Citizens of most European countries do not require a visa to enter the Czech Republic. Other nationals should consult the Czech embassy or consulate in their own country for details of visa requirements. If all the necessary conditions have been complied with, visas may be issued at a number of border crossings into the Czech Republic, including Prague Airport.

Ambulance: 155
Police: 158
Fire brigade: 150
Alternative pan-European emergency number: 112

Central European Time (GMT plus one hour). Clocks are put forward one hour from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the end of October.

A national driving licence is normally sufficient to allow you to drive or hire a car in the Czech Republic. Check with your motor vehicle insurance company regarding any insurance documents you will need and whether additional insurance is required, though normally a Green Card will be adequate.

Always carry your full valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents and insurance documents with you. Safety belts must be worn, and children under 12 and persons under 150 centimetres (4 feet 9 inches) in height may not ride in the front seat. No alcohol whatsoever may be drunk before driving. Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets.

A limited network of motorways and dual-carriageway roads radiates from Prague. An annual charge of k¹800 is made for the use of motorways, and is payable at border crossings. Proof of payment in the form of a sticker must be displayed on the windscreen. Speed limits are 130 kilometres (68 miles) per hour on motorways, 90 kilometres (55 miles) per hour for motorcyles on motorways, 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour outside built-up areas, and 50 kilometres (37 miles) per hour in built-up areas. There are on-the-spot fines for infringements.

Drivers should take special care in cities, where trams often have priority. Where no central reservation is provided at tram stops, traffic must stop to allow passengers to cross the road.

Emergency services can be contacted by telephoning 154. Motoring organisations which may provide reciprocal help to members of their national motoring organisations can be contacted by telephoning the Central Auto Moto Club on 0123 (123 in Prague) or Auto Klub Bohemia on 0124 (124 in Prague).

The electrical current is 220 volts AC. Round two-pin plugs are used. An adapter is essential for UK and Irish appliances and Irish appliances.

The Czech crown (k¹ = koruna ¹eská) is divided into 100 hellers. It is issued in k¹ 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20 notes. Coins are issued to the value of k¹ 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, and in 50, 20, and 10 hellers.

Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry cash. They can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaux (identified by the sign (“smÆnárna”). Banks are likely to give a better rate and charge less commission than exchange bureaux. Credit cards have not yet come into widespread use except in establishments like restaurants and luxury hotels. Even if the appropriate sign is displayed, check whether payment by that particular card is available at the time. Foreign exchange rates are listed in most newspapers and in banks and bureaux de change. Banks will sometimes give a better rate and charge less commission than exchange bureaux, though their opening times may be less convenient. Exchange bureaux are common in Prague, but less so elsewhere. Eurocheques can be used to withdraw cash at banks displaying the appropriate sign. Bank opening hours are variable, and although generally similar to shopping hours, may include closures for lunch breaks.

It is normal to round taxi fares and restaurant bills up to the nearest 5 or 10k¹. Tour guides and porters should also receive small gratuities.

1 January: New Year's Day
Easter Monday
1 May: May Day
8 May: Liberation Day
5 July: Day of the Slav Missionaries Cyril and Methodius
6 July: Day of Master Jan Hus
28 October: Independence Day
24 December: Christmas Eve
25 and 26 December: Christmas

Accommodation with facilities for travellers with disabilities exists in Prague and Brno. For further information contact the Czech tourist office.

Cities and towns are well served by the extensive and inexpensive bus network, and the larger cities also have tramways. Tickets are bought in advance from kiosks or metro stations in Prague. Prague also has a highly efficient metro system, which links with bus and tram lines to provide a comprehensive public transport network for the whole of the capital. Day and week passes are available.

There is a ferry service between Decin and Dresden in Germany.