- Emergencies
- 112. 112 reaches all services from any phone, in English.
- Tipping
- Round up or add about 10% for table service; say the total as you pay. Some restaurants charge for bread or the little snacks put on the table; if you didn't order them, you can send them back.
- Cards and cash
- Cards and phones work almost everywhere in towns, even for a beer; a few market stalls and small pubs want cash. Czech crowns (CZK), not euros. Use bank ATMs, not Euronet ones, and always pay in crowns when a machine offers your home currency.
- Phone
- An eSIM bought before you go is usually the cheapest data; most 'Europe' plans include Czechia (check). O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at Prague Airport.
- Plugs
- Type C, E, 230 V. Two round pins (Type E has an earth pin, and Type C fits it). Australian and NZ plugs are Type I, so bring an adapter.
- Tourist tax
- A local fee of up to about CZK 50 a person a night is added to beds in most towns, usually at check-in (check).
- Avoid exchange-office traps
- Exchange offices advertising '0% commission' can use a terrible rate; use a bank ATM instead, and never change money with someone on the street.
- Pay in crowns
- Some places take euros, at a poor rate with change in crowns. Pay in crowns, by card where you can.
- Validate tram tickets
- In Prague, buy a ticket by tap-to-pay at the tram stop or the PID Lítačka app, and validate paper tickets when you board; inspectors fine on the spot.
- Museums on Mondays
- Many museums and castles close on Mondays, and some castles open only from April to October.
- Early on the Charles Bridge
- The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are packed by mid-morning; walk them early or late.
- Beer and water
- Beer is often cheaper than soft drinks. Tap water is safe, but restaurants rarely bring it free.
