Czech Republic
Currency in Czech Republic: what to use and how to exchange
Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK, Kč), not the euro, and the country has no euro adoption date. Pay by card almost everywhere in Prague and Brno; carry 1,000–2,000 Kč in cash for markets, small pubs and rural stops. Exchange or withdraw at banks and ATMs, never at street kiosks.
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GuideCzech Republic
Key facts
- Currency
- Czech koruna (CZK, Kč); 1 koruna = 100 haléřů, coins no longer used in practice
- Euro accepted?
- No, except some tourist businesses in Prague that quote a poor rate; pay in CZK
- Rough rate 2026check
- About 24–25 CZK to 1 EUR; roughly 22–23 CZK to 1 USD
- Cards
- Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere in cities; small pubs and markets cash-only
- Best exchange
- Bank branches and reputable exchange offices with a posted 0% commission; avoid street kiosks and '0% commission' boards with bad rates
- ATM withdrawal
- Use bank ATMs (Česká spořitelna, Komerční banka, ČSOB, Moneta); decline the ATM's own conversion
- Cash to carrycheck
- 1,000–2,000 Kč per person for a day of small purchases
- Tipping
- Round up or about 10%, said to the server as you pay
Details
The Czech Republic kept the koruna when it joined the EU in 2004 and has not set a target date for the euro, so every price you see — menus, tickets, hotel rates — is in CZK. Some Prague businesses near the main tourist streets display euro prices too, but the rate they use is usually worse than a bank's, and change may come back in koruna at another poor rate. Pay in koruna.
Cards work for most of a normal trip. Supermarkets, hotels, train and bus tickets, restaurants in Prague, Brno and other cities, and museum counters all take contactless Visa and Mastercard. Amex is less reliable. The gaps are small pubs outside the centre, farmers' markets, some taxis, and rural guesthouses, so keep a cash float.
For cash, two routes are safe. Bank branches and exchange offices that post their buy and sell rates clearly, with no commission, give close to the interbank rate. Bank ATMs give a similar result if you decline the machine's own conversion offer and let your home bank do it. Street exchange kiosks, especially around Prague's Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, advertise '0% commission' but build the margin into the rate; some have historically short-changed customers. Skip them.
If you arrive with euros, you can change a small amount at the airport for the bus or metro, then use a bank in the city for the rest. Do not change money with individuals on the street, and do not accept a rate that looks far better than the boards around it.
Summary table
| Item | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Czech koruna (CZK, Kč) | No euro adoption date |
| Euro cash | Change small amounts only | Airport rate is poor; use a bank in town |
| Cards | Visa, Mastercard contactless | Amex less accepted; cash for small pubs |
| Best exchange | Bank branch or posted-rate office | Check the buy/sell board before handing over money |
| Avoid | Street kiosks, '0% commission' boards with bad rates | Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are the classic spots |
| ATM | Bank ATM, decline its conversion | Your home bank's rate is usually better |
| Cash to carry | 1,000–2,000 Kč | 2026 estimate for a day of small buys |
| Tipping | Round up or about 10% | Say the total as you pay |
Tips
Tell the server the total you are paying, including the tip, when you hand over the card or cash — that is the local habit rather than leaving coins on the table.
Keep small notes and coins for trams, public toilets and market stalls; a 2,000 Kč note is awkward for a 40 Kč coffee.
If a card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose CZK. The conversion is done at the merchant's rate, not yours.
Check your bank's foreign transaction fee before you travel; some US and UK cards charge 2–3% on every purchase and withdrawal.
Prices in tourist areas of Prague are higher than elsewhere in the country, but the currency and the rules are the same.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Czech Republic?
The Czech koruna, written CZK or Kč. The country is in the EU but has not adopted the euro and has no target date, so prices, menus and tickets are all in koruna.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Czech Republic?
Bank branches and exchange offices that post clear buy and sell rates with no commission. Avoid street kiosks and '0% commission' boards in tourist areas — the margin is hidden in the rate. Bank ATMs are a good alternative if you decline the machine's conversion.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Czech Republic?
Use a card for most spending in Prague, Brno and other cities — contactless Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Carry 1,000–2,000 Kč in cash for small pubs, markets, taxis and rural stops.
Deep dive
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