💰 Quick Context: The Czech Koruna
The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK / Kč), not the euro, even though it is an EU member. A restaurant meal costs 200–400 Kč, a half-litre of beer 50–80 Kč, and a hotel night 2,000–5,000 Kč. Quick math: divide by 23 for approximate USD (e.g., 230 Kč ≈ $10). Prague has ATMs everywhere, but Euronet machines are aggressively targeting tourists with DCC markups of 10–20%. Avoiding them is the single most important money tip for the Czech Republic.
🎧 Order Czech Koruna Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order CZK → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in the Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe's most card-friendly cities. You can tap-to-pay at restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and even on the metro and trams using contactless bank cards.
Cards work almost everywhere in Prague. Restaurants in Staré Město (Old Town), Malá Strana, and Vinohrady all accept Visa and Mastercard. Albert and Billa supermarkets take contactless. Prague's DPP public transport system accepts contactless bank cards directly at the turnstiles and on tram validators. Cash is needed for traditional hospodas (Czech pubs) like U Fleku and some spots in Žižkov, market stalls at farmers' markets, and smaller shops outside tourist zones.
Outside Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov, and Karlovy Vary have good card acceptance at tourist-facing businesses. Rural areas and village pubs are more cash-dependent. Do not pay in euros. Some Prague tourist shops accept euros but give terrible exchange rates (often 15–20% worse than the real rate). Always pay in koruna.
How to Get Koruna for Your Czech Republic Trip
Prague is one of the most card-friendly capitals in Europe. You can tap-to-pay on the metro turnstiles, the trams, at Albert and Billa supermarkets, and at virtually every tourist-facing restaurant and bar. The catch is that Prague is also home to one of the most aggressive currency-trap ecosystems on the continent: "0% commission" booths around Staré Město, Euronet ATMs around Wenceslas Square, and shops near Charles Bridge that accept euros at insulting rates. Plan to pay in koruna everywhere, get those koruna from a bank ATM (or pre-order a starter stack), and walk past anything advertising "no commission" on a sandwich board.
Order koruna before you fly
For pre-arrival koruna, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange ships physical Czech koruna to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery, at a small spread over the bank rate. Useful if you'd rather skip the airport currency exchange counter at PRG entirely and have small bills ready for the cab and a first round of pivos. Your home bank is the other option: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citi can all order koruna for branch pickup or home delivery, free for many premium accounts and a modest fee otherwise. Allow 3–7 business days. Czech Republic has no Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner, so BoA debit users will pay the standard 3% non-network fee on top of any in-country withdrawal fees, which makes pre-ordering 1–2 days' worth of koruna more attractive than it would be in France or Germany. Especially worth doing if you're staying near Old Town Square (it's blanketed with rip-off ATMs) or in Brno or Český Krumlov, where bank-branded ATM coverage thins out.
Withdraw from a Czech bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest way to get koruna is a real Czech bank ATM, called a "bankomat". Česká spořitelna (Erste Group), ČSOB, Komerční banka (KB), Raiffeisenbank, and UniCredit Bank Czech Republic all give the actual interbank rate with no markup, and they don't add an operator fee on foreign cards. Your only cost is whatever your home bank tacks on (1–3% foreign transaction fee on most US debit cards, zero with a Wise or Charles Schwab card). Withdrawal limits are typically 10,000–20,000 Kč per transaction. The Prague-specific gotcha: Euronet machines are everywhere in the tourist core (under Charles Bridge, around Old Town Square, lining Wenceslas Square, around the Astronomical Clock, in the Mala Strana steps to the Castle), and they're the worst-value ATMs in Europe by reputation. Their "no foreign-card fee" claim is followed by an extreme DCC pitch, an inflated exchange rate, and small operator fees added on the back end. Decline DCC every time and avoid Euronet entirely; if a machine doesn't carry one of the five Czech bank logos, walk to the next corner. See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup, or our Prague money guide for neighborhood-level locations. Want to see what a KB withdrawal will actually cost on your specific card? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator before you book.
Currency-exchange booths & "0% commission" windows
Three traps in the Czech Republic, and they may be the most aggressive in Europe. The currency-exchange booths around Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and along Karlova Street advertise "0% commission" or "No fee" but bake spreads of 10–30% straight into the rate. A 2019 reform gave tourists a three-hour right to cancel any směnárna transaction (you can demand your dollars back), but most travelers don't know about it and the booths bank on that. Stick to Exchange.cz on Kaprova Street near Old Town Square if you genuinely must use a booth; it's the one major exception that posts honest rates. Second, the Travelex and Eurochange counters in PRG (Václav Havel) arrivals routinely run 8–15% off the interbank rate. Third, Euronet ATMs throughout Prague's tourist core layer DCC, an aggressive markup, and operator fees on top. Stick to bank-branded bankomats, decline DCC, and walk past anything advertising "no commission". Heading to Prague? Our Prague money guide walks the cleanest cash strategy.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-CZK timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in the Czech Republic
Major Czech banks operate ATMs throughout the country with fair interbank rates and no operator surcharges. Search "bankomat" on Google Maps to find bank-operated machines. ATM limits are typically 15,000–20,000 Kč per transaction (~$650–870).
Česká spořitelna
The largest bank in the Czech Republic with the most extensive ATM network. Part of Austria's Erste Group. Found everywhere from Prague's Old Town to smaller regional cities. ATMs offer English language options and accept all major international cards. Your best bet across the country.
Top Pick
ČSOB
The second largest bank in the Czech Republic, part of Belgium's KBC Group. Strong ATM coverage in Prague and major cities like Brno, Ostrava, and Plzeň. No operator fees for foreign cardholders, English language support, and fair exchange rates.
Recommended
Komerční banka (KB)
The third largest Czech bank, a subsidiary of France's Société Générale. Reliable ATM network across the country with no operator fees. Machines are typically inside or attached to bank branches, making them easy to identify and safer to use.
Recommended
Raiffeisenbank
Part of the Raiffeisen Group. Well-regarded by travelers because their ATMs allow you to choose bill denominations, so you don't get stuck with large 2,000 CZK notes. No operator fees and fair rates. A great option in Prague and larger cities.
Recommended
Moneta Money Bank
A major Czech retail bank (formerly GE Money Bank). Bank-operated ATMs with standard interbank rates and no operator surcharges. Good coverage in Prague and regional cities. A solid backup when the bigger banks aren't nearby.
Recommended⚠ What is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)?
When an ATM offers to charge you in USD (or your home currency) instead of CZK, always decline. Choosing your home currency means accepting a 3-8% markup hidden in their exchange rate. Always select "CZK" or "local currency" at every prompt. Prague is one of the worst cities in Europe for aggressive DCC prompts.
ATMs to Avoid in the Czech Republic
Prague is notorious for tourist-trap ATMs. Independent operators cluster around Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and other major attractions. These machines charge steep fees and aggressively push DCC through confusing screen prompts designed to trick you into accepting. Always look for ATMs operated by Czech banks instead.
Euronet
The single biggest ATM trap in Prague. Bright blue standalone machines are everywhere in tourist zones. Charges operator fees of up to 13% per withdrawal and pushes DCC through multiple confusing screens. Travelers have reported losing up to 20% of their withdrawal amount. Avoid at all costs.
Avoid
Travelex
Found at Prague Airport and select tourist areas. Poor exchange rates with hidden markups built into the rate. Bank ATMs are available at the airport (look for Česká spořitelna), so skip Travelex entirely.
AvoidStandalone ATMs
Unbranded machines found in souvenir shops, hotel lobbies, and nightlife areas. These typically charge the highest fees and offer the worst exchange rates. If an ATM is not clearly marked with a Czech bank name, walk away and find one that is.
AvoidCurrency Exchange Booths
Prague is infamous for predatory exchange offices, especially near tourist areas. Many advertise "0% commission" while hiding massive markups in the spread. Some display bait-and-switch rates that only apply to large transactions. Avoid these entirely and use bank ATMs instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in the Czech Republic
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most restaurants, shops, and supermarkets across Prague, Brno, and tourist towns. American Express is rarely accepted outside international hotel chains like the Four Seasons Prague and Hilton. Discover has minimal acceptance.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Prague is a contactless paradise. Tap-to-pay works at restaurants in Staré Město, shops on Národní třída, Albert and Billa supermarkets, and even on the DPP public transport system (metro turnstiles and tram validators accept contactless bank cards directly). Apple Pay and Google Pay work throughout Prague. Outside the capital, contactless is common in Brno and Český Krumlov but less reliable in smaller towns.
Where Cards May Not Work
Traditional hospodas (Czech pubs) like U Medvídků and neighbourhood spots in Žižkov are frequently cash-only, especially the cheaper local joints. Farmers' markets at Náplavka (the riverside market on Saturdays) and Jirak market require cash. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge street vendors are cash-only. Rural village pubs outside major cities almost always require cash in koruna.
Tipping in the Czech Republic
Tipping Guide
At restaurants, 10% is standard for good service. The Czech way is to tell the server the total you want to pay (including tip) when they bring the bill. If the bill is 450 Kč, say "500" and hand them a 500 Kč note. At cafés, round up to the nearest 10–20 Kč. For taxis, round up the fare or add 10%. In beer halls and hospodas, rounding up is appreciated but not strictly expected. Leave tips in cash even when paying the bill by card, as card tips often do not reach the server.
Prague, Euronet & the CZK Trap: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
For Prague-specific tips (Old Town Euronet traps, směnárna scams, tram payments, and card acceptance by district), see our Prague Money Guide.
Euronet ATMs in Prague are considered some of the worst in Europe. Their screens use multiple steps specifically designed to confuse tourists into accepting DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion). You may see a screen showing an exchange rate and asking you to "accept" or "continue." Always select "WITHOUT conversion" or "Charge in CZK." Accepting their conversion costs 10–20% of your withdrawal. Euronet machines cluster around Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square.
Exchange offices ("směnárna") near Old Town Square are another trap. They advertise attractive rates on large signs but apply different rates for different amounts, or charge hidden commissions. The only exchange office worth considering is the Exchange office in Žitná Street near Wenceslas Square, which is regulated and well-reviewed. Otherwise, use bank ATMs exclusively.
Prague's public transport accepts contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) directly at metro gates and tram validators. No need to buy paper tickets or a Litačka card unless you prefer it. ATM denominations: machines typically dispense 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Kč notes. Request a smaller withdrawal amount if you need change for tips and pubs.
Money Safety in the Czech Republic
Staying Safe
Use ATMs inside Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka, or Raiffeisenbank branches rather than standalone machines on tourist streets. In Prague, branches on Národní třída and in Palladium Shopping Centre are safe options. Avoid the bright yellow and green Euronet machines clustered around Old Town Square.
Pickpocketing is the main risk in Prague, concentrated on the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, tram #22, and the metro during rush hour. Keep bags zipped and valuables in front pockets. Use hotel safes for extra cash.
The Czech Republic is a well-known EU destination, so most European card issuers do not flag Czech transactions. Non-European visitors should mention "Czech Republic" or "Prague" to their bank. Search "bankomat" on Google Maps to locate bank-operated ATMs near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Czech Republic use the euro?
No. The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK / Kč) despite being an EU member. Euro adoption has been discussed but has no target date. Some tourist shops in Prague accept euros, but the exchange rate they apply is terrible (often 15–20% worse than mid-market). Always pay in koruna.
Why are Euronet ATMs so bad in Prague?
Euronet ATMs use multi-screen prompts designed to push tourists into accepting DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion), which adds 10–20% to your withdrawal. Their screens are deliberately confusing. Always select "WITHOUT conversion" or "Charge in CZK." Better yet, avoid Euronet entirely and use Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, or Komerční banka ATMs.
Can I use contactless cards on Prague public transport?
Yes. Prague's DPP system accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard directly at metro turnstiles and on tram validators. Just tap your card. The system charges the correct fare automatically. No paper tickets needed.
How much should I tip in Prague?
10% is standard at restaurants. The Czech tradition is to tell the server the total you want to pay when they bring the bill (e.g., say "500" on a 450 Kč bill). In pubs, rounding up is appreciated. Always tip in cash, even when paying by card.
Are exchange offices in Prague safe?
Most exchange offices near Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are tourist traps with hidden commissions and misleading rates. Bank ATMs (Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka) offer much better rates. If you must use an exchange office, check reviews and ask for the total amount you will receive before handing over money.
Is Prague expensive?
Prague is affordable compared to Western Europe. A restaurant meal costs 200–400 Kč ($9–17), a half-litre of excellent Czech beer 50–80 Kč ($2–3.50), and a hotel night 2,000–5,000 Kč ($87–217). Český Krumlov and Brno are slightly cheaper than Prague.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend koruna like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Bank ATMs | Very Low (no operator fee + fair rate) | ★★★★★ | Most travelers |
| Independent ATMs (Euronet, etc.) | Very High (fees + rate markup up to 20%) | ★★★☆☆ | Emergencies only |
| Credit Cards (no foreign fee) | Very Low for purchases | ★★★★☆ | Restaurants, shops, attractions |
| Airport / Currency Exchange Booths | Very High (large markup fees) | ★★☆☆☆ | Not recommended |
Czech Republic Quick Facts
| Currency | Czech Koruna (CZK / Kč) |
| Best ATMs | Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka, Raiffeisenbank, Moneta |
| Typical ATM Limit | ~15,000-20,000 CZK per transaction |
| Card Acceptance | Very good in Prague and tourist towns. Limited in traditional pubs and rural areas |
| Tipping | 10% at restaurants. Round up at cafés and taxis. Tip in cash |
| DCC Risk | Very high. Prague is one of the worst cities in Europe for aggressive DCC |
| Best ATM Tip | Search "bankomat" on Google Maps to find bank-operated ATMs |
Czech Republic City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for the Czech Republic's biggest cities. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.
Czech-Republic money toolkit
Deep-dive guides for specific banks, airports, and traveler nationalities in Czech-Republic. Each one builds on this overview with card-by-card fee math, exact ATM locations, or terminal-by-terminal directions.