Other Czech Republic

There are many sources of local news in foreign languages available for immigrants in the Czech Republic, helping them stay informed and ease their integration into society.

 

English language

 

Prague Daily Monitor: A daily publication covering Czech news in English. It covers politics, economy, culture, and other spheres of the country's life.

Radio Prague International: The international service of Czech Radio, offering news and analytical materials in several languages, including English.

Expats.cz: A portal for expats providing news, articles, and practical information about life in the Czech Republic.

 

Russian language

 

Radio Prague International: The Russian editorial team of Czech Radio, offering news, interviews, and reports about the Czech Republic.

420on.cz: An information portal publishing the latest news about the Czech Republic and Prague in Russian.

 

Vinegret.cz: A portal providing important news about the Czech Republic and Prague in Russian.

 

 

German language

 

Radio Prag (Radio Prague International): Provides news and cultural materials in German.

Official website: www.radio.cz/de

Tschechien Online: A German-language portal with news, analyses, and useful information about the Czech Republic.

Official website: www.tschechien-online.org

 

French language

Radio Prague International: Has a section for French-speaking listeners and readers.

Official website: www.radio.cz/fr

 

Spanish language

Radio Prague International: News and analysis for the Spanish-speaking audience.

Official website: www.radio.cz/es

 

Italian language

Praga Capitale Europea (Prague European Capital): An Italian news portal about Prague and the Czech Republic; suitable for Italian tourists and residents; news can often be found through social media and local groups.

 

Polish language

 

Radio Prague International: A section for Polish-speaking readers.

Official website: www.radio.cz/pl

Czeska Republika – Aktualności: A Polish news portal with updates and useful information for Polish citizens living in the Czech Republic.

 

Ukrainian language

Radio Prague International: A section in Ukrainian covering news of the Czech Republic, events, and opportunities for Ukrainians.

Official website: www.radio.cz/ua

 

 

Chinese language

中国国际广播电台 (CRI Czech): A Chinese radio service providing news about the Czech Republic and Prague; suitable for the Chinese diaspora and tourists.

 

Vietnamese language

VietInfo.eu: A portal for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. Provides news, analytics, and information about life in the Czech Republic.

Official website: www.vietinfo.eu

 

Arabic language

Arab.cz: A resource covering news about the Czech Republic for the Arab diaspora.

 

Portuguese language

Notícias de Praga: Communities on social networks and specialized portals adapted for Portuguese-speaking expats.

 

How to find news resources in other languages?

Radio Prague International: This resource is available in 9 languages, including German, Spanish, French, Polish, and Ukrainian.

Groups on social networks: Immigrant communities on Facebook or Telegram often share news in their native languages.

Google Translate: Many Czech news sites (such as iDnes.cz or Novinky.cz) can be read through automatic translation.

Mobile apps: Some of the portals offer mobile apps, allowing you to receive news in a convenient format.

The Czech Republic is a country with a rich history, culture, and traditions. Like any other place, there are several stereotypes about it that do not always reflect reality.

 

Czechs are big beer lovers

Stereotype: The Czech Republic is a beer country, and locals drink it in large quantities.

Reality: The Czech Republic is indeed known for its brewing traditions and ranks among the top in the world for beer consumption per capita. Beer is an important part of the country's culture and economy. However, this does not mean that every Czech is a avid beer lover; many prefer wine, coffee, or tea.

 

Prague is the only interesting place in the Czech Republic

Stereotype: There is nothing remarkable in the Czech Republic outside of Prague.

Reality: While Prague is a magnificent city with a rich historical heritage, the Czech Republic offers many other attractions. The towns of Cesky Krumlov, Brno, Olomouc, and Karlovy Vary are famous for their architecture and culture. Additionally, the country is full of castles, national parks, and picturesque villages.

 

Czechia — Part of Eastern Europe

Stereotype: Czechia is located in Eastern Europe and has corresponding characteristics.

Reality: Geographically and culturally, Czechia is in Central Europe. This misconception is often related to historical events of the 20th century, but today the country is an active member of the European Union and has strong ties with Western European countries.

 

Czechs are Reserved and Unfriendly

Stereotype: The locals are cold and reluctant to interact with foreigners.

Reality: Czechs may seem reserved, especially compared to more expressive cultures. However, upon closer acquaintance, they reveal themselves as friendly and hospitable people. Respect for their traditions and attempts to speak Czech will help to establish warm relationships.

 

Everyone Speaks English

Stereotype: Knowledge of the Czech language is unnecessary, as everyone speaks English.

Reality: In tourist areas and among the youth, English is widespread. However, in rural areas and among the older generation, English proficiency may be limited. Learning basic Czech phrases will be useful and appreciated by the locals.

 

Czechia is a Cheap Country

Stereotype: The cost of living and travel in Czechia is very low.

Reality: While prices may be lower than in some Western European countries, Czechia is not exceptionally cheap. In large cities, especially in Prague, the costs of accommodation, food, and entertainment can be comparable to other European capitals.

 

Czechs are Atheists

Stereotype: The majority of the population in Czechia is non-religious.

Reality: Czechia indeed has one of the highest levels of non-religious populations in Europe. However, this does not imply a complete absence of spirituality or religion. The country has various religious communities, and historic churches and cathedrals are an important part of the cultural heritage.

 

Czechia — a Country of Castles and Medieval Architecture

Stereotype: Everywhere in Czechia you can see castles and old buildings.

Reality: The country is indeed rich in historical structures and has over 2000 castles and fortresses. However, modern Czechia is a balance between history and modernity, with developed infrastructure and modern urban areas.

 

Thus, stereotypes can provide a general idea, but they rarely reflect the full depth and diversity of the country. The best way to discover the real Czechia is to visit it, talk to the locals, and explore its unique features yourself.

Transport and Navigation

 

PID Lítačka: The official app for purchasing public transport tickets in Prague. Allows buying and storing tickets digitally.

 

IDOS: A universal app for planning public transport routes throughout Czechia, including buses, trains, and trams.

 

Mapy.cz: A Czech mapping app with detailed offline maps, ideal for walking and cycling trips.

 

Taxis and Rides

 

Bolt: A popular taxi service offering competitive prices and a convenient interface.

 

Liftago: A local app for booking taxis, allowing you to choose drivers based on rating and price.

 

Food and Delivery

 

Dáme jídlo: The largest food delivery service in Czechia with a wide selection of restaurants.

 

Wolt: An international food delivery service available in major Czech cities.

 

Banking Services

 

Revolut: An international banking app with support for multiple currencies, including the Czech crown.

 

Moneta Money Bank: A mobile app from one of the leading Czech banks with account and payment management features.

 

Health and Medicine

 

Zdraví na klik: An app for scheduling doctor appointments and getting online medical consultations.

 

eRecept: Allows receiving and storing electronic prescriptions from doctors.

 

Entertainment and Leisure

 

GoOut: A guide to cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions in Czechia.

 

Slevomat: An app with deals and discounts on various services and goods.

 

Government Services

 

eObčanka: The official app for accessing government electronic services using electronic identification.

Czechia offers numerous events and attractions reflecting its history, traditions, and modern culture.

 

Festivals and Cultural Events

Music Festivals: Numerous music events take place annually in Czechia. For example, the International Music Festival in Český Krumlov, which runs from July to August and features performances by world-renowned artists across various genres.

Folk Festivals: The Five-Petaled Rose Festival in Český Krumlov transforms the city into a medieval center with craftspeople, entertainers, and musicians. The festival takes place in June and attracts numerous guests.

Film Festivals: The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious cinematic events in Central Europe, held annually in July.

 

Theaters and Operas

National Theater in Prague: The country's main stage offers high-quality opera and ballet performances.

Theater "Laterna Magika": Known for its innovative performances combining theater, dance, and multimedia.

 

Museums and Galleries

National Museum: Located in Prague, it offers extensive collections covering history, art, and science.

Alfons Mucha Museum: Dedicated to the works of the famous Czech artist, a representative of the Art Nouveau style.

 

Castles and Historical Monuments

Prague Castle: One of the largest castle complexes in the world, including St. Vitus Cathedral and ancient palaces.

Carlštejn Castle: A medieval castle near Prague, founded by Emperor Charles IV.

 

Beer Festivals

Czech Beer Festival: Takes place in May in Prague and offers tastings of hundreds of beer varieties from local breweries.

 

Christmas Markets

Prague Christmas Market: One of the most famous in Europe, held in the Old Town Square from late November to early January.

 

Sport Events

Prague Marathon: An annual event attracting runners from around the world.

Ice Hockey Matches: Hockey is a popular sport in Czechia, and attending a local league game can be a thrilling experience.

 

Nature Parks and Outdoor Activities

Bohemian Switzerland: A national park with unique sandstone formations, popular among hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts.

Krumlov Castle: The second largest castle complex in Czechia, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In Czechia, especially in large cities like Prague, public toilets are available, although their number may be limited, especially in tourist areas. Access to such toilets is usually paid, with costs ranging from 5 to 10 Czech koruna.

 

Alternative Options

 

Shopping Centers: Many shopping centers provide free toilets. For example, at Palladium Shopping Center on Republic Square, the toilets are free and located on the lower floor.

 

Restaurants and Cafes: Establishments typically have toilets intended for customers. In some places, such as McDonald's or KFC, toilets may require a small fee even for patrons, costing around 5 koruna.

 

Metro Stations: Some Prague metro stations have toilets, with usage fees ranging from 5 to 10 koruna. A list of stations with toilets can be found on the official Prague public transport website.

 

Recommendations

Carry Change: Always keep coins of 5 or 10 koruna for toilet payments.

Use of Cards: Some modern public toilets accept payment by bank card.

Mobile Apps: Apps like "WC Finder" can help locate the nearest public toilet.

 

Please note that using the bathroom in unauthorized places may result in fines. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your visits to toilets in advance, especially in tourist areas.

There are many effective methods and resources that can help you learn the Czech language. Below are the main options:

 

Language Courses

University Programs: Many Czech universities offer Czech language courses for foreigners. For example, the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies at Charles University offers intensive courses at various levels.

Language Schools: In the Czech Republic, there are numerous language schools offering both group and individual lessons. Some of them are accredited by the Ministry of Education and offer courses funded by the European Union.

 

Online Courses and Apps

LinGo Play: An app offering interactive lessons, flashcards, and tests for learning Czech. Suitable for beginners and advanced students.

Duolingo: A popular language learning platform that includes a Czech course with gamified elements.

Memrise: An app that uses flashcards and repetition for memorization.

 

Self-Study

Textbooks and Guides: There are many textbooks for self-learning Czech, equipped with audio materials and exercises.

Online Resources: Websites such as czech-online.com offer structured courses with interactive tasks and tests.

 

Practice with Native Speakers

Language Exchanges: Platforms like Tandem or ConversationExchange allow finding a partner for language exchange, which helps improve conversational skills.

Local Events: Attending cultural events, clubs, and meetings with locals helps immerse in the language environment.

 

Intensive Courses and Immersion

Summer Schools: Some universities and language centers organize summer intensive courses, allowing a quick improvement in language proficiency.

Immersion Programs: Living with a Czech family or participating in volunteer programs facilitates rapid language acquisition through daily communication.

 

Learning Czech requires time and effort, but the availability of various resources and methods makes this process more effective and enjoyable.

The Czech Republic is rich in national holidays and traditions reflecting its historical and cultural heritage. These events play an important role in the life of Czech society and attract tourists from all over the world.

 

Public Holidays:

 

January 1 – New Year: Celebrated as the beginning of a new year and the Day of Restoration of the independent Czech state, related to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993.

 

May 8 – Liberation Day: Celebrating the end of World War II and liberation from Nazi occupation.

 

July 5 – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day: Honoring the missionaries who brought Slavic script and Christianity.

 

July 6 – Jan Hus Day: Commemorating the reformer burned at the stake in 1415 for his religious beliefs.

 

September 28 – Czech Statehood Day: Dedicated to Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic.

 

October 28 – Foundation of the Independent Czechoslovak State Day: Marks the declaration of independence of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

 

November 17 – Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day: Remembering student protests in 1939 and 1989, which played a key role in the country's history.

 

December 24–26 – Christmas Holidays: Include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Saint Stephen's Day.

 

Traditional Holidays and Customs

 

-Masopust: The Czech version of Carnival, celebrated before Lent with costume parades, music, and dances.

 

-Easter: Includes the tradition of "pomlázka," where men symbolically whip women with woven twigs for health and fertility.

 

-Walpurgis Night: The night of April 30 to May 1, when effigies of witches are burned to symbolize the expulsion of winter and evil spirits.

 

Saint Martin's Day: November 11 marks the coming of winter, traditionally celebrated with roast goose and young wine.

 

These holidays and traditions reflect the rich culture of the Czech Republic and are an integral part of the lives of its residents.

The Czech Republic is a country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, offering many unique attractions. Here are the key places worth visiting.

 

Prague

Prague Castle: One of the largest castle complexes in the world, including Saint Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane.

Charles Bridge: A medieval stone bridge over the Vltava, adorned with 30 statues of saints.

Old Town Square: The historic center of the city with the astronomical clock and Tyn Church.

 

Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov Castle: The second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Old Town: Narrow streets with preserved medieval architecture.

 

Karlovy Vary

Thermal Springs: A resort town known for its mineral waters and colonnades.

International Film Festival: An annual event attracting filmmakers from around the world.

 

Kutná Hora

Sedlec Ossuary: A unique chapel decorated with human bones.

St. Barbara's Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral included in the UNESCO list.

 

Brno

Špilberk Castle: A medieval fortress, now a museum.

Villa Tugendhat: A masterpiece of functionalism, a UNESCO site.

 

Plzeň

Brewery: The birthplace of the famous Pilsner beer.

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral with the tallest tower in the Czech Republic.

 

National Parks

Bohemian Switzerland: Known for its sandstone formations and natural arches.

Krkonoše: A mountain range with the highest point in the Czech Republic — Mount Sněžka.

 

Karlštejn Castle

A medieval castle founded by Charles IV to store royal regalia.

 

These places reflect the diversity and richness of Czech culture and history, making a journey through the country unforgettable.

Moving to the Czech Republic is not only a change of residence but also an immersion into a new culture with its own traditions and norms of behavior. Knowing the features of local etiquette will help you quickly adapt and establish good relationships with those around you.

 

Greetings and Addressing

Formality in communication: At first meetings, it is customary to use formal addresses "Pan" (Mr.) and "Paní" (Mrs.) along with the last name, for example, "Pan Novák." Switching to first names happens after mutual agreement.

Handshake: The standard greeting is a firm handshake with direct eye contact. Handshakes are used both when meeting and saying goodbye.

Titles: In the business environment, it is important to use academic titles if known, such as "Doctor" or "Engineer."

 

Punctuality

Precision: Czechs highly value punctuality. Being late for meetings is considered disrespectful.

Advance notice: If you are going to be late, be sure to inform in advance.

 

Communication and Language

Straightforwardness: Locals prefer direct and honest communication without exaggerations.

Language: Although many young people speak English, attempts to speak in Czech will be appreciated. Knowing basic phrases will ease interactions.

Personal space: Respect the personal space of your interlocutor, do not get too close.

 

Social Norms

Queues: Following the queue is strict. Attempts to cut in line provoke negative reactions.

Volume of speech: In public places, it is customary to speak quietly. Loud conversations and laughter may be considered inappropriate.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public places, including restaurants and bars, unless there are designated areas.

 

Visiting Guests

Gifts: When visiting, it is customary to bring a small gift: flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine.

Taking off shoes: In Czech homes, it is customary to remove shoes upon entering. Often, hosts offer guest slippers.

Punctuality: Arrive exactly at the appointed time or with a slight delay (5-10 minutes).

 

Restaurant and Café Etiquette

Bill: Typically, everyone pays for themselves unless otherwise agreed in advance.

Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip of 5-10% of the bill amount.

Behavior: It is not customary to call the waiter loudly. Better to establish eye contact or slightly raise a hand.

 

Business Etiquette

Attire: Conservative clothing is preferred for business meetings: suits for men and business suits or dresses for women.

Business cards: Exchanging business cards is common. It's better to have cards in Czech and English.

Negotiations: Czechs value detailed discussions and do not like to rush decisions.

 

Respect for Culture and Traditions

History and Culture: Czechs are proud of their history and culture. Show respect for local traditions and monuments.

Religion: Although the Czech Republic is considered one of the most secular countries in Europe, respect religious customs and holidays.

 

Public Transport

Seats for the elderly and disabled: Please give up seats to those in need. This is considered good manners.

Tickets: Always validate your tickets on public transport. Fines for fare evasion are high.

Silence: It's customary not to speak loudly or play music without headphones on public transport.

 

Environmental Awareness

Waste sorting: Czechs take recycling seriously. Follow the waste sorting rules.

Energy saving: Saving water and electricity is encouraged.

 

Knowing and adhering to local etiquette features will help you not only avoid awkward situations but also integrate into Czech society more quickly. Respect for the cultural norms and traditions of the country is the key to successful adaptation and building strong relationships with locals.

The government system of the Czech Republic is organized on the principle of the separation of powers and includes several levels of administrative division. The country is a unitary state with a parliamentary republic and a multi-party system.

Central Authorities

President: The head of state with limited but specific powers. Since 2013, the president has been directly elected for a five-year term.

Parliament: A bicameral legislative body consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

Government: The executive body led by the Prime Minister. Accountable to the Chamber of Deputies. The Prime Minister determines the country's domestic and foreign policy and appoints ministers.

Administrative Division

Regions: Since 2000, the country has been divided into 13 regions and the capital city of Prague, which has the status of a region. Each region has its own elected assembly and governor.

Districts: Until 1999, there were 76 districts, which lost most of their functions due to administrative reform. However, they continue to be used as territorial units for various state institutions.

Municipalities: The smallest administrative units, including cities and villages. Each municipality has its own elected assembly and mayor.

Local Government

Municipalities: Possess significant autonomy in matters of local importance, such as education, healthcare, transportation, and housing. They have the right to establish local taxes and fees.

Regions: Responsible for larger infrastructure projects, regional planning, and coordination among municipalities.

Thus, the government system of the Czech Republic combines centralized leadership with decentralized local governance, ensuring effective management at all levels.