Formerly the western half of Czechoslovakia, which was dissolved in 1993, the Czech Republic is still a young country. Since gaining sovereignty, it has become possibly the most successful post-communist nation in Europe, with a highly developed economy and good standard of living. Its responsible banking industry even weathered the 2008 global financial crisis relatively unscathed, while a strong infrastructure with ongoing government investment has paved the way for continuing future stability.
The capital, Prague, is a breathtaking old city that attracts tourists in droves. Get out into Bohemia and you’ll find a country of wooded hills, rolling grasslands and plenty of alehouses. Czech breweries are famed throughout Europe and a culinary tour of the finer draughts can be a beer-lovers paradise. If you’d rather stay sober, the terrain is ideal for bicycle touring; less mountainous than neighbouring Austria, but no less idyllic.
Czechs themselves are private people and take time to open up. They will rarely respond to personal questions, though they will be only too happy to discuss their history and heritage, of which they are extremely proud. Relationships are not necessary for business but do help to cut through red rape; taking time to explore and understand the country can reap rewards in the long run. Business deals are likely to take time, as Czechs are bureaucratic and slow decision makers. The more information you have and the more thorough your own preparations, the smoother the process will be.
Getting there
International flights go to Prague; budget fares are available from the rest of Europe. International bus and train networks also connect Prague to most European countries.
Getting around
Both the bus and train network are extensive and efficient, with buses usually winning in terms of price and speed. Small, local car rental companies are usually cheaper than large ones but are also less likely to have English-speaking staff.
Local information
Language: Czech, Slovak
Time: UTC+1
Climate: Temperate Continental. Hot, damp summers and cold, dry winters. Temperature: Max 33°C (July), Min -14°C (January). Rainfall: Max 80mm (July), Min 20mm (January)
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
Business etiquette: Greet with a handshake. Appointments should be made two weeks in advance. Czechs are formal and hierarchical; do not remove your suit jacket unless the highest ranking associate has also done so. Czechs have difficulty saying ‘no’; phrases such as ‘it is difficult’ should be interpreted as negative.
Tipping: Foreigners are expected to tip at least 10 percent in cities but not in rural areas.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits; 2l wine; 60ml perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; Gifts to Ä175;
Safety: Some criminals pose as police with fake ID asking to check validity of passport or currency.
Laws: It’s illegal to photograph some buildings in the Czech Republic.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus and diphtheria required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.
Socket type: Type E
