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The Czech Republic’s currency is the crown (Kč), which is made up of 100 hellers. Crown notes come in denominations of Kč5,000, Kč2,000, Kč1,000, Kč500, Kč200, Kč100, Kč50 and the increasingly rare Kč20. Coins come in the following denominations: Kč1, Kč2, Kč5, Kč10, Kč20 and Kč50, as well as 50 hellers.

Most banks are open from 8am to 5pm. Although some banks, such as Živnostenská banka, are worth visiting just for their stunning interiors, the only other reason you’ll need to go to a Prague bank is if you want to take advantage of the typically lower fees they charge for currency exchange.

Although they may advertise “0 percent commission”, all bureaux de change will take a cut. The conversion rates vary little from exchange to exchange so there’s little point shopping around. Note that very few will accept coins. It’s a good idea to convert your crowns back to your own currency before you leave, as the Czech currency has a very low value outside of the country itself.

Bankomats are widely available throughout the city centre, although they are out of order (mimo provoz ) with alarming frequency. The machines that are working recognize major credit cards and global banking systems such as Cirrus. Be vigilant when using ATMs after dark.

Major credit cards are widely accepted at shops and restaurants that cater to tourists, but always check on your way in. Travellers’ cheques, on the other hand, are seldom accepted, although American Express cashes and sells their cheques at their various offices.

When not out of order, payphones accept either coins or phone cards (telefonní karty ), available at post offices and newsagents. More than 70 per cent of Czechs have mobile phones. You can rent a mobile phone at Prague’s Ruzyně Airport.

The main post office is lovely inside and worth a visit, whether or not you need to mail a postcard or letter overseas. It also offers a telegram service and a large phone room, which is a good way of making overseas telephone calls. Main Post Office:

As in most cities, nowadays one can find an Internet café on almost every corner. Expect to be charged upwards of Kč60 an hour, with a minimum time of 15 minutes. Many visitors do their surfing at The Globe.

In addition to the locally-produced Prague Business Journal and The Prague Post (see The Prague Post), downtown newsstands carry US weeklies like Time as well as international newspapers such as The Guardian , Wall Street Journal and the International Herald Tribune .

You’ll find some English-language broadcasts on the BBC at 101.1 FM, as well as an abundance of Czech and Slovak. If your hotel has satellite hookups, expect the usual fare of Sky and MTV. Public Czech Television often broadcasts classic films in English with Czech subtitles.