CZECH REPUBLIC
HIGHLIGHTS
- The crossroads of European cultures with an incredible range of natural beauties and fascinating landscapes.
- The Czech Republic boasts a vast cultural and historical heritage including castles, chateaus, monasteries and fortified towns, as well as small relics of ecclesiastical architecture.
- The Czech capital, Prague - "The Mother of Cities" - is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful cities.
- Stable geographical area with the minimum risk of threat to human life, health or property.
- Offer of high-quality services able to satisfy the most discriminating travelers for favorable prices.
Still little known to tourists, the charming Czech Republic is an ideal location for walking tours. From time immemorial, the Czech lands have been the crossroads of European cultures. An amazing trove of architectural treasures, fairy-tale castles, glittering chateaus and old medieval towns that, fortunately enough, escaped damage by invaders centuries ago and today these jewels delight visitors afoot. The concentration of so many tourist points of interest in such a small area is unique even in the European context. The country is enclosed by a belt of extensive mountain ranges and the majority of its frontiers run along this natural boundary. The Czech Republic is a country of great historical and cultural importance, a country where many historic monuments and even entire towns have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Prague, often nicknamed as "The Mother of Cities" or "The Golden City", is the greatest attraction. It is well known for its architectural monuments of all styles, museums, churches and bridges but also for the traditional hospitality of its people and excellent beer served in unforgettable Czech pubs. All this and much more provide Prague with a unique atmosphere contributing to its consideration as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The Czech Republic has much to offer to tourists from all around the world. There is something for everyone here. So, why not come and see the Czech Republic for yourself!
Brief Facts About Czech Republic
- Population: 10.2 million (January 2002)
- Area: 79,000 sq. km
- Capital: Prague (about 1.2 million inhabitants)
Other interesting cities: Cesky Krumlov, Telc, Lednice, Trebon, Slavonice, Olomouc, Kutna Hora, Brno, Ceske Budejovice, Kromeriz, Litomysl
Map of the Czech Republic
Currency:
- Czech Republic Route
- Czech Crown (CZK) - Ceska koruna
- Notes are in denominations of CZK 5000, 1000, 500, 100, and 50.
- Coins are in denominations of CZK 10, 5, 2, 1, and haler 50.
- Average exchange rate: EUR 1 = CZK 32, USD 1 = CZK 26
- See actual exchange rate
- Foreign currency (including travelers cheques) can be exchanged at exchange offices, main hotels, all banks, road border crossings, as well as major travel agencies.
Credit cards:
Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard/Eurocard) and debit cards (Maestro and Visa Electron) may be used to withdraw cash from automatic dispensers of major banks (CSOB, Komercni Banka, Ceska Sporitelna) and for payments in hotels, restaurants, shops and petrol stations. Credit cards can also be used to obtain currency. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travelers' cheques:
Thomas Cook, American Express and Visa travelers' cheques are accepted in most major banks and at exchange offices. Exchange rate charges are at least 1% of the nominal cheque value. To avoid additional charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Eurocheque:
These must be used with a cheque guarantee card and may be cashed up to a maximum of 5,000 Kc per cheque. Up to 10 cheques may be presented at any time.
Language: Czech
Weather:
Czech Republic Nature
The prevailing continental climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers. The weather is best from May to September, when days are warm and the nights are cool. Winters are very cold, damp, snowy and often foggy. In general, temperatures decrease with increasing altitude but are relatively uniform across the country at lower elevations. The average annual temperature is 10°C (50,5°F), in summer 20°C (68°F), in winter -5°C (23°F). Weather and climate conditions of Czech Republic are ideal for walking and cycling tours.
Time:
GMT+1 hour, from April to October summer time, ie GMT+2 hours
Voltage, Sockets and Plugs:
220 V, European norm, three-pole earthed plugs have two pins and a hole in the plug and one pin with two holes in the socket.
Telephone:
Czech Republic has direct dialing telephone lines with all European and most overseas countries. The dialing code for the Slovakia from abroad is +420.
Geographical Position, Climate:
The Czech Republic (consisting of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia) is situated in the center of Europe, at meridian 48 - 51 degrees North, latitude 12 - 19 degrees East.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Travel formalities have been reduced to a minimum. The Czech Republic has visa-free arrangements with most European countries, the U.S.A. and some other countries. A number of new border crossing points have been opened. Thanks to its geographical position in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic has very good transport links with countries all over the world.
Health Care:
In case of an accident or sudden illness visitors from abroad can contact health centers, clinics and hospitals where they will be provided with medical care. The provision of medical treatment for a fee is stipulated by appropriate Czech regulations, or by international agreements made between the government of the respective state and that of the Czech Republic.
Airport:
Prague's only airport is located 10 km from the city center. It is reachable by taxi, the cost of which should not exceed CZK 600, or by public transportation means. It is important to note that taxi prices in Prague are not regulated. Taxi drivers can charge whatever they like, as long as they post their price-per-kilometer, usually on the door. It is highly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before committing to the ride.
Typical Products and Souvenirs:
Bohemian crystal, porcelain, folk ceramics, jewelry, costume jewelry, footwear, lace, Pilsen Urquell Beer, Budweiser Beer, South Moravian and Bohemian wines, Becherovka liqueur etc.