Prague - Currency

ATMs are available in many parts of Prague - ensure you inform your bank before travelling abroad, and be aware you may be charged for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to exchange some cash before arriving in Prague.

Visit the other Prague city guide sections to get more detailed travel advice, and information on the best Prague attractions and sightseeing activities, recommended shops and restaurants, as well as the best Prague hotels.

Prague - Notes and Coins

Czech Republic Currency

The Czech crown (CZK) (koruna ceská or Kč), divided into 100 hellers, is the official currency. Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000Kč. As it is sometimes difficult to break down the 2000 and 5000Kč notes, keep small domination notes for use in shops, cafés and bars, as well as coins for tram ticket machines, public toilets and the like.

As the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the euro and US$ are sometimes accepted. (The country hopes to convert to the euro sometime in 2010.) Some stores, restaurants and hotels will accept payments in euros but the exchange rate is not good. Simply use crowns.

Currency Exchange

Avoid the many private exchange booths (směnárna) in central Prague. Attractive-looking exchange rates can turn out to be 'sell' instead of 'buy' rates and possibly a worse rate can apply to smaller transactions. Read the small print and first verify the exact amount you will receive before parting with any money.

Hotels charge about 5% to 8% commission, while Čedok travel agencies and post offices charge 2% which is similar to the banks’ rates.

Czech Republic Banks

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 08.00-16.30, with some banks closing earlier on Fridays.

Main banks: Komerční banka, Česká spořitelna, Československá obchodní banka (ČSOB) and Živnostenská banka.

The Czech banks are the best for exchanging cash. Commissions vary between branches, but the normal commission for a 50Kč minimum is 2%. The banks also offer cash advances on Visa and MasterCard without commission.

ATMs

ATMs are scattered throughout the city at metro stations, near subway stations, post offices and at the airport. They are the most efficient method of withdrawing cash and accept major international debit and credit cards like VISA, MasterCard and Cirrus. Some ATMs will take AMEX and Diner’s Club cards.

Credit Cards

The better hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. You can use a credit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, but charges will be higher than with a debit card.

Report lost credit cards (or travellers cheques) to:
Amex (222 800 222)
Diners Club (267 197 450)

Travellers Cheques

Banks charge 2% with a 50Kč minimum for changing travellers’ cheques. Amex and Travelex offices change their own-brand cheques without commission, but charge 2% or 3% for other brands, 3% or 4% for credit card cash advances, and 5% for changing cash. Take US$, Euro and Pound Sterling cheques.

American Express (234 711 711; Václavské náměstí 56, Nové Město; 08.00-22.00; metro Muzeum).

Travelex (224 946 066; Národní třída 28, Nové Město; 09.00-18.30 (closed for half an hour for lunch); metro Národní třída).