Prague, Czech Republic Report of what it's like to live there - 08/03/11
Personal Experiences from Prague, Czech Republic
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
6th
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC 8 hours
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign Service
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
For the embassy community, housing is either large family homes by the international school or smaller inner-city apartments. Keep in mind that European housing has limited closets and storage. Don't bring more than you actually need.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
If you search you can find anything you want, perhaps with a foreign name, but the same actual product. Go to Makro and it will cost about the same as US prices. Most people shop in the small neighborhood markets, which have limited choices and higher prices but are more convenient. Go to Tesco, Alberts, Bili and pay less. If you can buy/store in bulk, Makro is a wonderland.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, TGI Fridays, Hooters, Baskin Robbins and on and on. Prices in Prague are less than Western Europe, but on average higher than the US.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
All are available but you will pay for it.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Never even saw an ant, although they must exist!
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The Czech system is reliable and cost effective for local or international mail if you don't have US govt mail access.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It is available, but getting someone who is fluent in English can be a problem if that is a need.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Use them freely. No problems. But do limit it to bank ATMs, as there are independent ATMs around that charge higher fees.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, but English TV channels are limited, even on cable. Most people combine TV, internet and phone through O2 service for about $100.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Quite a bit. While central Prague is littered with English speakers, just getting one block off the beaten path will lead to non-English speakers. Czech is a tough language, but learning key words, smiling, and using hand signals can save lots of grief.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It is not friendly to wheelchairs or crutches. Cobblestones are hard even for people without physical disabilities to maneuver. All older sections of the city, which is the area we all like to be in, have steps, stairs and problematic w/c access. This segment of the population will find Prague quite unfriendly.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, yes, yes and yes.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You can bring any type, but parking is scarce, and some streets are tight -- so small is good.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, and reliable.~$70 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone has one.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No, but there are qualifications. Be sure to check.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, very good.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not unless you are a fluent Czech speaker.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Czech ladies like to dress up, but you will see a wide variety at any office or event.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really. Pickpockets on the Charles Bridge but rare violent crime.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent medical care on the local economy. Most physicians speak good English, most support staff do not.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality is moderate, but deep winter causes a smog to hang over the city, and this can cause sinus, allergy and asthma problems.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
August-October is jacket and raincoat weather but with sunny days. November - April is just plain cold with the possiblity of snow and ice and very little sun. May and June vary between beautiful and sunny and rainy and cool. July is summer. In spite of the less than desireable weather, Prague is a delight.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The international school is huge, modern, well staffed and well equipped and uniformly acknowledged to be excellent k-12.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
The international school has accomodations for access. There are speech and occupational therapists available locally who speak English.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Loads, some bilingual and many in English. The U.S. Embassy employee association sponsors a preschool that has a good reputation but is thought to be expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large.
2. Morale among expats:
Very good.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The possibilities are endless and the local cultural events are great. Ballet and Opera (English subtitiles available), are inexpensive. Movie theaters show the original English version with Czech subs, except for children's movies, which are dubbed.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I can't think of any group that would not do well in Prague. There is something for everyone.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Oh, yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are some biases against the Roma, but expats will probably never have direct contact with this.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I loved the feel of living in an old village even though Prague is a modern, busy city with all modern technologies and excellent public transportation available.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visit an endless supply of microbreweries. Don't miss the Vyseharad cemetery, the final resting place of Czech notables, memoralized with beautiful mosiacs and artistic monuments. Follow the tourists to the castle, astronomical clock, and the many outdoor markets.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Crystal, glass, art.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Prague is a beautiful city with true old world charm and since it is located in central Europe travel possibilites are tremendous.
11. Can you save money?
Maybe, but you won't want too.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
desire for warm weather.
3. But don't forget your:
winter clothing, including snow boots.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
"The Unbearable Lightness of Being" is an excellent novel about the 'Prague Spring' when Russia invaded Czechoslovakia and the political changes that follow.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
If you have the opportunity to live in Prague, you are a truly fortunate person.
