Things to do in Czech Republic

Talk

The main language spoken is, not surprisingly, Czech. The Slovak language can also be often heard, as there is a sizable Slovak minority and both languages are mutually intelligible. Czech people are very proud of their language, and thus, even in Prague you will not find many signs written in English (outside of the main tourist areas). Many older people, especially outside the large cities, are also unable to converse in English, so it's good to learn some Czech or Slovak before your arrival. However, most young people speak at least some English, as it has been taught in most schools since 1990.

Buy

The currency of the Czech republic is the koruna (crown), plural koruny or korun. The currency code CZK is often used internationally, but the local symbol is Kc (for Koruna ceska ). 1 koruna is made up of 100 haler (haleru) , abbreviated to hal. , but coins are only issued in whole koruna values as of October 2008.

The exchange rate is approximately 25Kc = €1, 30Kc = ?1 GBP, 20Kc = $1 (US), or 16Kc = $1 (Canadian). As of 3 May 2010, €1 = 25.58Kc (Google)

Coins are issued in 1Kc, 2Kc, 5Kc (all stainless steel), 10Kc (copper-colored), 20Kc (brass-colored) and 50 Kc (copper-colored ring, brass-colored center). Notes are issued in 50Kc (pink), 100Kc (aqua), 200Kc (orange), 500Kc (red), 1000Kc (purple), 2000Kc (olive green) and 5000Kc (green-purple). See some banknote samples . Be aware that all 20Kc banknotes, haler coins, and older-style 1000Kc and 5000Kc banknotes from 1993 are NOT legal tender.

Do

Swimming

Many places in the Czech Republic are great for swimming, and there are many designated public swimming areas (called koupaliste). A list of places suitable for swimming is available here. However, be aware that in hot weather the quality of the water in some places can fall below EU standard regulations.

Nudism

Although the Czech Republic is a land-locked country, it does have a lot of nudist/naturist beaches near lakes. A full list is available here:. Full nudity on other beaches is legal, but rare, and usually only happens in non-crowded places.

Pub Crawl

There is a Pub Crawl that meets every night under the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square of Prague at 9:15. Its cheap and they take you to some cool pubs, bars and you end up at a night club. Its a really good way to see what the Prague night life is really like. Even in the off season.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a popular sport in the Czech Republic, there are thousands of caches both in the cities and in the country. Czech caches are listed on geocaching.com, the descriptions are often bilingual (Czech and English).

Chimney climbing

Czech Republic is one of the very few (if not the only) country to have an official chimney climbing association - "Svaz ceskych kominaru" or the "Union of Czech Chimney Climbers" - a state-registered civic organization of people who climb factory chimneys and cooling towers as a leisure activity and also take part in industrial architecture history documentation as well as chimney maintenance and preservation. Post a message here to apply for membership:.

Eat

Tipping is a standard 10%, and is not normally added to the bill. Don't be confused by the percentage figures listed at the bottom of the bill - by Czech law, a receipt must show the VAT paid (20% in most cases) - the VAT is already included in the final amount, and you should add 10% to this. It is normal practice to give the waiter the tip before you leave the table. Tip is not obligatory - if you weren't satisfied with services offered, don't bother tipping.

In a vast majority of better restaurants located in major cities you can pay by credit card (EC/MC, VISA), but don't be surprised if a few will not accept them. Make sure to check the door for respective card logos when entering the restaurant or ask the waiter before ordering. Czechs sometimes use special meal tickets ( stravenky ) to pay in some restaurants - these are tax-preferred and subsidised by employers. You won't get these tickets unless you get a job in the Czech Republic, just don't be surprised when you see them.