Czech Republic

Flight.co.uk Overview

About 40,000 flights to the Czech Republic land in the capital city, Prague, each year, and few of the passengers venture outside the city, which means they are missing out on a treat. Although Prague offers plenty of culture and charm for the discerning traveler, there is plenty more for those taking flights to the Czech Republic who are brave enough to leave the city behind and explore the countryside. The country is made up of two geographic and cultural sections, Bohemia and Moravia. Bohemia offers rejuvenating spa towns, while the laid back Moravian villages welcome visitors with local wine and a lifestyle that seems like a living medieval museum. Discount flights to the Czech Republic have, however, put the capital of Prague on the map, creating a westernized and cosmopolitan city that boasts a visual architectural feast of spires, baroque and art nouveau buildings. Cheap long haul flights are available year-round. Yet to be fully exploited, the ski resorts are also enough to tempt winter sports enthusiasts to book flights to the Czech Republic, fully-equipped mountain retreats offering good quality slopes and bobsled runs. Czech Republic flights open up a world of possibilities for those prepared to look beyond the city walls of Prague. Long haul flights to the Czech Republic depart from most major centres.

Overview

During the past few decades the Czech Republic has slowly been emerging as a popular tourist destination, favoured particularly by the discerning traveller seeking culture and charm rather than pizzazz and parties.

However, most visitors still tend to explore no farther than the capital, Prague. Fewer than 10 percent of tourists venture into the countryside, which means they are missing out on a treat. Prague, westernised and cosmopolitan, is a beautiful city of spires and a visual feast of medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Leave the city behind and visitors will find a magnificent undulating landscape of mountains and plains, forests and farmland.

The Czech Republic is divided into two geographic and cultural sections, Bohemia and Moravia. Bohemian spa towns and laid-back Moravian wine villages seem to be in a time warp, welcoming visitors as though they are living museums of a refined and relaxed rural lifestyle. There are more than 100 castles dotted around the countryside, ranging from forbidding fortresses to elegant chateaux, all open to the public.

The Czech countryside is also a major drawcard for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers, with hundreds of kilometres of marked trails networking the landscape.

Business

It is important to follow the correct business etiquette when in the Czech Republic. Initial greetings are usually formal, with a firm handshake. Titles and surnames are used, unless otherwise indicated, and it is usually women or elders who will initiate the change to a more informal relationship. Punctuality is vital in the Czech business world and dress should be smart and conservative. There is generally some small talk to establish rapport at the beginning of meetings; be polite and courteous. German is the most common foreign language used in the Czech Republic but English is widely spoken by younger generations. Translators are available and any attempts at speaking Czech will be appreciated. Deals can take a long time to manifest due to significant bureaucratic red tape and it is important to be patient. Business hours are usually 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Health

There are no vaccination requirements for international travellers, and no major health risks are associated with travel to the Czech Republic. A reciprocal health agreement with the UK entitles citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to free emergency health care, however medical insurance is still advised. Visitors to forested areas should seek medical advice about immunisation against tick borne encephalitis. In March 2006, bird flu was discovered in wild birds in southern Bohemia; the risk to travellers is low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked as a precaution.

Safety

The majority of visits to the Czech Republic are trouble-free, although the country has a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which it shares with the rest of the world. On 1 August 2004 an explosive device in the centre of Prague injured 17 people, including tourists. Petty theft is on the increase, especially in Prague, and visitors should be vigilant about their belongings particularly on public transport and around the main tourist sites.

Duty Free

Travellers to the Czech Republic over 17 years and entering from the EU do not have to pay customs duty on 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 1kg tobacco; 10 litres of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, or 20 litres of alcoholic beverages with alcohol volume less than 22%, or 90 litres of wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine, or 110 litres of beer. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, or a proportional assortment of these; 1 litre spirits or 2 litres wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; and food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use. Other goods to the value of EUR175 per adult and EUR90 per child under 15 years are allowed. Guns brought into the country have to be accompanied by a license.

Tipping

Tipping in restaurants is optional and no service charge is added to bills. Gratuities of 5 to 10% are expected if the service is good. Taxi drivers are tipped by rounding up the fare at the end of the journey.

Language

Czech is the official language but English and German are also widely spoken.

Communications

The international access code for the Czech Republic is +420. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Area codes are not required. There are high surcharges on international calls from hotels; it is cheaper to use the public telephone boxes - phone cards can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with all major international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Time Zone

GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Round pin plugs with a hole for a male grounding pin are standard. Most sockets also take the standard European two-pin plugs.

Money

The official currency is 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 away from Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques and 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 becoming more common in Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a good rate and without commission. The Czech Republic is still cheap compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.