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Prague (Czech Praha), capital and largest city of the Czech
Republic. City with over a thousand-year history, was established
and developed at the intersection of strategic routes connecting
key centres on the European continent. Often called the City
of a Hundred Spires because of its many churches and towers,
Prague is the chief commercial, industrial, and cultural center
of the Czech Republic. Unlike much of central Europe, the city
was not seriously damaged in World War II (1939-1945) and remains
one of the most beautiful cities on the continent. Since the
fall of Communism in 1989, Prague has become a major tourist
attraction through all Europe region.
Czech language
Czech, a consonant-rich Slavic language, is among the world’s
most complicated. It contains sounds quite difficult for English
speakers to produce. Fortunately many Czech's now speak English
(particularly in Prague city centre). Among the older generations,
Russian and German are also quite common.
Prague guide books often use English language names for sights
around town. Whilst this is helpful, it can also be confusing
when maps & street signs use Czech spellings. It can therefore
be useful to include some information on important translations.
Local time
GMT +01:00 (Prague, Paris)
Language
The spoken language in the Czech Republic is Czech. In the
tourist areas most people are able to speak English and/or German.
Electricity
220 V/AC
Currency
The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown. You
can find the Czech Crown displayed like Kc or CZK.
Exchange offices
Can be found in most hotels and all around the city centre
of Prague and on the airport. They exchange all common currencies
Tipping
Czech staff in restaurants and bars get paid for their work
so tipping is not obligatory but still expected. As general guideline
5 to 10% can be used.
Shopping hours
In the city centre of Prague shops and department stores are
generally open from 9 AM till 8 PM every day of the week.
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