Poll
What do you consider important when choosing a camp site?
Time
The Czech Republic uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Languages
Czech and Slovakian, but English and German are well understood.
Travel documents
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card which shows ‘CZ’ - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
All trailers and caravans with a permitted laden weight over 750 kg must have brakes and a separate vehicle registration and number plate.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into the Czech Republic if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm . Dogs must be muzzled when taken on public transport. Dogs are not welcome in some places, for example in public swimming pools.
Currency
The currency in the Czech Republic is the koruny (CZK), which is divided into 100 heller. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = 42.55 CZK . Import and export of Czech currency is restricted to 200,000 CZK Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in the Czech Republic. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Banks are mostly open weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays till 12:00.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. Meat and dairy produce may not be imported into the Czech Republic. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/.
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in the Czech Republic (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/.
Post
Open on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 and on Saturday mornings.
Shops
Open weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays till 12:00. Smaller shops may close between 12.00 and 13.00. An increasing number of shops now stay open all day on Sundays.. Large new shopping centres are currently being built in record time on the outskirts of towns and these are usually open from 08:00 to 20:00
Public holidays
- New Years Day
- Easter Monday
- 1 May (Labour Day)
- 8 May (Liberation Day)
- 5 July (Cyril and Methodius Day)
- 6 July (Jan Hus Day)
- 28 September (National Day)
- 28 October (Independence Day)
- 17 November (Freedom and Democracy Day)
- 24 December (Christmas Eve)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Traffic regulations
Remember, all traffic in the Czech Republic drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. The Czech Republic uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Traffic from the right has priority except on motorways. Speed limits where not otherwise indicated: roads in built-up areas: 50 km/h (± 30 mph), main roads outside built-up areas 90 km/h (± 56 mph), motorways: 130 km/h (± 81 mph), cars towing caravans 80 km/h (± 50 mph). The authorities are very strict regarding traffic or other accidents. Accidents involving injury or damage must be reported immediately to the police. There is a total ban on alcohol (0%) when driving. Since July 2006 it has been mandatory to use dipped headlights during the day and throughout the year. A first aid kit and an emergency triangle must be carried. Possession and use of anti radar equipment is prohibited. Drivers may only use a phone hands-free.
Toll vignets
The road system in the Czech Republic (not including the cities) is 33,000 km long, of which 556 km are motorways. All motorized traffic using the main roads and motorways must use a special vignet (toll sticker). Vignets are on sale for varying periods: valid for 10 days (150 koruny), one month (250 koruny) and 1 year (900 koruny). They are available at border crossings, post offices, service stations, and most exchange offices. Nearly all roads leading to Prague require these vignets.
The vignet must be fixed to the bottom right inside the windscreen and is not yet on sale abroad.. Police check rigorously that you are not using an old toll vignet.
Useful translations on road signs
Prujezd zakazan: no through road
Jednosmerny provoz: one wy traffic
Dalkovy provoz: heavy traffic ahead
Dalkovy provoz objizdka: diversion
H Nemocnice: hospital
Chodte vlevo: pedestrians must keep left
Fuel
Most Czech service stations have been modernised and now sell all grades of fuel. Even LPG gas is available in many places. Service stations are open 24h on motorways, elsewhere from 06:00 to 20:00 and 06:00 to 22:00 in towns.
In the event of breakdown
The breakdown service can be contacted day and night on 02-1230 and members of AIT affiliated UK motoring organisations can, subject to their membership conditions, use the services of the sister organisation in the Czech Republic, whose yellow or blue and white patrol vehicles can be recognised by the words ‘SILNICNI SLUZBA’. Other emergency numbers: General emergency number: 112, Police: 158, Fire: 150, Ambulance: 155
European 2-pin plugs can be used everywhere. Earthed plugs (for caravans) are the same as used in France.
Embassy of the Czech Republic
26 Kensington Palace Gardens
London W84QY
Tel: 020 72431115
Fax: 020 72439654
e-mail: london@embassy.mzv.cz
Czech Tourist Authority
Suite 29-31, 2nd Floor, Morley House,
320 Regent Street
London W1B 3BG
Tel: 020 7631 0426
Fax: 020 7631 0419
e-mail: info@visitczechia.org.uk
internet: http://www.visitczechia.cz/