Practical info Prague, Czech Republic
Getting around the city
Prague has a cheap and efficient public transport system consisting of an integrated network of buses, trams, metro and a funicular on Petrin Hill. The historic centre is compact and pedestrian-only, but trams offer an inexpensive way of seeing the rest of the city, and there are plenty of metro stations in the centre. Tram lines criss-cross the centre and are the best way to get around, after the metro. Buses need rarely be used, as they tend to operate outside the centre and are more irregular. After midnight, trams and buses offer a limited service, usually every hour. Tickets are valid on all modes of public transport, but must be bought in advance and validated before each journey. It's best to book taxis over the phone and demand a receipt for the fare before setting out. A car is expensive and unnecessary since much of the city is pedestrianised. Also, parking is a major problem and vehicle crime is fairly common.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs with a hole for a male grounding pin are standard. Most sockets also take the standard European two-pin plugs.
Currency
The official currency is the Czech Crown, locally known as the Koruna (CZK), which is divided into 100 haler. Most credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling outside of Prague and the main tourist centres. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on weekends. ATMs (known as 'bankomats') are now common in Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a good rate. The Czech Republic is still cheap compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.
Communication
The international access code for the Czech Republic is +420. Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is a good way to keep calling costs down, as international roaming can be expensive, and international calls from hotels involve high surcharges. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres offer free wifi access.
Emergency number
112 (General), 158 (Police), 155 (Ambulance)
Travel documents and health
Prague Vaclav Havel Airport
Getting to the city
Minibus shuttles leave regularly for the city centre, and can drop passengers off at hotels throughout the city. The Airport Express provides the quickest transport to the train station. Public buses have regular services to all areas of Prague departing from the front of the arrivals hall. Public transportation fares are based on time of travel.
Car rental
All the major car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport taxi's
Taxis are also available outside the Arrivals hall. A taxi to the city centre should take around 30 minutes. Travellers should agree on a price with the driver before the journey begins as many licensed taxis are unmetered.
Transfer between terminals
The terminals are connected.
Facilities
There are a number of shops, bars, cafeterias and restaurants in the main terminal. Bureaux de change, ATMs and a bank are also on hand. Both terminals have wifi, while conference and meeting rooms are available for hire.
Parking
Parking at the airport is free for the first 15 minutes, and visitors only receive free parking once every 24 hours. For those parking for longer than 15 minutes, the charge is CZK 100 for the first 16 to 30 minutes, with an additional CZK 100 for each commenced 30-minute interval.
Internet
Free wifi is available.