Safety: the Czech Republic has a low rate of crime overall, but street crime such as pick-pocketing and mugging can be a problem, particularly in the major tourist areas around Prague and on public transport. Incidents of violent crime are still quite infrequent, but are becoming more frequent in Prague. Caution is advised when accepting drinks from strangers at bars, as some tourists have reportedly been drugged. Travellers should also exercise caution on public transport, where most crime occurs: keeping a copy of your passport in a safe place, other than on your person, is recommended. The summer months (June to September) can be hot, but you should be prepared for sudden heavy thunderstorms and downpours. Temperatures rise to the high 20s and low 30s (°C), with July being the hottest month in all parts of the country. The winter months (November to March) can be very cold and foggy with plenty of snow. Temperatures often drop below freezing throughout the country, with any places experiencing temperatures as low as -15°C. The mountains are usually bitterly cold in winter, with heavy snowfall being the norm. January tends to be the coldest month and varying amounts of rain tend to fall throughout the year, somewhat unpredictably. Foreign currency, including travellers’ cheques, can be exchanged at branches of all banks and at authorised currency exchanges, major hotels and at road border crossings. Major credit cards are accepted at some, but not all, hotels, restaurants and shops. Traveller’s cheques are more widely accepted than credit cards. In order to avoid additional exchange rate charges, it is recommended that you carry traveller’s cheques issued in UDS, Euros or Sterling. The import and export of local currency is limited to Kc200,000 or 10 golden coins. There is no limit on foreign currency. Emergency: for all emergencies, you can dial the police emergency number: 158
Police: 158
Ambulance: the emergency number for calling an ambulance in the Czech republic is 112, but be advised that response may be slow, and that most ambulance companies will expect payment at the time service is rendered. Recommended hospitals: in Prague, there are several Western-style medical clinics staffed by English-speaking doctors and dentists. Hospitals favoured by expatriates include Motto Hospital (U Uvalu 84, Prague 5; tel. +420 224 433 681) and Na Homolce Hospital (Roentgenova 2, Prague 5; tel. +420 257 272 174). Long business lunches are the norm and knowing the right people is a major factor in securing business deals. You are advised that many businesses close for holidays in July and August, so timing an important visit during this time is not recommended. Czechs do not seem to place a high value on repeat business, focusing instead on one deal at a time. This is most readily noted in the astoundingly poor services that customers receive: there is an underlying assumption that the customer or client will never be seen again. The law and the courts provide no recourse or protection regarding business deals, so having the right connections is not only important in securing a deal, it is important in protecting your interests. It’s also worth pointing out that nothing should be rushed, if possible as even the smallest of tasks can take an inordinately long time to complete. Typical business hours:
- Office hours are 08:00 to 16:00 on Monday to Friday.
- Banks are open 08:00 to 18:00 on Monday to Friday, with some banks closing early on Friday afternoon.
- Shops are generally open 09:00 to 18:00 on Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturday; and some are also open on Sunday.
| 
