Czech Republic
Money in Czech Republic: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use the Czech koruna (CZK) for all purchases; cards are accepted everywhere, keep a small amount of cash for tiny vendors or places that only take cash, and tip about 10% in restaurants.
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GuideCzech Republic
Key facts
- Currency
- Czech koruna (CZK, Kč)
- Cash necessity
- Low – most places accept cards, but keep some cash for small vendors
- ATM availability
- Bank ATMs are common; avoid street‑side machines with poor rates
- Card acceptance
- Widely accepted, including contactless; choose CZK when offered foreign‑currency conversion
- Typical tipcheck
- ≈10 % of the bill in restaurants; round up in cafés, leave small change for taxis
Quick answer
The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK). Cards work in almost all shops, restaurants and transport; carry a few hundred korunas for markets, small cafés or any place that only takes cash.
Cash and ATMs
Bank ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns and give the best rates. Avoid standalone machines on tourist streets and street‑exchange booths, which often charge high fees and give poor rates. Withdraw in multiples of 1,000 CZK to minimise leftover coins.
- Typical ATM fee: none if your bank has a Euro‑zone partner, otherwise 1–2 % of withdrawal.
- Keep about 200–500 CZK for small stalls, market vendors, or rural pubs.
Cards and payment methods
Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere; contactless payments work in most shops and transport. When a terminal offers to charge in your home currency (dynamic currency conversion), always select CZK – the conversion rate is usually worse.
- Most restaurants, hotels and supermarkets accept cards for any amount.
- Public transport (Prague Metro, buses, regional trains) accepts contactless cards and mobile wallets.
Tipping
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave about 10 % of the total (round up to the nearest 20 CZK). In cafés and bars, round up the bill or leave a few coins. Taxi drivers usually keep the change, but you can round up to the nearest 20 CZK if you wish.
- Restaurants: 10 % (check if service charge is already included).
- Cafés/bars: round up to the nearest 20 CZK.
- Taxis: round up; no fixed percentage.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Czech Republic?
The Czech koruna (CZK, Kč) is the official currency; euros are accepted only unofficially and at a poor rate.
Should I use cash or a card in Czech Republic?
Use a card for most purchases; keep a small amount of cash for tiny vendors, markets or any place that only takes cash.
How much should I tip in Czech Republic?
Tip about 10 % in restaurants, round up in cafés, and leave small change for taxis; no strict rule.
Are ATMs easy to find in Czech Republic?
Yes, bank ATMs are common in cities and towns. Avoid standalone machines on tourist streets and street-exchange booths, which often charge high fees.
Can I pay with contactless cards or mobile wallets?
Yes, contactless payments work in most shops, restaurants, and public transport (Prague Metro, buses, regional trains).
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Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialCzech Tourism Board
Ask about Czech Republic
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