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To call an ambulance, dial 155; for police, 158. In the event of a fire, call 150. Speak slowly and calmly and the operator will understand you. You may wish to carry your embassy’s phone number with you.

Prague’s municipal police are generally helpful to (law-abiding) visitors, although they continue to be dogged with accusations of bribe-taking. Don’t confuse members of private security services and Prague Castle guards for state or municipal police officers.

Prague’s doctors increasingly speak English and are accustomed to western standards of care. Some private clinics that cater to foreigners, such as the Canadian Medical Centre have doctors on call 24 hours a day. Should you need in-patient care, go to the foreigners’ clinic at Na Homolce Hospital.

If you need to report a fire, simply dial 150 and tell the operator what is burning and where. In the street, it’s not uncommon to see a smouldering waste bin, where someone has carelessly thrown a lit cigarette. Don’t worry – someone will be along in a minute with a bucket of water to put it out.

Czech dental care is considered among the best in Europe. For dental emergencies, call 2494 6981. For routine care, try the English-speaking dentists at the American Dental Associates or Millennium Dental Care.

For even such common medicines as aspirin or cold remedies, you’ll need to visit a lékárna . A pharmacy at the Kotva department store is open at weekends, but most are closed. There are 24 other pharmacies scattered around the city and a 24-hour pharmacy at Palackého.

Consult a physician before your trip and check whether your health insurance covers you abroad. If it doesn’t be sure to take out extra insurance to avoid high charges should you fall ill. Also be aware that your medication may be known by a different name brand abroad. Your doctor may also recommend an inoculation against hepatitis before your trip, although this isn’t strictly necessary.

Pickpockets target tourists in crowded spaces where they can jostle you. Distribute your valuables among several inside pockets and never carry more cash than you need. Leave photocopies of your passport in your hotel room.

The fat-heavy Czech diet may cause indigestion, so bring along your favourite stomach-settler. Tap water is safe to drink, but even local residents prefer bottled water. The most dangerous fluid in a city full of bars is alcohol; watch your intake – Czech beer is stronger than a lot of other varieties.

Second-hand smoke is a fact of life in Prague. Smoke-free restaurants and cafés are rare. If cigarettes aggravate your health or enjoyment, be sure to visit in summer, when you can spend more time outside and breathe in fresher air.