The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The EHIC regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. In the event of illness, EHIC holders contact a contract doctor. Information about panel doctors in the vicinity is available from the local health insurance companies. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. It is therefore recommended that you take out health insurance abroad for the duration of your stay, which covers risks which are not covered by statutory health insurance. The level of medical facilities is usually satisfactory. If necessary, the rescue coordination center can be reached via the emergency number 112. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci, poliomyelitis and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Nationwide, from April to October, there is a risk of transmission of Lyme disease from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is also transmitted nationwide, especially in the river valleys. Particularly affected are the region south of Prague, the north up to the Saxon border, the eastern slope of the Bohemian Forest (Lippenstausee), the area around Ostrava and from Bohemia and Moravia to Austria. Vaccination against this disease is possible. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. High levels of air pollution in the areas of North Bohemia and North Moravia can cause respiratory diseases. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
In the Czech Republic and in all other EU countries, proof of the COVID vaccination status with the paper vaccination card is valid in addition to the digital COVID-19 vaccination card (EU Digital COVID Certificate). The Czech Republic accepts the Swiss COVID certificate.
Money
Currency
1 koruna ceská (Czech koruna) = 100 háleru (heller). Currency code: Kc, CZK (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100 Kc; Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Kc.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in ATMs, larger hotels, some restaurants and shops. In smaller restaurants and in rural areas you should carry enough cash with you. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Girocard With the Girocard (formerly EC card) such as the Maestro card, V Pay or Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in the national currency throughout Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with a debit card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus, V-Pay or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe. Further information from banks and credit institutes.. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed at a few banks and bureaux de change in the larger cities of the Czech Republic.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.00-16.30/17.00 (possibly with a lunch break). Some banks close earlier on Fridays.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers within and from outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare funds from an equivalent value of €10,000 (in addition to cash, cash also includes travelers cheques, savings accounts, other currencies, to third parties checks drawn, the true value of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum (gold coins containing at least 90 percent gold grade, uncoined gold in the form of bars, nuggets or nuggets containing at least 99.5 percent gold grade), precious stones (but not jewelry). )).
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in all bank branches, exchange offices, at border crossings and in some larger hotels. In exchange offices, the significantly cheaper purchase rate for kroner is advertised, so travelers should find out about the current exchange rate before changing.
