Packing List For Prague And The Czech Republic 2024

Use this packing list for Prague and the Czech Republic to have a hassle-free holiday, including advice on what to wear and how to buy a SIM card for your phone

Charles bridge by night, Prague, Czech Republic © PIVISO

The Czech Republic is a stunning country with the regal grandeur of Prague and fairytale locations like Český Krumlov, on the edge of the Bohemian Forest. As well as natural and architectural beauty, eating out is also a treat in my experience. It’s normal to ask if you can join a stranger’s table in a busy restaurant, and I’ve made new friends this way. The Czechs also know how to serve a cold, crisp beer. Arguably the best in the world – sorry, Carlsberg! Better still, these things generally cost less in the Czech Republic, so your holiday money should stretch further.

Preparing For Your Trip To The Czech Republic

If you want to make the most of your time in the Czech Republic, there are a number of crucial things to get sorted long before you leave.

Passport – Leave plenty of time to make sure you have one and know where it is! Your passport needs blank pages and at least six months until it expires. It’s a traveller’s most important possession, so protect with a durable passport cover. A good one has pockets for keeping tickets and other documents together.
Do I Need A Visa For The Czech Republic? – As a member state of the European Union, the Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Agreement for free movement. This means any EU citizen does not need a visa to visit. A number of other nationals can also travel for up to 90 days without a visa, including Americans and Australians. There are full details and application forms on the Schengen Visa site.
Accommodation – Accommodation costs reflect demand and are always subject to change, but the sweet spot tends to be around three months in advance. You might expect to find last minute bargains but it’s just as likely that this is when prices peak, so don’t leave it too late. A comparison site like Booking.com will help you find what you want at the lowest price available.
Flight Ticket ? The same three-month tactic applies for booking a flight. Use a site like Skyscanner to find the cheapest ticket for your preferred dates. Print out all tickets and keep them with your passport, as you may be asked to show a return ticket on arrival.
Bus and Train Tickets – You can save cash by buying domestic transport ahead of time. The rail network in the Czech Republic is a little patchy, so you may find yourself falling back on the coach to reach a destination like Český Krumlov.
- You can find the cheapest trains and coaches via The Trainline’s easy-to-use site. The Trainline app lets you buy tickets and manage everything on your mobile device. You can also print these digital tickets out if you prefer.
- If you’re an EU national and are planning lots of train travel, do a bit of research before buying an Interrail pass. You may find your destination is poorly served by the rail service. A global pass can be good value if you’re travelling to a number of countries.
- The Eurail Czech Republic Pass is offered to non-EU travellers, though the same caveats apply. Prices depend on the age of the pass holder and number of days required.
- If you’re travelling in from Poland, the EuroNight sleeper train is an enjoyable way to make the trip and save on the price of a hotel.
- The Czech bus network is more flexible than the train service. Most buses are run by state-owned ČSAD Autobusy, however you’ll find pretty much all the routes you need through the easier to use Flixbus site.
Face mask – COVID is still very active in many countries and you may be required to wear an SFP2 facemask on the plane and in some indoor spaces. It’s also a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser when you travel.

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What Do You Need To Pack For The Czech Republic?

Whilst food and drink is quite cheap in the Czech Republic, you may end up paying a bit more for things like brand-name clothes. All the same, there are plenty of supermarkets and malls in the cities, and extended opening hours are increasingly common. There is a 24-hour Tesco in Prague’s Eden Shopping Centre, for example. As you can get most things on arrival, it’s worth asking yourself if you really need everything you’ve packed. If you need something unexpectedly, you can generally buy it.

You Won’t Need Toiletries – You’ll find all the same brands you’re used to at home in a ‘drogerie’ like Rossmann or dm, or a supermarket like Tesco or Billa. Bring some necessary basics like toothpaste, tampons, and deodorant but get liquids like shampoo and shower gel once you arrive. Leaving razors at home will help avoid hassle at the airport. You’ll also find condoms and toilet paper, so there’s no need to pack these.
You Won’t Need Non-Prescription Medication – The Czech for a pharmacy is ‘lékárna’, and these can be identified by the same green cross familiar from many other European countries. Remedies for common complaints and painkillers can be bought from the non-prescription counter, though you may be asked to provide identification.

What Clothes To Pack For The Czech Republic

Like many of its neighbours, the Czech weather is fairly mild, with warm summers and winter temperatures hovering around freezing. Thunderstorms are common and snow is always possible around Christmas and New Year. You’ll need to be ready for a range of temperatures, so the best tactic is to bring layers to bulk up for the cold and wet. If you bring enough clothing for 4 or 5 days, you can wash them twice a week with an outfit to spare outfit. There are many local branches of C&A, if you need to buy something once you arrive.

Lower Body – Pack a few pairs of good-quality trousers, shirts, or shorts that can cope with frequent washing and the rough-and-tumble of travel. Go lightweight in the milder months of April to September, and choose warmer materials for the rest of the year.
- Protect valuables by wearing shorts with zippers on the pockets.
- Ticks have become a serious health hazard. If you’re hiking in the forest, make sure you cover up with some light-weight trousers during the summer.
- Pack durable, comfortable clothes for cold weather. Two pairs of jeans should be warm enough but will also mix and match with the rest of your clothes.
Upper body – Layers are best for changeable weather and temperatures.
- During the summer, a simple t-shirt should be enough during the day. Add something with long-sleeves if things get chilly. Under Armor t-shirts are perfect for travel. Keep your arms covered in the countryside.
- For the winter months, use base layer tops and thermal tights, such as Duofold’s excellent crew neck base layer tops for men or Duofold’s thermal shirts for women. A couple of extra layers should keep out the cold without taking up too much luggage space.
- Wear a cosy, waterproof coat or jacket on the plane, to cut down on packing. It needs lots of insulation to be truly effective. Make sure it truly is waterproof before you buy it.
Underwear – Under Armor underwear is perfect for the rigours of travel. If you’re walking a lot, try a lubricant like KY Jelly, to cut down on chafing.
Footwear – Good footwear will also save you from a number of travel-related woes. You’ll often find bargains for men’s walking shoes and women’s footwear on Amazon.
- Keen CNX hiking shoes are much better than sandals during the summer. They’re breathable, so your feet will end up cleaner and less smelly after a punishing hike.
- Lots of walking can also cause blisters and heat rashes, so make sure trainers or sneakers are also well-ventilated.
- Don’t forget to take protective hiking socks, otherwise your toes will end up bloody and bruised.
Sunglasses – A decent pair of sunglasses will screen out harmful rays and can be equally essential if you’re skiing. You can get reasonably-priced sunglasses on Amazon. A hat or cap can be useful for keeping the sun off.
Winter Accessories – Pack a scarf, some gloves, and a warm hat if you’re travelling in the colder months.

Health And Grooming Items To Pack For The Czech Republic

Although toiletries can be bought locally, keeping these items in your day bag will help keep you healthy and ready for little emergencies.

Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated should be a number one priority of any traveller. The Nalgene OTF has been specially designed with this in mind and can be replenished whenever you get the chance.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent – Protect yourself from the sun or snow glare with a water resistant lotion like the Neutrogena SPF 45 Drytouch. Use insect repellent during the warmer months, as tick bites can cause serious harm.
Moisturiser – A good moisturiser is a great pick-me-up and will help you feel better after a long day on the road. Splash out on a quality brand like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream , to feel the real benefits.
Ear Plugs – Though cheap to buy, Moldex ear plugs are invaluable for getting some peaceful kip.
Tissues – Make sure you always carry a small pack of tissues and some wet wipes. These have many practical uses, such as backup toilet paper. A small bottle of hand sanitiser is essential as well.
Quick Dry Towel – Even if there are towels in your hotel room, it’s a good idea to bring one of your own. Sunland towels are very compact and dry quickly.
Antihistamine Tablets – Antihistamine tablets will take care of any pollen allergies but a secret tip is to take one before a long flight to counteract the sneezing brought on by recycled cabin air.

Electronic Devices To Pack For The Czech Republic

Plug Adaptors – If you only need to charge USB devices and have a store nearby, Danish retailer Flying Tiger sells a compact charger with interchangeable plugs for international use. Otherwise, the IKEA Koppla 3-port USB charger is a great choice. The Swedish company has 4 stores in the Czech Republic, so you can pick one up if there’s a store near where you’re staying.
- The Czech Republic uses a ‘Type C’ plug. This has two rounded pins. ‘Type E’ plugs also work in these sockets.
- Certain US gadgets may need an adaptor with build-in voltage conversion, so get a universal power adaptor and make that any valuable electronics like laptops have surge protection.
Cellphone – There’s a full section below on buying SIM cards in the Czech Republic.
- You’ll need an unlocked handset, so get a cheap phone before leaving if your current phone is locked to a contract.
- You’ll need a charger! Electronics are a bit more expensive in the Czech Republic, but you can go to an electronics store like Alza, if you need a replacement.
- A fully-charged power bank is an essential item for your day pack. RAVPower’s FileHub Plus adds a handy wifi booster and various ports to turn it into a portable media centre.
- Keep your phone safe from damage with the Otterbox range of Defender cases.
- Regularly back up to Google or a similar a cloud service. Copy your photos to an SD or USB and store this safely, and back up to a laptop if you’re travelling with one.
Camera – A good old fashioned camera still has some advantages over a smartphone. Your batteries will last longer and you’ll get better results if you know what you’re doing. The Canon Powershot is a great all-round camera – compact and competitively priced. Alternatively, the GoPro is still very popular with travellers.
- Pack a bunch of memory cards and swap them over regularly.
Noise-cancelling headphones – Noise-cancelling headphones will help you get some much needed headspace during long journeys or downtime.
Kindle – Kindle readers let you carry a huge stack of books with a negligible cost in terms of weight – perfect for travel.

Other Things To Pack For The Czech Republic

Czech Phrasebook – English is widely spoken in the Czech Republic but a phrasebook will help you decode a menu and can even save your bacon. Spend a bit of time on YouTube getting familiar with pronunciation – otherwise your phrasebook will be useless – and learn some useful sentences, before you go.
Journal – A physical journal doubles as a scrapbook for maps, flyers, drawings, and other bits of memorabilia. I use Leuchtturm1917’s A5 dotted notebooks. They’re expensive but the best journal I’ve found.

Luggage For A Visit To The Czech Republic

Backpack or Suitcase – Test any luggage before buying to make sure it feels comfortable or travels well, if it has wheels. A backpack harness needs to put the weight on your hips rather than your shoulders. Look online for a bargain backpack from Amazon and choose a trusted brand like Osprey.
- Make sure your suitcase is durable, if you go for one, with plenty of space for stuff you pick up en route. If you only plan on taking cabin luggage, check the restrictions with your airline before you buy.
- Luggage Locks – Luggage locks keep your stuff safe from opportunists. TSA-approved locks are mandatory when travelling to or from the United States.
- Travel Cubes – As a new convert, I can assure you that travel cubes will revolutionise your packing. These keep your luggage well-organised and easy to identify, so you won’t have to dump everything on the floor when you’re looking for a clean pair of socks. You can use Ziplocs or even carrier bags, but a set of cubes won’t cost much and will make all the difference.
- Wash Bag – A home for all your toiletries will also help you stay organised and potentially save the rest of your luggage if a bottle explodes. The Magictodoor travel kit has loads of compartments and a built-in hook.
- There is a 100 mL restriction on liquids for cabin bags, so pack larger bottles in your hold luggage or decant into small, clear bottles and keep in a transparent bag for customs.
You’ll need a strong day bag for a water bottle, battery pack, and other day-to-day essentials.
Travel Wallet – Keep valuables safe with something like the Lewis N. Clark RFID Security Wallet. It will protect your passport, cards, and cash securely under clothing, without getting in the way.

Preparing Your Cellphone For The Czech Republic

Citizens from the European Union can use their domestic phone contract when travelling in the Czech Republic. My UK provider EE allows 60-day roaming out of every 120-day period, for example, so check your handset is set up for overseas use and that you’ll get the same minutes and data abroad at no extra cost.

If you’re travelling from a non-EU country, you will need an unlocked handset and to buy a SIM card. If your device is locked to a contract, buy a cheap phone before you leave. Getting a SIM is generally quick and easy. You shouldn’t need ID but take your passport anyway. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

The Czech Republic has many small Telcos, some of which offer introductory bargains. However, they all piggy back off the main providers and you’ll probably have a better experience if you stick with T-Mobile, O2, or Vodafone. They all have stores across the country and can set up everything for you. Coverage is good and prices are fair compared to other European countries.

Though the smallest of the three main providers, Vodafone offers a beefy data plan aimed specifically at travellers: 10GB over 30 days for 800 CZK – or just over €30. Note: this package does not support roaming data to other countries. This is the most competitive rate currently on the Czech market but, if this is overkill for your needs, cheaper bundles are available. You’ll find a helpful Vodafone store in Terminal 2 at Prague’s Václav Havel Airport or you can locate a branch through the website.

O2 are currently advertising a choice of PAYG packages for 150 CZK – just under €7, with a 1.5GB data add-on for an additional 300 CZK. The total comes to roughly €18 at time of writing, though you should be able to get a data-only SIM at the same rate in store. The tariffs are easy to navigate but you can also find an O2 store through their website to discuss your needs with a sales advisor.

T-Mobile has the largest network in the country. Their website quotes a PAYG rate of 3.50 CZK per minute and a daily rate of 24 CZK for 25MB – which is less than a Euro at time of writing. However, you can bundle these up into a prepaid package that suits your needs. Use the online store locator to find your nearest branch. Data-only SIMs are also available.

I’ve also read about an intriguing hack to use up unwanted SMS allowance by buying tickets on Prague public transport. I’ve not tried this myself, so I don’t know how well it works in practice, but it’s worth asking when you buy your SIM.

Free wifi is easily found in Prague. It’s available in any of the city’s 46 public libraries, for example, or any branch of Starbucks. The wiman site and app lists over 200,000 free hotspots across the whole of the Czech Republic.

Health Considerations For A Visit To The Czech Republic

Keep any key medical and insurance numbers within easy reach. Dial 112 for English-speaking emergency services.
Travellers from other European Union countries should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles the same state healthcare as any Czech resident. The companion phone app will guide you through the bureaucratic steps should a medical situation arise.
Vaccinations – The Czech Republic is a safe country, with no specific health warnings beyond the basic vaccinations. Get the all-clear for travel from your doctor or nurse roughly 6 weeks before you leave.
There is increasing risk from tick-borne diseases in the countryside, especially during warmer months. Keep your limbs covered and use insect repellent. See the CDC website for instructions on how to deal with a tick.
Check the FitForTravel website for the most up-to-date advice for the Czech Republic.
Prescription Medicines – Keep prescription medicines sealed, if possible, with the prescription label attached, and carry written documentation. Make sure you have enough for your entire visit.
Allergy Card – If you have any particular allergies, carry a statement in Czech. You can show this in restaurants, for example, if you’re allergic to nuts. Select Wisely sells a huge range of these cards, with potentially life-saving translations.

Money For Visiting The Czech Republic

Although the Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004, the currency remains the koruna (or crown) – abbreviated at CZK. The country was expected to adopt the Euro eventually, but there is currently some political and financial ambivalence at to when and if this will happen. You may find that some chain stores will accept Euros, which is handy if you’re coming in from a neighbouring country, but don’t count on it. Here’s a list of reliable places to change currency if you do need to get rid of some Euros.

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in the Czech Republic, but it’s definitely worth keeping some cash on you. It’s a good idea to buy about 2500 CZK before you leave, roughly €100 in advance. That way, you’ll have money for transport and snacks as soon as you land. You should be able to get this through your bank or a reputable low commission Bureau de Change.

Inform your bank before you travel and double check that your plastic will work abroad. Make sure you understand your bank’s travel fees, which should be easily found on their website. Take a photo of the front and back of your card, so you have a record of the details and the emergency phone number. You can use this if your card is frozen or stolen. If possible, it’s a good idea to carry a backup card with a different bank, with online access so you can transfer money into a working account. This has got me out of a jam on a few occasions.

Once you’re settled, it’s cheapest to use ATMs, especially if your banks offers a no-fee debit card. Ask if they have anything aimed specifically at travel. You should have either Visa or MasterCard debit and / or credit cards, with chip and four-digit PINs. Stick to ATMs in major banks or post offices or use this location map for Visa-friendly ATMs or this local ATM finder for MasterCard. If offered, always choose the cheaper CZK rate rather than your home currency.

The new breed of pre-paid cards, such as Western Union’s TravelWise card, are designed especially for travel. Similarly, many app-based banks offer very attractive rates for overseas use. A Revolut account, for example, takes minutes to open from your phone and has no added fees when using abroad. Similarly, a Starling card can be locked from the app and alerts you whenever it is used, so you’ll know instantly if it’s been stolen and can close it down immediately.

The Best Time To Visit The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a great place to visit throughout year, though the winters will be colder and Prague can be packed with tourists at the height of summer. You’ll get pleasant weather and save yourself some money if you visit in Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October).

Planning What To Do And Where To Go In The Czech Republic

Czech Republic Guidebook – A guidebook remains a great way to prepare for a trip and is a useful way to collect notes as you travel. I would pick ‘Lonely Planet Prague & The Czech Republic’.
Maps Of The Czech Republic – You can generally pick up free maps from hotels, which will often have lists of attractions. Krumlov House gave me their charming ‘world-famous’ hand-drawn map of the town when I stayed there. It’s a good idea to pick up a number of free maps, so you can cross reference. It’s also useful to download Google maps for offline use when you have access to free wifi.