Living in the Czech Republic – Things to Know Before Moving Here

I moved to the Czech Republic (Czechia) in August of 2019 and fell in love with Prague in the same way we often dream of falling in love with a person: swiftly and madly.

It was a wide-eyed love, sweetened by nights out on Dlouhá Street and excursions to Karlštejn Castle and the morbidly beautiful “Bone Church.”

Prague was everything I’d ever wanted, a fairytale city rich with history, culture, and beer.

Three years later, I walk the same cobblestone streets under the shadow of the same gothic cathedrals. I watch new hordes of expats roll in, and it has made me eager to share my adoration for this country.

It hasn’t all been easy though. So here is everything I wish I had known, and everything for you to look forward to, if you decide to move to the Czech Republic, the Heart of Europe.

Things to Know About Life in the Czech Republic

1. Geography

It’s surprising how few people back home could point out where I live on a map.

Some think Prague is its own country, while others have guessed every location from Italy to the “Have fun in Russia” farewell I received from one of my old coworkers.

Many people remember the Czech Republic as Czechoslovakia, which it was until the Czech and Slovak Republics formally and peacefully separated in 1992.

The Czech Republic, or Czechia, is now its own country of roughly 10 million people. It is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria.

The country consists mostly of low hills and plateaus surrounded along the borders by mountains.

The capital and largest city is Prague, which is also the place most expats choose to live in when they first move to the Czech Republic.

Other major cities in the Czech Republic are Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen (Plzeň), and Liberec.

2. Money

Even though the Czech Republic is part of the EU, and most surrounding countries have adopted the Euro, the Czech Republic has not yet followed suit.

The Czech Koruna, or the Czech Crown (CZK) is the only accepted currency in the country.

Visitors may see the prices on a menu and panic, as the number will be significantly higher for those used to the Euro or the US dollar.

Depending on the exchange rate, 100 crowns will equal a little over 4.50 US dollars.

You’ll be able to pay by debit or credit card in most places, especially in the cities. But, in some smaller shops, local bars, and small towns you might need cash.

ATMs are generally easy to find and you can normally use any Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro. American Express is less common in the Czech Republic but can be used in many places.

If you are moving to the Czech Republic but don’t have a local bank card yet, then a credit or debit card suitable for international travel is highly recommended, to save on bank fees and bad exchange rates. Wise is one of the most popular international options.

3. Learning the Language

This may seem like an obvious one, but Czech people speak Czech!

It’s a Slavic language, on the same language tree branch as Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Slovenian, Slovak, etc.

It is the only language with Ř in its alphabet, which is a letter that will strike fear in a foreigner’s heart each time they are challenged to pronounce it.

Czech is not an easy language to learn, and most expats living in the Czech Republic rely on ‘survival Czech’ with English as a safety net.

In Prague, you can count on most people speaking some level of English, so communication is easily achievable.

This is not always the case outside of Prague’s city limits, though, so you should always be prepared for a bit of a language barrier when exploring the country.

Czech people know their language is difficult, but they appreciate it when visitors try. Learning the basics goes a long way.

4. Czech People

I have worked with hundreds of Czech students, and it is rare to get to know a Czech person who isn’t kind, helpful, and sincere.

However, Czechs are not known for their openness or cheerful personalities.

They are not the type to smile at you in the street, and they have little patience for many of the niceties other cultures have grown up with.

Don’t expect to be doted on in restaurants, and don’t be surprised if the shopkeepers don’t rush to answer your questions.

Learn the unspoken rules of the metro (stand for the elderly, wait for passengers to get off before getting on, ride the escalator on the right hand side, etc.), be quiet after 10pm, and always say goodbye (Na shledanou!) when getting off the elevator.

Remember that the Czech Republic is a young country with fresh memories of darker days. The effects of communism and WWII still linger in their customs, habits, and fears. But there is a lot of humor and wit once the people open up.

5. Czech Nature

While Austria and Slovakia have their majestic mountains, the Czech Republic is an understated gold mine of beautiful nature.

Rolling hills, winding rivers, and even a few mountains of its own make the country perfect for explorers.

Czech people love to be out in nature, and you’ll find them cycling, mushroom picking, and hiking in the summer while skiing nonstop in the winter.

Prague itself has a wealth of large parks which offer a getaway from the busy city.

Trails throughout the country are clearly marked, so just follow the blue, yellow, red, or green into the unknown.

6. Finding Accommodation

I found it relatively easy to secure long-term accommodation upon arriving in Prague. Luck has a bit to do with it, but there are a few different options for apartment hunting.

Firstly, if you’re interested in a flat share, Facebook is a great place to begin your search. It’s easy to join a couple of flat share groups for Prague, and you’ll be able to see various listings posted by landlords, tenants, or even other travelers looking for a flatmate.

I was able to find two of the three apartments I’ve lived in this way. There are multiple listings a day in various locations throughout the city.

You might even be able to find a nice studio apartment through these groups, but if you’re looking for something a bit fancier, there are plenty of agencies that can help.

In Prague, expats flock to neighborhoods like Žižkov and Vinohrady, but there is a variety of beautiful areas to call home.

Also Read: Interview With an Expat About What It’s Like to Live in Prague

Side Note: Many expats moving to the Czech Republic take a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) course when they first arrive in Prague. Courses like these often offer accommodation for the first month of your stay, which allows you more time to find more permanent housing.

7. Paperwork When Moving to the Czech Republic

While acquiring a visa in the Czech Republic isn’t necessarily difficult, it can be frustrating. This is because, frankly, it takes forever.

There are agencies in Prague and other parts of the Czech Republic that will take you through the application process, including acquiring necessary documents such as proof of accommodation and a criminal background check. You will need to be able to provide proof of sufficient funds, which comes in the form of a recent bank statement that shows a balance of at least $5,000.

It’s important to note that, when applying for your first visa, the application must be submitted at a Czech embassy outside of the Czech Republic.

You cannot legally work in the Czech Republic until you have an approved visa. Many people still find work but are not compensated until the visa is approved. I went about six months without a paycheck, so a significant amount of savings is essential.

Once approved, you will be able to live and work here for one year, but you’ll be able to renew if you decide to stay.

Note: many expats in the Czech Republic apply for a business license after receiving their visa so that they can work as freelancers.

Under a business license you’ll be required to make monthly payments for your health insurance as well as your social tax. These will each be roughly $150 USD.

8. Getting a Job in the Czech Republic

Like me, many expats in Prague work as language teachers.

There is a high demand for English teachers in the Czech Republic, so if you are a native speaker or have a high level of English, you will likely have great luck in finding employment.

I mentioned TEFL courses above, which are necessary if you plan to teach English and are not already certified to do so. TEFL courses are normally four weeks of intense training, and you’ll be able to work professionally after you complete the requirements.

With a business license, which you will set up once your visa is approved, it’s easy to get a job at a language school and build your own schedule of students and clients.

However, teaching is not the only type of job available in Prague. If you’re curious about what’s being offered, Expats.cz is an excellent resource for job hunting.

9. The Food

The food in the Czech Republic is incredible.

After a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a massive plate of Svíčková, which literally translates as “candle sauce.”

Czechs love their meat and potatoes, so be prepared for a good nap after a proper Czech meal.

If you think Germany is the land of beer, wait until you find yourself in a Czech pub. The beer, cheaper than the water, is always flowing. Be sure to say na zdraví, the Czech equivalent of “cheers.”

Also Read: Street Food Recipes to Try – Including Czech Trdelnik

10. Transportation

Public transportation in Prague is some of the best in Europe. Between the buses, trams, and metro, you can get pretty much anywhere in and around the city.

And there are buses and trains that easily take you all over the country.

One great advantage of living in the Czech Republic is that the rest of Europe is so easily accessible from its central location.

Take a weekend getaway to Salzburg, Amsterdam, Rome, Krakow, and many other places.

11. Safety

Safety is an obvious concern when finding a new country to call home.

I have always felt safe in Prague and while traveling throughout the Czech Republic, as it is a low-crime country and ranked 12th on the current Global Peace Index.

As in any big city, there is the occasional pickpocket and unsavory neighborhood, but I have not had even one problem in over five years of living in the Czech Republic.

Also read: Things to Consider Before Moving Abroad

An Extra Note About Living in the Czech Republic

The cost of living in the Czech Republic is quite manageable, though it is important to note that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had a significant impact on inflation in the Czech Republic. Prices continue to rise, but it is still an affordable place to live.

Speaking of Ukraine, the Czech Republic is currently home to more than 300,000 refugees. Czechs have been fiercely supportive of their Slavic neighbor, as many of them immigrated from Ukraine or have Ukrainian colleagues and friends.

Despite the conflict to the east, the Czech Republic is a very safe place to live.

There you have it! Moving to the Czech Republic is a leap that can lead you to wondrous places, and Prague itself is full of surprises.

Just remember this important phrase, and you’ll be golden:

Jedno pivo prosím!
One beer, please!

Also Read:

• What It’s Like to Move to & Live in Prague – Interview With an Expat
• A Moving Abroad Checklist – Things to Do Before Your Move
• How to Find a Job Abroad & Make It Work
• Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience

 

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