Travel Tips to European Countries: Czech-Republic
About the county
Czech Republic is located in Central Europe bordering Poland to the north,
Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the
east. The capital of Czech Republic is Prague which is also the biggest city of
Czech Republic and a popular tourist destination. Czech Republic became a member
of European Union in May, 2004. Czech Republic was earlier a part of
Czechoslovakia which was dissolved in January, 1993 and was split into what is
now called Czech and Slovak Republics. Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Olomouc, , České
Budějovice, Zlín, Hradec Králové, Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice and Karlovy Vary are
the other important cities of Czech Republic. Czech Republic is divided into two
parts based on geographical and cultural classification. They are Bohemia and
Moravia. Bohemian cities and towns are popular for their spas and wine
vineyards. It is also home to many castles which are open for visitors. One of
the other tourism attractions is the availability of hundreds of miles of marked
trails for hiking, cycling and skiing.
Population & Languages
The population of Czech Republic is roughly 10.2 million and the official
language being spoken is Czech.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The type of plug used is Round
pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin
Geographic Location
It is located in Central Europe bordering Poland to the north, Germany to the
northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. It is
basically a landlocked country strategically located on some of the most
important land routes in Europe.
Climate
The climate of Czech Republic can be termed as Temperate with hot summers and
cold overcast winters. It also gets snow. Most of the rain comes down in summer.
Due to different altitudes the variation of temperatures is diverse. The
temperatures are relatively low at high altitudes and more precipitation. The
temperatures average only -0.4°C at high altitude areas whereas the temperatures
can average as high as 10°C in low altitude areas.
Local Customs
Dressing should be conservative and casual except at formal dinners or good
hotels or restaurants. Tipping is usually 5 to 10 percent in restaurant, hotels
and taxis.
Attractions
The Castle District (Hradčany) – It has some of the best churches and museums.
It also has some beautiful gardens, fortifications and state apartments also.
St Vitus Cathedral – It is located in the Castle District, the prominent feature
of this cathedral is the spires which soar high in the sky. It is also country’s
largest church with great architecture.
Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) – This is one of the most popular tourist spots of
the city and should not be missed.
Old Town Square (Staromĕstské Námestí) – It is the most vibrant square of Prague
with many historical structures. It also hosts various markets every year like
yearly Christmas market.
The Jewish Museum – It is the largest Jewish Museum in Central Europe with a
vast collection of Judaic art works.
Vyšehrad – Is a great hill fort built on a rock above the river.
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Czech Republic is Czech Airlines. There are
many other small and popular international airlines operating from Czech
Republic. The major airport is Prague Ruzyne International Airport (PRG). The
airport is located approximately 10 miles north west of Prague.
By Rail – The country is part of the extensive network of trains connecting the
European cities. If you are coming from Western Europe the most convenient
connections are via Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich to Prague.
Duty Free Items
1. 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco for EU
countries.
2. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco for Non-EU
countries.
3. 10 liter of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, or 20 liter of alcoholic
beverages with alcohol volume less than 22%, or 90 liter of wine or 60 liter of
sparkling wine, or 110 liter of beer for EU countries.
4. 1 liter spirits or 2 liter wine for Non-EU countries.
5. 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette
6. Food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use
7. Gifts up to €175
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition,
weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages
that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
Brought to you by:
Deb St. George, Publisher, Accommodation-in-Brussels.com
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