(Last updated: 3 Mar 2012)
Travel
Airports
Prague’s Ruzyne International Airport is situated 16km northwest of the city centre. For flight departure information call the airport’s 24-hour hotline on +42 2 2011 5433 (English speaking operators are available).
Travel time between the city centre and the terminal is 25–40 minutes by taxi or shuttle, and 50–60 minutes by public transport.
Ground transport
There are a number of transport options:
- Taxis are the most convenient, but also the most expensive. The airport is serviced by a dedicated operator whose taxis charge about Kc600 to the centre or about Kc400 to Dejvicka metro station.
- Shuttles are a comfortable and affordable mode of transport from the airport. Several shuttle services provide service between the terminal and central Prague.
- Bus 119 or 100 is a cheap, but somewhat cumbersome alternative. This bus leaves from the covered island in the airport parking lot and takes you right to Dejvicka metro station -119 or Zlicin -100 and from there you can be at a central metro station in 15-30 minutes. You have to buy tickets from an airport machine or newsstand, as you are not able to pay on the bus. Tickets are Kc20 per adult plus Kc8 per large luggage item and tickets must be stamped on the bus.
Hotels
The high tourist season begins in May and ends in September. Christmas is also considered to be high season. If you plan to visit the Czech Republic during these periods, it is advisable to book your hotel accommodation well ahead.
Dining
Eating out is generally not expensive and you can eat anywhere with no health fears. In Prague and other tourist locations English is spoken in most of the restaurants and menus are translated into English.
Czechs tend to have their main meal of the day at lunchtime. In the evening, people tend to have a light dinner. Big meals are usually reserved for weekends.
Tipping
Tipping (approximately five to 10 per cent) generally applies to services such as taxis, restaurant bills and hairdresser.
Tips are not included in the quoted price and the tip amount is used to express satisfaction with service.
Tourist attractions
Although the capital city of Prague has a vast number of cultural, architectural and historical attractions, there is much more to explore in the Czech Republic, such as:
- Castles (Karlstejn, Konopiste, Krivoklat)
- Cities (Kutna Hora – gothic pearl, Karlovy Vary – the most famous spa town)
- Medieval towns and villages
- Natural beauties such as Cesky Raj National Preserve, Krkonose mountains or Sumava mountains
Top Business Risks
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.