CzechInvest Information Series No. 9
Serial No. LIF/12/94-9
Date of Issue December 20, 1994
Expatriates based in the Czech Republic (CR) face many issues when adapting to their new surroundings. The following are some of the more major factors affecting life in the CR.
Although the Czech people were deeply affected by the forty-year Communist regime, they are rapidly embracing Western culture and foreigners are unlikely to face significant problems in simple social or business contacts. A true understanding of the Czech people, however, will depend not only on one's willingness to experience their culture but also on one's ability to comprehend the effects of the former regime.
Business Protocol. While dress codes are relaxed, Czechs do address each other by surname with titles where appropriate. Initial business meetings should not be set earlier than 9:00 a.m. Meetings often last longer than expected.
Language. For both courteous and practical reasons, it is useful to learn some elementary phrases of introduction and inquiry. English/Czech dictionaries can be bought at most bookstores. Do not be surprised if you are answered in German, as most businessmen and visitors to the Czech Republic are German.
HOUSING
Availability. In the larger cities, Czechs have been facing a housing shortage since the second world war. For foreigners who are willing to pay hard currency, however, the situation is significantly better.
Cost. In Prague, where most expatriates reside, market pressures on accommodations have forced rents up to Paris, London and New York levels.
ENGLISH
The largest and oldest school for English-speaking children is the International School of Prague, where students between the ages of 31/2-16 follow an American curriculum. There is also an English as a second language program for children not already fluent. Mylnerovka 2, Prague 6 (tel: 2431 0223).
The London School, opened in September 1992, offers classes for children ages 31/2-5. Belgicka ulice 25, Prague 2 (tel: 25 68 59).
The Prague Pre-School of English, also established in September 1992, offers English language tutoring in a kindergarten environment for children ages 3-7; native English-speaking children are also welcome. Villa Alice, 192 Tiche udoli, Roztoky u Prahy (tel: 39 61 72).
The English College in Prague will be open for children ages 14-18 in September 1994. It will provide a broad and balanced education in English for 300 boys and girls of whom nearly three-quarters will be Czech nationals, the remainder being English-speaking expatriates. Students at the English College can sit for the International Baccalaureate, which is widely accepted at universities throughout Europe. Admission will be on an academic basis, but scholarships will be available. Facilities will include a theatre/cinema, sports hall, and tennis court. Contact: Mr Hubert Ward MA, The English College in Prague, Jozky Jaburkove 139, Praha 9 - Vysocany (tel: 66 31 09 45 ext 206).
GERMAN. Similar to the International School, this school provides instruction for German-speaking children ages 31/2-16. Contact: Hans Dieter Oths, Na jeneralce 173, Prague 6 (tel: 30 11 03).
FRENCH. The French Institute of Prague provides instruction for French-speaking children ages 12-18. Stepanska 35, Prague 1 (tel: 2421 6630).
ATHLETICS
Sports Clubs include:
- Bohemia Club: weight room, gymnastics equipment. Slovenska 2, Prague 2
- Club Hotel Praha Pruhonice: indoor/outdoor tennis courts, squash courts, bowling, swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, solarium, and massage. 25243 Pruhonice (tel: 643 6501).
Aerobics facilities include:
- Aerobic Club Monika. Maiselova 7, Prague 1 (tel: 232 48 68).
- Body a Fitness Club Korinek. Bolzanova 7, Prague 1 (tel:2422 7396).
Golf
- Motol. Prague 5 (tel: 59 66 93).
- Praha Karlstejn Golf Club. Na prikope 20, Prague 1 (tel. 499 047).
- International Golf Praha. Sarecka 33, Prague 6 (tel. 311 6785).
Mountain Bikes
- Cyclocentrum, for bicycle sale and rental. Karlovo namesti, Prague 3 (tel: 29 94 44).
Skiing. The Krkonose mountains provide a nearby alternative to the Alps or Slovakia's High Tatras. Spindleruv Mlyn has the region's most extensive facilities and accommodates both downhill and cross-country skiers. Both Cedok (Nekazanka 19, Prague 1, tel: 22 19 41) and Retour (Slevacska 744, Prague 9, tel: 86 46 43) offer ski packages. Skis can be rented at Landa (Sumavska 33, Prague 2, tel: 25 39 982).
Squash. Courts are available are both the Hotel Forum (tel: 6119 1326) and Club Hotel Pruhonice (tel: 64 36 501).
Swimming
- Atrium Hotel Sports Centre. Prague 8 (tel: 2484 2013)
- Forum Hotel Sports Centre. Kongresova 1, Prague 4 (tel: 6119 1326)
- Koupaliste Lhotka (outdoor). Prague 4 (tel: 47 21 061)
Tennis. Tennis is highly popular in the Czech Republic, and outdoor courts are easily accessible. Indoor courts can be found at:
- Atrium Hotel Sports Centre. Prague 8 (tel: 2484 2013)
- Tennis Club Pruhonice. Pruhonice
(tel: 643 6501)
THEATRE AND THE ARTS
The Czech Republic is world famous for its cultural life, and in recent years Prague has become a centre of music, theatre and exhibitions. Such venues are extremely good value when compared with those in London, New York, Paris and other world cultural centres. Detailed listings can be found in the monthly bulletin Program, as well as in the English-language newspapers Prognosis and The Prague Post, all available at city news-stands.
The main state theatres are:
- Narodni divadlo - Narodni 2, Prague 1 (tel: 2491 3437)
- Smetanovo divadlo - Wilsonova 73,
Prague 2 (tel: 2422 7693)
- Laterna Magika - Narodni trida 4,
Prague 1 (tel: 2491 4129)
- Stavovske divadlo Ovocny trh 6, Praha 1 -(tel:2422 8503, 2421 4339)
Trains. The Czech train network is extensive, but slow and relatively expensive. The timetable (jizdni rad vlaku ) can be bought
at many bookstores and news-stands. The main train station in Prague (Hlavni nadrazi ) is located at Wilsonova 80 (metro C-line). For reservations, call 2421 7040; for information, call 2421 7654.
Buses. Buses are much faster and usually more comfortable than trains. Prague's main bus station is located outside the Florenc metro station (C- and B-lines). Krizikova 5, Praha 8 (tel. 2421 1060).
Roads. Speed limits are 110 kph on the highways, 90 kph on other inter-city roads, and 60 kph on all city, town, and village roads.
Inside Prague. The Prague metro is modern and reliable. There is also a system of trams and buses. Tickets (jizdenky) cost 6 Kc, are available at news-stands or from automatic machines, and are valid on all forms of public transportation. Monthly and tri-monthly passes are also available. Tickets are randomly checked by plain-clothes inspectors; travelling without a ticket can result in an immediate 200-500 Kc fine.
Taxis. Taxis, especially in Prague, may frequently charge higher rates to foreigners. Passengers should be sure the meter is reset at the beginning of the journey, ask the driver first how much the journey will cost, and avoid cabs at taxi stands.
Working Permit. All expatriates working in the CR are required to submit an application along with a statement from their employer. The permit is generally processed within 10-14 days from submission of materials.
Long-term Residency Permit. For this permit a notarised statement from the foreigner's landlord is required, providing consent for tenancy. Processing of this permit takes 30-60 days.
Spouses. Spouses not eligible for working permits must submit a bank statement providing evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
Czech Cuisine. Czechs seem blithely unaware of cholesterol warnings, and have the second-highest meat consumption in the world (after the United States). Two popular dishes are goulash (gulas) and beef with a cream sauce (hovezi svickova ). Lighter alternatives are grilled fish (ryba na rostu ) or chicken (kure). Czech ice cream (zmrzlina ) is quite popular and inexpensive. Also common are cakes (kolace) and filled crepes (palacinky ).
Restaurants. The number and variety of restaurants in Prague is expanding continuously, providing everything from McDonald's to more expensive European and Asian restaurants.
Drink. Czech beer (pivo) is world-renowned, and the Czech Republic has the highest per capita beer consumption in the world. The Bohemian city of Plzen, the birthplace of lager beer, continues to produce
two of the three Czech export beers. The country's best wine ( vino) is from Moravia, where it is produced in hundreds of private wine cellars. Local liquor specialities include becherovka and slivovice.
Bank Accounts. Foreigners can open both hard currency and crown accounts in Czech banks. Checking accounts are available through the Czech Savings Bank (Ceska sporitelna ). Many banks are starting to install 24-hour cash machines.
Banking and Shopping Hours. On
weekdays, banks are open between 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and shops between 9:00a.m.-7:00 p.m. Most shops close at noon on Saturdays, and are closed on Sundays. Grocery stores open earlier in the morning (between 6-7:00 a.m.) and many stay open later. The Spanish-owned Syp supermarket carries many foreign brands and is open between 8:00a.m.-8:00p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 8:00a.m.-2:00p.m. on Sundays, (two locations: Vysocanska 20, Prague 9-Prosek and metro Chodov-Prague 4).
Climate. Cool spells in summer and warm spells in winter are not uncommon. Umbrellas should be brought in any season, and boots are a good protection against winter sleet and snow.
Driver's License. Foreign driver's licenses are valid in the CR for six months after crossing the border. For a longer stay, foreigners should acquire an international driver's license from their native country.
Electrical Appliances. Electricity is usually 220AC and requires a plug with two round prongs. Adapters are difficult to find in the CR and are best purchased before arrival.
Medical Care. The Polyclinic for Foreigners offers non-stop service on the weekends and 4:00pm-8:00am Mon-Fri. Nemocnice Na Homolce, Roentgenova 2, Prague 5 (tel: 5292 2146, 5292 2191). For dental problems, contact the Emergency Dental Service. Vladislavova 22, Prague 1 (tel: 2422 7663) .
Money. Czech and Slovak currency was officially separated in February 1993. The CR's official currency is now based on the
Czech crown (koruna or Kc), which is made up of 100 heller (haler). Coins are denominated in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 crowns and 10, 20, and 50 hellers. Notes have values of Kc 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 5,000.
The exchange rate varies daily, although not significantly in the last few years. As of July 1994, exchange rates hovered around the following:
Foreign Value in Kc
Currency
US$ 28.5
D-Mark 17.8
GDP 43.8
French Franc 5.2
Japanese Yen (100 JPY)
28.8
ECU 34.1
Pets. To bring a pet for less than one month, a certificate of inoculation against rabies is required, as well as a veterinarian's confirmation of the pet's good health. For a longer stay, an import permit is also required from the State Veterinary Department. The State Veterinary Department, Na Tisnove 17, Prague 1 (tel: 28 62 111).
Telephone
Local calls cost 1.60 Kc per minute and 2 Kc at public phone booths regardless of time of day or length of call. Most public phones in Prague now require electronic cards, which can be bought at post offices or tobacconists' shops.
Rates vary for long-distance calls. A one-minute call to the UK costs 32 Kc (about USD $1.00), and to the USA 63 Kc (about $2.00).
Directory Information for Prague is 120; outside of Prague it is 121; international information is 0149. Collect calls can be made through 0132.
The yellow pages (Zlate stranky) include a subject index with all relevant instructions in English and German. It is free of charge for all telephone subscribers.
Time Zone. The Czech Republic is in the same time zone as most of Europe, one hour ahead of the United Kingdom and six hours ahead of New York.
CzechInvest wishes to thank Coopers a Lybrand Prague (tel: 2421 0801) for their contribution to this fact sheet.
NOTE: This information is current as of July 1994. Although we have made every effort to ensure the reliability of our sources, CzechInvest does not assume responsibility for its accuracy.