Czech Currency
What is the currency in Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic has been a member of the European Union since 2004. However, it hasn’t adopted the euro yet and continues to use the Czech crown, “Kč” denoted by the International symbol “CZK”.
In most shops and restaurants in the tourist areas of the city, you can pay in euro, but we recommend using Czech crowns. Please note that that the euro to crown exchange rate is often unfavourable. But, if you do decide to use euro banknotes, when you’re making your purchase be sure to ask about the exchange rate beforehand.
How do I make payments in Prague?
When making payments in Prague, you can exchange euro or other currencies at a bureau de change. Alternatively, you can pay by bank card, or simply withdraw cash from an automated telling machine (ATM).
Before you leave for Prague, make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions applying to your bank card, especially concerning commission and fees, should you be liable to pay them.
You can find information about the best way to change money in our article Bureaux de change in Prague.
WARNING! Never change money in the street! It goes without saying that being conned in a money exchange scam isn’t exactly the best way to start your holiday. So, it’s best to be forewarned. This is how it works: someone hovering near a bureau de change will approach you, offering what on the surface appears to be a very favourable exchange rate. But instead of receiving Czech crowns, you’ll be given banknotes in a completely different currency. The monetary amount will be the same, but the actual value will be far less than in the Czech currency.
Although we warn visitors about this practice, every month we hear the story of at least one person unlucky enough to be cheated out of their money in an apparently advantageous deal.
To give you an idea, some prices in Prague (as of February 2023)
-
Espresso in a restaurant: CZK 60 / approximately EUR 2.50
-
Large bottle of water from a supermarket (1.5 litres): CZK 20 / approximately EUR 0.80
-
Czech rustic-style bread from a bakery: CZK 60-120 / approximately EUR 2.50-5.00
-
A large beer (0.5 litre) in non-tourist pub costs CZK 55 / approximately EUR 2.30
-
A large beer (0.5 litre) in a tourist pub costs CZK 100 / approximately EUR 4.20
-
Bottle of wine in a restaurant: CZK 480 / approximately EUR 20
-
Meal in traditional Czech restaurant (average price): CZK 260 / approximately EUR 11
-
Packet of cigarettes: CZK 120 / approximately EUR 5
-
One night in a four-star hotel near the historic centre (mid-season): between CZK 2,400 and 3,300 / ranging approximately between EUR 100 an EUR 140.
Handy tips
The 50-crown note was withdrawn from circulation in 2011! So, if you find such a banknote in your wallet or purse, we’ll happily swap it for the 50-crown coin: we’re collecting these notes!
You may also like
