Czech Republic Currency

Currency in Prague

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK), sometimes referred to as Czech crown in English, the koruna Česká (Kč) in Czech.

Banknotes and Coins

The banknotes used in the country are Kč 100 (US$ 4.20), Kč 200 (US$ 8.40), Kč 500 (US$ 21.02), Kč 1,000 (US$ 42.04), Kč 2,000 (US$ 84.08) and Kč 5,000 (US$ 210.20). The coins in circulation are Kč 1 (US$ 0.04), Kč 2 (US$ 0.08), Kč 5 (US$ 0.21), Kč 10 (US$ 0.42), Kč 20 (US$ 0.84) and Kč 50 (US$ 2.10).

Banks and ATMs

In the centre of Prague, visitors will have no problem finding several banks and ATMs. If you need to visit a branch, they are open from Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.

How to Pay

As in most destinations, travellers will find it easier and cheaper to use their bank cards when paying in Prague. The exchange rate is normally a maximum 1% when paying with a debit or credit card, which is cheaper than exchanging money in a bureau de change. To know if card payment is accepted in a store or restaurant, we recommend asking before making any purchase.  

Where To Exchange Currency

The best exchange rates are usually found in bureaux de change located in the centre, in Staré Město and Malá Strana. Banks usually charge a 2% commission and hotels and airport currency exchange are usually more expensive.

When exchanging money in currency exchange, it's always a good idea to ask how many korunas you'll get for an exact amount of euros or dollars. We recommend ignoring signs that say “0% commissions”, as these are simply marketing manoeuvres to attract clients.

Before leaving for Prague, you can find out how much your bank charges for foreign transactions. This way, you'll know how much you're being charged when you use an ATM.

Exchanging Currency Before Travelling

If you prefer to exchange currency before travelling, you have two options: doing so at a bank, though commissions tend to be high, or at a specialised company.