What currency to take with you to Prague. Currency exchange in Prague. Features of currency circulation in the Czech Republic

The Czech national currency is the koruna. In the world classification, this currency is denoted by the abbreviation CZK; the Czechs themselves write the following symbols on their price tags: Kc.

Currently in circulation are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 crowns and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 crowns. One Czech crown is equal to 100 hellers, but hellers were recently abolished.

Many may be asking the question: why has this country, which has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and joined Schengen a long time ago, not switched to the euro?

The fact is that the country’s economy is not yet ready to adapt to a new payment unit, which will significantly undermine the well-being of the population. After all, it is one of the most, and its cheapness is due to the presence of a “strong” krona in relation to the euro. If we bring Czech prices to the average European level (that is, increase them), then we will have to adequately index salaries and pensions, and the country’s authorities are apparently not ready for this. It is no coincidence that in recent years there has been a “freezing” of pensions. The Czechs believe that in this way the government is preparing the population for the transition to the European currency. And the transition, sooner or later, is still inevitable.

Exchange rate of the Czech crown against the ruble, dollar and euro

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The third line shows the current exchange rate of the Russian ruble against the Czech crown.

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However, at the moment, the Czech Republic is still a happy owner of the crown, and the interest of tourists from all over the world in this country is associated, among other things, with a relatively inexpensive stay in it.

Czechs and crowns

Czechs love their crowns. In stores they mostly accept them, but if they have to take euros or dollars from the buyer, they will recalculate the prices at a very unfavorable rate, and they will definitely give the change in their national banknotes.

By the way, the Czech crown is one of the oldest monetary units in the world. They began to use it in calculations back in the 12th century, simultaneously with the emergence of . Interestingly, koruna also means “crown” in Czech, a symbol of power.

In the corresponding article I gave advice about. Don't neglect them. And be sure to visually learn what the Czech currency looks like - often street scammers slip careless tourists (more often foreign than ours) Hungarian forints or Bulgarian levs instead of crowns. So, under no circumstances change money on the street, no matter how favorable the exchange rate is promised to you. The correct exchange offices are located on Panskaya Street (there are several of them) and on Political Prisoners Street, 14.

If you are used to cashless payments, you won’t have to bother exchanging money. In large, tourist, and hotels, bank cards are accepted for payment: American Express, VISA, Master Cards and Access.

Before traveling abroad, everyone asks questions: how much money to take with them? Where and how to exchange them? If you are planning to spend an unforgettable vacation in the capital of the Czech Republic, then you should remember that although the country is part of the European Union, it is not part of the euro zone. The state currency in the Czech Republic is the crown. This is practically the only currency that you can pay for goods and services. Although many restaurants, shops and museums accept euros, their exchange rate will be undervalued.

What kind of money should you take to the capital of the Czech Republic?

Let's consider which currency is better to travel to Prague with. The vast majority of prices in Prague are expressed in CZK. Of course, in all tourist places euros and over a dozen other currencies are accepted for payment. But the euro is accepted much more readily. You can exchange your savings for local money outside the Czech Republic, but only in neighboring countries.

You can also exchange rubles for crowns in Moscow. Since 2018, Sberbank has resumed exchange operations with the Czech crown. But as practice shows, it is more profitable to exchange rubles for euros, and then exchange them for crowns. And ATMs do not dispense any foreign money. But you can pay everywhere with a bank card, withdraw money in crowns, or come only with cash and exchange it at the bank on the spot.

Exchange: what to fear?

It is most profitable to pay in crowns in the Czech Republic. By paying in euros, you risk overpaying by a significant amount.

For example, using a public toilet costs 10 crowns or 50 euro cents. And in the center of Prague the price can reach up to 1 euro. The difference is significant. Do not forget that there are various ways to deceive tourists by misleading them with information about the real exchange rate of Czech crowns. These recommendations will help you avoid unpleasant situations.

It is really better to exchange currency at exchange offices. Banks, as a rule, offer the most unfavorable rate and a large commission.
At the exchange office, always ask how many crowns you will receive in your hands if you exchange them for 100 euros. The cashier will write the amount on paper or enter it on a calculator. If it suits you, then agree. Then no deception will happen.
Never agree to change money from street money changers. They will always find a loophole so as not to add more bills or replace them with similar ones, but of lesser value.

Is it worth contacting private owners?

At your own risk, you can contact money changers on the street. Sometimes they offer a better rate than official exchange offices and banks. But you shouldn’t relax, because often such offices are silent about the exchange commission.

Or it will be indicated on the check in very small print for maximum inconspicuousness. Or the board will first indicate the purchase rate, followed by the sale rate, which can be confusing if you’re not used to it. Therefore, in any case, you need to be as careful and attentive as possible.

Where is the best place to change money?

When purchasing Czech crowns, treat them with full responsibility. Often the exchange commissions are not shown on the board at all or in small print at the bottom. Check all checks before you sign them.

Surprisingly, Arab exchangers have gained great popularity in Prague. There the rate is always up to date, they don’t try to deceive tourists with a commission. Below you will find the addresses of exchangers and banks where you can exchange currency with the least loss.

Arab exchange offices are located at Panská 6, Kaprova 14 and Provaznická 1.
If you don’t want to run around looking for the best exchange rate, you can contact Směnárna Alfa Prague, which is conveniently located on Republic Square in the Palladium shopping center. The rate is always average, they won’t cheat.
In the center of Prague there is a savings bank office on Na Pankraci street, but the rate there will not differ from what local banks can offer.

Can I pay in euros?

Euros are accepted in Prague, but not everywhere. And as mentioned above, it is more profitable to take euros with you and exchange them for crowns. And Cards are accepted almost everywhere; paying with them is safer and more convenient. Therefore, part of the money in euros can be kept in reserve, part of it can be transferred to crowns, and the rest can be left on the card.

Czech crown to ruble exchange rate

The course can always be viewed online on any website you trust. For 2019, 29.13 rubles per 10 Czech crowns, approximately 2.9 rubles per 1 crown.

Crown to euro exchange rate

As of 2019, 1 Czech crown equals 0.039 euros. 1 euro is 27.75 Czech crowns.

And so that nothing overshadows your holiday in Prague, withdraw money from ATMs or banks, do not turn to street money changers for currency exchange. Their goal is not to exchange money, but to rob naive tourists. Be very collected and attentive at exchange offices. Many of them expect that you will not notice the increased commissions. Do not carry large sums of money with you. Better use a map. Many places accept all major credit cards.

The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown. It is the crowns that tourists traveling around the country will need. Although if you take dollars or euros with you, they will also be useful to you. Still, it’s better to sort out financial issues in advance. And to do this, it’s worth finding out what kind of money you should take with you, what amount will be sufficient for a comfortable stay in the Czech Republic, and whether you can use bank cards there.

A little about the history of the Czech currency

The Czech crown has been and remains the main currency of the Czech Republic since 1993. After the split of Czechoslovakia, the Czechs had to urgently introduce their own currency, which they did. And in just a month. The first 200-kroner banknotes appeared in 1993.

However, the history of this monetary unit began almost a thousand years ago. The first crown was minted back in 1340 on the territory of modern France. For many hundreds of years, the crown has been a means of payment in many European countries, but currently this money is quoted only in a couple of countries.

In the Czech Republic, the crown was first used in 1882, when the country was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that time, the crown consisted of hundreds of kopecks - hellers.

In 1919, this monetary unit was adopted by Czechoslovakia, and subsequently, after the collapse of the country, by the Czech Republic. The National Bank of the Czech Republic did not change the usual settlement system, but still it had to abandon the use of small coins - hellers. Today they cannot be exchanged even in banks.

Take a sociological survey!

Therefore, tourists should be careful - sellers of souvenirs and other small goods often try to sell people coins that are no longer worth anything, under the guise of change.

What coins and banknotes are used for payments in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has its own monetary structure. As in many countries, banknotes are issued in the form of coins and banknotes. The Czech currency code according to ISO 4217 is CZK (Czech crown).

However, by 2020 (if nothing changes) the Czech Republic should switch from the Czech crown to the euro, and the locals should get used to it.

As for small change coins - hellers, they have long been removed from the country's monetary circulation. Now you can only pay for purchases in crowns. Nevertheless, coins that have gone out of circulation have enormous value - numismatists organize a real hunt for hellers, offering crazy amounts of money for them.

What coins are in circulation in the Czech Republic?

First of all, we note that coins in denominations of 10 and 20 hellers were withdrawn from circulation back in 2003, and five years later, in 2008, they were joined by a coin in denomination of 50 hellers.

Today the minimum monetary unit in the country is 1 Kč. In addition, the following coins are used:

2 Kč – the distinctive features of this coin are the image of a Great Moravian decoration with bird motifs, as well as an 11-sided, slightly rounded shape;
5 Kč – the coin weighs 4.8 g, it depicts the Charles Bridge;

10 Kč – the coin depicts the city of Brno and parts of a clock;
20 Kč – the coin has thirteen sides and a rounded shape. Decorated with carvings in the form of a detail of an astronomical instrument, in addition, it depicts a monument to St. Wenceslas. It is quite heavy - its weight is 8.43 g. Previously, there was also a banknote of exactly the same denomination, but it, along with the coins mentioned above, was withdrawn from circulation in 2008;
50 Kč is the highest denomination coin in the Czech Republic. It depicts the capital of the country, Prague. A banknote of the same denomination with Anežka Česká depicted on it was withdrawn from circulation in 2011.

Paper money - banknotes - are the real pride of the Czechs. It is because of their appearance that most citizens of the country do not want to give up crowns.

The fact is that Czech banknotes are more like paintings. Their design was developed by the artist Oldřich Kulganek. Being also a forensic expert in the field of numismatics, he managed to combine excellent appearance and maximum security of money from counterfeiting, which was recognized even at the international level - in 2008, the Czech 1000 crown banknote was even recognized as the best in the world.

100 crowns is considered the smallest denomination banknote in the country. At the same time, it is quite small in size - only 140 mm x 69 mm. On the front side there is an image of Emperor Charles IV, and on the back there is a decoration with a complex pattern.
200 CZK – the size of this bill is slightly larger: 146 mm x 69 mm. On its front side there is an image of the great teacher John Amos Comenius, and on the back side there are the reaching hands of a child and an adult.
500 crowns – on the front side of the banknote measuring 152 mm x 69 mm there is an image of the Czech writer Bozena Nemcova, and on the reverse side there is a girl in flowers.
1000 CZK – this bill measures 158 mm x 74 mm. On its front side is the historian Frantisek Palacky, and on the back - the coat of arms of the Czech Republic and the cathedral.
2000 crowns – the dimensions of this banknote are 164 mm x 74 mm. On the front it is decorated with a portrait of Emma Destinova, the famous opera singer, and on the back side is the muse of lyrical music and poetry Euterpe, as well as a violin and cello.
5000 crowns is the largest banknote both in denomination and in size: 170 mm x 74 mm. Its value and significance is emphasized by the image of Tomas Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia.

Paper money in the Czech Republic is very beautiful and convenient to use: the larger the banknote, the more expensive it is. And if we’re talking about how to pay for a purchase – with a plastic card or cash, it should be noted that holding good old crowns in your hands is much more pleasant. At least in aesthetic terms.

How to exchange currency and withdraw cash from a card in the Czech Republic

Tourists rarely come to the country with crowns in their pockets, preferring dollars and euros. Therefore, money must first be exchanged. And here the question arises: where can you exchange rubles or euros for crowns?

In principle, the exchange is easy to carry out both in and around the city. However, exchange rates may vary there, especially during the high tourist season. Therefore, you should assume that you need to somehow get to the city, and for this you need to have at least a few thousand crowns to pay for transport fares.

You need to change money at banks or specialized exchange offices.

The list of banks that guarantee the official exchange of financial resources is presented in the article: ““.

It is strictly not recommended to exchange currency by hand - you may simply be deceived.

First, you should contact exchange offices at the airport to have money for travel. If you exchange a small amount, the unfavorable exchange rate will not upset you so much.

On online forums, experienced tourists often express their opinions and share their experiences of such conversions. According to them, it is easier and more profitable for tourists from Russia to convert rubles (or euros, if available) into kroons in the following ways:

Arab exchangers. If you are in Prague and have euros in your hands, it is better to change money with Arabs. They have a favorable rate and adequate limits. But don’t rush to change all your money at once - it’s better to wait for a more attractive rate to make the conversion as profitable as possible. If you don’t have time to wait, just choose those Arab exchangers that offer the most interesting conditions at the moment.
Sberbank of Russia (branch in the Czech Republic). To exchange, you can use a Sberbank card, but to get money, you need to find the appropriate ATM, of which there are not many in the country. According to travelers, money can be withdrawn from CSOB ATMs located right at the airport. For example, there is such an ATM at Prague airport. That is, in it you can not only exchange euros for kroons without a commission, but also convert rubles in the same way without a commission.
Do not change, but simply pay with a card from the same Sberbank. This possibility really exists. Moreover, knowledgeable people claim that in this case it is more profitable to use a MasterCard card. Tourists rejected Visa cards as too expensive. However, they are also suitable as a backup option. It should be borne in mind that the Sberbank card makes conversion at a very unfavorable rate, plus you also need to pay a Visa commission, because this is an American payment system, and therefore expensive.
Use of currency cards (for euros and dollars). This is a great option for people who receive wages in euros or dollars. This card is suitable for those who flew to the Czech Republic for a short time, using this country as a transit point - they can easily withdraw euros in Prague from the card.

It doesn’t make much sense to specifically convert rubles into euros and then exchange them for kroons, unless at the time of conversion this way is more profitable. Therefore, it is advisable to analyze exchange rates not just before departure, but at least a week in advance, in order to assess when and where the exchange rate is more profitable.

If you do not have the time and desire to understand all these nuances, you can exchange currency in Prague upon arrival, using cash or a bank card. And although you may lose a little on the exchange, you will receive crowns quickly and without unnecessary hassle.

What questions do travelers often ask?

For example, a room in a good hotel will cost approximately the same amount, if not more. This works out to approximately 3,500 CZK per person per day.

Is it possible not to change money, but to pay in euros or dollars?

We are used to thinking that when it comes to Europe, it is better to travel with dollars or take euros with us. This rule does not work in the Czech Republic. However, if you have euros, you can use them to pay in some large stores (but not all).

Usually payment is made in euros if the purchase is expensive - at least 500 euros. The rates in shopping centers are not very profitable (they can be seen on a special board near the cash register). In addition, if after payment you are entitled to change, it will be returned to you in crowns. The situation is the same with dollars.

In other words, you won’t be able to buy a glass of water for a euro, but it’s easy to pay for a hotel.

Is it possible to pay with a Sberbank card in the Czech Republic?

Most of our fellow citizens keep their money on the cards of this particular bank. There are ATMs in the Czech Republic that can convert rubles into crowns. In addition, this card can be used to pay in some stores, restaurants and other establishments. However, you should keep in mind that in this case the terminals will exchange rubles at an initially unfavorable rate. Therefore, it is better to carry out the exchange yourself and pay in cash or get a card in crowns.

Which payment is preferable in the Czech Republic - cash or non-cash?

If you have a ruble card, then it is definitely more profitable to pay in cash. However, to do this, money must first be exchanged. At ATMs, conversion is done automatically, but the exchange rate is steep.

As for non-cash payments, almost all stores in the Czech Republic work with euros, so purchases can be made using a card. However, only if you have a euro card and the amount in the check is large. It is best to pay with a card with an account in crowns, but if you are in the country for a couple of weeks, there is no point in having such a card.

Where is it better to buy crowns - in Moscow or Prague?

Currently, the exchange rate of the crown against the ruble is: 1 crown = 2.85 rubles. However, conversion in Moscow will cost more. It is best to exchange rubles for crowns here, which will be enough for travel and other small expenses.

Therefore, find out in advance how much the fare or taxi costs. When you find yourself in Prague, you can find some good options for exchange. At the same time, in Russia it is better to exchange rubles for euros and carry them. If you exchange euros in the Czech Republic, you should exchange at least 500 and carefully monitor the rate at which the transaction is carried out. The rates at the airport are unprofitable, as well as in tourist areas.

Of course, if a tourist is traveling to popular places such as, or visiting historical sites, it is better for him to exchange euros for crowns in Prague. Money changers operate in small towns, and buying crowns from them is unprofitable and dangerous.

True, official exchange offices there offer no less extortionate interest rates and a frankly unfavorable exchange rate. In Prague, there are many more exchange offices, although the spread of the exchange rate can be quite significant. But Pilsen offers only two or three exchange offices, where the exchange rate is equally inflated.

Finally

Many tourists planning a trip to the Czech Republic in 2019 are concerned about the unclear financial policy of this state. Despite the fact that the country has only one national currency - the Czech crown, in almost all stores the price tags indicate double prices - in crowns and euros.

However, when heading to Prague or Hradec Kralove, each traveler decides for himself which currency to travel with. Moreover, you can go to the Czech Republic even with rubles - Sberbank exchange offices are quite sufficient. But there is one “but”: the course changes, and often in an unfavorable direction. Therefore, pay attention to the exchange conditions and, if possible, have both kroons and euros with you. Moreover, they must be both on the card and in cash.

The best exchanger in Prague!!!: Video

The main Czech currency is the crown (Koruna česká). Its appearance dates back to the end of the 19th century - the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which then included the Czech Republic.

After the end of the First World War, the crown was used in Czechoslovakia. When the state was divided into two independent ones - the Czech Republic and Slovakia, two independent crowns arose - the Czech and Slovak. In 1993, the National Bank affixed revenue stamps to the banknotes of the former Czechoslovakia in order to strictly limit the use of the crown in each country.

One crown contained 100 hellers (haléř) until 2008, when all small coins (galishki, as residents called them in everyday life) were removed from the money supply. Their history goes back more than 100 years. Later, in order to save money, banknotes in denominations of 20 and 50 crowns were also withdrawn, leaving metal coins of the same value. Tourists should know in what form Czech money will come into their hands.

NAVIGATION

Coins

Czech coins vary in size and shape. They are produced mainly from steel; they are given a silver shine by galvanizing with nickel, and gold and copper – using copper and a copper-zinc alloy.

The 1-krona coin features the crown of St. Wenceslas and the denomination.
The two-krona coin contains a value designation, the Czech crown symbol (Kč) and a national decoration with a bird symbol.
The five-krona coin features a stylized depiction of the Charles Bridge over the Vltava and a symbolic linden leaf.
The ten-crown coin exists in two variations: with the St. Peter's Cathedral in Brno and with a clock, the second is dedicated to the millennium.
There are also 2 varieties of twenty crowns: with a statue of St. Wenceslas on a horse in the square of the same name in Prague and with a design of an astrolabe.
The fifty-crown coin depicts the cityscape of Prague with its ancient architecture and an inscription on the outer circle.

On the reverse side of all coins the inscription “Česká republika” is depicted next to a drawing of a lion.

Banknotes

The hundred-crown banknote features the figure of Charles IV and the emblem of the state on the reverse side.
The 200 crown note is decorated with the image of the great teacher John Amos Comenius and two hands - an adult and a child - in contact.
On the five-hundred-crown banknote there is a drawing by the writer Bozena Nemcova and a female image surrounded by flowers.
The most common is the thousand-crown note. Based on the picture by František Palacký, it is often called “Palacký” among the people.
There is also a 5,000 kroner note - the largest - with a portrait of the first president of the republic.

Nine years ago, the Czech crown was briefly the second weakest global currency. At the same time, the 1000 kroon banknote with improved security was recognized as the best in the world.

What amount to take

To allow yourself maximum excursions to the most wonderful museums, sightseeing monuments and attractions, appreciate national cuisine, try new varieties of high-quality beer, buy gifts for friends, and have a fruitful shopping trip, you need to count on about 80 euros daily.

Traveling in economy class will reduce costs to the daily rate of 50 euros. Then you will have to choose priorities and give up something. All this does not include staying at the hotel.

On a week-long trip, you can spend from 500 to 600 euros if you think through the expenses in advance, plan the route and choose the right hotel where you are fed 3 times a day, because food in city catering establishments can greatly increase the budget of tourists. The most important thing is to correctly exchange currency for travel. You can also save a lot of money on this.

Where is it more profitable to exchange

You can buy crowns at home in your home country in advance before your trip. It is best to immediately go to the First Czech-Russian Bank, where exchange takes place at the normal rate.

Those who did not have time to buy crowns should have a bank card with them, from which they can withdraw cash from the airport ATM and withdraw it later as needed. Tourist centers are equipped with ATMs and terminals, but in small shops you cannot pay with a card. If it is not possible to use a card, there is a possibility of paying with euros purchased in advance. When it comes to cash, this is the most profitable option, since the fluctuations of the euro in relation to the kroon are smoother. When exchanging rubles in the Czech Republic, you can lose from 10 to 15% of the amount.

You cannot exchange money with street money changers. Using an exchange office, you need to try to find Arabic and choose the one with the inscription 0%.

Many Arab exchange offices with high rates are located on Politických vězňů street - I change money here.

Secure exchange

There are several rules that must be remembered and should not be violated, so as not to become a victim of fraud and not lose your money:
You need to calculate for yourself what amount should be obtained as a result of the exchange;
You should ask the employee how much money should be received after the exchange;
If the amount matches the calculated amount and the percentage indicated on the sign of the exchanger, you can make an exchange;

Be sure to count the money received.

All expenses for such trips are individual. If you take your preparations seriously and plan everything in advance, such a tour will bring a lot of pleasure and leave wonderful memories.

When traveling to the Czech Republic for the first time, tourists are faced with difficulties in exchanging the currency of their home country for Czech crowns. Indeed, crowns are rarely sold outside of this wonderful state, and the exchange has to be done on Czech soil. What difficulties can you encounter when exchanging money? What banknotes are best to take with you?

What is accepted in the Czech Republic?

You can exchange money for crowns in large banks, both in the tourist’s homeland and in the Czech Republic. There the percentage of the transaction will be minimal. Small banks and exchangers often charge large commissions of 30-40% of the amount for their services. They write the terms of exchange in small print and swap the buying and selling rates on the electronic display.

These tricks are aimed at making as much money as possible from unsuspecting foreigners. Arabs do the same thing on the streets, exchanging currency at an extortionate rate. All experienced travelers advise against using their services.

How to solve the problem with the exchange?

There are several ways to safely resolve the problem of exchanging money for crowns:

Find out the exchange rate for your own bank card. Often, it is much more profitable than exchange in all other places, but it is still worth having some amount of cash on hand;
When exchanging at a bank or exchange office, independently calculate how many crowns you will get at the specified rate, and then ask to see the calculation on a calculator. Sometimes the exchange rate is quite acceptable;
Take advantage of cashbacks or exchange money for crowns in advance. So, in the first case, part of the amount spent is returned to the client’s card, and in the second case, you will have to exchange money for the order.

If for some reason you have to choose only between the euro and the dollar for calculation, then it is better to give preference to the euro. They can be used to pay for purchases without any exchange.

Good to know! " In the historical center of Prague it is almost impossible to change money profitably. The most profitable exchange is possible outside the Old Town».

In small stores and cafes remote from the center, they do not accept bank cards for payment, but the selection there is much better, as are the prices. Therefore, you need to have a certain amount of crowns with you so as not to ruin your vacation due to difficulties with exchange.

The Czech Republic is a country with a long history, as well as a large number of attractions, restaurants and entertainment. There are places where you can spend money usefully and with pleasure. But it’s still not worth changing Russian rubles there, since the exchange rate seems completely irrational. But you can come there with euros or crowns and enjoy all the delights of this state to the fullest.

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