Czech Republic Facts

Airline connections
Prague International Airport services more than 200 flights a day. All major airlines serve Prague and the air fares are considered reasonably priced compared to other capitals in Europe.

Castles
Over 2,000 preserved castles and chateaux represent an important part of the national cultural heritage, both in terms of their number and in terms of their historical and artistic value.

Climate
Its climate is characterized by its mild winters with temperatures between -2 to 8 degrees Celsius and its warm summers with temperatures ranging from 10 to 26 degrees Celsius.

Cuisine
Most guidebooks describe Czech cuisine as heavy fare influenced by German and Hungarian cooking traditions, usually consisting of pork, cabbage and doughy dumplings smothered in gravy.

There is a big variety of international cuisine and Prague is not short of excellent Italian, Thai, Japanese and Spanish restaurants.

All hotels provide international cuisine and kosher style food whenever requested.

Czech beer
Czech beer is considered one of the best if not the best in the world. Its famous Pilsner is world renowned and beer is generally cheap

Currency
The national currency is the Czech Crown and in spite of the Czech Republic joining the European Union the country will keep its own currency for a few more years. Hotels quote rates in Euros and other tourist services quote rates either in Euro or in Czech Crowns.

Electricity
Electrical current is 220 V/50 hz. Most hotels have 110-V outlets for shavers only.

Guides
Professional guiding is available in all the worlds major languages, including those of the Far East.

Hotels
There are about 20 five-star hotels in the country, about 180 four-star hotels and numerous three-star hotels.

Convention hotels can accommodate up to 1,500 people under one roof, convention centers have the capacity to support over 9,000 guests under one roof.

Language
Czech is the official language. However, most citizens have a command of the German language and especially the younger generation has a good knowledge of English.

Religion
Total freedom of religion and free access to holy places of the major world religions. Each religion has autonomy over its holy places and houses of worship and establishes the hours and rules of conduct for visiting them. Visitors are expected to demonstrate respect and dress modestly at religious sites.

Seasons
The Czech Republic is most popular during April, May, June, September, October and up to the mid of November. The other months are considered as being mid season.

Shopping
There are numerous genuinely good buys to be made in the Czech Republic. Among the items favored by visitors are glass and crystal ware, wooden toys and souvenirs. The visitor will also find many antique shops.

VAT
Value Added Tax on hotel services is 5%. Value Added Tax on events and meetings is 19%. However, from January 1, 2005 Value Added Tax will be a standard 19%.

Visas
Tourist visas are not required for the holders of EC passports and numerous other countries. A passport should be valid for at least 90 days prior to the date of entry.However, citizens of Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, India, Russia, Turkey and South Africa and few other countries are required to apply for tourist visas.

Tipping
No tip is expected for taxi rides and a 7-10% tip in restaurants is considered correct. It is conventional to tip the tour guide and coach driver at the end of the visit. Hotel rates include service charge and tips are usually given to porters, chambermaids, waiters and front desk staff.