / D

: Poor / E

: Very Poor

 

 

Basic Facts about Czech Republic

  • Language:

    Czech (English is widely understood.)

  • Government:

    Parliamentary democracy.

  • Population:

    10.2 million (1.4 million in Prague.)

  • Climate:

    Brisk winters, pleasant summers. Temperatures tend to decrease in higher altitudes, but are generally uniform at lower elevations.

  • Geography:

    78,866 square kilometres.

  • Neighboring Countries:

    Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. (See map.)

  • Money:

    The Koruny / Koruna (click here to convert your currency into Euros).

  • Mobile Phone Frequencies:

    GSM 900/1800 | 3G 2100.

  • Electricity:

    230v (50 cycles) See plug type here.

  • Daylight Savings:

    begin last Sunday in March, end last Sunday October.

  • Time Zone:

    GMT/UTC +1 (+2 in summer months) (Current time.)

  • Country Code:

    420

    City Codes:

    Bruno 5; Jihlava 66; Liberec 48; Most 35; Olomouc 68; Pardubice 40; Plzen 19; Prague (Praha) 2; 0 Tabor 361; Zlin 67.

General Travel Information on the Czech Republic

Czech Visas and Visitation Limits:

Tourist Visa:

A temporary visa generally granted for a stay of 3 months or 6 months. In certain circumstances a stay of 12 months may be granted. Visas are required unless you hold an EU passport.

For complete information on Czech visas, visit Czech Republic Home Page.

Note: Countries that cannot be entered without a visa include: the United States (the Czech Republic and the EU are pursuing termination of the visa requirement), Australia, China, Egypt, India, Canada, North Korea, Russia and Thailand.

Getting Around:

Trains

: Eurail passes are available on-line or through your travel agent.

Buses

: Eurolines connects much of Europe cheaply and easily.

Planes

:STA Travel has some good bargains.

Where to Stay:

For NuNomad Guidelines on how to choose your nest, visit the NuNomadBlog.

Hot Tip

: If you wish to stay long-term, check out Expats.cz. This website is considered the best source for locating long-term rentals in Prague and Czech Republic–in fact, any basic resource for the nu nomad. (And because many citizens and visiting students leave Prague to get away from the tourist crunch,

affordable apartment or room rentals

can be had between the months of July-September.)

Travel Insurance:

Don’t let your European adventure be spoiled. Get Travel Insurance. See our article Coverage Comparison of Travel Insurance.

Mailing in Czech Republic:

The Czech postal service (Česká Pošta)can be a real pain. Expats.cz has a very helpful page on “Navigating a Czech Post Office“.

Essential information

Internet and Telephone Communication

International Cell Phones:

While in the Czech Republic the most economical way to place a call is to do so with your unlocked international cell phone, using a Czech SIM card. While SIM cards can be purchased at mobile telephone service shops throughout the country, Telestial is a great source to get your prepaid SIM card delivered to your door before your departure. One of the more common SIM cards is the Eurotel. Expect to pay in the vicinity of $55.00 US for this card. It comes with some airtime credit and free incoming calls as well as voice mail and GPRS capability (for wireless Internet connection). Refills to the Eurotel, as well as other mobile SIM cards are available at convenience stores, tobacconists and petrol stations.

Internet cafés can be found in virtually every city and town.

  • For more information on International Cell Phone basics, read our article on Cell Phone Basics.
  • For more information on the various methods of connecting to the Internet, visit our Connecting to WWW page.

International Calling Cards:

If you don’t have a Skype account yet, get one. You can use “telephony” service with any hi-speed Internet connection, which most Internet Cafés will have. Otherwise, you’ll have to use land-line systems. If you’re staying at a location where you want to use a land line, it may be most economical to purchase an international calling card. These can be purchased at many common locations throughout the country such as news stands and tobacconists. Calling cards may also be purchased online before your departure.