Page 226 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

224  SUR VIV AL GUIDE
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain in the late a lot of time and inconvenience. Prague’s
1980s, the Czech Republic has not only joined transport system is straightforward, and
the European Union, but has also held its most of the city’s sights are located within
presidency. In that time, Prague has trans­ walking distance of one another. In general,
formed into a true European capital city, prices are not as low as they once were,
and today all facilities – hotels, banks, making hunting out bargains in the less
restaurants and information centres – touristy parts of the city a worthwhile
are of a high standard. Even so, a little exercise. Prague is a safe city for tourists,
forward planning remains worthwhile. but pick­ pocketing is rife, as are scams
Researching a sight to check when it is involving taxis, restaurants in the city
open and how best to get there can save centre and money changers.

When to Go Customs Information Travel Safety Advice
One of the best times to visit For non-EU visitors, customs Visitors can get up-to-date
Prague is during the summer allowances per person are travel safety information from
when the weather is warm, 2 litres (3.6 pints) of wine, as the Foreign and Commonwealth
although the city can be rather well as 1 litre (1.8 pints) of spirits Office in the UK, the State
crowded then. Other busy times and 200 cigarettes. The maxi- Department in the US and
of the year for the Czech capital mum value of currency that can the Department of Foreign
are Easter and the run-up to be brought into or taken out of Affairs and Trade in Australia.
Christmas (see pp52–5). The main the country is €10,000. Sums in
sights, such as the Old Town excess of this must be declared to
Square, are always packed during the customs authority. To export Tourist Information
these periods, but the crowds authentic antiques, you need to There are a number of tourist
give Prague a carnival atmo- obtain a special licence (see information offices and spe-
sphere. It is worth bearing in Shopping p212). cialized agencies in Prague
mind that some sights are closed VAT (value added tax) can be that provide advice on anything
between October and April. claimed back on items totalling from accommodation and travel
Be sure to bring a raincoat Kč1,000 or more that are taken to restaurants and guided tours.
in the summer, warm clothes out of the country within 30 The Prague City Tourism is
in winter when temperatues days of the date of purchase. the city’s best source of tourist
regularly drop below freezing, information. It has three offices in
and sturdy shoes all year round. the city centre and one at the
Climate and rainfall charts can airport, and provides visitors with
be found on pages 53–5. advice, maps and listings (see
pp216–17) in English, German,
Russian, French, Czech, Spanish,
Visas and Passports Italian, Japanese and Chinese. If
A valid passport or, where you want similar infor mation on
applicable, an ID card is needed the rest of the country, visit the
when entering the Czech Czech Republic Information
Republic from any country Centre or Čedok, the country’s
outside the Schengen Zone. largest tour operator.
British nationals must have a
valid passport, but visas are not Language
required. Visitors from the United
States, Canada, Australia and New Czechs are now as likely to speak
Zealand need a valid pass port Italian, Spanish and French as
with a minimum of 90 days English and German, so navig-
remaining on it, and they can stay ating the city has become much
for up to three months without easier. However, be aware that
a visa. As visa require ments do the level of customer service
change, visitors are advised to does vary.
contact the Czech embassy or
consulate, or check details with Listings and Tickets
their travel agent before trav-
elling. If you need a visa, you can There are hundreds of galleries,
obtain one from your nearest A branch of the Prague Information Service museums, clubs and theatres
Czech embassy or consulate. in Staroměstské náměstí scattered throughout the city,
A tram passing the quirky office of The Dancing House, a symbol of modern architecture

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