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The Czech Republic (an EU member as of 5/2004) will NOT adopt the Euro until 2015, possibly later; Czech crowns (CZK) are easily obtained from any Czech ATM machine via an ATM card, or from non-stop exchange offices at all Czech airports and most major train stations. Don't bother exchanging your US dollars into Cech crowns until you arrive in the Czech Republic. Most U.S. banks don't carry the Czech currency and although it can be ordered, the exchange rate is not going to be good. A quick stop at an exchange office or ATM at the airport or border crossing is a better option. Credit Cards All major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, and to a lesser extent Diners' Club and Discover) are accepted at larger stores and restaurants, especially in Prague. Most larger hotels in the 4*+ category will accept credit cards, too. V.A.T. refund Foreign visitors to the Czech Republic can apply for value added tax (VAT) reimbursement when leaving the country. The minimum price of a single item to be refunded is 1,000 CZK and visitors can ask for refunds of all purchases up to 30 days prior to their departure from the country. Foreigners must claim the refund no later than 3 months after the day of purchase. The "VAT refund form", which must be validated by Czech Customs authorities upon departure, can be obtained at Financial Offices, Customs Offices, and the retailers. Refunds must be claimed with the same retailer (1) in person or (2) through a specialized collecting agency (such as VAT MAX). The process runs as follows: Buy goods worth more than CZK 1,000 in one day from a retailer marked by TAX REFUND signRequest the envelope, the "VAT refund form" and the receipt |
