Big notes in Prague
 

Hi everyone,
I'll be visiting Prague first of August . I heard that ATMs spit out only big notes , e.g 2000 CZK or 5000 CZK , with no lesser notes . Is that true ? and where can we obtain small change ?

trick i learned is to take out say 1900czk or 2900czk etc at a time ,that way you get some smaller notes,workrd very successfully for me on my last 2 visits.All the ATm's i have used have had English options so you know what you are doing.

should have said there was no problem getting the smaller notes but if you ask for 4000 czk your are likley to get 2x2000czk or 4x 1000 czk notes,taking out the 2900 you will get 500czk and 2x200 czk notes as well as the larger notes,making life a lot easier.
use the larger notes at the metro or paying for a meal,but if desprate go into a bank and they will split them for you.

Some shopkeepers get a little testy (some more than others) when you give them a big note. We went to a nearby bank and got smaller bills.

((H))

with unclegus on this - don't get a round amount from ATM, but 1900, 2900, 3850...etc

When I am in Prague I use a G.E. ATM machine. They will normally give you 1000czk notes. I use an ATM on Na Prikope inside a small shopping center where it is away from all the people and there is a security person in the area. It is up the street from McDonalds by the Moser cyrstal store inside the sliding glass doors. I have a $500 limit per day. If the rate was 20czk per $1, I would request 9800 which would give me 9 x 1000 and 4 x 200.

9800 usually give 4x2000 1x1000 and 4x200 from my experience :). Btw. 2000 is not a big note, it's about $100 so you shouldn't have problems.

I feel worse with EUR 500 in other countries ...

If you go to an ATM that is at a bank during banking hours, I have taken the notes inside and said, "I just got these from your ATM, can you split them?" and they did it with no problem.

The ATM machine that I mention has never given me a 2000 czk note. I have not used all the G.E. ATMs but the ones that I have used 1000 czk was the biggest czech note that I got and yes you will have a problem getting rid of the 2000 czk notes. If you get the 2000 notes get smaller bills at a bank.