Prague remains one of the European capitals where currency exchange most often traps travellers: here is how to get your Czech koruna (CZK) at a fair price and avoid the abusive tourist exchange offices once you are there.
The Czech koruna, a currency apart in the heart of Europe
Many travellers are surprised: although it is a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic has not adopted the euro. The official currency remains the Czech koruna, whose international code is CZK and local symbol Kč (for koruna). A koruna is theoretically divided into 100 hellers, but these cents have disappeared from circulation: prices are now rounded to the whole koruna.
In practice, you will handle banknotes of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 Kč, as well as coins from 1 to 50 Kč. The amounts shown look impressive at first glance, because the figures are high compared with the euro: a coffee or a tram ticket runs into tens of koruna. Get into the habit of thinking in orders of magnitude rather than converting every price down to the decimal.
Why be wary of exchange offices in Prague
Prague's historic centre — around the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square — has an unusual concentration of independent exchange offices. Several practices there are regularly denounced by travellers:
- Misleading rate displays: the large illuminated board often shows a very attractive rate reserved… for selling koruna back into euros, and not for buying koruna with your euros. The rate that concerns you is far less favourable.
- False "0% commission" claims: the absence of an advertised commission sometimes hides a hefty margin built into the rate itself.
- Small print and minimum amounts: the best advertised rate sometimes applies only above several hundred euros exchanged at once.
- Pressure at the counter: Czech regulations have strengthened the customer's right to cancel an exchange transaction within a limited time, but you still need to demand the receipt and check the amount handed over before leaving the window.
As for cash machines, be wary of the withdrawal terminals that are everywhere in tourist areas (often yellow in colour). They almost systematically offer dynamic currency conversion: you are offered to be charged in euros rather than in koruna. Always refuse this option and choose "without conversion", in koruna: the rate applied by your bank will generally be much better than the terminal's.
Changing your euros in advance: the stress-free solution
The best safeguard is still to set off with a stash of koruna already in your pocket, obtained at a clear rate before departure. You arrive at Václav Havel Airport or the central station without depending on the first counter you come across, and you keep time to compare once on site if needed.
At Paris Change, an exchange office approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you can carry out the purchase and sale of currencies including the Czech koruna, among more than 53 currencies available. The exchange is done commission-free, at counter rates posted each day, and you can book online then collect in store. A single address: 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, reachable via the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) and the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame). The shop is open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, which remains rare in Paris for wrapping up your preparations even on the eve of departure.
Practical tips on the ground in Prague
- Keep some cash: cards are very widely accepted in Prague (restaurants, museums, transport), but small shops, markets, cloakrooms and public toilets often run on cash.
- Tipping: in restaurants and cafés, you generally round up or leave around 10%. State the total amount you want to the waiter when paying rather than leaving coins on the table.
- Don't accept euros "to make it easier": some tourist shops accept the euro, but at a very unfavourable in-house rate. Always pay in koruna.
- Plan ahead for transport: tram and metro tickets are easy to buy, but having a few koruna coins comes in handy at the machines.
Also keep in mind the customs rule: when entering or leaving the European Union, any transport of cash equal to or greater than €10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared to customs. For a stay in Prague, you will remain well below this threshold, but it is useful to know.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay in euros in Prague?
Occasionally yes, in some hotels and tourist shops, but almost always at a disadvantageous rate. The Czech koruna remains the official currency: it is far preferable to pay and withdraw in CZK.
Is it better to change your euros in Paris or in Prague?
Changing a base of koruna in advance, at an approved and commission-free office, avoids the tourist counters that apply large margins. You arrive relaxed and top up on site only if necessary.
Should you use the cash machines on site?
You can, provided you refuse the conversion into euros offered by the terminal and favour your own bank. Avoid the tourist machines with opaque rates located in the busiest areas.
Prepare for your trip with peace of mind: book your Czech koruna online and collect it at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 7 days a week, commission-free. Discover the purchase and sale of currencies and head to Prague at a fair rate.
