Card is generally better and widely accepted for most payments in Prague (hotels, restaurants, transport), but carrying some Czech Koruna (CZK) cash is essential for smaller vendors, market stalls, tipping, and public toilets, as some smaller places prefer or require cash, and contactless limits mean PIN entry for larger card payments. Use your card for big purchases and withdraw some cash from a bank ATM for convenience, but avoid using cards for tiny expenses due to potential foreign transaction fees, say Wise, Prague Experience, and Livingprague.com.
Card is the best and safest option to pay in the Czech Republic. Have some cash just in case if they do not accept cards. That's my tip. (In my opinion, we need euro!!!)
Aside from a few "card only" bars, payment in cash is still acceptable everywhere in Prague. Most shops, bars, cafés and tourist attractions only accept payment in Czech Crowns (CZK). Some larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept Euros (EUR) too, but not all.
I think you could even go cashless if you want. But I can understand if that's not for everyone, especially visitors. So maybe consider carrying 1000 CZK just to feel comfortable. For two people, this amount would likely pay for a meal just in case you had any issues with using a credit card.
Can you afford your Prague vacation? (Travel cost, budget tips)
Should I exchange money before going to Prague?
There's no need to exchange a large amount, as Prague is pretty card-friendly. Typically, having 50-100 euros per person is more than sufficient for your entire stay and for minor expenses like using restrooms or tipping in cafés – the rest you can pay by card.
– Euro is not in official use. – Some shops, restaurants, and hotels accept payments in Euro and other currencies but usually with an inconvenient exchange rate. – It is recommended to change your Euros at the bank and pay for everything in Czech Crowns.
General Tipping Culture in Prague. Tipping in Prague is a customary practice but not as rigidly defined as in some other countries. While tipping is appreciated in many situations, it's not always expected, and the amount largely depends on the quality of service and personal preference.
Identification. Visitors and Czech nationals are required by law to carry ID in public at all times. Anyone failing to do so may be fined or brought to the nearest police station to have their identity verified. Tourists are obliged to carry their passport card or passport at all times for identification purposes.
Cash is still used in Prague and across the Czech Republic, but alternative payment methods are becoming more popular. Many Czechs prefer cashless payments, but Prague is a relatively card-friendly city.
The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself.
A full dinner with drinks costs around 400-600 CZK (16-24 EUR) per person. Wine Bars: Prague has a growing wine bar scene, offering a variety of wines by the glass or bottle. Prices will vary depending on the wine selection, but you can expect to pay around 100-200 CZK (4-8 EUR) per glass.
If you fancy buying yourself a nice summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) you are looking to pay about 31% less in London £31 (874 Kč) compared to 1,273 Kč in Prague.
This note replaces our paper £50 note which was withdrawn from circulation after 30 September 2022. You may be able to deposit withdrawn notes at your own bank or with the Post Office. Alternatively, you can exchange withdrawn banknotes with selected Post Office branches or with the Bank of England.
As a tourist in Prague, avoid eating at Old Town Square restaurants, buying Russian Matryoshka dolls, exchanging money on the street for bad rates, getting scammed by "cannabis" cookies, and making a toast without eye contact. Also, don't forget your passport, stick only to central areas, ignore local customs like standing on the right on escalators, and be prepared for walking and crowds.
Casual dress is the norm for everyday wear, including at most restaurants. Shorts for men are not as common in Prague as they are in North America. In the evening, long pants are the norm, even in summer. When visiting a concert or theater, usually there is no obligatory dress code.
Don't worry—many people speak English: In most tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels, staff usually speak decent English. However, it's helpful to know a few Czech phrases for polite interactions.
