Czech Republic

The official language is Czech. It's common for Czech people to know English, especially hotel personnel and young people

Language learning prior to departure: As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources, such as Duolingo to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

For stays over 90 days, Czech Republic requires a visa. When a visa is required, check the Czech Republic's visa requirements and apply for a visa at your nearest consulate (Chicago, IL). You will need a passport to obtain a visa

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page on the Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange website.

Cell phones

• • GSM Triband phones are available for purchase in country

  • Another good option is to obtain a SIM card in Czech Republic for your unlocked phone.

  • Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet usage

• • You can check with your current phone service provider for Czech Republic data options, however, these tend to be very expensive.

  • As an alternative, students have bought a triband phone in country, and purchase minimal data weekly for as low as 299CZK/ 11 euros/ $12.23USD

Electricity

• • The Czech Republic uses Type E and Type C electric plugs. Therefore a universal adapter (pictured below) is needed.

  • While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• • Euros are sometimes accepted over the local currency

  • Check with your bank to see if it has a partner bank in this country to avoid ATM fees.

Student Voices on Money

• • I recommend taking money out of ATMs that are connected to bank for they have less of a withdrawal fee and they are more secure (we learned this from our program leader).

  • I should have budgeted better, I wish I knew how much I would need going in realistically, I know I will tell my friends who go abraod to bring more money then they think they need.

  • There were times that you'd have to spend money on crisis events‐‐for example I made the mistake of forgetting to validate a bus ticket so I was fined. These little unforseen costs added up.

  • I recommend taking money out of ATMs that are connected to bank for they have less of a withdrawal fee and they are more secure (we learned this from our program leader). Also, I'd recommend using a bank that doesn't require a 3% withdraw fee with every purchase, such as Charles Schwab bank. I had free transactions and that helped a lot.

  • Very inexpensive city! (Prague)

Geography & Climate

• • Also known as Czechia, the Czech Republic is a country in the center of Europe bordered by Austria, Germany, and Poland.

  • In Prague, the summers are comfortable; the winters are very cold, dry, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round.

  • Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 26°F to 77°F and is rarely below 11°F or above 88°F.

Packing Recommendations:

• • Bring a good pair of walking shoes

  • Personal medicates should be inside their original packaging for airport security purposes

  • For more packing tips, visit the Pre-Departure Checklist page.

Common transportation within Czech Republic: Trams (similar to trains), buses, ferri, and Uber are typical ways to travel within the country.

The following cities have airports: Prague (PRG) in Prague, Brno (BRQ) in Brno, Ostrava Airport (OSR) in Mosnov, Karlovy Vary (KLV) in Karlovy Vary, Pardubice (PED) in Pardubice

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. Note that how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process:

• • Visit the State Department country page.

  • Look into the Diversity Abroad Resources available on our study abroad website. Diversity Abroad also has country-specific notes that your study abroad advisor has access to, so email them if you would like copies of the more in-depth country climate notes.

The Illinois Safety & Security page gives important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with it.

Also, check out the U.S. Embassy page. and the Department of State website.

If your host provider or university doesn't automatically enroll you, consider enrolling yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.