Travel Tips
General Travel Tips
Prague is generally a safe city, but you should take the same precautions that you would in any large city. Also, Prague is a beautiful and historic city which means be careful when walking around the city; it's easy to fall or twist an ankle when walking on the picturesque-cobblestone streets. Other useful travel tips:
The Prague Airport Shuttle is cheap and offers shared minibus transportation to and from Prague Airport. They also have public shuttle-bus service to the city center for those traveling on a limited budget.
Taxis are plentiful and reliable, but Prague also has Uber available. A trip from the airport to downtown costs around $12-$15 depending on traffic.
Also please be aware that starting May 15, security at Prague airport will begin to perform physical inspections of selectively chosen luggage. This document provides further information regarding the inspections, and recommendations about locks for your luggage.
Recommendations from the US State Department about summer travel in Europe:
"If you are traveling between countries in Europe, please check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination city for any recent security messages. Review security information from local officials, who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should also:
- Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
- Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
- Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
- Have an emergency plan of action ready.
- Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
We continue to work closely with our European partners and allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
For further information:
Travel Documents
In much of Europe, the only document a U.S. citizen needs is a passport. Please check the expiration date of your passport, and note that it must be valid for at least three months after your ticketed return date to the U.S. In addition, the Czech Republic requires that you carry proof of health insurance. Be sure to check the requirements for any other countries you may visit during your trip, and the specific requirements for your own country if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Currency
Local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK), but Euros are accepted almost everywhere. You can use your debit card to get Czech currency at a local ATM. Most of the outdoor markets are cash only and accept CZK and Euros, U.S. currency is not accepted. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and American Express is less common. Before your trip, be sure to check with the issuer of your credit card as to any foreign transaction fees, and inform them of where you will be traveling so that your foreign transaction goes through successfully. To check current exchange rates, a good resource is www.xe.com.
Electricity
The U.S. runs on 110 volts, and Europe on 220 volts. Most appliances and electronics these days are dual voltage, be sure to check all of your items. If they are dual voltage, all you will need is an adapter that allows the U.S. plug to fit into the European outlet. At the Corinthia Hotel, there is one U.S. outlet in the bathroom, all other outlets are European. There are no USB outlets.
More Information
For more helpful hints on travel including tips on how to use your smartphone and technology in Europe, how to avoid theft and scams, and even tips on conquering jet-lag, we recommend visiting www.ricksteves.com for more information.