Prague - Accommodation, Airport Parking, Airport Transfers, Customs Allowances

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Accommodation in Prague

Our in-depth guide to Prague hotels, hostels and guest houses (which includes e-mail links and online booking for the vast majority of establishments listed) can be found in Prague hotels and lodging. And, if you have any questions about a potential or confirmed booking, just ask us via our 'Live Help' system or send an e-mail to talking.webs@btclick.com!

Airline Information

airline info For detailed information on scheduled/charter airline services, ticket pricing, discount flights and air ticket consolidators, check out getting there.

Airline Meals

Generally, one meal is served on scheduled European flights, while an additional meal is provided on long-haul intercontinental flights. Vegetarians or travellers requiring special meals e.g. halal, kosher etc. should give details of their dietary requirements when booking.

Note: budget airlines (such as easyJet) do not offer "free" meals onboard. Instead, passengers pay for their in-flight drinks/snacks. Generally, a selection of hot and cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, sandwiches, savoury items and confectionery is made available, along with gift items such as watches, fragrances and hi-tech gadgets.

Prague Airport Transfers

transfers Information on flying to Prague is provided in our getting there section. All flights to Prague arrive at the city's Ruzyně Airport, which is about 12 km (8 miles) from the city centre.

As the airport does not have direct rail or metro links to downtown Prague, there are several main options for travelling into town:

Organised Transfer - An easy way into town from the airport is to book an airport transfer online with Talking Cities. Choose between a minibus, shuttle bus or private hire vehicle and avoid the hassle of having to arrange a connection upon arrival in Prague.

Microbus shuttle - the airport's microbus service is operated by the Czech company Cedaz (Tel: +420 220 114 286), with services running every 1/2 hour from 05.30 to 21.30 (using 6-seater VW Transporter vehicles). Linking the airport to downtown Prague, the exact route is Ruzyně airport - Dejvická - city center - Náměstí Republiky metro station and back. One-way tickets cost 90 CZK, while children under 10 travel free.

Czech Airlines (CSA) shuttle - ČSA operate a fleet of white Mercedes Vito vans (bearing the slogan 'Welcome Touristic Praha - Airport Shuttle' on each vehicle) which run every 1/2 hour between the airport and the main Czech Airlines office/Hotel Diplomat in downtown Prague.

Bus - city bus 119, which stops at the airport every ten minutes (between 04.30 and midnight on weekdays) links Ruzyně to metro line A at Dejvická station. Tickets (20 CZK) can be bought from automatic machines in the arrivals hall (next to the bus stand) or at the lobby newspaper kiosk. Similarly, bus 179 will take you from the airport to the Nové Butovice metro stop (Line B). From there, it's approximately 3 stops to Smíchovské Nádraži (Smíchov train station) or you can stay on right through to Černý Most (the end of the line). As this route takes in seven of Prague's most central metro stops, it's a cheap (although somewhat long-winded way) to reach downtown Prague. Other bus routes from Ruzyně airport include no. 225 (to Nové Butovice) and no. 254 to Dejvická station.

Prague "Airport Express" Bus - For anyone coming to Prague aboard the high-speed SC Pendolino train service from Ostrava, it's possible to transfer (upon arrival at Praha Holešovice station) to Ruzyně Airport using low-floor Airport Express buses.

The shuttle service, which operates in both directions, runs at regular thirty-minute intervals (from 05.15-21.45) and is picked up from the Prague City Transit Bus Terminal at Praha Holešovice station (follow signs showing the acronym "AE" for Airport Express).

When buying tickets for the SC Pendolino service, make sure you state your intention to use the Airport Express upon arrival at Praha Holešovice. Apart from regular and special SC fares, the shuttle accepts all single-directional, first-class Czech Rail tickets as well as tickets subject to Prague Integrated Transport tariffs. It's also worth noting that CSA Passengers, who have bought SC Pendolino tickets in conjunction with a flight booking, become eligible for a free Airport Express ride.

For anyone wishing to use the Airport Express without an SC Pendolino ticket, a boarding fee of 45 CZK is paid to the driver.

Taxis - in keeping with many capital cities in Central and Eastern Europe, Prague's taxi drivers have acquired a reputation for fleecing unsuspecting tourists. With this in mind, our public transport section lists reliable taxi companies, as well as including tips on how to lessen the chances of being ripped off. However, at Ruzyně, it's more difficult to use registered taxis as generally, touts rule the roost (the exception being Fix, s.r.o. Airport Car, Tel: +420 220 113 892, which has a desk in arrivals and runs a good, albeit pricier than normal service). If ordered in advance, expect to pay a boarding fee of 30 CZK, 25 CZK/km and a waiting fee of 5 CZK/minute (with the entire trip costing 120-870 CZK depending upon your destination in Prague).

Babysitting

Babysitting facilities are available at many larger hotels in Prague, although third-party companies may also provide services. We recommend that you confirm with your travel agent (or chosen hotel) that babysitting facilities are available before travelling.

Baggage Allowances

baggage Baggage allowance on most scheduled flights is 20kgs (44lbs) although some airlines offer increased allowances of up to 30kgs. Permission to take larger items on board, such as pushchairs and bicycles etc. should be obtained from your airline before travelling. Exceeding the allowance stated on your ticket will incur an extra charge (which must be paid when checking-in).

It's also important to know that new EU-wide regulations for passenger hand luggage were introduced in late 2006. These rules, which are in addition to those already applying in respect of scissors, knives and other sharp objects, set out the dimensions for approved hand luggage, as well providing a list of liquids, pastes and gels that can be taken onboard a flight. For a summary of the rules that apply please see Check-in and Airport Security Screening below.

Banking

Banks are generally open between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday (with the vast majority closed at weekends). Automatic teller machines (ATMs) will also allow you to obtain Czech Koruna when banks are closed, with most providing operating instructions in English, German, French and Italian. Indeed, using a bank card in Prague is one of the most cost-effective ways to get hold of local currency as bank charges are minimal (thus working out cheaper than most commissions on travellers' cheques).

That said, if you prefer to use American Express travellers' cheques, these can be cashed at InterCHANGE, which is handily located in one of the most popular tourist areas (Václavské náměstí 56, Tel: +420 (234) 711 711, Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). In addition, the company (operating on behalf of AMEX), offer other member services, such as pick ups for replacement cards and emergency funds access.

The use of credit cards is now widespread in Prague, with many shops and restaurants allowing you to pay for goods/services with plastic. Normally signs or stickers are displayed to show which cards are accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely recognised. Just remember that, to safeguard against fraudulent transactions, the 'total' box on the credit card slip should be checked for the correct amount and currency (fill in the slip yourself if in doubt), also making sure that only one slip is printed.

A useful list of foreign banks in Prague can be found by visiting the website of the Czech National Bank, while popular local firms include: Živnostenská banka, a.s., Česká spořitelna (which has an "Expat Center" at Rytířská 29, Praha 1, Tel: +420 224 101 630, Fax: +420 224 101 639, E-mail: expatcenter@csas.cz) and Komerční banka, a. s.

A popular alternative is to use a bureau de change, which usually work on a commission charged basis. As rates vary wildly it pays to shop around (we advise you check out at least three different outlets before making a transaction). However, downtown, the company with the biggest presence (although arguably not the best rates) is interCHANGE.

The alternative is to opt for a "no commission" bureau, though in most cases the exchange rate you'll receive will not be as good. In fact, as you'll often get a better rate of exchange at banks, bureau de change are probably most useful if you need money at weekends, or outside of normal business hours.

Bargain Hunting

bargains Undoubtedly, the easiest way to save money on a trip to Prague is by comparing the prices offered by various travel agencies, airlines and online tour operators. A little time spent shopping around may save you a significant amount of money. Indeed, our own online flight and hotel booking pages are a great place to start! See also getting there and our business directory for further information.

Before Leaving Home

leaving As a general rule of thumb, frequent flyers don't travel with expensive looking luggage. If you do, it's rather like attracting bees to a honey pot (particularly in baggage reclaim). It's equally important though not to use old threadbare luggage which isn't up to a mild bruising from baggage handlers.

When leaving home, ask neighbours to keep an eye on the house and ensure that all exterior doors and windows are locked properly. Security experts advise not to lock interior doors as this usually results in further damage should an intruder break in. If you turn off gas or electricity supplies, remember that appliances such as fridge-freezers will need to be defrosted beforehand. And, if the timing of your return flight means that you'll be arriving home at night, make sure you have a torch to hand to switch supplies back on.

When packing, it's important to know the value and contents of each bag, just in case they're lost. Label them with your name, contact number and destination address in Prague (this is preferable to advertising your home address to all and sundry). When checking in, make sure every piece of luggage is correctly tagged with the destination airport's unique three letter identifier.

Cameras, Computers & Camcorders

camera Nowadays, most security x-ray machines are "film safe "and clearly identified as such. However, you can ask that security personnel check any hand items containing film manually. Most brands of video/camera film are available in Prague so, unless you have specialist equipment, it may be easier to purchase film once you arrive. As well as Kodak, Fuji and Agfa film stock, domestic brands (such as Foma) offer a good, cheap, alternative. In addition, you can also buy a wide selection of camera and computer accessories (memory cards, power packs, adapters, lights etc.), though we would suggest taking at least one battery pack with you. A reliable, small store downtown (and one that's most convenient for travellers) is Fosh Foto at Václavské nám. 23, Tel: +420 222 245 901. As well as cameras, batteries and film, the company also stocks memory cards in CF, SD and MemoryStick formats. Handy if you happen to need a larger capacity card during your visit.

Laptop computers can normally be taken on board aircraft as hand-luggage. However, you're not allowed to use these items during takeoff and landing as they can cause interference with electronic aircraft systems (especially wi-fi supported machines).

To avoid complications at customs on arrival, you must also be able to prove that any camera, computer or camcorder equipment you are carrying is for personal use. It may therefore be useful to take any original sales receipts with you, just to show items are not intended for resale (see also customs allowances below).

Also remember that for any 35 mm film lost or damaged during developing, laboratories are only obliged to replace it with another of the same value. You won't be compensated for the commercial or sentimental value of photographs. Our advice is to ask about separate insurance for important films such as those from weddings, birthdays etc.

Prague Car Rental

car rental Unless you're planning to travel outside of the city, it's probably not worth renting a car in Prague, particularly as the city's public transport is so efficient (and serves almost all of Prague's major tourist attractions). Should you need a vehicle, most well-known (internationally recognised) rental companies have offices in Prague.

That said, it's often easier to arrange a rental through your travel agent rather than on arrival. Not only will you save money (anything from 15-20%) but you'll also be able to find out about deposits, drop off charges, cancellation penalties and insurance costs without having to make yourself understood in a foreign language.

Make sure though you find out what equipment comes as standard (air-conditioning is not always available) and check that the price quoted includes VAT. Optional extras such as roof racks and child seats should also be arranged before you go. U.S. and Canadian citizens should note that the majority of rental cars in Prague have manual (stick-shift), rather than automatic transmission.

To hire a car in the Czech Republic you must be at least 18 years of age, though most rental companies insist upon a minimum age of 21-25 years old. Mileage rates are of the fixed amount free, unlimited or per kilometre variety, with extra charges for any additional drivers wanting to use the vehicle.

Although reputable companies operate new fleets and service them to a high standard, make your own checks before accepting a rental car. These should include:

i) checking for minor bodywork damage, making sure that small defects are noted on the rental agreement before you take the vehicle;

ii) checking for tyre wear (insist on a different vehicle if the tread appears low, uneven or if there are cuts or bulges in any tyre sidewalls);

iii) checking in advance to see if rear seat belts are fitted (and arrange for a car seat if you have small children).

iv) allow yourself plenty of time to get used to the vehicle, unfamiliar road signs and Prague's drivers. When returning the car, fuel should be topped up to the same level as when you first picked it up (otherwise you'll be charged at the rental company's own tariff per litre which is invariably higher than that of local forecourts). Insurance requirements and general rules on driving in the Czech Republic (including local road signs) are covered in getting there. Online car rental is available on our own site, while a list of reputable car rental firms can be found in our Prague links section.

Check In and Airport Security Screening

check-in For scheduled long haul services, including flights from North America and Australasia, check in at least three hours before departure. For European flights, you should arrive and check in at least two hours before departure. Note that new EU-wide regulations for passenger security screening were introduced in late 2006. These rules, which include measures to protect passengers against the threat of liquid explosives, apply at all airports in the EU and place restrictions on the dimensions for hand baggage to be taken aboard aircraft, as well as the amount of liquids, pastes and gels that passengers can take through security checkpoints.

Hand baggage restrictions - passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand baggage through the aiport security checkpoint, no larger than:

56 centimetres tall (approximately 22 inches);

45 centimetres wide (approximately 17.7 inches);

25 centimetres deep (approximately 10 inches)

Please note, this is the MAXIMUM bag size allowed through security, with permissible sizes varying according to the conditions laid down by your chosen carrier. We therefore advise you to contact your airline before setting out for the airport.

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried WITHIN the single item of cabin baggage, not in addition. All items carried by passengers will be X-ray screened. Cameras, (including digital, small electrical items such as mobile phones, MP3 players and game consoles) can remain in the bag for screening. However, larger items such as laptops must be removed from the bag and placed in a separate tray. Items such as pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened, as will musical instruments. Wheelchairs are permitted but will be thoroughly searched by security staff.

Anyone found travelling with hand luggage that contains sharp objects such as scissors, razors, nail files etc. will have such items confiscated before boarding their flight. They can, of course, still be transported in the hold as part of your normal baggage allowance

Travelling with liquids - passengers are advised to pack any liquids not required whilst onboard the aircraft in their hold luggage. Passengers are, however, allowed to take small quantities of liquids, pastes and gels in their hand luggage (containers must have a maximum single unit volume of 100 ml and be packed in one transparent and re-sealable plastic bag of no more than 1 litre capacity). Note: the transparent bag should be provided by the passenger. All liquids found to be above 100ml in volume will be confiscated.

Permissible liquids include: aerosols, ball deodorants, chocolate paste, creams
drinks, foams, fromage frais, gels, hair gels, liquid lipstick, liquid mascara, liquid solid mixtures, lotions, oils, pastes, tooth pastes, peanut butter, perfumes, pressurised containers, runny cheese, soups, sprays, syrups, water, yoghurt and any other item of similar consistency

Exemptions - in hand luggage, passengers can carry medicines and essential dietary products, including baby foods, for use during the trip. However, passengers may need to provide proof of authenticity.

Passengers from non-EU countries - passengers from outside the EU who transfer through an EU airport will have liquids, pastes and gels confiscated, even if purchased in an airside store.

After security screening - following the security check, passengers are able to take all items purchased in the departures lounge onboard the aircraft.

Children's Travel

children The trick here is to plan well in advance and involve youngsters in your holiday plans. Although major airlines provide goody bags for kids on long-haul flights, it's still wise to take other small puzzles, games, toys and books. Make sure though you pack them as hand luggage!

For children under two years of age on the date of their return flight home, you'll have to pay a charge for them to fly. This is relatively small on European flights, although it can add up if you're travelling from North America or have more than one child. What's more, rates vary depending on whether you fly with a scheduled or charter airline. During the flight, infants under six months must sit on an adult's lap and wear a lap-strap. Youngsters over six months and under two years must sit on an adult's lap unless there is a vacant seat. If you have a child who's prone to air sickness, make sure they know to tell you straight away if they're feeling unwell. If all else fails, make sure they know where to find the sick bag, just in case you've left your seat for any length of time.

The same basic rules apply if travelling by car to Prague. Again, make sure plenty of toys are to hand (having to unpack a favourite toy from the boot of the car won't improve your mood) and stop for breaks at frequent intervals. Youngsters suffering from motion sickness usually improve if encouraged to look at the road ahead. As a precaution, purchase travel sickness tablets from your local pharmacist. For more information about driving to Prague see getting there.

Climate in Prague

climate With a central position in Europe, Prague is affected by weather patterns from both the east (Siberia) and west (Atlantic). July and August tend to be the warmest months, though the weather can be extremely changeable with a fair number of rainy days mixed in with the sunnier periods. During hot spells, the air quality in Prague can deteriorate rapidly because of pollution, causing some discomfort to those who suffer with respiratory problems. Asthma sufferers should therefore be wary and carry inhalers at all times. The weather stays reasonably mild during September and early October but gets noticeably colder after that (indeed early mornings can be pretty chilly during autumn months). Winters in Prague will often bring snow along with plenty of rain!

Click for average daily temperatures in Prague.

Clothing

As mentioned above, the weather in Prague can be changeable during the spring and summer. It's therefore worth packing some warmer clothing and a decent waterproof jacket. However, in the main you should still be able to pack the majority of your spring and summer wardrobe. As Prague is a particularly good place to explore on foot, a pair of comfortable shoes (robust enough to cope with the city's many cobbled streets) are also recommended. If you're visiting during autumn or winter months, bring a good selection of warmer clothes, including a heavier coat/waterproof jacket and thick pullovers. Click for shoe/clothing tables.

Crime in Prague

crime As with any major European city, when it comes to personal security, a little common sense goes a long way. Although violent crime in the Czech Republic is still relatively rare, petty theft and car crime are on the increase. To help ensure a safe, hassle-free holiday you should take the following precautions:

i) when first arriving in Prague, be especially vigilant with your belongings at Ruzyně airport and at train stations. In particular, the city's main railway station, Praha Hlavní nádraží is known as a crime hotspot, especially after dark. Bags, suitcases, rucksacks etc. should therefore be padlocked and important documents such as passports kept on your person. Where necessary luggage should be stored in designated lockers;

ii) store valuables, cash, airplane or train tickets in your hotel's room safe (rely only upon modern safes with electronic lock codes) or the safety deposit box at your hotel. Larger items, such as laptop computers can also be left in the care of the front desk/concierge, but make sure you have obtained a 'receipt of charge' first;

iii) do not be tempted to make transactions with illegal money changers. Always exchange money at banks, hotels, bureaux de change or ATM (cash) machines;

iv) when shopping, do not take more cash out with you than is necessary. Keep bags closed and avoid keeping cash and credit/debit cards in the same place. Handbags should be worn over the neck, rather than on the shoulder;

v) use registered taxi companies rather than privateers and always ensure that:-

a) the fare is agreed in advance, or
b) the taxi's meter is on and set to zero (or the legal minimum) before commencing your journey;

When eating out, make sure that prices are properly displayed on menus, checking also that they're not unrealistically high (for the category of restaurant you're in). Go elsewhere if necessary. Also check to see that your bill actually reflects the type and quantity of food/drinks ordered, as some of Prague's restaurants have been known to overcharge (politely notifying your server if any discrepancies do exist).

If paying by credit card, ensure that you complete the correct parts of the credit slip. And, if you pay any additional tip/service charge in local Czech currency, make sure you put a line through the part of the credit slip set aside for gratuities.

In Prague, dealing with the police (policie) can be a frustrating and overly bureaucratic experience. Not only do the local constabulary have a poor reputation with locals (especially as they can behave unsympathetically towards victims of crime), few will speak a foreign language, which only serves to make things even more confusing.

Should you need the services of the police during your stay, contact the Municipal Police (Mestská Policie) by dialling 158. Easily recognisable by their dark blue uniforms, Prague's police force are usually prominent around main tourist areas, though not so much at night. That said, police vans at the southern end of Wenceslas Square seem to be an almost permanent fixture, possibly because of its popularity in the summer. As well as carrying batons, Czech police officers are also armed.

Note: there have been instances of fake police preying on unsuspecting tourists and making off with travel documents, money and credit cards. If approached by a police officer insist they show you proper identification (e.g. badge or I.D. card) and do not hand over personal documentation unless satisfied they are genuine. Also be wary of pickpockets operating in and around main tourist areas. Metro stations, trams and buses are also favoured by petty thieves.

Complaints

If things go wrong during your stay in Prague follow the three C's rule and stay cool, calm and collected.

Problems with accommodation can usually be resolved by contacting the front desk or concierge in your hotel. Be polite but firm and make sure you talk to a person with the appropriate authority to put things right. If necessary, ask to speak to the duty or hotel manager. If you're on a fully escorted tour, problems should be taken up with the company's local representative. As a last resort use photographs or video footage as evidence and submit a claim for compensation on your return.

Unresolved complaints against a travel agent or tour operator can be referred to an independent arbitration service. Note though, that requests for arbitration won't apply in respect of physical injury or illness (which are covered separately by personal travel insurance policies).

Currency

See banking and money.

Customs Allowances for the Czech Republic

customs When arriving in Prague, visitors from other EU Member States should use the designated blue channel as they are not required to make a formal customs declaration (providing quantities of tobacco, alcohol etc. being carried fall within the limits set out for 'personal' or 'own use', see below). Random checks are made however, in order to deter tobacco and drug smugglers, as well as imports of banned or restricted goods.

As a rule, for goods on which tax has been paid in an EU country, visitors will not have to pay any tax or duty on them in the Czech Republic. However, alcohol or tobacco brought in for 'personal' or 'own use' (including gifts) must be transported by you and not resold. Where goods are brought into the Czech Republic for the purpose of resale, or for any payment, even payment in kind, they are regarded as being for a commercial purpose and would therefore be subject to import duty.

Travellers entering the Czech Republic from non-EU countries must either pass through the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare). As a note of caution, you should only go through the green channel if you are sure that you are within your customs allowances.

Personal belongings (including a laptop computer and camcorder), clothing and gifts up to the value of 6,000 CZK are not subject to import duty. Gifts with a value exceeding this amount are subject to VAT, charged at 22% of the value set by customs, plus (as official information helpfully points out) a customs tariff, excise duties and other possible taxes. Prohibited goods include firearms, ammunition, narcotics, pornographic or offensive material and products of animal/plant origin. Click for our table on customs allowances.

Although there's no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the Czech Republic, visitors are required to make an export declaration if more than 200,000 CZK is taken out of the country. Keep receipts for goods purchased during your stay and remember that antiques or works of art may require an export permit.

For details on VAT refunds, you can pick up a brochure explaining the conditions of the scheme from Ruzyně airport, tourist offices, hotels and shops. With the exception of works of art, collections and antiques, you can claim a refund on most goods, providing you have your original invoice. The procedure, which we'll politefully describe as "time consuming", involves having the appropriate refund form (and receipt) first stamped by customs, before cashing it at a separate counter. For Ruzyně airport, you'll need to head towards Thomas Cook's 'Global Refund' desk (in Departures) or the 'Czech Made Products' shop (Gate A).

For more detailed information on Czech customs regulations (including compulsory travel documentation) visit the useful www.czechembassy.org website. When returning home, be sure about customs allowances in your own country:

For general information on UK/EU customs allowances contact the National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 (+44 208 929 0152 for international callers). Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs also provide a useful leaflet entitled 'A guide for travellers' (Notice 1) which is available without charge and can viewed on the Internet at: www.hmrc.gov.uk.

In the US, the US Customs Service's Internet site at: www.customs.ustreas.gov summarizes duty limits in the leaflet 'Know Before You Go'.

For general customs enquiries in Canada call 1 800 461-9999 (toll free). The leaflet 'I declare/Je Déclare' is available together with bi-lingual information (English and French). Information is also available on the Internet at: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Cycling in Prague

cycling A combination of poor driving habits, cobbled streets (many of which are fully pedestrianised) and pollution means there's little point cycling in Prague, though of course a bicycle is useful if you aim to travel further afield in the Czech Republic.