lamhlc

I can't get any Czech Crowns in my hometown. I've got some Euros. Is it widely accepted in most restaurants?

janisj

Use your ATM card to get cash when you are there. (Even IF Koruna were available at your bank - you 'd do better to get the cash after you are in Prague)

adrienne

I suppose you could pay with Euros but you'll get a bad exchange rate as the restaurant/shop could use whatever exchange rate they choose. You should really use the currency of the country you're in. What will you do if you're thirsty and you want to buy a bottle of water from a small shop or kiosk? How will you pay for entrance admission fees?

Do what everyone else does and get cash from an ATM machine - they're all over the place.

walkabout

Euros widely accepted? Not really. This is from myczechrepublic.com:

<i>Currencies Accepted

As the official currency, the Czech crown is the best and often the only possible currency to use when paying. Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the euro is not widely accepted here yet. Some stores, restaurants and hotels accept payments in euros but the exchange rate may not be very good.

• Always try to pay in Czech crowns. Even though euros are accepted at businesses such as the Tesco department store and some restaurants, the exchange rate is not always favorable. The change you receive will be in Czech crowns.</i>

I don't think you need to be concerned about not being able to get any Czech crowns prior to departure. I simply hit a bank upon arrival in Prague and withdrew cash from the ATM machine. Very easy.

Have a wonderful time in Prague!

unclegus

all the advice is great but can i just add that when taking money out of an ATM sa for odd amount ie 2900czk or 3900 czk that way you will fecieve some smaller notes in stead of just 1000 or sometimes 2000czk note.

suec1

Like an earlier poster notes, it will be easy to get from an ATM when you get there. If you are only going to be there for a short time, just get a small amount for small purchases and I'd suggest using your charge cards for any large amounts. Some, maybe many, places will probably take E's but will probably give change in the local currency and the exchange rate will not be in your favor. If you have a small amount of local currency at the end of your visit you can "blow it" at a local small shop on snacks - try the "paprika chips" or some cookies.

nytraveler

Some tourist oriented places will take them - at a VERY bad rate of exchange. Many restaurants and shops won;t. (You might try using a credit card.)

Would your local restaurants let you pay with them?

J62

In my experience you can get by with just euros if you're doing just a day trip. Been there. Done that. For a longer stay, especially one where you want to use public transportation, getting some kr upon arrival is definitely advisable.

Street vendors, pubs, and small restaurants in the tourist center will all allow you to pay in euros. If you eat at a restaurant or buy anything in brick & mortar shop you can use a credit card. Since prices are somewhat arbitrary in the first place and can vary from place to place, differences in total amount buying small items paying in euros vs kr adds up petty cash. If I want a beer I'll buy a beer, regardless of the price in kr or euro, and a 10% or 20% or whatever % hit on the exchange rate (within reason) isn't going to break the bank.

If you're buying something from a street vendor (art for sale on the Charles Bridge, for example), the price is totally arbitrary and always negotiable anyway, so the concept of exchange rate doesn't really matter. Decide what price you're willing to pay and negotiate to that price, in kr or euros, or yen if you wish.

The question about whether your local restaurant (assuming somewhere in the US) is not really relevant. Prague is withing 2hr train / drive of the biggest economy in the euro zone (Germany), and is quite used to people arriving with euros in hand.

One thing I have noticed is that restaurants have figured out the trick of adding on a tip line on credit card receipts like you'd see in the US. Don't feel obligated to tip anything above the norm just because the gruff waiter wants you to fill in that line.