Page 688 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

686  CENTR AL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Practical & Travel Information Facilities for the Disabled
Disabled travelers seeking
The Czech Republic saw a vast increase in tourism following advice on transportation,
the overthrow of Communist rule in 1989. Since then, the accommodations, and sight-
country has responded well to the huge influx of visitors, and seeing tours should contact
facilities such as banks and information centers have the Czech Association of
improved considerably. The best way to explore Prague is Persons with Disabilities,
on foot; if you are traveling to places of interest outside the the Prague Wheelchair
Association, or Accessible
capital, buses and trains are reliable and inexpensive. Prague. Other useful websites
with information on disabled
When to Visit
Republic, and can stay for up to travel on public transportation
The busiest months are August 90 days without needing a visa. are www.dpp.cz/en/barrier-free-
and September, although Prague travel (buses, trams, and metro)
can be very crowded in June and and www.cd.cz/en/vnitrostatni-
at Easter also. The main sights are Safety and Emergencies cestovani/ (trains).
always packed at these times, Violent crime against tourists is
but the crowds lend a carnival rare in the Czech Republic. The Banking and Currency
atmosphere, which can make main problem, especially in
a visit all the more enjoyable. Prague, is petty theft from cars, The Czech unit of currency is
Many sights are closed between hotel rooms, and pockets. At the Czech crown (Kč). Banking
October and April. night, lone women are advised hours are generally 8am to
to avoid Prague’s Wenceslas 5pm Monday to Friday, with
Square, which used to be a some branches closing at
Tourist Information hangout for prostitutes. lunch. Bureaux de change in
Tourist information offices in the It is an unwritten law that you tourist spots are open every
Czech Republic are run by several should have your passport or ID day, and some offer a 24-hour
different agencies, of which the card with you at all times in the service. Although they give
largest is ATIC. Many employ Czech Republic. Although you much better exchange rates
English speakers and offer a are unlikely to be asked to than the banks, their
variety of English-language produce it, having it could save commission charges may be
publications, maps, and guides. a lot of problems. huge, often as high as 12 per
The efficient Prague In case of an emergency, the cent. Traveler’s checks can only
Information Service is the best numbers to call are listed in the be changed in banks. Credit
source of tourist information for directory opposite. cards are becoming more
visitors to the capital. It has widely accepted in the Czech
three offices in the city center, Republic, but never assume that
providing information in several Health Issues you can pay with them.
languages, including English. No inoculations are required
for the Czech Republic. Visitors Communications
should take note that in winter,
Visa Requirements
sulphur dioxide levels in Prague Card-operated public phone
Citizens of the US, EU, Australia, often exceed the World Health booths are found all over the
New Zealand, and countries of Organi zation’s safety levels. Czech Republic. You can buy
the European Free Trade For prescription and non- phonecards (telefonní karta)
Association need a valid prescription medicines, from most tobacconists and
passport to enter the Czech visit a pharmacy (lékárna). newsstands. It is possible to
make international calls from a
public phone, a post office or a
The Climate of the PRAGUE hotel, although the latter option
Czech Republic is usually highly expensive.
Most post offices are open
The Czech Republic enjoys °C/ºF 8am–6pm Monday to Friday,
long, warm days in summer,
the hottest months being 24/75 and on Saturday mornings.
June, July, and August. The 13/55 14/57 16/61 Stamps (známky) are sold at
winter months can get bitterly 3/37 5/41 0/32 most tobacconists and news-
cold; temperatures often drop -5/23 stands, as well as post offices.
below freezing and heavy 5.5 8.5 4 1.5
snowfall is not uncommon. The hrs hrs hrs hrs Flying to the
wettest months are October 73 19 95 60 Czech Republic
and November but frequent mm mm mm mm
light showers can occur in the month Apr Jul Oct Jan Czech Airlines (ČSA) is the
summer months as well. only airline that offers direct
flights from the United States

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