Czech Republic | Europe

The Czech Republic is a landlocked nation in Central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west and northwest, Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the southeast, and Austria to the south. The country's topography is defined by the Bohemian Massif and a mountainous rim enclosing the fertile lowlands of the Bohemian and Moravian basins; the capital city is Prague.

Visa & Entry Policy

The Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Starting in late 2026, non-EU visa-exempt travelers must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) prior to arrival. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.

Language & Communication

The official language is Czech. English proficiency is high in Prague, Brno, and major tourist centers but remains low among older generations and in rural districts. Primary regional dialects include Bohemian, Central Moravian (Hanakian), and Silesian (Lach), though Standard Czech is the universal medium for education and media.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Card payments and contactless "tap-to-pay" are universal in cities; however, cash is frequently required in smaller towns and for minor purchases in rural areas. ATMs (Bankomat) are widely available. Foreign currency payments (EUR) are accepted by some major retailers but typically at unfavorable exchange rates.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is primarily served by a dense rail network operated by the state-owned České dráhy (ČD) and private carriers like RegioJet and Leo Express. An extensive long-distance bus system, with companies such as FlixBus, provides faster connections on specific routes. Domestic flights are virtually non-existent due to the efficiency of the surface transport grid.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are T-Mobile, O2, and Vodafone. 5G coverage is widespread in urban centers and along major transit corridors. 4G reliability is high across the country, though signal strength may degrade in the deep forests of the Šumava or the Krkonoše mountains.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is temperate continental. The country has four distinct seasons; summers are moderately warm (June–August), while winters are cold and damp (December–February). Precipitation peaks in July due to summer thunderstorms, while February is historically the driest month.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. Tick-borne encephalitis is a significant environmental risk in forested areas from spring through autumn. The universal emergency number is 112; specific lines are 158 (Police), 155 (Ambulance), and 150 (Fire).

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Prague & Central Bohemia: Primary hub is Prague.

South Moravia: Primary hub is Brno.

South Bohemia: Primary hub is České Budějovice (and Český Krumlov).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 25 CZK ($1.05 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: 55 CZK ($2.30 USD)

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): 500 CZK ($21.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

In the 16th century, according to Jewish folklore, Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel created the Golem of Prague-a giant being made of clay from the banks of the Vltava River-to protect the city's Jewish Ghetto from persecution. Historically, the Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, a status maintained consistently for over three decades.