Currency in the Czech Republic
The complete Czech Koruna (CZK) travel guide
The Czech Koruna (CZK, symbol Kč) is the official currency of the Czech Republic. Issued by the Česká národní banka (CNB, the Czech National Bank), banknotes come in 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 koruna denominations; coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 koruna. Despite EU membership since 2004, the Czech Republic has not adopted the euro and shows no political momentum to do so. Prague is one of Europe's most-visited cities, attracting 8+ million international tourists annually for its medieval architecture, beer culture, and reasonable prices compared to Western European capitals.
Cash, cards, and ATMs in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is highly card-friendly throughout Prague, Brno, and major tourist destinations. Visa and Mastercard work nearly everywhere — restaurants, hotels, shops, and public transit. Tap-to-pay is universal. ATMs at ČSOB, Komerční banka, Česká spořitelna, and Raiffeisenbank branches accept foreign cards with per-transaction limits of CZK 5,000-15,000 (~$220-660) and fees of CZK 100-200 per withdrawal. Avoid Euronet ATMs (yellow standalone machines) at tourist areas like Old Town Square — they charge €5-10 per withdrawal and offer terrible exchange rates if you accept their DCC. Cash remains useful at smaller pubs (hospodas), trams (if buying tickets onboard), and tipping.
Tipping culture in the Czech Republic
Tipping in the Czech Republic is appreciated but modest. Restaurants: 10% is standard at sit-down restaurants — round up to a logical figure (e.g., a 540 Kč bill, leave 600 Kč). Tipping is typically given when paying (state the total including tip rather than leaving cash on the table). Taxis: round up to nearest 50 Kč; Uber/Bolt drivers can be tipped in-app. Hotels: 50-100 Kč per bag for porters at international chains; 50 Kč per night for housekeeping. Tour guides at Prague walking tours: 100-200 Kč per person. Hairdressers: 10%. The Czech tipping culture is similar to German — moderate, expected at restaurants, optional elsewhere.
Best way to get Czech Koruna (CZK)
For USD-to-CZK or EUR-to-CZK, multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) deliver rates within 0.5% of mid-market — Revolut is particularly popular in Central Europe. Authorized exchange shops with "0% commission no fee" signs in Prague's Old Town are notorious for terrible rates (8-15% above mid-market) — avoid these tourist-trap booths. Better options: eXchange shops in Old Town that publish transparent rates, Praha 1 main streets bank branches, or just withdraw from a major bank ATM. Some Prague exchange shops (especially around Wenceslas Square) offer extremely poor rates targeting confused tourists — always verify the exchange rate against Google before transacting.
Practical money tips for the Czech Republic
- •Avoid "0% commission" exchange shops in Prague Old Town — many are sophisticated tourist scams; use bank ATMs (ČSOB, Komerční banka) instead
- •Always decline DCC at retail terminals — pay in CZK, not your home currency
- •Czech Republic plug types C and E (same as France/Germany); voltage 230V/50Hz — Americans need adapter
- •Prague public transit is excellent and cheap (40 Kč 90-minute ticket, 110 Kč daily) — buy tickets at metro stations, kiosks, or via PID Lítačka app
- •Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Czech Republic; "balená voda" (bottled water) is widely sold but unnecessary
- •Get a tourist SIM card on arrival (T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2) — 7-30 day plans available for 200-600 Kč
- •Czech beer culture is serious — Pilsner Urquell (Plzeň), Budweiser Budvar (České Budějovice), and Staropramen (Prague) are the largest brands; expect to pay 30-60 Kč for 0.5L at local pubs vs 80-120 Kč at tourist-area bars
Common money scams to avoid in the Czech Republic
Prague has well-documented tourist money scams that have persisted for years. Common patterns: rigged exchange counters in Old Town offering "free commission" with 10-15% spread (always verify rate against Google before transacting); fake taxi drivers at Václav Havel Airport (PRG) and Old Town Square quoting 5-10x reasonable fares — use Bolt, Uber, or pre-booked airport transfers only; "free walking tour" scams that demand inflated tips at the end; restaurant menu switches in tourist-area Old Town where prices differ between menus shown to tourists vs locals; "find your nose" map sellers at Charles Bridge pressuring purchases; and aggressive currency-conversion offers in shops (always pay in CZK, never in your home currency via DCC).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Czech Republic in the Eurozone?
No. The Czech Republic is an EU member (since 2004) but uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the euro. Czechs have consistently opposed euro adoption — most polls show 60-70% opposition. The country meets euro-convergence criteria technically but has no formal euro-adoption timeline. Czech politicians from various parties have signaled euro-adoption is unlikely within the next decade.
Can I use euros in the Czech Republic?
Some Prague tourist businesses accept euros at terrible rates (8-12% loss). Always pay in CZK. The same applies to USD — convert to CZK at a bank ATM or use a Wise/Revolut card. Some Prague Old Town shops will refuse euro payment to avoid being seen as tourist traps.
Why is Prague famous for currency-exchange scams?
Prague's currency-exchange industry has a long history of misleading tourists. Common tactics: posting "buy" rates while you're selling, hiding commission fees, charging high "service charges" only revealed at transaction completion, and DCC scams at retail terminals. The city has tried regulation periodically but the problem persists. Best defense: always verify rates against Google before transacting, use ATMs at major bank branches, and decline DCC universally.
How much cash should I bring to Prague?
Plan on CZK 500-1,500 ($22-66) per day in cash for small pubs, trams, tips, and the occasional cash-only spot. With cards accepted at most restaurants and shops, your daily cash needs are modest. Withdraw from a bank ATM (ČSOB, Komerční banka) — never use Euronet or standalone street ATMs at tourist areas.
Is the Czech Republic expensive for tourists?
Cheap by Western European standards. Budget travel runs $40-70/day; mid-range $80-150/day; luxury $200-400/day. Restaurant meals cost 200-500 Kč ($9-22) per person at local pubs and mid-range restaurants. Beer is famously cheap (30-60 Kč for 0.5L). Public transit and museums are reasonably priced. Prague's tourist-zone Old Town prices are 2-3x outside-Old-Town prices — explore Vinohrady, Žižkov, and Karlín for better value.
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Exchange rates refresh hourly from Frankfurter (European Central Bank reference data). Travel money information was compiled in 2026 and reflects current cash/card culture, tipping norms, and common scam patterns.