The Czech Republic is a small European country that tourists love to visit. A mild climate, an abundance of historical monuments, excellent cuisine, famous Czech beer, and even relatively good service attract a huge number of people here every year - dozens of times more than the indigenous people live there. But to make your trip enjoyable, you may need to know a little more about how to communicate with the local people, what is customary here and what should never be done.
Instructions
Step 1
If you want to feel more comfortable in this country, try learning a few of the most common Czech words before you travel and buy a small phrasebook. It will be easier for you to establish contacts with the local population, even if you will be here for only a few days. But it is also very good if you can communicate in English or German. By the way, many elderly Czechs are fluent in Russian as well.
Step 2
Czechs for the most part are polite and contact people, although they are very restrained and may even seem to you aloof, closed, unsmiling. But they do not know you at all and are not obliged to rush to meet you with joy! Be polite, be sure to greet the hotel staff, guides, shop assistants and bartenders. Do the same if you need to clarify your route, you get lost or are looking for something. As a rule, Czechs do not refuse help.
Step 3
Try to be punctual. If you have an appointment or excursion, be on time. Firstly, this quality is highly valued (and not only in the Czech Republic) and, secondly, you will not have to rush. Haste, fussiness, running around look stupid and funny in the eyes of calm and unhurried Czechs.
Step 4
Don't push in line or push forward. You should not be indignant and somehow express your dissatisfaction with the excessive waste of time. If you’re so impatient, why are you taking a queue at all?
Step 5
If you have come to visit various monuments and sights, you will surely have to visit at least one of the many operating and well-visited churches. Remember that entering a temple involves a certain style of dress. Women should not go in trousers and miniskirts, with bare shoulders or breasts. As a precaution, bring a pareo or light shawl, and if necessary, you can tie it around your waist or throw it over your shoulders. Men should not be wearing shorts to enter the church. It is better to immediately put on trousers for a walk.
Step 6
To determine if a particular restaurant is right for you (its prices, choice of dishes, etc.), you do not have to go to it. Usually near the entrance, on a special board, you will find the necessary information. If you're out to eat, be prepared to tip. Typically, this is 5-10% of the invoiced amount. And remember that Czechs are careful about food. Don't be surprised if they'll be unhappy if you leave with some food intact on your plate.
Step 7
Be sure to buy tickets for transport and do not forget to record the time of your entrance to the metro, tram or funicular. The inspectors are strict and the fines are heavy.
Step 8
In the Czech Republic, as in other countries of the world, you may face theft. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended. Large amounts of money and documents must be kept in the hotel safe. It is also best, just in case, to make photocopies of documents and store them in a suitcase.
