Prague, Czech Republic Report of what it's like to live there - 01/01/08
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?
Previous expat experiences include Yaounde, Dakar, Tegucigalpa, Sofia, Islamabad, and Tashkent.
2. How long have you lived here?
The author has been in Prague for 4 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
The author is affiliated with the U.S. Embassy.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
It is best to fly into Frankfurt (Germany) and then take a short connecting flight to Prague.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
All kinds of housing is available. I had a great 2-story house (3 stories including the full basement) with a large garden in Mala Sarka about 100 meters from the International School of Prague.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Widely available, there is a Tesco, Carrefour, and several other large supermarkets. Prices are rising, especially if you get paid in US dollars.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Electronics or clothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonalds and KFC - take your pick. There are many great Italian and pizza restaurants as well as a handful of Chinese restaurants. There are more than you can count but beware of price increases as you move towards the Old Town Square.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
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 used my credit card and had no problems. There is a fee for US-based cards.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
The Prague Post is an English newspaper widely available, and satellite TV is easy enough to get. Channels are generally CNN, BBC, Eurosport, Discovery, etc.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Many Czechs, especially in downtown Prague, speak English, but Czechs will be friendlier if you try and speak Czech.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
There are few, if any accommodations.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right, like the U.S.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, very. Don't get caught without a ticket though, as fines can be as high as US$40.
3. 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?
Roads are relatively well-maintained during the summer and salted during the winter. Travel around Prague is easy without a vehicle, trams and buses are cheap and timely. Once you get into downtown Prague, 90% of everything is within walking distance.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, cable internet, if you are in the right area. It is cheap (US$40 a month) and extremely reliable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone has a cellphone. They are moderately priced.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Skype or Vonage can be used.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Everyone has dogs, so pet care is available. Kennels are not though, but there are many Czech homes that will keep your dog while you are away for a small fee.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Maybe, if you speak Czech.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
None.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Pollution is generally good during the summer but can be worse in the winters due to coal burning.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Prague is incredibly safe. However, pickpockets who target tourists is common (although I had no direct experience). Use common sense: Be aware of your valuables on crowded tram and don't flash wads of cash around.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Do not get seriously injured! Motel, the local hospital, was built by Hitler, it is that old. If you do, you should go to London. Some people say don't drink the tap water. I did for 4 years and didn't get sick once.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Typical central European climate: long, cold winters and mild, warm summers.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I attended The International School of Prague (ISP) for my 4 years of high school and can attest that it is one of the best, if not the best, school in Central Europe.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ISP has resources although I'm unfamiliar with them.
3. 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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large and diverse.
2. Morale among expats:
High.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The Prague nightlife is the best in Central Europe. Bars and clubs are everywhere. Get used to the excellent and cheap beer! I recommend Gambrinus or Staropramen.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Everyone will have a great time in Prague!
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes it is.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Many Czechs dislike Roma/Gypsies because they are stereotyped as thieves and pickpockets. Other than that, there are no problems.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Cinemas, clubs, bars, socializing. Prague has a vibrant nightlife and social atmosphere. Day or weekend trips to Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov, and Spindle for the spas or skiing are always great. Plus you have Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy only a few hours away! We actually drove from Prague to Sicily and Spain a few times!
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Crystal, beer, spa treatments (get a doctor's note and it can be enjoyed for free!)
9. Can you save money?
Yes, depending on how much you drink!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Anything 110 voltage, unless you have transformers and your big SUV.
3. But don't forget your:
Beer appetite.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
7. Do you have any other comments?
Cinemas are cheaper than in the States, and are in English with Czech subtitles.
