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Czech Republic Travel Guide
A practical the Czech Republic travel guide for international travellers: the Czech koruna (not the euro), cards versus cash, ETIAS and Schengen entry, city budgets, transport, VAT refunds and money tips.
the Czech Republic money at a glance
Currency
Czech koruna (CZK), written Kč. The euro is NOT the official currency. Notes are 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 CZK.
Paying
Card-first. Cards and contactless are widely accepted; tourist-area terminals often push home-currency billing, so always choose CZK.
Cash for a week
CZK 1,000 to 2,000 is enough for many card-using visitors; top up at bank ATMs.
Entry
Depends on the passport held. Czechia is in the Schengen area; ETIAS is planned but not yet in force. See the entry section.
Daily budget
Roughly CZK 2,500 to 5,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip, higher in central Prague and peak summer.
Tax
VAT is 21%, included in prices; eligible non-EU visitors can claim a refund on qualifying goods.
The Czech Republic is very card-friendly, but it uses the Czech koruna, not the euro, so make sure your card handles CZK and do not rely on euro acceptance. The main trap is dynamic currency conversion: tourist-area shops, restaurants and ATMs frequently offer to charge in your home currency at a poor rate, so always choose to pay in CZK. Carry a small CZK cash float for the occasional cash-only spot and use bank ATMs rather than tourist machines.
Best places to visit in Czech Republic
Prague is the obvious first stop, but Brno, Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora and Karlovy Vary make the trip far more varied. Rail and bus travel work well between towns.
BohemiaPrague
Historic architecture, museums, river views, nightlife and first visits.
South MoraviaBrno
Food, modernist architecture, student atmosphere and day trips.
South BohemiaCesky Krumlov
UNESCO old town, castle views and romantic overnight stays.
Central BohemiaKutna Hora
Easy Prague day trip, Gothic monuments and history.
West BohemiaKarlovy Vary
Spa town, colonnades and relaxed breaks.
| City | Region | Daily budget | Paying | In short |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prague | Bohemia | CZK 3,000-5,500 | Card-first; watch DCC | Historic architecture, museums, river views, nightlife and first visits. |
| Brno | South Moravia | CZK 2,200-4,200 | Card-first | Food, modernist architecture, student atmosphere and day trips. |
| Cesky Krumlov | South Bohemia | CZK 2,400-4,500 | Card-first | UNESCO old town, castle views and romantic overnight stays. |
| Kutna Hora | Central Bohemia | CZK 1,900-3,800 | Card-first | Easy Prague day trip, Gothic monuments and history. |
| Karlovy Vary | West Bohemia | CZK 2,200-4,300 | Card-first | Spa town, colonnades and relaxed breaks. |
Modern trains make travelling across the Czech Republic easy and scenic.
What things cost in Czech Republic
| Coffee | CZK 60 to 110 |
|---|---|
| Casual meal for one | CZK 180 to 350 |
| Sit-down dinner for two | CZK 700 to 1,500 |
| Prague transit day pass | around CZK 120 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | CZK 1,800 to 3,800, higher in central Prague |
| Intercity train, Prague to Brno | CZK 200 to 500 by class and booking time |
Budget roughly ₹9,800 to ₹19,500 per person per day on the ground, two sharing a room and excluding flights.
Budget ranges are editorial planning estimates based on typical mid-range travel costs reviewed in July 2026, for one person, two sharing a room, including accommodation but excluding international flights. Actual prices vary by city, season and choices.
Entry and tax to know
The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is planned but not yet in force; the 2026 launch was dropped and 2027 is now expected. Once live, visa-exempt travellers will need it (about EUR 20) for short stays. Travellers whose passport requires a Schengen visa should apply for one instead. Check the official EU ETIAS site.
European Union (ETIAS) →21% VAT included in displayed prices. Eligible non-EU visitors can claim a refund on qualifying purchases above the minimum spend, validated at the airport on departure.
Money in Czech Republic, in detail
The Czech Republic pairs one of Europe's most visited historic capitals with compact regional cities, castles and spa towns. It uses the Czech koruna, not the euro, and is very card-friendly, though tourist areas heavily push dynamic currency conversion, so always choose to pay in CZK. Entry depends on the passport held; Czechia is in the Schengen area and the EU's ETIAS is planned but not yet in force. Budget around CZK 2,500 to 5,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip. Carry most spending on a low-fee card with a backup, plus a small CZK cash float.
Understanding the Czech koruna exchange rate
CZK exchange rates float, so compare the final customer rate after card foreign-transaction fees, ATM charges and any conversion offer rather than a headline number. the Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna, not the euro, so make sure your card and any travel-money product handle CZK.
How much Czech koruna to carry
The Czech Republic is one of Europe's easiest destinations for card-first travel. Keep a small CZK reserve for the rare cash-only moment, top up at bank ATMs, and put day-to-day spending on a low-fee card. Avoid changing large sums at airport counters, where rates are usually poor.
Cards, cash and paying in CZK
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. The key money trap is being offered a currency choice.
- Dynamic currency conversion: when a terminal or ATM offers CZK or your home currency, choose CZK. Home-currency billing lets the operator set the rate and add a margin. Czech tourist areas are especially known for pushing home-currency billing.
- Not the euro: the Czech Republic is in Europe but uses the Czech koruna; do not assume euro prices or euro acceptance.
- Backup: carry a second card from a different provider, as some venues are card-only.
The best ATM approach in the Czech Republic
Use ATMs operated by recognised banks rather than standalone tourist machines, which often charge high fees and push conversion. Review the operator fee, withdraw a sensible amount rather than many small ones, and decline any offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.
ETIAS and Schengen entry
Short-stay entry depends on nationality: some visitors travel visa-free, others need a Schengen visa. the Czech Republic is part of the Schengen area. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is planned but not yet in force (see the fees panel); once it launches, visa-exempt travellers will need it, while travellers whose passport requires a Schengen visa should apply for one. Check the official sources for your passport before booking.
Official EU ETIAS information →
VAT and tourist shopping refund
Prices include VAT. Eligible non-EU visitors can usually claim a VAT refund on qualifying purchases above a minimum spend, by requesting a refund form in-store and validating it at the airport on departure (see the fees panel for the rate). Allow extra time at the airport for the refund process, and keep goods and receipts available for inspection.
Cash declaration
Declare EUR 10,000 or more in cash or qualifying monetary instruments when entering or leaving the EU. Declaring is a reporting requirement, not a penalty; keep exchange receipts where relevant.
Czech Republic money FAQs
No. The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Some tourist businesses may quote euros, but you will usually get a poor rate, so pay in CZK. Make sure your card and any travel-money product handle CZK.
It depends on the passport held. Czechia is in the Schengen area; some travellers visit visa-free, others need a Schengen visa. The EU's ETIAS is planned but not yet in force. Check the official sources for your passport before booking.
Very card-friendly. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, but carry a small CZK cash float for the occasional cash-only spot.
Always choose koruna (CZK). Tourist-area terminals and ATMs frequently offer home-currency billing (dynamic currency conversion) at a poor rate.
CZK 1,000 to 2,000 is enough for many card-using visitors; top up at bank ATMs as needed rather than carrying large amounts.
Eligible non-EU visitors can claim a refund of the 21% VAT on qualifying purchases above the minimum spend, by getting a refund form in-store and validating it at the airport on departure.
Declare EUR 10,000 or more in cash or qualifying instruments when entering or leaving the EU.
A low-foreign-transaction-fee card or multi-currency travel card that supports CZK, a backup card, and a small CZK cash float. Compare rates and fees before travel.
Standalone tourist ATMs often charge high fees and push conversion; use bank-operated ATMs, review the fee and decline any home-currency conversion.
Almost everywhere in cities and tourist towns. Some venues are card-only; keep a small cash float for markets and small vendors.
Prague has metro, trams, buses and suburban trains; intercity trains and buses connect major cities and tourist towns well.
Late spring and early autumn are pleasant with lighter crowds; central Prague is busiest and priciest in peak summer and around festivals.
Sort your Czech Koruna before you fly
Lock the rate, carry the right mix of cash and card, and know today’s CZK rate before you book.
Official sources reviewed
- Czech National Bank — Currency and exchange
- Financial Administration of the Czech Republic — VAT and tourist refunds
- European Union — ETIAS travel authorisation
- Czech Customs Administration — Cash declaration
- CzechTourism — General travel guidance
Last reviewed 31 July 2026 by Matrix Forex Editorial Team. Next review due 31 October 2026.
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