Group trips to Czechia

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Czechia, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Czechia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Czechia is in the Central European Time (CET) zone. When it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in Czechia. If you're in the USA, and it's 12pm Eastern Time, it'll be 6pm in Czechia. Remember, Czechia also observes daylight saving time, so the clock moves one hour forward in spring and one hour back in autumn.

The currency used in Czechia is the Czech koruna (CZK). As of the latest rates:

• 1 GBP is approximately 29 CZK
• 1 USD is about 23 CZK
• 1 EUR is roughly 25 CZK

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Remember to check for any exchange fees when converting your money.

In Czechia, you can pay with credit and debit cards in most places, especially in cities. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it's good to carry some cash for smaller shops or local markets. ATMs are easy to find if you need cash. Remember, some places might not accept American Express. It's always a good idea to check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees before your trip.

In Czechia, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It's common to round up the bill or leave about 10 percent as a tip in restaurants if you’re satisfied with the service. In bars, you can simply round up to the nearest whole number when paying. For taxi rides, rounding up to the nearest 10 Czech koruna is a nice gesture. Keep in mind that tipping in hotels is not as common, but you can offer a small tip to porters if you like. Tipping is always at your discretion based on the service you receive.

Czechia has a solid internet infrastructure, and you can find Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafes, and public places. If you're traveling from Europe or the Schengen area, you might benefit from using your current data plan with roaming. However, if you're coming from outside these areas, buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan is a good idea. Operators like Vodafone, T-Mobile, and O2 offer various plans suitable for travelers. Coverage is generally good throughout the country, so staying connected should be easy.

In Czechia, the official language is Czech. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Ahoj
• Thank you: Děkuji
• Please: Prosím
• Yes: Ano
• No: Ne

These phrases can come in handy while you're exploring the country.

In Czechia, you’ll find Type E plugs, which have two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male grounding pin. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your plugs aren’t compatible, bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged. This is especially important if you're traveling from countries that use different plug types, like the UK or the USA.

Czechia is known for being one of the most secular countries in Europe, with a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious or atheist. However, the largest religious group is Roman Catholicism. Important religious holidays celebrated include Christmas and Easter, which are observed with various traditions and festivities. Keep in mind that while religion might not play a central role in daily life for many Czechs, these holidays are still widely celebrated.

When packing for Czechia, it's good to consider the season and your planned activities. Here’s a handy list to help you pack your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight layers for summer
  • Warm sweaters and a coat for winter
  • Waterproof jacket if visiting in spring or fall
  • Casual wear for city sightseeing
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
  • Hiking boots if exploring the countryside
  • Dress shoes for dining out
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Universal power adapter
  • Portable charger
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Travel guide or maps
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, motion sickness pills

Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go to adjust your packing accordingly.

The weather in Czechia varies by region and season, offering a diverse climate experience.

• Prague and Central Regions: Summers are warm with temperatures around 20°C to 25°C, while winters can be cold, averaging around -1°C to 3°C.
• Southern Bohemia: Winters are chillier here, often dropping below freezing, while summers are quite pleasant, ranging from 18°C to 24°C.
• Northern Mountains: Expect colder temperatures with snow in winter, perfect for skiing, and cooler summers around 15°C to 20°C.

The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is generally mild and ideal for exploring.