Tips for your visit to Prague

National name: Ceska Republika/Czech Republic
Area: 78,864 sq km/30,449 sq mi
Capital: Prague
Currency: Koruna (based on the Czechoslovak koruna)
Population: 10,250,000(2002 est)
Language: Czech (official), Slovak
Religion: Roman Catholic 39%, Atheist 30%, Protestant 5%, Orthodox 3%
Time difference: GMT +1

With a population of 1, 156 000, the City is spread out over nine hills between which the river Vltava flows for 30km within the city.

Czech is the official language but Slovak is also commonly understood. The majority of Czechs are agnostic or Catholic. Foreign language services are conducted in some churches for visitors to the city.

The time is Central European (GMT + 1), summer time is used in the same way as in the other European countries and the USA (GMT + 2).

The Czech Republic may be in the E.U., but the currency in Prague is still the Czech Crown (CZK).

Weather Information

Prague's geographical location in the northern part of Central Europe brings fairly extreme weather patterns. March is usually chilly and wet with temperatures below 10°C/50°F.

Getting Around

Traveling by city transport is only possible with a valid ticket. Passengers must obtain their tickets before boarding the vehicle or entering the Metro system. Tickets can be bought at selected Metro stations, Dopravni podnik Information Center, Hotels, newsstands, department stores or at the slot machine located at Metro stations.

Prague Public Transport System:

BY METRO
The Prague Metro Network consists of 3 lines – A, B and C. It operates daily from 5:00 to 12:00 am. The time interval between trains is approximately 2-3 minutes during rush hours and 4 to 10 minutes during off-peak.
BY TRAMS
Daytime operation is from 04:30am till midnight. Nighttime operation is from 00:30 am to 04:30 am and is provided by tram numbers 51 to 58.
The central transfer station for nighttime is Lazarska stop. Tram schedules are located at individual stops.
BY BUS
The daytime / nighttime operation is similar to tram operation. Bus numbers 501 to 514 provide nighttime service. Bus schedules are located at individual stops.
BY TAXI
A cab in Prague can be a colourful and adventurous experience, and might sometimes be very expensive.
We recommend ordering a taxi from one of the following companies:
AAA Radio Taxi: Phone 140 14
City Taxi: Phone 257 257 257
Credit Taxi: Phone 235 300 000

Places of Interest Opening Hours

OPENING HOURS OF SHOPS
Most shops are open daily from 9 AM till 6 PM, except National Holidays.

Currency

The legal money is the crown (Kc – CZK), divided into 100 hellers; They are available in values of 10, 20 and 50 Hellers, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 CZK, banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, CZK. In the Czech Republic, the Euro is not used for payment It is highly recommended that you exchange money only in official exchange bureaux of which there are many.

Tourist Banks

Credit Cards

In the Czech Republic - all major types of travel cheques (Eurochecks, Amexco, Thomas Cook) as well as credit cards (AMEXCO, VISA, EUROCARD, MASTERCARD, DINNER'S CLUB, JCD) are accepted.
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.
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

Telephone & Post Information

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

MAIN POST OFFICE
Jindrisska 14, Prague 1
Open 2 p.m. - midnight
Tel. 221 131 111

POSTAGE RATES
International Letters/Postcards: Europe 9czk - Overseas 14czk