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Living in the Czech Republic

Are you planning to move to the Czech Republic? This guide provides essential information on healthcare, education, banking, and daily life to help expats settle in with ease.

Healthcare System 

The Czech Republic offers a high-quality healthcare system with both public and private options.

health

Health Insurance

  • EU Citizens: Can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency treatment but are advised to register with a local health insurance provider for comprehensive coverage.
  • Non-EU Citizens: Must obtain private health insurance before obtaining a visa or residence permit. Once registered with the public health system, they contribute to it through social security payments.
  • EU Citizens: 
    • Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP) – the largest provider
    • Česká průmyslová zdravotní pojišťovna (ČPZP)
    • Zdravotní pojišťovna ministerstva vnitra (ZPMV ČR)

Finding a Doctor

  • General Practitioners (GPs): Must register with one; can provide referrals to specialists.
  • Hospitals: Public hospitals are widely available, but private clinics offer shorter waiting times and English-speaking staff.
  • Emergency Number: 112 (works across Europe).

Education 

Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. The system includes public, private, and international schools.

education

Public vs. Private Kindergartens 

Public Kindergartens

Public kindergartens are funded by local municipalities and the state. They are accessible to all children, but space can be limited, especially in larger cities.

  • Fees: Public kindergartens usually only charge a meal fee of around 30–50 CZK per day. There might also be a small operating fee of 500–800 CZK per month to cover basic costs like utilities and supplies.

Private Kindergartens

Private kindergartens offer more flexibility and often additional activities, but at a higher cost.

  • Fees: Private kindergartens can cost between 5,000–15,000 CZK per month, depending on location and services offered.
  • Benefits: They typically offer smaller class sizes, individual attention, better equipment, and sometimes special programs (e.g., language courses, Montessori or Waldorf methods).

Public vs. Private Schools 

  • Public Schools: Free of charge, but Czech is the language of instruction. Some schools offer integration programs for foreign children.
  • Private & International Schools:
    • International School of Prague (ISP)
    • Riverside School
    • Lyceé Français de Prague

Higher Education 

The Czech Republic is home to top universities, including:

Some programs are available in English, particularly for business, engineering, and medicine.

Leisure and Activities

Expats will find a variety of leisure options in the Czech Republic.

time

Outdoor Activities;

  • Hiking & Nature: Šumava National Park, Bohemian Switzerland, Krkonoše Mountains.
  • Cycling: Well-developed cycling paths, including along the Vltava River.
  • Skiing & Winter Sports: Popular resorts include Špindlerův Mlýn and Klínovec.

Culture & Entertainment 

  • Theatre & Music: The National Theatre, Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Cinemas: Many offer movies in English with Czech subtitles.
  • Beer Culture: Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, and local microbreweries.

More important facts 💡

Climate and Weather

The Czech Republic has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

  • Spring (March – May): Mild temperatures (10-20°C), occasional rain.
  • Summer (June – August): Warm (25-35°C), occasional heatwaves.
  • Autumn (September – November): Cooler (10-20°C), colorful foliage, occasional rain.
  • Winter (December – February): Cold (-5 to 5°C), snow is common, especially outside cities.

Packing for all seasons is recommended, as the weather can change quickly.

Shopping 

You can find a mix of shopping malls, supermarkets, and local markets.

Supermarkets/Farmers' Markets and Shopping Malls 

  • Albert, Tesco, Lidl – Popular chains with international products.
  • Rohlík.cz, Košík.cz – Online grocery shopping with delivery.

Phone Number & SIM Card Options

You can choose between a physical SIM card or an eSIM

Major Mobile Operators 

  • O2 – Good coverage, postpaid and prepaid options.
  • T-Mobile – eSIM support, English-friendly services.
  • Vodafone – Competitive pricing, good for international calls.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid 

  • Prepaid SIM: No contract, easy top-up at kiosks or online.
  • Postpaid Plans: Cheaper for long-term residents but require a contract.

In the Czech Republic, the country code for phone numbers is +420. When dialing internationally to Czech numbers, this prefix is required.

Important Phone Numbers

  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 (European emergency number).
  • Police: 158
  • Fire Brigade: 150
  • Ambulance: 155
  • Road Assistance (ÚAMK): 1230
  • Czech Foreign Police: 974 841 356 (Prague office).
  • Tourist Information: +420 221 714 444 (Prague Info Service).

Bank account creation

Opening a bank account in the Czech Republic is straightforward.

Required Documents 

  • Passport or residence permit.
  • Proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill).
  • Employment contract (in some cases).

Major Banks 

  • Česká spořitelna
  • Komerční banka
  • Air Bank (popular for digital banking).
  • ČSOB

Online banking is widely available, and most banks offer English-speaking services.

Job Search 

Looking for a job? Browse the latest openings tailored for expats.

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