Practical Information

Transcription

1 Practical Information

2 Website of the Czech Presidency The website of the Czech Presidency ( contains details of all the important events taking place during the Czech Presidency of the Council of EU. Time/Electricity/Currency The Czech Republic is on Central European Time (CET), one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). In the Czech Republic 220 V (230 V), 50 Hz supply the electricity, plugs are the standard two-pin continental European style. The currency used in the Czech Republic is koruna (Kc). Hotels, restaurants and businesses accept most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Clubs). Some of them also accept Euro currency. Money exchange is highly recommended. The Climate The Czech Republic has a mild continental climate with warm, sometimes-damp summers and cold winters. The average temperature in summer is 24 C (74 F), although temperatures can rise to 30 C (92 F). At night, temperatures fall to 15 C (46 F). In winter, the daytime temperature averages around freezing point and at night falls to 4 C (26 F). During the coldest months, January and February, the daytime temperature hovers around 5 C (23 F). Spring and summer tend to be the sunniest months, with the period between May and August being the rainiest. Snow is rare in Prague during the winter. For more information, see following links: Meteopress Online METEO FRANCE (French) CNN Weather (English) BBC Weather World (English) Wunderground.com (English) Public transport Public transport in Prague is well developed, efficient and accessible. The metro, trams and buses are used by two-thirds of Prague s population and cover the majority of the city and its outskirts. Especially the metro makes getting around town a breeze since it enables covering long distances in a matter of minutes. For detailed information, see following links: official sites of the Prague public transportation authority Czech Railways Company (info about trains) prices of selected international train connections timetable and other info about buses and trains Czech Airlines Prague airport (Ruzyne)- map, timetables, transportation etc. 2

3 Taxi Services Prague is flooded with taxis, but avoid picking one up on the street, as you ll likely be overcharged. Here are some of the reputable companies: AAA City Taxi Taxi Praha An alternative to Taxis - if you ve driven somewhere, for some reason are unable to drive back and can t (or don t want to) leave your car behind, this service will pick you up and drive both you and your car back home: (Drink S.O.S.) Rent a Car rent a car hire your own chauffeur Important numbers for car trouble or road services: 154 Towing Service 1230 Emergency Road Service (ABA) 1240 Emergency Road Service (UAMK) EMERGENCY CONTACTS The following numbers may come in handy during your visit. We need to draw your attention to the fact that besides the emergency numbers; reaching someone who speaks fluent English may be difficult. 112 General Emergency Number 112 is the general emergency line throughout the European Union (similar to 911 in the U.S.) It should be used for large-scale emergencies, especially for those who don t speak Czech operators will speak English and German as well as Czech. The number can be dialed from any phone, and the call is free. The call is also traced with Caller ID even mobile phones can be located within a 200-meter radius. The number can be used for urgent help from Police, Fire Emergency, or Emergency Medical Assistance, though these numbers can also be dialed directly: 150 Fire Emergency 155 Medical Emergency (Ambulance/First Aid) 156 Prague City Police 158 Police 3

4 First Aid and Hospitals In case of a medical problem that is not urgent, doctors/hospitals can be contacted directly. The hospital Na Homolce is the most friendly, with a special clinic for foreigners and numerous English-speakers, but it is a bit far from the city centre. A few examples of doctors and hospitals opened 24 hours: Hospitals Nemocnice Na Holmolce (Prague 5) Nemocnice na Františku (Prague 1) Workplace: Poliklinika Palackého (Prague 1) Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice v Praze (Prague 2) For a full list of doctors and hospitals (as well as some other useful numbers, including help/crisis lines), see the official website of the Czech yellow pages here: 24-Hour Pharmacies Even over-the-counter medication must be purchased at a pharmacy (lekarna). In case of urgent need, certain pharmacies are open 24-hours: Prague 1, Palackého Prague 2, Belgická 37 Dental Emergencies The following dental offices offer services from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and are open 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday: Prague Prague 4 Lost Credit Cards Lost or stolen credit card? Call one of the following services to take care of it: Visa American Express MasterCard/Eurocard Diners Club 4

5 Other information There are a few over-the-phone information services that are offered by O2 company, usually for a steep price. Note that many of the services are offered only in Czech Info Line: Czech Number Directory 1181 Info Line: Foreign Number Directory Operator for changed numbers (information about renumbering) Exact time Weather Medical Information Operator for International phone calls An interactive price list for these and other over-the-phone information services can be found here (follow the link for Volání na infolinky ): USEFUL LINKS Prague online a photographical travelogue of the major historical areas in Prague Great brand new web site for people coming to Prague prague.tv/ unusual web for Prague visitors Culture a complete list of all cultural events in Prague and in the Czech Republic, purchase your tickets online Prague Philharmony Orchestra Czech Philharmony National Theatre, Theatre of Estates, Kolowrat Theatre and National Theatre Ballet State Opera Prague National Museum (History and Natural-Science Museum) Prague Castle General Departement of Foreign Affaires, information about Visas, Czech Embassy abroad and other travel info Czech language, learn useful phrases plus how they are pronounced Tells you which is the best Prague restaurant, where to find vegetarian food etc. Prague Information Service (PIS) online Czech Tourist Authority, Information Centre Web Cam pointing towards the Old Town Square Money find what the exchange rate is (supports every currency) Magazines and Newspapers in English weekly newspapers in English Prague Business Journal 5

6 Czech Presidency of the European Union