Czech
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| City: |
Czech Republic |
| Country: |
Prague |
| Submitter's Name: |
Sherry |
| Nationality: |
Czech Republic |
| Arrival Date: |
December 2006 |
| Date Submitted: |
May 14, 2009 |
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The city of Prague is beautiful and filled with history, wonderful architecture, the Arts, great food, and much more! Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, and is situated in central Bohemia along the Vltava River. The city was included on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites due to its preserved architecture. Prague is the Czech Republic's cultural, political and economic center.
Prague experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from highs of 30 F (-1.1 C) in January to over 83 F (37.8 C) in the hottest part of the summer. Winters are cold, dark, and damp, while summers are hot and humid. The wettest time of year is from May-August. Spring and Fall are the most pleasant times of the year in Prague. |
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Pro and Cons: The locals are mostly tolerant of foreigners, but are not very friendly at first. It takes a lot of time to develop friendships with Czechs. They are generally closed about their personal lives until they get to know someone very well.
Pros: Prague is beautiful! It sits in a valley alongside the Vltava River.
There are hills and bluffs everywhere. Along with being located in a beautiful landscape, the city itself is filled with beautiful parks and architecture. Prague is also the center of the Arts in the Czech Republic.
It is very easy to find a play or concert to attend and the prices are cheap
- making the Arts more attainable for most everyone here. Prague is also one of the safest cities, aside from pickpockets. Women are generally safe here, though one should be very careful walking alone after dark.
Cons: Bureaucracy and red tape are very prevalent here. The city is still coming out of the Communist era in many ways. Driving in Prague is an adventure! The driving rules and laws are enforced, but drivers are a bit reckless, and pedestrians need to be extra careful when crossing streets.
Customer service is basically unheard of here.
Prague is a great place for all kinds of people. It is a city that allows for many different kinds of lifestyles.
Czechs can be prejudiced against people of color. The Czech Republic has a very male-dominated culture, though this is slowly changing. You will mostly find men in positions of power, though women are making inroads as the country becomes more Westernized.
There is really no specific dress code, other than to make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and in good repair. One should never wear holey socks, however, as shoes are commonly removed when you visit private homes. And also in some offices shoes are not allowed, and everyone wears home shoes (sandals), changing to outdoor shoes when they leave the office/house.
Pickpockets are rife all throughout the city. Be sure to carry your purse/brief case in front of you at all times. Be aware of your surroundings. Otherwise, Prague is a very safe city.
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For EU residents: It is necessary for a person to register with the foreign police after being in the country for 30 days, and/or apply for confirmation of temporary stay. The foreign police will then give you an EU Card which will allow you to stay in the country for an unlimited amount of time. You will also need proof of health insurance, purpose of stay, and proof of accommodation.
For non-EU residents: They are allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days, but after this, will need to obtain a long-term visa based on purpose of stay. Purpose of stay can be work, family reunification, etc. Again, you will also need proof of health insurance and proof of accommodation.
There is also a new requirement that foreigners also need to pass a test on the Czech language in order to receive their long-term residence visa.
Local websites for immigration information:
Doma v Ceske Repulice (Home in the Czech Republic):
Expats.cz: |
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| Typical housing for expats is usually in modern houses or flats - usually in the city, but occasionally in the outlying villages of Prague. All areas of Prague are very good, but many expats live in the area of Prague 6. This is where many of the embassies are located. A two-bedroom flat in Prague generally costs about 24,000 KC/month (approximately $1,655 USD), with the rent usually being paid on a month-to-month basis. When looking for a flat, be sure to look for places in modern buildings, check to make sure the walls are thick (so you do not hear your neighbors and vice versa). It is also important to make sure that the plumbing has been inspected and is up-to-date. Look for gas heating, as this is much cheaper than electric, and avoid the ground floor flats as these are easier for robbers to break into. |
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Some expats do have help, usually it is maids, nannies and gardeners. The cost can range from 150 KC/hour to even more, depending on whether help lives in or not, and how much work is assigned, and how many days help is required. |
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Telephone: Skype and Gtalk are the best and most inexpensive ways to make phone calls back home. We use Telefonica O2 for our mobile service, and it costs approximately 700 KC/month. The service is very dependable and the quality of the connections is excellent.
Internet Access: We have a free T-1 Internet connection through my husband's work. However, there are many companies to choose from in Prague.
Telefonica O2, T-mobile, and UPC are the major ISPs in Prague. A good website to find service deals and prices is:
The quality of service in Prague is generally pretty good. There are many Internet cafes in Prague that offer alternative Internet service.
TV/Newspapers: There are not too many English language TV programs in the Czech Republic, however it is possible to find English language newspapers and magazines. Papers, such as the International Herald Tribune, are available at news kiosks in different parts of the city, and also at stores such as Tesco. The International Herald Tribune costs about 100 KC.
Cable/Satellite Service: We do not have cable/satellite service, so I have no direct knowledge of the quality of services and the typical costs.
However, there are companies available should one desire such service. Post Office: The postal system here is pretty efficient, however, it has been said that packages coming from overseas sometimes have a tendency to disappear. The post office is not only for mail, but it is also a place where one can pay utility bills.
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Many people in Prague, especially those in their 20's and 30's, speak English very well. However, the older generation is not so proficient. And when you go outside of Prague, English usage drops off considerably. Therefore, it is a good idea to have at least a basic knowledge of Czech. There are many options available to foreigners who would like to learn Czech. I am not sure which one I would recommend as it would depend on how much you were willing to pay. Tutors are generally more expensive than the language schools, and there is also the option of doing a language exchange with a Czech for free. |
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Tap water is very safe in Prague, but many locals prefer to drink bottled water. Typical expat housing is connected to the main water lines of the city. Our heating is done with a boiler here in our building, and we cook with electricity, so I have no direct knowledge about gas and the costs. Again, our electricity is included with our rent, so I have no direct knowledge about electric companies and the cost. |
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Currently, with the world financial crisis hitting hard, it is not so easy for an expat to find work. However, there is work to be found in the area of finance (such as banks), and also as English teachers.
There are local headhunters and recruitment agencies.
Local website/newspaper listings for jobs:
DobraPrace.cz:
Expats.cz Czech Job Server:
Hotjobs:
Job Master:
Jobs.cz:
Monster Worldwide CZ:
The Prague Post: |
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The local currency is the Czech Crown. It is pretty easy to set up a bank account - usually the bank will require two forms of ID, such as your passport and driver's licence, and some banks may also require proof of residency. Most banks require an initial deposit to open the account. |
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Prague has very up-to-date medical care on all levels - from maternity to cancer treatment, available through the local clinics and hospitals. There are some hospitals and clinics that cater mainly to expats, and have traditional Western-style care on all levels. The quality is very good and so far I have been very fortunate to find English-speaking doctors. I have Czech health insurance, and so I am in the Czech health care system, rather than the expat health care system. The Czech Republic has most of the same medications as we had back in the US. They also have some that are not available back in the US. The doctor will write a prescription and give it to you. You then take it to the pharmacy to be filled. It is very easy to get medicines here.
The main health concerns with living in Prague are for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Temperature inversions are very common here in the winter and summer. Otherwise, just the normal concerns. |
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Prague offers many educational opportunities through the Czech
public schools, and also in specific schools for children of expats. There
are also some very excellent universities in Prague and the Czech Republic.
My kids are grown and in university in the US, so I have no information about provisional care for special-needs children in this city or country. |
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It is pretty easy to own a car in Prague. Even so, driving is a different matter! The drivers here are a bit erratic and very fast.
An EU citizen, with a valid driver's licence from any EU country, can legally drive in the Czech Republic. Drivers from outside of the EU will need to obtain a Czech Driver's license. It is advisable to attend a driving school to be sure to learn all the regulations and rules. Prague has one of the best developed public transportation systems in Europe.
Here, you can find trams, subway, and buses. They all run very well and on schedule. They are generally safe, but it is necessary to watch for pickpockets. The cost is very reasonable. |
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It is possible to many of the major brands of cosmetics and beauty products in Prague. Some of the main stores are Tesco, Sephora, Avon and Marinnoud. I usually have to buy most of my cosmetics and shampoo/conditioner back in the US due to my allergies and asthma. It is very easy to find places that offer haircuts, manicures and waxing etc.
Prague also offers some big names in clothing and other items, with such names as CA, Marks & Spencers, Debenhams, etc. It is possible to find many of the brands we are familiar with in the West, however, the prices are much higher here, in Prague. |
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The Czech Republic offers many sports: soccer; tennis; hiking; biking etc. There are many health clubs and sports clubs to join, and some that cater especially to expats.
Prague, being the cultural center of the Czech Republic, is the place for all types of entertainment. It is possible to find everything from theater, opera and ballet to classical and rock concerts and movies. |
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When bringing your pet from another country, it is required that you have a veterinary certificate that states your pet is in good health, and have the date of the most recent rabies vaccination (within the past 12 months). Your pet will also need to have an ID (either microchip or tattoo number). All dogs are required to be registered with the local district within 15 days of ownership. Veterinary care in Prague is generally very good, and it is possible to find English-speaking vets. |
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HELPFUL WEBSITES:
Czech Republic:
: Here you can find helpful information about the country and links to official information about living and working in the country.
Czech Tourism.com:
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Helpful tourist information for visiting the Czech Republic.
Expats.cz: : Here you can find a survival guide, and other helpful information geared at helping expats learn how to live successfully in Prague and the Czech Republic.
Prague:
Prague.net: : Here you can find helpful information about the city of Prague, as well as places to see.
Job Boards:
DobraPrace.cz:
Expats.cz Czech Job Server:
Hotjobs:
Job Master:
Jobs.cz:
Monster Worldwide CZ:
The Prague Post: |
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Remember that Czechs are not so friendly on first meeting, and that they warm up over time. They are some of the friendliest people when you get to know them! Come with an open mind and be ready to have some fun!
See too
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City Description
Healthcare
