Prague, Czech Republic Report of what it's like to live there - 12/10/15
Personal Experiences from Prague, Czech Republic
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
5th expat assignment.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
DC is home base. You can connect easily from Prague via the major hubs including Frankfurt, Munich or London, and New York between spring and fall.
3. How long have you lived here?
2+ years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign service.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Single family homes near the International School of Prague (ISP); apartments closer to the main city. Residences typically do not have a lot of extra storage, attic or basement. Plan accordingly.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are several chains of stores throughout the city, including Albert, Tesco, Kaufland, Marks & Spencer, to name a few. U.S. products can be hard to find, but similar products under foreign labels can be found - the grocery stores offer quite a selection.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Certain items can be hard to find here. I would suggest including in your shipment dryer sheets, ziplock baggies, your favorite peanut butter, extra bottles/tabs of kids' cold medicine, pepto, sunscreen.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most of what the U.S. is known for exporting - McD's, KFC, TGIF, Starbucks, can be found here, and within a "normal" cost range.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I am told that tick-borne encephalitis is an issue local to the Czech Republic, which could affect those who are not immunized, if bitten. I have no first-hand knowledge of anyone experiencing this. Otherwise, the usual insect problems exist - ants, mosquitoes, etc.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Embassy mail system.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, but I am not a member of one.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I have not had any problems.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I believe all denominations can be found here.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
For daily living in Prague, not much of the local language is needed, but it is nice to know some basic phrases and pleasantries. When traveling outside of the city, it could come in handy.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. Also the public transportation here (metro, trams, buses) are excellent, and are interconnected, allowing them to be utilized with the same pass/ticket.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Parking spaces in some areas can be small, and gas prices are high (about US$6-7/gallon), so something on the small side with great gas mileage would work in your favor.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. I think about US$50-70/month, depending on the package you purchase.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Vodafone and O2 are the most popular cellphone companies; the monthly rates are reasonable.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
So far, violent crime here has not been an issue, but stealthy pickpockets abound - protect your wallets, phones and IDs!
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
For "routine" things, I think the medical and dental care is quite good. You may want to look at options in London or back home for anything planned or major.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
I'd say the air good to moderate. My youngest child had respiratory problems before we moved here, but in the time that we have been here (and he has aged), we have had no issues.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Four seasons, pretty much on par with DC. Prague has not seen much snow in the last couple of winters, but skiing in nearby mountains has been pretty decent.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are several schools in Prague, many of which are taught in English. Some schools based in other foreign languages (French) also exist, if that is desired.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, they are all over Prague.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It is a good size, and the morale overall is very good.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
All of the above.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Exploring everything mentioned above, and being close enough to neighboring countries to explore those, as well.
5. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are SO many. Castles, churches, breweries, concerts and opera, to name a few.
6. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Czech crystal, Bohemian garnets, art.
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The cultural options are endless! Fantastic beer, incredible history and architecture, slightly lower cost of living compared to countries using the Euro.
8. Can you save money?
Yes, if you do not have the travel bug.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Residential space can be limited, leave behind what you think you will not need in the time you are here.
3. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062030345/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062030345&linkCode=as2&tag=talesmagcom-20&linkId=I6RUY7E2AE3VZUD5
