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Money & currency

Money in Czech Republic (Czechia)

Updated 2026-08-15

Money & Currency
Kč

Czech Koruna (CZK)

Currency code: CZK

Practical Money Tips

Czech Koruna (CZK) — Not the Euro

The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK, Kč) — despite EU membership, it has not adopted the euro and has no fixed date to do so. Always pay and exchange in CZK rather than relying on merchants accepting euros, which happens occasionally in Prague's tourist areas but usually at a poor rate. Exchange at licensed exchange offices (směnárna), post offices, or ATMs rather than airport kiosks, which consistently offer the worst rates — and avoid the exchange offices around Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with flashing neon signs, a reliable sign of an unfavorable rate.

Excellent ATM Coverage — Česká Spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční Banka

The Czech Republic has an excellent ATM network. Česká Spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční Banka and Raiffeisenbank have ATMs throughout Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, and tourist towns including Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary, all accepting international Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. Coverage thins out in rural Bohemia and Moravia, so it's worth planning ahead and carrying enough cash before heading into smaller towns. Prague Airport (PRG) has multiple ATMs on arrival.

DCC Warning — Always Pay in CZK, Never in Your Home Currency

The Czech Republic is very card-friendly in Prague and other major cities, with Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere and Apple Pay and Google Pay supported at most modern contactless terminals. Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) is an extremely common tourist trap in Prague, though: when a terminal or ATM asks “Would you like to pay in your home currency?”, always decline and pay in CZK instead — DCC rates typically run 5–10% worse than your own bank's exchange rate.

Excellent Value — Cheaper than Western Europe

The Czech Republic offers exceptional value against Western European costs, from budget hostels through mid-range Prague hotels. A restaurant meal or a Czech pilsner at a local pub both cost a fraction of equivalent prices further west, and svíčková, the national beef-and-dumpling dish, remains an affordable way to eat well. Most day-trip attractions charge a modest entry fee or, in places like Český Krumlov's old town, none at all, and Prague's metro/tram single ticket is inexpensive by any European standard. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not obligatory.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Does the Czech Republic use the euro?

No — the Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK, Kč). Despite being an EU member since 2004, it has not adopted the euro. Pay and withdraw in CZK rather than relying on euros; some Prague tourist businesses accept them, but usually at an unfavorable rate.

Do Apple Pay and Google Pay work in Czech Republic?

Yes, widely in Prague and other major cities — Apple Pay and Google Pay work at modern NFC contactless terminals across Prague, Brno and most tourist areas. In rural villages and smaller towns, cash is more commonly required, so it's worth always carrying some koruna.

What is DCC and how do I avoid it in Czech Republic?

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) is extremely prevalent in Prague — possibly more so than almost anywhere else in Europe. When a card terminal or ATM offers to convert your payment into your home currency, always decline and choose CZK instead; DCC rates typically run several percentage points above your own bank's exchange rate. The same applies to ATM withdrawals — always select the option for withdrawal without conversion when it's offered.

What is the best way to get Czech Koruna?

A local ATM from a reputable bank — Česká Spořitelna, ČSOB or Komerční Banka — is the best option, always declining any DCC prompt. Airport exchange kiosks are best avoided; if using a currency exchange office (směnárna) instead, compare rates and stick to licensed offices in Prague's city centre rather than ones clustered around the main tourist squares. Post offices also exchange currency.

Which ATMs are reliable in Czech Republic?

Česká Spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční Banka and Raiffeisenbank are the major reliable banks. Standalone “Euronet” ATMs are best avoided, since they often push DCC and charge higher fees than bank-branded machines. Prague has bank ATMs on virtually every block in the city centre.

How expensive is Prague compared to other European capitals?

Prague is notably cheaper than Western European capitals like London, Paris or Amsterdam, though it has grown more expensive over the past decade and the gap has narrowed. A realistic mid-range daily budget covers accommodation, food, transport and one attraction comfortably without needing to go upmarket. Český Krumlov and Brno both run cheaper again than Prague.

Is tipping expected in Czech Republic?

Tipping is appreciated but less rigidly enforced than in the US. Rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% at restaurants is the local custom — tell the server your total when paying rather than leaving coins on the table. Taxi drivers are usually tipped by rounding up the fare, and tour guides a modest amount per person.

Are there areas in Czech Republic where cash is essential?

Yes — rural Bohemia, rural Moravia, and smaller towns and villages outside the main tourist circuits often require cash. Historic villages, farmstays, local butchers and small cafes may be cash-only, so it's worth carrying a modest amount of koruna as backup whenever exploring outside Prague or Brno.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Czech Republic (Czechia) overview.

Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.