The national currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown, today it is one of the oldest banknotes among the banknotes of all European countries. The Czech kingdom was founded in the distant XII century, the first mention of the Czech crown dates back to this time. To this day, in the Czech language, the designation "crown" means, in addition to the national currency, also the crown, an indispensable attribute of royal power.
Appearance of paper banknotes
In total there are 6 denominations of banknotes of the Czech Republic. All banknotes are designed by Czech national illustrator-artist Ondzhih Kulganek. In his illustrations for banknotes, the artist covered the most famous Czech figures in literature, history, science, politics, culture, sociology and philosophy. Also, tribute was paid to national symbols, cultural monuments, as well as the patriotic spirit of the Czech Republic.
100 crown banknote
Its size is 140 * 69 mm, on the obverse of the bill is Charles IV, who was the king of the Czech Republic from 1346 to 1378, and since 1355 was also the emperor of the great Roman Empire. On the reverse side of the banknote there is a pattern made in the national style, on the pattern there is a medallion with the national hero of the Czech Republic (the official seal of Charles University).
200 crown banknote
The banknote is slightly larger than the previous one, its size is 146*69 mm. The image on the front of the banknote is the figure of Jan Amos Comenius. The world famous Czech teacher, innovator, ardent humanist, public figure, is one of the founders of the science of scientific pedagogy. On the reverse side is a poetic drawing of the hands of a child and an adult, reaching out to each other and touching their fingers.
500 crown banknote
Size 152*69 mm, the obverse depicts Bozena Nemkova, a famous Czech writer, poetess, founder of modern prose of national Czech literature. On the reverse side, the face of a woman is depicted, with a flower arrangement woven into her hair.
1000 crown banknote
Size 158*74mm. The front part of the banknote is marked with the figure of Frantisek Palacky, an outstanding Czech historian, a famous political figure. The reverse depicts the castle in Kromeriz and the Moravian Eagle.
2000 crown banknote
The size is 164*74 mm, the obverse depicts the opera singer Emma Distinnova. Her work belongs to the period of the late XIX - early XX centuries. On the reverse side of the banknote, the muse of Euterpe, a famous character in ancient Greek mythology, is depicted.
5000 crown banknote
The largest banknote, size 170*74 mm. The obverse of the banknote is decorated with the image of the first leader and president of Czechoslovakia, he is also known for his works on sociology and philosophy. The reverse of the banknote conveys a drawing of an ancient Gothic cathedral.
Currently from monetary use banknotes of 20 and 50 crowns were completely withdrawn, which depicted portraits of Přemysl Otakar I and Agnes of Bohemia.
Czech crowns in coins
In addition to paper money, Czech crowns are issued in coins. The denominations are standard, the reverse side of the coin depicts the Czech lion, the year of minting must also be indicated there. The front sides bear the image of the face value of the coin, as well as the drawing:
On a coin 1 crown the crown of St. Wenceslas is depicted;
- decoration in the form of a medallion is imprinted on the coin in 2 crowns;
- on a coin 5 crowns the Charles Bridge is depicted;
- Petrov Cathedral in Brno is depicted on a coin in 10 crowns;
- coin in 20 crowns depicts a statue of St. Wenceslas;
- on 50 crowns transferred to the Prague residential area, a picture of the roofs of houses and towers of Prague is clearly visible.
Czech kopecks, called hellers, have been completely withdrawn from the money circulation.
Almost throughout the Czech Republic today, banknotes of the single European currency euro are freely accepted, however, when entering the country, it still makes sense to exchange money for Czech crowns. In 2015, the country plans to join the Eurozone and adopt the EU banknote as a national currency. However, due to the difficult situation in Europe, especially in the financial sector, this step may be delayed.
Today, according to the exchange rate of the Czech People's Bank, 1 dollar is equal to approximately 19 Czech crowns, the abbreviated international name for the Czech national currency is CZK.
Lifehack on currency exchange in Prague: everything a tourist needs to know about buying the Czech crown. The most profitable ways to exchange money in the Czech Republic.
Although it is part of the European Union, the only currency that will be accepted in a store, museum or market is the crown. Therefore, the issue of currency exchange, where it is more profitable to do it and how not to fall for scammers, is very important.
Popular excursions in Prague
The most interesting excursions are routes from local residents to Tripster. It is always more interesting to start with (getting your bearings in the Old Town and charting routes for future walks). After that, you can afford anything - even over the city. On Tripster there is an opportunity to ask any questions to the guides before paying.
Where is it profitable to change money in Prague
There are two types of scammers in Prague. The first are scammers who approach tourists at the airport or in the center. They offer a quick exchange right on the spot. Quite often, at the same time, they tell some kind of sentimental story, why it was so urgent to dump the currency. And, of course, the exchange rate for Czech crown while the most profitable is called.
Under no circumstances should you give in to temptation. A guest of the city receives or Hungarian forints, or outright fake.
The second group of scammers are official exchangers. Of course, they operate exclusively within the framework of the law and skillfully use "honest ways to take" money from tourists. But it is not very profitable to exchange dollars and euros for crowns, and the ruble exchange rate is generally predatory. In addition to a not very clear course, other delights are waiting for the client. For example, a high commission, about which they forget to report.
Very often, different rates are used for small and large amounts, of course, the most profitable one will hang on the doors. Sometimes the selling rate is simply impudently swapped with the buying rate.
Oddly enough, the most interesting currency exchange offers in Prague are in Arab exchangers. They are located in the area.
Buying Czech Crown in Russia (Moscow)
At one time it was advantageous to exchange rubles for crowns in Moscow banks. But the Czech currency was always in the First Czech-Russian Bank, whose license was revoked in 2016. In other institutions, the crown is not always available. However, this does not prevent you from calling the bank in advance and inquiring about the possibility of exchange and the exchange rate.
Withdrawal from a bank card in the Czech Republic
The most profitable, reliable and honest option is a bank card. Of course, only international ones will do, like Visa And MasterCard. With their help, you can simply pay, and POS-terminals are available in the Czech Republic in almost all shops, cafes, kiosks and even booths with hot dogs. You can withdraw money from an ATM. But here we must understand that the bank will definitely take a small commission. At the same time, both the bank that issued the card and the owner of the ATM. Usually everything fits into a rather modest 1-2%.
Favorable exchange rates in Prague - Wenceslas Square
By the way, a subsidiary bank of Sberbank operates in Prague, there are several branches and ATMs. They accept Russian Sberbank cards without additional fees. The only disadvantage of a bank card is that it is difficult to find out the exchange rate in advance. Some advise you to first withdraw a small amount and start from this. This is not entirely correct, in most banks, up to a certain minimum level, most often up to three thousand rubles, they take a fixed amount as a commission.
The only option is to look at the internal courses of the systems on the Internet Visa And MasterCard. Usually banks use them without fuss, or at least orientate themselves.
How to get there
- operators overview
- short guide
The joy of the first acquaintance with a new country can easily be overshadowed on the very first day. After all, tourist traps lie in wait for an inexperienced traveler at every step - one has only to go to a cafe, shop or currency exchange office, not knowing certain nuances. However, each scrap has its own technique. Our advice will surely help you not only save money, but also avoid becoming a victim of Prague scammers.
Trap #1. What is the first thing you do when you arrive in a new country? You change money. And here the first Prague trap lies in wait for you - one of the most important in Prague. In the exchange offices of the capital of the Czech Republic there is a hidden commission. Even if “0% commission” is written on the window, this does not guarantee you at all that you will receive as many crowns as you calculated at the indicated rate. Therefore, ask about the amount you will receive BEFORE you give the currency to the window. Because then you will not be able to do anything - the banking operation has no reverse. And neither scandals nor calling the police will help you.
You can protect yourself from the nervous procedure of currency exchange - go to the Arab exchangers. Yes, the most honest in Prague are the Arabs! There you will not be charged any commission, the employee will show you the final amount on the calculator.
Here are some addresses of Arab exchange offices in Prague:
1. Provaznická lane;
2. Panska 6;
3. Panska 4;
4. Náměstí Republiky 1 in the Palladium shopping center
Trap #2. The second trap is also related to the exchange of money. Never, under any circumstances, change money in Prague on the street, from your hands - they will slip you Hungarian forints, which are vaguely similar to Czech crowns and cost practically nothing, or Bulgarian leva.
Trap #3. Portions in Prague cafes are huge. With a few exceptions, one serving is enough for two - dishes in Prague are not only large, but also very satisfying. However, the waiters are unlikely to warn you that it is better to order a boar knee for two. Therefore, if you do not know a dish, order one first. If it's not enough for you, you can always order more. This will save you some money. If you still haven’t calculated your strength, it’s not necessary to languish over a plate like Koschey over gold - you can always take the unfinished food with you by asking the waiter to pack the food.
Trap #4. Also associated with food, cafes and waiters. And where the waiters are, there are tips. Remember: in Prague it is forbidden to include a tip in the bill. They are at the discretion of the visitor. Therefore, if in the check you see the line “couvert” or “couverta” with a certain amount opposite, cross it out if you do not agree with the indicated amount. Some establishments may include both 15% and 20% tips in the bill. Even if they start arguing with you, call the police - you are right!
Trap #5. Controllers in public transport in Prague are not recognizable in any way - no badges, no company uniform. A man with a token in his hand will simply grow in front of you. The fine for ticketless travel in Prague is up to 1200 CZK, or €50. Therefore, if this money in your wallet is not superfluous, buy coupons!
The fare system in Prague is different from what we are used to. In the capital, there are single coupons for all types of transport, differentiated by travel time. If you do not plan to travel much on the metro, you can buy a ticket for 30 minutes - 24 crowns. 30 minutes is enough to take the metro from the center of Prague to a remote residential area - for example, Prague 10. If you expect to travel by metro often, buy a three-day pass or a week pass.
Important! If you plan to return to the hotel later, leave some change for the machines in the metro - the ticket office closes at 20.00 and after this time you can only buy a ticket in the machine.
Trap #6. You can pay for purchases in some shops in Prague not only in Czech crowns, but also in euros. But in this case, the seller calls you the course that he wants. Naturally, it will be beneficial to him, not to you.
Trap #7. Be careful when paying in stores and especially in taxis - instead of a coin with a face value of 50 kroons (about € 2), you can slip 10 or 20 kroons that look like it in change.
Trap #8. In Prague, unlike, for example, Krakow, entrances to almost all churches and cathedrals are paid. Yes, the Czechs do not hesitate to take money for visiting shrines, and sometimes a lot. Add this expense item to your list of expected expenses.
Trap #9. Tax free in Prague in some stores can be returned on the spot - directly to the card. However, it is very easy to get into trouble here, since it is better to use this service for those who plan to fly from the Czech Republic by air. At the store, you will be given a long orange check, which you need to “redeem” at the airport and throw it into a special box. The catch is that you can ONLY pay it off at the airport. If you leave by land transport, you cannot do this at the border - it is not provided for by the procedure. Upon arrival home, the check will have to be sent back by mail. And if he does not have time to return at the right time or gets lost somewhere along the way, the money returned to you from the purchase will simply be debited from the card. Therefore, in the case of a land departure, issue a regular Tax free check in a Czech store. The minimum purchase amount must be 2000 CZK (€73) in one store on one day.
Trap #10. The norm of alcohol import into Belarus is 3 liters INCLUDING beer. Therefore, everything that is in excess of the norm, even if it is Pilsner Urquell straight from the factory in Pilsen, at the border will either have to be drunk on the spot or thrown away. There is no third.
Trap #11. Inflated prices in tourist places are commonplace. Therefore, so that you do not overpay, we offer you a certain price indicator. On it, you can determine whether prices are too high in a cafe. So, in a cafe, prices are reasonable if: a glass of Czech beer costs up to 35 CZK, and a glass of Czech wine costs up to 40 CZK.
But the famous Czech Becherovka, which many bring as a souvenir, should cost no more than 180 Czech crowns per bottle. Everything else is the machinations of greedy businessmen. By the way, it is best to buy "Becherovka" in her homeland - in Karlovy Vary, in a company store.
Trap #12. In Prague jewelry stores, Turkish gold is most often sold.
Trap #13. Recovering to walk around Prague, be sure to take your documents with you - passport, insurance. Leave photocopies of your passport at the hotel. Often, travel agency managers are advised to do the opposite, but in Prague this rule works exactly like this: bring only original documents with you.
We wish you a pleasant first acquaintance with Prague. As, in fact, the second one - be sure, you will return there again! Checked on myself.
- Viewpoints in Prague with the best views
- Let's go to Pilsen - to the best beer, catacombs and... European culture
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The Czech Republic is a member of the EU and the Schengen area, but despite this, the country decided to keep its national currency - the Czech crown. In price tags in shops and restaurants, as well as in exchange offices, it can be indicated by the signs Kc and CZK.
The kroon is the only official currency in Prague, the euro can be accepted here only in some large hotels and restaurants (and then at an unfavorable rate for you), so when planning a trip to Prague, it is better to decide in advance where and how you will buy this currency.
Czech crown. Basic everyday coins and banknotes.
The Czech crown in everyday life exists in the form of coins (from 1 to 50 crowns) and paper notes (from 50 to 5000 crowns). The largest banknote in the Czech Republic is 5000 crowns. Previously, kopecks (hellers) also existed in the Czech Republic, but due to inflation they were practically withdrawn from use and it is customary to round all price tags in Prague to 1 kroon.
What is the best currency to take to Prague?
The ideal option is to take euros with you on the road, and then exchange them for crowns on the spot. You can also buy crowns in banks at home (some banks trade in Czech crowns), you can check the current exchange rate of the crown in advance on the Internet. It is better not to take dollars to Prague, yet the Czech Republic is a member of the EU and therefore the existing peg of the kroon to the euro softens sharp jumps, the exchange rate from dollar to kroon may be less profitable than from euro to kroon. Well, it’s pointless to exchange Russian rubles or Ukrainian hryvnia for kroons in Prague. The loss here can be 10-15%.
A good option is to take an international class bank card with you, which are accepted almost everywhere here. And there are a lot of terminals and ATMs here at every step (you can find out the tariffs and commissions for cash withdrawal from your bank).
Where to exchange currency in Prague?
It is best to change currency in Prague in the city center. The exchange rate at the airport is very unfavorable - try to change a minimum of money there (that would be enough, for example, only for travel to the hotel). Or exchange a small amount for crowns at home, the rate will still be more profitable than at the airport.
A large number of exchangers are located in the Wenceslas and. It is best to use Arab exchangers - they will have the most favorable rate. Their distinguishing element is an oval plate (although now many Czech exchangers are beginning to disguise themselves as Arabic ones). Here you can also sometimes bargain when exchanging.
Currency exchange in Prague. Exchangers in the city center. 0% commission is not always true. Be careful.
Also keep in mind that when exchanging currency in Prague, in most cases you will be charged a commission. If the advertisement “we have zero commission” hangs, then most likely it is a scam. This means that this exchanger will have a very unfavorable exchange rate. Very bad exchange rate in Check Point exchangers. Therefore, in order not to be deceived, before exchanging, before giving money, always ask how many crowns you will receive for 100 euros, for example.
The commission when exchanging euros for crowns, as a rule, can be from 2 to 10% of the amount. MashaPasha preferred to change currency in Czech banks. There, at least, there will be no deception, and the rate is often even more profitable than in exchangers. And the commission is the lowest.
The exchange rate of the Czech currency in Prague against the euro and other currencies
At the beginning of 2018, 26 crowns were given for 1 euro. Also, 1 Czech crown was equal to 1.3 Ukrainian hryvnia and 2.7 Russian rubles.
As of today, 08/30/2019, the course dollar The US to the Czech crown is equal to 23.42 per 1 dollar. Well Euro to the Czech crown is equal to 26.02 for 1 euro. Well Ukrainian hryvnia to the Czech crown is 92.83 for 100 hryvnia (this is 1.08 hryvnia for 1 kroon). Well Russian ruble to the Czech crown is 35.2 for 100 rubles (this is 2.84 rubles for 1 crown).
- 1 dollar
- 1 euro
- 100 hryvnia
- 100 rubles
- crown:
- 23.42
- 26.02
- 92.83
Tourists who are going to travel to the Czech Republic in 2017 will have a lot of positive emotions, interesting excursions, tasting of unusual local dishes and a rich cultural program. But in order for the vacation to turn out to be truly successful and carefree, the traveler needs to think through all the points related to finances in advance and find out what Czech currency is now in use among the local population. Timely preparation for the trip will allow vacationers to avoid unnecessary problems and get only vivid impressions from the long-awaited vacation.
Brief information
Russians are well aware of what is part of the European Union. That is why many of our compatriots are sure that only the euro is used in this country. In fact, the Czech state has not switched to the euro currency, so the national currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (the name of the currency is translated as "crown", the international code is CZK, the country's abbreviation is Kč).
The first crowns appeared at the end of the 19th century (1882), when the historical Czech lands were part of Austria-Hungary. Later (1919), this monetary unit entered the circulation of Czechoslovakia (the common Czechoslovak krone was used for settlements with residents of the Czechoslovak territory). With the collapse of the Czechoslovak state into two independent countries (1993), one common currency was divided into two - Czech and Slovak. National money is used by the inhabitants of the Czech state for settlements even today.
There are 100 hellers in one Czech crown, but for several years these small change coins have not been found in everyday life. The division into hellers has become a mere formality since they have been withdrawn from circulation.
Today, paper banknotes are issued in the Czech Republic with the following denominations:
- 100, 200, 500 CZK;
- 1000, 2000, 5000 CZK.
All images on banknotes were created by the famous Czech artist Kulganek. On banknotes on both sides you can see portraits of famous Czechs and various illustrations:
- 100 CZK - ruler Charles IV and the national coat of arms;
- 200 CZK - teacher and writer Jan Komensky and a drawing depicting two hands reaching out to each other;
- 500 CZK - writer Bozena Nemcova and the face of a woman whose head is covered with flowers;
- 1000 CZK – historian Frantisek Palacky and a Gothic church;
- 2000 CZK - Opera singer Emma Destinova and Muse Euterpe;
- 5000 CZK - the first Czech President Thomas Masaryk, the country's coat of arms and a Gothic cathedral.
Czech coins have the following denomination:
- 1, 2, 5 CZK;
- 10, 20, 50 CZK.
Coins are made of pure steel or an alloy of steel with nickel. Each coin has its own image:
- 1 CZK - crown, symbol of the monarch;
- 2 CZK - pocket watch-medallion with a peacock;
- 5 CZK - Charles Bridge;
- 10 CZK (two options, depending on the year of issue of the coin) - a fragment of an astronomical clock or the Cathedral of Paul and Peter;
- 20 CZK (two options, also depending on the date of issue of the coins) - a statue of St. Wenceslas or an astrolabe;
- 50 CZK - houses and roofs.
What to take with you?
The Russians, who are going to spend their holidays in the Czech Republic, ask themselves a quite natural question: what currency is better to go on vacation with - with rubles, dollars or euros. The best option for tourists would be to immediately take Czech money, but it will be very problematic for a Russian citizen to purchase it outside the Eurozone. Therefore, our compatriots should take the euro with them, because. it is accepted in all banks and exchange offices of the country.
It will be a little more difficult to exchange dollars, not every exchange point is engaged in foreign exchange transactions with the national American currency, and those financial institutions that carry out such operations offer an extremely unfavorable rate. Things are even worse with Russian rubles, it is almost impossible to exchange them for the kroon abroad. Those who still find a bank or exchanger willing to exchange money will have to pay huge commissions and fees for converting slow-moving monetary units, so it is best to leave the Russian currency at home.
If a traveler has arrived in the Czech Republic, but has not yet managed to purchase local money, and he only has euros in his wallet, then he can safely go shopping or visit a local cafe. Shop assistants and restaurant owners willingly accept payments in Erocurrency, but at the same time give change to the customer in crowns. In such situations, the tourist needs to be prepared for the fact that the exchange rate for him will not be the most profitable.
Cashless payments
Experienced travelers always give advice to those who cross the Russian border for the first time in their lives: “If you are going abroad, be sure to take a plastic card with you in addition to cash.” This recommendation is indeed correct: in the Czech Republic, as well as in other European countries, it is possible to make cashless payments at almost any point of sale.
In addition, having Visa or Mastercard bank cards, a tourist will be able to withdraw cash from most ATMs in the country. Of course, you will have to pay a percentage for such an operation, the amount of which will depend on the conditions of not only the Czech, but also the Russian bank that issued the plastic card. General financial losses during cashing out can be from 1.5% of the withdrawn amount and more.
Having figured out which currency in the Czech Republic is used for everyday payments for goods and services, travelers should also learn some of the subtleties and nuances of exchanging and using local money:
- Prague, like any other Czech city, is inhabited not only by decent people, but also by scammers who deceive thousands of visitors every year by offering them their currency exchange services. they can be shortchanged, fake banknotes slipped, converted at the wrong rate, etc .;
- it is best to make exchange transactions in bank branches or legalized exchange offices, before giving your money for exchange, the traveler must check with a specialist in the financial structure how many crowns he will eventually receive in his hands, after completing the operation, cash must be counted without leaving the cash desk ;
- when making purchases or paying for services (travel in a taxi, paying for a guide, etc.), the tourist needs to know in advance what kind of tip the seller expects, in some cases the amount of remuneration is already included in the price of the product or service.
Summarizing
Tourists who have figured out for themselves what currency to take to the Czech Republic can safely prepare for the trip and exchange rubles for euros in Russia in advance. Also, travelers should not forget about plastic cards; you can withdraw cash from them in the Czech Republic at almost every corner.
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