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Conference Venue PDF Print E-mail

Hotel Olympik Tristar

Situated in a quiet residential quarter of Prague and easily accessible from the city centre, Hotel Olympik Tristar offers modern facilities that fit the needs of such large-scale events as the International Youth Leadership Conference.

The Olympik Hotel's well-furnished rooms offer satelite TV, radio, safe and other facilities. 

The high-tech, fully equipped meeting rooms and the congress centre are ready to host the IYLC and provide the perfect meeting venue for the successful outcome of the event.

The city centre can be directly accessed by public transport. Metro and tram stations are located in close proximity to the hotel and offer an easy and quick way of reaching the historical center of Prague.

 

 

Address: U Sluncové 14, Prague 8
Telephone: +420 266 184 891
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www: http://en.olympik.cz/tristar/

 
About Prague PDF Print E-mail

The Czech Republic's capital and international showpiece, Prague is one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe. Its attraction lies in the physical beauty of the city with 600 years of architecture amazingly untouched by war. The centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it demands to be explored on foot, an entire outdoor museum of history and a haphazard mixture of splendid architecture.

In the 14th century Prague enjoyed a reputation of being one of the most important cities in Europe, but after the Second World War it disappeared completely behind the Iron Curtain. Since the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the end of Communism, Prague has thrown off the years of repression with alacrity and is returning to its earlier grandeur, enticing tourists with its fairytale quality and romantic atmosphere.

The historical centre of the city is compact and its attractions are all within easy reach. The core comprises the Castle District (Hradcany) west of the River Vltava, and the Old and New town (Stare Mesto and Nove Mesto) to the east, joined by the famous Charles Bridge. The Castle District situated on the hill overlooking the city incorporates the main attractions, including the Castle itself and the Cathedral. The Old Town is a maze of alleyways, cobbled streets and passages winding their way towards the beautiful Old Town Square, Staromestské Námestí. Josefov Ghetto, the old Jewish Quarter, is enclosed within the old town. The New Town, in contrast, is modern and has been laid out in wide boulevards, most famously Wenceslas Square, the fashionable shopping boulevard leading up to the foot of the grand National Gallery.

The city's cultural scene also features high on the list of things to do in Prague. In the years since November 17, 1989, when Prague's students took to the streets to help bring down the 40-year-old Communist regime, the city has enjoyed an exhilarating cultural renaissance. Amid Prague's cobblestone streets and gold-tip spires, new galleries, cafés, and clubs teem with young Czechs and members of the city's colony of "expatriates." The arts and theater are also thriving in the "new" Prague. Young playwrights, some writing in English, regularly stage their own works. Weekly poetry readings are standing room only. Classical music maintains its famous standards, while rock, jazz, and dance clubs are jammed nightly. The cultural/social offering is so wide-ranging that Prague was selected as one of the European Cities of Culture for the year 2000. Among other features, the city's territory is home to 81 museums, 108 art galleries, and 71 resident theatres and concert halls. Prague annually hosts major cultural events.This beautiful city, a ‘symphony in stone', built along the river and on the surrounding hills, has never ceased to capture the hearts and imagination of visitors, painters, photographers and poets.

 
Special Offers for IYLC Participants PDF Print E-mail

Mary's

Mary’s Travel Agency offers all IYLC participants a 15% discount on accommodation in their apartments. To receive your discount, just mention that you are a conference participant, when you send them a reservation email or submit your reservation form on their web-site. Their apartments are located in the center of Prague, as well as in outer locations that are conveniently connected to the city center by metro.

Please note that due to exclusive agreements with the hotels, Mary’s Travel Agency guarantees special prices for hotel reservations, which are lower than what the hotels themselves offer.

Please visit their web-site at www.marys.cz for more information.

Sir Toby’s

Set in a quiet, nicely refurbished apartment building with spacious kitchen and common room, and run by helpful, friendly staff, Sir Toby’s is only 10 min north of the city centre by tram. Services include free Wifi in lounge, free coffee and tea & luggage storage, as well as low-priced all-you-can-eat breakfast, internet and laundry facilities. Highly recommended by Lonely planet. And Sir Toby’s offers 10% discount on accommodation for all IYLC - participants! (Use their booking system on www.sirtobys.com and add “IYLC” in the comment box, to get the discount). Additional 5% discount will be available to ISIC card holders.

Transportation: Red metro C line to Vltavská, then 2 stops by tram 1, 3, 5 or 25 to Delnicka.
Website: www.sirtobys.com 
Address: Delnicka 24, Praha 7 
Phone: (+420) 246 032 610 
Fax: (+420) 283 870 636

Miss Sophie's

This boutique hostel with dorms, private rooms and apartments, located on the southern edge of the New Town, makes a pleasant change from the usual characterless backpacker hive, featuring stark, minimalist décor. The place is famous for its ‘designer’ showers, and there is a cool lounge in the basement, with red-brick vaults, Black leather sofas, and a kitchen. The 24h-reception is staffed by a young, multilingual crew. Free Wifi & free guest computers. Miss Sophie’s offers a 10% discount on accommodation for IYLC participants! (Use their booking system on www.miss-sophies.com and add “IYLC” in the comment box, to get the discount). Additional 5% discount will be available to ISIC card holders.

Transportation: Red metro C line to I.P. Pavlova.
Website: www.miss-sophies.com 
Address: Melounova 3, Praha 2 
Phone: (+420) 296 303 530 
Fax: (+420) 296 303 531

Czech Inn

Czech Inn The Czech Inn calls itself a hostel, but ‘luxury boutique’ wouldn’t be out of place. It offers a variety of design accommodation, from standard hostel dorms to good-value private doubles and apartments. A bank of internet terminals in the lobby and an adjoining bar-café round out the charms. 24h-reception, free Wifi, low-priced all-you-can-eat-breakfast buffet & laundry service. Czech Inn offers 10% discount on accommodation for IYLC participants! (Use their booking system on www.czech-inn.com and add “IYLC” in the comment box, to get the discount). Additional 5% discount will be available to ISIC card holders.

Transportation: Green metro A to Namesti Miru, then 2 stops by tram 4 or 22 to Krymska.
Website: www.czech-inn.com
Address: Francouzska 76, 10100 Praha 
Phone: (+420) 267 267 600 
Fax: (+420) 267 267 601

 
Recommended Hostels PDF Print E-mail

Travellers Hostel

Clean and in the very heart of Prague. Breakfast, luggage room, lockers, safe, and linen included in the price, washing machine 150czk per load. No curfew and the Roxy nightclub right next door makes this the backpacking hedonist's number one choice.You get 40czk off the price usually (depending also on the type of room you're in) if you have either a "Hosteling International" card or an ISIC (International Student Identity Card). Reservations are done strictly through email or fax. Transportation: Yellow B metro line to NámÄ›stí Republiky. All other major public transportation available. 

Website: www.travellers.cz/index_home.php
Address: Dlouhá 33, Praha 1
Phone: (+420) 2 24826662
Fax: (+420) 2 24826665
E-mail: 
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Clown & Bard

Located 5 minutes from the center by metro in Prague 2, the hostel offers money exchange with no commission at daily rates, no curfew, safes and laundry service for only 250czk. The can be popular with the local residents and the breakfast – while not included – is huge and impressive. 99czk for the breakfast buffet served from 09:00 to 13:00, with one for free if you pay 1000czk in advance of your stay. Transportation: Green metro A to JiÅ™ího z PodÄ›brad, 3 stops from center. Trams 5, 9 and 26 down the hill or 10, 11 and 16 up the hill. 

Website: www.clownandbard.com
Address: Bo
oivojova 102, Praha 3
Phone: (+420) 222 716 453
US Phone: +1 205 419 4157
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Týn

Directly under the gothic spires of one of Prague's most beautiful and recognized landmarks, Tyn Church, this is one of the most centrally located hostels in the city. Right around the corner there are restaurants, a gym with sauna, massage, and jacuzzi, and an internet café. Discounted breakfast at the internet café for 69czk. Transportation: Metro B or A line to Můstek, or metro B to NámÄ›stí Republiky. All major public transportation available.

Website: www.hostel-tyn.web2001.cz
Address: Týnska 19, Praha 1
Phone/Fax: (+420) 224 808 333
Mobile: (+420) 602 642 159
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Arena Hostel

15 minutes to the center this hostel prides itself on its safety and cleanliness – it was just remodeled in 2003. No curfew but entrance only by buzzer, safe boxes and lockers, and the restaurant and pub downstairs also hosts English-language open microphone nights for performers. The website is worth a visit alone, as it has many great links to other information on cheap accommodation and Prague itself.Transportation: 300 meters from one of Prague's main train stations, Nádraží Holesovice, take the red C metro line there or trams 5, 14 or 17 to Výstavisti. 

Website: www.arenahostel.com  
Address: 
U Výstavisti, Praha 7
Phone: (+420) 220 870 252
E-mail: arena.visit-x24.de/english/contact-us.htm

Hostel Jednota

Located 5 minutes walking from Wenceslas Square this hotel is centrally located and has many restaurants, pubs, internet etc close by. Laundry services are right around the corner. Breakfast and linen are included. Transportation: Yellow metro B to Námistí Republiky or red C line to Hlavní Nádraží. All major public transportation is available.

Website: reservations.bookhostels.com/guideforeurope.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=3029
Address: Opletalova 38, Praha 1

Hostel U Melounu

Located in the historical center, 20 minutes by foot from Old Town Square , 10 minutes on foot from Wenceslas Square . Breakfast included, no curfew, internet access and parking available. There is also a garden in the back, laundry service and they provide free maps. Dorm, apartment or single, and private or shared bathroom (between apartments or common for whole floor). Student, youth, group and long-term discounts. Transportation: 4 minute walk from Metro C line I. P. Pavlova.

Website: www.hostelumelounu.cz
Address: Ke Karlovu 7/457, Prague 2
Phone: (+420) 224 918 322 or (+420) 224 919 330
Fax: (+420) 283 870 636
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hostel Pristavni

Located 15 minutes away from Prague historical center. Every double and triple room has a bathroom with shower, fridge and all doubles have a balcony. Singles and dorms available as well. Linens and towels included and no curfew. Breakfast has to be ordered the night before. They also offer the “Prague Card” – a 3-day pass including free transportation, admission to nearly 40 sites and museums, and a free guidebook. Transportation: Metro C line to Holesovice, tram 12 or 15 to Delnicka, or metro B line to Palmovka, trams 1, 3, 12, 15 and 25 to Maniny.

Website: www.hostelpristavni.cz
Address: Pristavni 26, 170 00 Praha 7
Phone/Fax: (+420) 220 875 449
Mobile: (+420) 603 561 540
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hostel Le Papillon

Located in the very center of Prague . Many historical sights located within walking distance (3 to 15 minutes). Dorms and up to 6-person apartments. TV/internet for free. Transportation: Metro B or A line to Mustek, or metro C or A line to Muzeum; 5-minute walk from Wenceslas Square.

Website: www.papillon-hostel.cz
Address: Jungmannova 5, Prague 1
Phone: (+420) 606 854 123 or (+420) 606 852 077
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ARPACAY Hostel

ARPACAY hostel Prague is a modern hostel for independent travellers situated in Prague’s quarter called Smichov. Here, together with the brewery Staropramen, you will find plenty of excellent inexpensive local restaurants and pubs that are not frequented by tourists. Tram No. 6 stops in front of the hostel’s door and takes you directly to the old town of Prague, or you could use the underground network which will take you to Wenceslas Square (station Mustek) in just 7 minutes. At Arpacay Hostel, you can choose from a wide range of accommodation, from 2 person rooms to 8 bed apartments.

Website: http://www.arpacayhostel.com/en/index_en.php 
Address: Radlická 76, Prague 5
Phone: (+420) 251 552 297
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Altis Hostel

The Altis Hostel Prague is situated on the line B of subway, between stops Invalidovna and Palmovka, 15 minutes far from the city centre. Hostel offers quality and cheap accommodation in Prague.

Website: http://www.hostelaltis.cz/eng/index.php 
Address: Pod Plynojemem 7, Praha 8
Phone: (+420) 283 923 375

A1 Hotel and Hostel Prague

A1 hostel offers a friendly atmosphere of reconstructed historic corridor house. All our rooms are in the yard part of the house. The rooms surround a terrace where one can have a cheerful rest during both days and nights.

Website: http://www.czechaccommodation.com/ 
Address: Sokolovska 210, Prague 8
Phone: (+420) 777 914 918
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Golden Sickle Hostel

Hostel Golden Sickle it is located directly in the center, only 2 min walk from the Wenceslas Square. Hostel is in a historical building after reconstruction. Hostel offers accommodated in two dormitory rooms with shared shower and toilets. Total capacity of the Golden Sickle hostel is 16 beds. The reception is open non-stop 24 hours.

Website: http://www.goldensickle.com/ 
Address: Prague 1, Vodickova 12
Phone: (+420) 222 230 773 

Ahoy Hostel

Ahoy Hostel is situated in the centre of Prague in an historical building. They are located within walking distance to many important monuments! It is only a 10 minute walk to the Old Town Square and close to the main railway station. The House is also close to the following trams: No.9, 5, 26, 55 and 58.

Address: Vlkova 37, Prague 3

OZ Apartmenthotels

Small hostel directly in the center of Prague. Just a few minutes walk from the major sightseeing spots, all the famous bars and clubs. Honestly the best location you can getwheater you are in town for sightseeing or to party. Right opposite Narodni trida subway station so its easy to get there.

Address: Spalena 102/49, Prague 1

Hostel DownTown

New Prague Hostel Downtown is open from 1st July! Hostel DownTown is located right in the centre of Prague, about 5 min walk from OldTown Square. We offer private rooms as well as dorms and ensuite dorms. The reception is open 24 hours, friendly and fluent English-speaking staff are waiting for you...also with information service about Prague and Czech Republic.

Address: Narodni 19, Prague 1

Charles Bridge House

Charles Bridge House is located just a few steps from Charles Bridge, as well as the Old Town Square. It's perfect location offers quick and easy access to all major sights.

Address: Karlova 2, Prague 1

Prague City Pension

Pension Prague City - Nice romantic pension located in the heart of Prague. Pension Prague City is situated in a quiet part of the city and is good start point for your trip around Prague. You can easily reach most of the famous Prague monuments.

Website: http://www.praguecity.cz/ 
Address: Štítného 13, Prague 3
Phone: +420-222 782 483
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hostel Chilli

CHILLI offers you accomodation in the heart of Prague. Surrounded by historical monuments, restaurants, pubs, clubs and shops, CHILLI is the best starting point for all kind of activities. All major attractions in walking distance. National Theatre 2 minutes, Charles bridge 7 minutes, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square 10 minutes.

Website: http://www.chillihouse.cz/ 
Address: Pstrossova 7, Prague 1
Phone: (+420) 603 119 113

 
Useful Links PDF Print E-mail
The International Education Support Scheme offered by HotelsCombined.com enables all students and teachers worldwide to claim a genuine 10% rebate whenever they book their conference accommodation through top travel partner sites including Booking.com, Hotels.com, Intercontinental Hotels, OctopusTravel.com, Priceline.com and many others. They compare accommodation rates from over 30 travel sites to find the best available hotel rates. So, not only will you receive a rebate, but it will be a rebate on the cheapest hotel rate.
 
www.studentuniverse.com This website is also extremely useful for other travel arrangements you might need (airplane tickets, travel guides, etc.) Another comprehensive website that is similar is www.bootsnall.com
 
A great city guide that proves to be useful for hostels/hotels – and for Prague itself – is In Your Pocket at www.inyourpocket.com/cr/prague/en. After looking into accommodation you can search for entertainment, sightseeing, culture, city information and much more.
 
Lastly, there are two sites dedicated to accommodation in Prague: For hostels go to www.hostelprague.com and if what you are looking for is a more upscale hotel, use the following link to search by price and location: www.abaka.com/Czech/Praha.html

Some of our recommendations – (as rates vary from high to low season and according to what accommodation you want they are not listed here. They are easily found on the websites and some are as cheap as 10 € a night).
 
Prague 1 is the historical center of town and the most preferable location for travelers. Prague 2 is very close – less than 10 minutes on the metro.
 
Visa Requirements and Waivers PDF Print E-mail

Meeting all visa and customs requirements is an individual responsibility of each participant. Please consult the Czech Embassy in your country to find out whether you require a visa, and if so, what requirements are set forth for obtaining it. Youth Leadership Europe will assist you in the visa application process to the best of its abilities, however such assistance will be limited to providing you with an invitation letter and some other supporting documents. YLE will only make calls to the Embassies in exceptional cases.

List of third countries whose citizens are exempted from visa requirement in Member States of the European Union bound by Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001, as amended by Regulation (EC) No. 2414/2001 and Regulation (EC) No. 453/2003 (i.e. in the Schengen area).

  • ALBANIA
  • ANDORRA
  • ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
  • ARGENTINA
  • AUSTRALIA
  • BAHAMAS
  • BARBADOS
  • BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
  • BRAZIL
  • BRUNEI
  • CANADA
  • CHILE
  • COSTA RICA
  • CROATIA
  • EL SALVADOR
  • GUATEMALA
  • HONDURAS
  • ISRAEL
  • JAPAN
  • MACEDONIA/FYROM
  • MALAYSIA
  • MAURITIUS
  • MEXICO
  • MONACO
  • MONTENEGRO
  • NEW ZEALAND
  • NICARAGUA
  • PANAMA
  • PARAGUAY
  • SAINT CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS
  • SALVADOR
  • SAN MARINO
  • SERBIA
  • SEYCHELLES
  • SINGAPORE
  • SOUTH KOREA
  • TAIWAN
  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • URUGUAY
  • VATICAN
  • VENEZUELA

Visa requirements vary from country to country. It is therefore recommended that you contact nearby Czech Embassy to clarify your questions. The list of embassies can be found here.

 
Visa Assistance Policy PDF Print E-mail

Letter of Invitation from the Czech Immigration Police

Administrative Fee for an Invitation Letter from the Czech Immigration Police is 125 Euro.

1. An Authorized Letter of Invitation approved by the Czech Immigration Police, if needed, may be requested from Youth Leadership Europe.

2. Requests should be made to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and should include the following documents:

  • A scanned copy of the first page of your international passport that contains your full name, passport number and photograph;
  • A scanned copy of all visas to Schengen countries received within last 3 years, if any;
  • An official letter from your university registrar stating that you are currently enrolled as a student (or an equivalent document that officially certifies your enrollment in the university). Letters from the university registrar shall be composed on a university letterhead and signed by an authorized university official. Relevant contact information of the authorized official and the university registrar should also be included.

3. Youth Leadership Europe will consider your request and will communicate its decision within 10 days.

4. Once your request is approved, you need to:

  • Make the IYLC Conference fee payment of 1140 Euro in full. Such payment shall NOT be deemed exempt from the IYLC Cancellation policy, in case the visa is denied, however it may be applied towards the attendance of another qualifying participant.
  • Make the Administrative fee payment of 125 Euro. This fee shall cover the expenses associated with the processing of the Invitation Letter, as well as express delivery of the Letter by DHL. The Administrative fee is non-refundable.

5. Once YLE obtains approval, an Authorized Letter of Invitation will be sent to your postal address by DHL Express Service.

Please Note:

The official acceptance to the International Youth Leadership Conference DOES NOT automatically entitle you to the Authorized Letter of Invitation, even if you make a conference fee payment (without prior approval of your request).

Youth Leadership Europe reserves a right to refuse your request for an Authorized Letter of Invitation without explanations. After the receipt of your Conference and Administrative fees, your name will be added to the waiting list, which is formed on the first come, first served basis. Once your turn comes, YLE will apply for an approval from the Czech Immigration Police.

Youth Leadership Europe does not provide any guarantees as to the amount of time necessary to receive an approval from the Czech Immigration Police. The process may take anywhere from 1 to 6 months. 

In case Youth Leadership Europe fails to obtain the approval on time for you to process your visa, your attendance will be deferred to the next conference with the your spot on the waiting list reserved.

No requests for Authorized Letter of Invitation will be considered after December 1st and June 15th respectively for winter and summer conferences.

 
Safety in Prague PDF Print E-mail

Compared to many Western cities, Prague is relatively safe. You will generally find policemen very helpful.  Prague is an unthreatening city to walk around. Violent crimes in the city centre are rare. The main criminal problem is petty pilfering (pickpockets) from cars, hotels, and pockets. As with any city, always use caution and care when travelling around.

Safety and practical information at CzechTourism.cz

Safety Information at the US State Department

 
Arriving in the Czech Republic PDF Print E-mail

The Czech Republic became a member of the EU in 2004. There are different rules for citizens of other EU member countries than for tourists from other parts of the world. Everyone must carry ID at all times.

EU citizens

Citizens of EU member states need a passport or other ID document to enter the Czech Republic. The same is true for citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, who enjoy free movement around the EEA (European Economic Area).

Non-EU citizens

Visitors from other countries require a passport with at least six months’ validity on the day of arrival and in some cases a visa. A list of states whose citizens require a visa to enter the Czech Republic can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.mzv.cz).

Schengen zone

From 21. 12. 2007 the Czech Republic enter the so-called Schengen Zone. This group of counties have come together to enable people to cross their borders without passport controls. Despite this, however, a valid passport or other ID will still have to be carried at all times.

 
Useful recommendations for a trouble-free stay in the Czech Republic PDF Print E-mail
In order that your stay in the Czech Republic will not be spoilt by any complications, please adhere to the following warnings. The overwhelming majority of tourists leave our country satisfied, so why spoil your memories with an unpleasant experience?

1. Do not give pickpockets a chance

Sites attractive to tourists draw not only visitors but also thieves. They are quick to take advantage of any situation when you are not paying full attention to your personal belongings in order to make some of them their own. Pay particular attention to your belongings, therefore, in places where many people congregate, such as the public transport system, clubs and popular tourist sites. Extra police are sent onto the streets of Prague throughout the tourist season and they are prepared to help resolve any problematic situation.

Where to look for help: In the case of thefts, go to the local police. Your country’s embassy will help you with arranging replacement or emergency documents (www.mzv.cz).

2. Only exchange money in certified places

Every traveller, even if he or she has only a little experience, knows that exchanging money in the street never pays! The safest way is to exchange in a bank or in the hotel exchange office. Exchange offices in the town centre are more advantageous as they offer the best exchange rates. For your security, however, always verify the final amount that you receive from the exchange office. An extremely favourable exchange rate, for example, may be available only for exchanging more than a set amount (for example, 100 euro), or fees may be added for the exchange. Every exchange office must always indicate such information in several languages; however, it frequently happens that tourists do not digest this information (for example, because it is intentionally provided in small writing). Also, do not forget that the exchange rate for buying and selling must always be displayed in exchange offices in the Czech Republic!

Where to look for help: Exchange offices receive their licences from the Czech National Bank, and their activities are controlled by the Czech Business Inspectorate (www.coi.cz)

3. Prague taxis are already safer

The negative publicity that has been given to Prague by some of the city’s taxi drivers has given the city a bad name throughout the world. Complaints about dishonesty have fortunately declined over the recent past. This has also been helped by the “Taxi Fair Place” campaign. On information panels marked with this symbol, you can find out how much a journey will cost you from a fixed point to the centre or to well-known tourist sites. Prague City Hall regulates the fees and has set maximum prices as follows:

  • A one-off starting payment of CZK 40 

  • For a journey within the territory of Prague, CZK 28 / 1 km

  • Waiting at CZK 6 / 1 minute

Recommendation: Choose a car displaying a licence number, the name of the company and a list of prices. These prices must agree with the taxi’s meter; after finishing your journey always ask for a receipt. Where possible, book a taxi by means of a radio dispatching service, where you will be notified of the price beforehand. Your hotel or any information centre will be happy to provide you with a contact number.

Of interest: Three pre-appointed companies handle passenger transport at Prague’s Ruzyne International Airport (more on www.prg.aero). The register of complaints that Czech Tourism has at its disposal indicates that taxi services are a typical Prague problem. But if you take care, you will come to no harm.

Where to look for help: Prague City Hall, taxi service department (www.praha-mesto.cz)

4. Tipping in restaurants

In the Czech Republic, it is considered a good habit to leave 10% of the cost of the meal as a tip for restaurant service. In some establishments, this sum will appear as a separate item on your bill. Information as to whether you will be charged a fee for service will always be found on the menu or on other official printed matter. Your waiter or waitress must present a receipt for the entire amount paid. Should your attendant not provide you with a bill for the whole amount, and ask you for a separate payment outside of the bill, then he or she is probably attempting to illegally increase the bill. Should you disagree with the bill you should ask for an explanation from the restaurant manager, as the owners often do not know that their personnel are increasing their earnings in this way.

Where to look for help: Czech Business Inspectorate (www.coi.cz), Association of Hotels and Restaurants (www.ahrcr.cz)

5. Travelling on public transport

Travelling on the public transport system can save you not only time but mainly money. That is, however, only in the case that you are travelling with the correctly stamped travel documents. After boarding your means of transport (bus, tram or metro), it is necessary to get your ticket stamped. Only in this way is the ticket valid and you will not run the risk of a war of words with a ticket inspector. Do not count upon not running into the inspector, as it will definitely cost you dearly. The fine is more than 20 times the price of a single ticket.

Where to look for help: Appropriate transport undertaking: Prague (www.dpp.cz), Brno (www.dpmb.cz),Ostrava(www.dpo.cz), Pilsen (www.pmdp.cz)

6. Unpleasant personnel, unsatisfactory service

In the course of your stay, were you unsatisfied with the level of service at your hotel, restaurant, travel office or elsewhere? Please, try to solve your complaint directly on the spot with the manager or director of the given establishment. In this case you will still always have the possibility of obtaining better service, whereas after your return home you may only ask for redress circuitously from the senior manager of the institution.

 Where to look for help: At the relevant hotel, restaurant, or business premises of the service. If need be, you can also contact the Association of Hotels and Restaurants (www.ahrcr.cz), or the Association of Travel Agents (www.accka.czwww.ackcr.cz

 
Health Insurance PDF Print E-mail

Health insurance for citizens of EU member states

Since mid 2004 citizens from the individual EU member states, who travel temporarily to another EU member state and hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), are automatically insured. All healthcare providers in the EU, the EEA and Switzerland must accept patients from the EU in possession of an EHIC.

Health insurance for citizens of countries not in the EU

Citizens of countries outside of the EU should take out health insurance before leaving home. If they fail to do so, they are liable to pay for treatment at the point of delivery.

Extra insurance cover

Individuals from EU member countries can also take out extra health insurance cover (covering repatriation). The Czech State Health Insurance Company provides a commercial insurance product for those staying in the country for longer periods as tourists (www.vzp.cz).