I know that they are new to the EU, but I don't believe that they are accepting euros yet....correct?

Euros are not yet in circulation. The currency is the Czech koruna.

The word koruna means crown, and to my mind refers to the fifteenth century Kingdom of Bohemia, rich in silver. In mid July the rate was 31 crowns 40 cents to 1 euro.

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Hi Renee,

If you are thinking of buying Koruna in the US before going to Prague, DON'T.

You can get currency at the airport from the ATMs for a much better rate.

Yes, the koruna (crown) is the currency of the Czech Republic. 24K=$1 US.

It is ironic that you posted this query. Last month someone wrote a trip report for Prague, listing prices in euros. When I asked what country this person was from, they replied Switzerland, which also does not use the euro. I never understood why this person quoted prices in euros. It is very odd that some people travel without knowing what currency they are using. Daft.

Thanks Eloise, Ben, Ira and John! As per usual, you guys are wonderful!

Ira,
No, I would never buy any currency here....only the ATM for me.

Now...gotta go find that trip report!

I was there in July. Officially they use the koruna/"kc" but I was suprised at how many places accepted euros - people selling art or CDs on Charles Bridge, people with small shops, etc. Sometimes they even advertise this fact. Some of them even accepted US dollars. I was almost out of czech currency on my last day and didn't want to take any more out but had no problems shopping using euros. There were fewer places accepting credit cards though than in other parts of Europe.

I am surprised to hear about the credit cards, Isabelle. I never had any problems using them in Prague. Even the tiny cafes took credit cards. Also, I had some euros left over from Frankfurt Airport McDonald's and nobody would take them in Prague!! One taxi driver, however, took our US dollars.

I never tried to use anything but koruna in Prague, but never noticed shops taking a lot of currencies like they do in some of those countries that really want tourist dollars. Guys on the bridge, doesn't surprise me at all.

I don't find it daft for the guy to quote prices in euro on here -- it's a common currency and people will understand prices better that way, I think it was very helpful as most people reading trip reports etc aren't going to know the approx. value of Czech koruna vs. euro or USD. I think he was trying to be helpful.

Value of USD has really dropped vs. koruna; when I first went it was baout 40 CK to 1 USD, last time I went it was about 33. Now, yikes.

Actually, even if you don't use the ATM at the airport, they have several exchange bureaux there, and they give pretty decent rates for an airport. Probably better than if you bought outside the country.