Useful information
Embassies and Consulates
You can access assistance in difficult situations from your country’s embassy. Embassies are always located in the capital (so in the Czech Republic, in Prague), and a complete list can be found on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs website. Some countries do not have an embassy in the Czech Republic but are rather represented by a consulate.
Emergency Numbers
General Emergency No. 112
Fire 150
Medical Emergency 155
Prague City Police 156
Foreigner‘s Police Station
Prague 1, Jungmanovo namesti 9 (the nearest metro stop is Mustek)
This police station is open 24 hours a day. English translators are provided.
Lost & Stolen Credit Cards
Visa tel. +420 224-125-353 • MasterCard/Eurocard tel. +420 261-354-650
American Express tel. +420 222-800-111 • Diners Club tel. +420 267-314-285
Emergency Medical Services
Prague 5, Nemocnice Na Holmolce, tel. +420 257-271-111
Prague 1, Nemocnice na Františku, tel. +420 222-801-111
Prague 1, Poliklinika Palackého, tel. +420 222-928-111
Prague 2, Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice, tel. +420 224-961-111
Dental Emergencies
Prague 1 Palackého 5, tel. +420 224-946-981 (Mon-Fri 7 – 7, Sat – Sun 24 hour cover)
Prague 4: Pacovská 31/869, tel. +420 241-733-918 (Mon-Fri 7 – 7, Sat – Sun 24 hour cover)
Medical Services
Emergency treatments and first aid are free for all visitors to the Czech Republic. British, Irish and other EU nationals receive free health care (excluding non-emergency dental treatments) through a reciprocal agreement. All foreigners must pay for their own prescriptions.
24 Hour Pharmacies
Even over-the-counter medication needs to be purchased at a pharmacy (lekarna). In case of urgent need, certain pharmacies are open 24 hours a day:
Prague 1, Palackého 5, tel. +420 224-946-982 • Prague 2, Belgická 37, tel. +420 222-519-731
Prague 4, Thomayerova hospital, Vídeňská 800, tel. +420 261-084-001
Prague 5, Štefánikova 6, tel. +420 257-320-918 • Prague 5, Motol Hospital, V Úvalu 84, tel. +420 224-435-736
Prague 8, Bulovka Hospital, Budínova 2, tel. +420 266-082-032
Exchange Offices / ATMs
Prague has cash machines spread conveniently throughout the city. Some machines don’t accept Diners and Amex cards. All machines accept the UK and any other internationally-issued cards, including MC, Visa, Maestro, Cirrus, Plus Visa electron (and there are no reports of any kind of trouble obtaining cash). If you wish to exchange money, first inquire about the commission rate, as it can be quite high. We highly recommend eXchange on the corner of Kaprova and Maiselova Street, where you definitely get the best rate (near Old Town Sq. just behind St. Nicholas church). Alternatively, banks in Prague offer good exchange rates and low rates of commission, around 2%. If you need to exchange traveller‘s cheques, try the American Express office at Wenceslas Sq. 56 (tel. 222-800-237). It‘s open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
Local Language
Most Czechs living in Prague can speak at least a little English, and much tourist information and nearly all menus in city centre restaurants are available in English. The majority of venues, streets, and other landmarks are labelled with their Czech names, but an English name is often shown where useful.
Electricity
Electricity AC in the Czech Republic is 230 volts. Neither current nor plug sizes are the same around the world. If you discover on arrival that an electrical device has a different plug than those used in this country, adaptors are readily available.
Smoking
The Czech Republic has adopted a law limiting smoking. One of the main points is a ban on smoking in public places (on platforms, at stops, at the railway station, on public transport and in places of entertainment). Restaurant owners must provide an area for non-smokers (either a separate room or hours when smoking is not permitted when food is served). Tobacco-based products cannot be sold to people under 18 years of age.
Rest Rooms
Public restrooms are usually labelled as WC, and a small charge (around 5 to 10 CZK) is levied for admission. Standards vary, but most toilets are much cleaner than they used to be and are properly maintained. Additional restroom facilities, sometimes free and better maintained, are available at many metro stations (though at some stations, some restrooms are still shabby), department stores, museums, restaurants, and cafés. Most tourists find it easier to use free toilet facilities at restaurants or use fast-food chains like McDonald’s or KFC, museums, galleries, etc.
Basic Driving Rules
Driving rules in the Czech Republic are basically the same as in other European countries. However, the following should be kept in mind:
- drive on the right side
- safety belts must be fastened both in and outside towns and villages
- car safety seats are obligatory for children up to 36 kg or anyone up to 150 cm tall
- maximum speed is 90 km/h, in towns and villages 50 km/h, and 130 km/h on highways
As anywhere else, driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Motor vehicles must be display lights in the day-time. For driving on highways, a toll sticker must be applied. The appropriate special stick-on label can be bought at border crossings, post offices or fuel stations.