How to get there

Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic can be easily reached by almost any means of transport. SA, the Czech Airlines, operates direct flights to 50 countries, while aircraft from 27 foreign airlines land at Ruzyné International Airport in Prague. Direct express trains link the Czech Republic with the capitals of ten European countries. Regular bus services connect Czech cities as well as spa towns with numerous European destinations. An ever expanding network of highways and motorways enables motorists to reach almost any location in the coun easily and comfortably.

Visas

The Czech Republic has signed agreements on visa-free travel with all European states, and with the USA, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and Japan.

Currency

The Czech crown (koruna ceská – Kc or CZK) is equivalent to 100 hellers (halér) The following denominations
are in circulation: Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 K Coins: 10, 20 and 50 hellers and 1,
2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 K
The average exchange rate of the crown to the Euro and US dollar is approximately: 1 EUR = 30.60 CZK, 1 USD = 31.50 CZK (November 2002). Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and in bigger stores.
International time
The Czech Republic is located in the same time zone as continental Western Europe and much of Eastern
Europe. It uses the Central European Time, i.e. GMT + 1 hour. Summer daylight saving time is in effect from the last Saturday in March until the last Saturday in October (GMT + 2 hours).

Business hours

The working day usually starts at 8.00 a.m. and finishes at 5.00 p.m.
Most shops are open from 8.00 am. to 6.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. There may be a lunch break of 1 to 2 hours in smaller stores. On Saturdays usual opening hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m.
Department stores are generally open until 7.00 p.m. on weekdays, and until 2.00 or 4.00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Late-night shopping is available on Thursdays until 8.00 p.m. Some shops open even on Sundays.

Electricity supply

220 volts, 50 cycles.

Official public holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 21 – Easter Monday
May 1 – May Day
May 8 – End of World War II
July 5 – Cyril and Methodius Day
July 6 – John Huss Day
September 28 – St. Wenceslas’ Day (of Czech State)
October 28 – Foundation of Czechoslovakia (1918)
November 17 – Day of Freedom and Democracy
December 24 – Christmas Eve
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – St.Stephen’s Day