Want to know more about the currency in Czech Republic? They use the Czech Koruna (CZK), and here’s more info about ATMs, money and exchange rates before your trip.
I will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about money and currency in Czech Republic.
Quick facts about Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Name: “koruna česká” or Czech Koruna/Crowns.
- Currency in: Czechia
- Date of introduction: 1993.
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 mynt.
- Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 CZK.
- Subunit: haler (czech cents) 100 haler = 1 CZK.
- Abbreviation: Kč.
- Currency Code: CZK.
Can you pay with Euros in Czech Republic?
Many restaurants, hotels, and shops will accept Euros in the Czech Republic, especially in Prague and other tourist areas. However, the exchange rate given is likely to be terrible, and it’s much better to use the Czech Koruna.
Can you pay by card in Czech Republic?
It’s still quite new to pay for everything by card in Czechia, but more businesses offer card payments these days, especially in Prague. However, it’s still a good idea to carry some Czech Koruna while traveling around the country.
Should you exchange money before your trip?
There are many exchange offices around Europe that will sell Czech Koruna before your trip. But you’ll end up losing money due to the poor exchange rate given. If you want to exchange money it’s better to wait until you arrive in Czechia, or even better, don’t exchange money at all, and take out cash from a local ATM.
Card payments and taking out cash from ATMs give you the best value for your money in Czech Republic. Use a travel card without fees.
Exchange currency in Czech Republic
There is a wide selection of exchange bureaus in the Czech Republic, especially in Prague and other popular tourist destinations. Some offer better rates than others, but it’s still much better to pay by card as much as possible and withdraw cash from a local ATM.
ATMs in Czech Republic
ATMs in Czechia are pretty straightforward to use. When you insert a foreign debit- or credit card, the instructions will be displayed in either English or your local language. Then you simply enter your PIN and choose how much money you want to withdraw.
Always choose to be charged in the local currency (CZK) without conversion. Otherwise, you’ll get a terrible exchange rate from the ATM. Also, NEVER use Euronet ATMs because they charge ATM fees as well as a poor exchange rate.
Czech ATMs don’t have any fees, but your own bank is likely to charge for ATM withdrawals abroad as well as foreign transaction fees when using your card. Always use a travel card to avoid expensive foreign transaction fees.
Photo: Mino Surkala / Shutterstock.com
List of Czech banks
- CSOB
- Ceska Sporitelna
- Komercni Banka
- UniCredit Bank CZ
- Raiffeisenbank
More about Czech Republic’s currency (CZK)
In Czech the currency is known as “koruna česká” or “koruny české” in plural. In English, you usually say either Czech Koruna or Czech Crowns. The Koruna was introduced as the Czech currency in 1993 after the fall of Czechoslovakia, and the founding of the independent nation of the Czech Republic.
Czech Koruna (CZK) is given out by the Czech Central Bank Česká národní banka, which has its headquarters in Prague. The lowest denomination is 1 CZK, and the subunit, known as haler was withdrawn in 2008.
Below is a picture of 1 Czech koruna.
Frequently Asked Questions about Money in Czech Republic
Is Czech koruna the same as Czech crown?
Yes, Czech Koruna and Czech Crown is the same thing. Koruna is the Czech word for Crown.
What is the currency in Prague?
The currency in Prague is Czech Koruna (CZK).
Can you use euros in Czechia?
Yes, and no. Czech Koruna is the only currency in Czech Republic, but many tour operators, restaurants, hotels, and shops will accept euros in Czechia. However, the rate is usually not very good, and sometimes you might end up paying almost double the price in Euros.
Always pay in the local currency – Czech Koruna.
Can I use my debit card in Prague?
Yes, most places in Prague will accept debit cards issued by VISA and Mastercard. Just check with your own bank that there are no restrictions on using the card abroad.
Are credit cards accepted in Czech Republic?
Yes, most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept debit- and credit cards in Czech Republic. Smaller shops, local restaurants, public transportation and taxis in some cities might not accept card payments though, so it’s a good idea to carry cash as well.
Do taxis accept credit cards in Prague?
Yes, official taxi companies have payment terminals that accept international debit- and credit cards in Prague. However, it might still be a good idea to double-check that it actually works before getting into the car.
Is the Czech koruna pegged to the euro?
No, the Czech Koruna is a free currency, and isn’t pegged to the Euro.
What is the best currency to use in Czech Republic?
The best currency to use in Czech Republic is Czech Koruna, which is the official currency. Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas but the rate is terrible and it’s much better to use the local currency.
Why doesn’t Czech Republic use the Euro?
The Czech Republic had plans to join the Eurozone in 2010, but it was put on hold as early as 2005. There is nothing that hinders Czechia from joining the Eurozone, but the Czech people are not positive about changing their currency from Koruna to Euro.
Only 17% of the people aged over 15 said yes to a change in a survey from 2016.
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