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| Travel Tips
Official Language The national language, Czech, is spoken by approximately 96 % of the population. English is also widely spoken, followed by German and Russian. Currency The monetary unit of the Czech Republic is the Koruna česká (Kč) - or Czech crown - which is divided into 100 heller. There are heller coins. Coins are only in nominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 crowns. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops. Best choice to take is Visa and MasterCard followed by AMEX. Traveller's checks and postal checks can be exchange in banks but are not accepted in shops and restaurants. The current exchange rates can be found at http://www.xe.com/. For more on money exchange in Prague, visit http://www.prague-guide.co.uk/categories/money-exchange.html Weather Prague has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The weather is affected by weather patterns from both the east (Siberia) and the west (the Atlantic). The best time to visit Prague is around May and September when the weather is not too hot or too cold and the city is not overcrowded. The average high temperature from May to September is 22°C (72°F) and the average low is 12°C (54°F), with an average of 7 hours of sunshine. Autumn is a lovely time to visit when the days are still bright with sunshine. At this time Prague becomes a fairy tale town as beautifully coloured trees with their changing colours often offer spectacular views. The streets are also much less crowded and thus make the autumn a really nice time to visit. Time Zone The Czech Republic lies in the same time zone as the rest of Central Europe; you will therefore be using Central European Time (GMT + one hour). The Czech Republic uses summer and winter time, and the time of day is told using the 24-hour system. Electricity The Czech domestic power system is 220 volts with standard continental two pin plugs and three pin plugs (with earth) with round prongs are used. A two pin plug will fit in a three pin socket. Americans and Canadians with 110V equipment will need a transformer which changes the voltage and an adapter to fit Czech sockets. These can be bought at any hardware store. British, Australians and South Africans can use a plug adapter which most department stores stock. Passports and Visas There is visa-free entry for citizens of most European countries, Australia, Canada and the United States. If necessary, visas are issued by diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic in a given country. The Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen area. Inhabitants of contractual states are allowed to cross borders between states within this area without undergoing border controls. Still, inhabitants of these states have the obligation to carry a passport or identity card with them. Please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs at http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/index.html for more information. Value Added Taxes (V.A.T) As a foreigner to the Czech Republic, you are entitled to receiving some of the VAT or sales tax back on purchases you made. Sales tax or DPH is 22% on most products and approximately 15% can be refunded. Airport Security Please take a moment to become familiar with some of the security measures at Prague International Airport (PRG). This may result in saving time once you arrive at the airport. All passengers are screened, and all bags are screened. Do NOT pack or take prohibited items with you. If you are not sure what items you can carry on the plane, please visit Airport Prague for more information, along with other travel information on Prague. Getting to Prague Located 13.0 miles from the Hilton Prague Hotel, is Airport Prague Ruzyně http://www.prg.aero/en/site/uvodni_stranka.htm. Prague Airport was nominated to an award for marketing activities (Airport Marketing Awards) as the only airport from Eastern Europe at the biggest world event in the air service industry, at the so called World Route Development Forum which is held from 19. 9. – 21. 9. in Canadian Vancouver. In 2009, the airport handled 11.64 million passengers. Prague Airport was rated the Best Airport in Eastern Europe in the 2008 World Airport Awards. Passengers will have access during the 2010 summer season to 50 airlines connecting Prague directly with 131 destinations around the globe. Airport Ground Transportation The Ground Transportation System at the Airport consists of an extensive network of taxicab, car rental, shuttle-bus, limousine, and van operations working to get you where you want to go in a safe, courteous and efficient manner. In addition, the Airport also offers Airport Express (AE) shuttle bus and regional rail service to Downtown Prague and points in between. Transportation If you come to Prague, you will have to figure out a way to get around in the city. Even though you will probably spend most of your time walking through the historic centre, you will need to get to the city from the airport or railway station. And when you find out that even the monuments aren’t a mere stone’s throw away, you will definitely appreciate information on Prague’s public transport system and taxis. We have also prepared information for those travelling by car, as well as a wide selection of guided sightseeing tours. You can find everything about transport right here. For more information, please visit http://www.praguewelcome.cz/en/services/transportation/index.shtml Tipping If you feel the service warrants a gratuity, tips should be between 5 and 10 per cent (some foreigners tip 15 per cent), but if you get poor service you can forget the tip. It is always at your discretion. In some restaurants service is already included in the price; it will be stated on the bill or the menu. For a waiter or a taxi driver 10 per cent is appreciated. For a hotel porter 1 EUR is sufficient. Insurance Before leaving home, we encourage you to have adequate travelling insurance. Delegates are advised to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever travelling outside of their own country. Travel Agent FCM Travel Solutions is the preferred travel agency for the 17th ICCN, and their travel consultant will be able to assist you with flight bookings to Prague. For further information, please contact: Dustin Ross Account Manager FCM Travel Solutions 1133 Melville Street Vancouver BC V6E 4E5 Tel: 1.604.687.8077 Fax: 1.604.687.8553 Email: dustin.ross@fcmtravel.ca 24 hour emergency assistance: 1.604.209.7681 You can of course make your travel arrangements on your own through the travel agent of your choice. Please DO NOT contact FCM Travel Solutions for hotel reservations. Special Needs If you have special needs please contact ISNCC Head Office on 1.604.630.5516 or email patty.chan@malachite-mgmt.com. |