Money and duty free for Czech Republic

Currency and Money

Currency information

Koruna (CZK; symbol Kč) or Crown = 100 haler. Notes are in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100Kč. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1Kč, and 50 haler.

Credit cards

Most major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard are accepted for most types of transaction. For smaller amounts you may have to pay in cash.

ATM

ATMs are widespread throughout the country, and will almost certainly offer an English translation.

Travellers cheques

These are accepted in banks, but only rarely in hotels and almost never in restaurants. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Banking hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks close early on Fridays.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency exchange

Foreign currency (including traveller's cheques) can be exchanged at all bank branches and at authorised exchange offices, main hotels and road border crossings.

Czech Republic duty free

Overview

The Czech Republic is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

The Czech Republic's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

The Czech Republic's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into the Czech Republic by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• Travellers arriving by car must not exceed the petrol allowance of one full tank and an additional 10 litres in a portable container.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €200 for children under 15).

Banned Imports

Banned imports include explosives, addictive substances, any kind of waste are prohibited. Firearms and ammunition are only permitted with a licence.

Restricted imports include animals, plants and food products. Travellers from non-EU countries should not bring meat and dairy products, plants or cultural goods unless they have the appropriate certificate to do so.

Banned Exports

Prohibited or restricted exports include veterinary goods, items of cultural value, weapons, ammunition, explosives and narcotics.