Life in the Czech Republic

Where am I going to live?

Prague and all larger cities in the CR boast a wide range of rented furnished and unfurnished housing for expatriates and their families, ranging from centrally located apartments to spacious villas in leafy suburbs. Many real estate agencies offer relocation services for a fee of one to two months' rent.

The purchase price of a three-room apartment in Prague varies from USD 700 to 4,000 per m2, in Brno from USD 300 to 1,100 per m2, and in Ostrava from USD 200 to 900 per m2. The average monthly rent for a standard three-room apartment is USD 660 in Prague, USD 390 in Brno and USD 350 in Ostrava. The prices in other cities are lower than those in Prague or Brno.

Is my driving licence valid in the Czech Republic?

Foreigners who spend more than 185 days per year in the Czech Republic must obtain a Czech driving license in addition to their own license. This is done by presenting the original license to the relevant local authority in one's place of residence. The deadline for applying for a Czech license is 90 days after the issue date of the long-term visa.

Are there international schools for my children in the Czech Republic?

There is a choice of international schools ranging from elementary schools to MBA programmes. You can find schools teaching in English, German or French in most of the larger cities around the country.

How about eating out?

Other than typical Czech pubs serving the famous brands of Czech beer, larger cities boast a large number of international eateries, ranging from Irish pubs to Indian restaurants. For more information, see the restaurant guides at, e.g., www.restauraceonline.cz or www.grand-restaurant.cz. A little practical hint - tips are not included in the bill and they are usually 5-10% of the meal price.

What can I do at the weekends?

Prague and many cities in the Czech Republic are famous for their architectural heritage - there are 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites around the country (see whc.unesco.org or www.czechtourism.com). An overwhelming selection of cultural events is on offer, embracing all types of music and an outstanding theatrical tradition. A number of foreign cultural centres, ranging from the British Council to the Goethe-Institut, also offer a wide range of events and services.

What about shopping?

The retail sector in Prague and all larger cities has undergone a revolution in the past decade with many big shopping centres now located within and around the cities. Local concepts of shopping and customer service are now comparable to those of Western European countries, and major international retail chains (e.g., Tesco, Billa, Makro, IKEA, OBI, Bauhaus and others) as well as boutique stores (e.g., Zara, C&A, Marks & Spencer, Promod, H&M, Next, Max Mara and others) are present in the Czech market.

Are there sport facilities available?

The Czech Republic offers a wealth of sporting opportunities. The most popular sports are ice hockey, football (soccer), basketball, tennis, volleyball, swimming and table tennis, for which there are many clubs and venues in all regions of the country. Golf is rapidly growing in popularity. There are 112 clubs offering two 36-hole courses, two 27-hole courses, nineteen 18-hole courses, 51 nine-hole courses, 15 indoor courses, 16 driving ranges and a further 11 courses under construction throughout the Czech Republic. For more information, see the website of the Czech Golf Federation at www.cgf.cz or the interactive map of golf courses on the CzechInvest website.

For other information on everyday life in the Czech Republic, you can also visit www.expats.cz.