(Last updated: 3 Mar 2012)

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Czech Republic. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.

It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.

Security

When you are in the capital Prague and visiting sites of interest or public places such as railway and tram stations, make sure you take extra care of your personal belongings.

Emergency telephone numbers which you can call from anywhere within the Czech Republic are:

• State police – 158
• City police – 156
• Ambulance – 155
• Fire alert – 150
• Road service – 123
• Local phone numbers search – 1180
• International phone numbers search – 1181

Health

There are no special vaccinations recommended.

Tap water is good, but it is recommended that visitors drink bottled water.

Medical treatment or any other medical care for foreigners is provided at the respective health centres nearest to the hotel or place of accommodation. English speaking doctors can be found and treatment is administered at mutually agreed prices in koruna (CZK).

Free treatment is provided only to foreigners from countries with inter-governmental agreements with the Czech Republic, which is not the case with Australia.

A travel insurance policy that covers medical treatment abroad is highly recommended and you should carry your insurance policy on you. If you have a medical problem, you may need to quickly confirm your insured status to assistance providers.

Generally, you should expect to pay the bill and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Emergency treatment and non-hospital first aid (extreme cases) are available free-of-charge to all guests of the Czech Republic. Call ‘Zachranna sluzba’ (Emergency service) by dialling 155 from anywhere in the Czech Republic.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Doing business in Czech Republic

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.

Bilateral agreements

Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.

For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.