Pros and Cons of Moving to Czech Republic

Housing specifically advertised to foreigners is typically pricier than homes aimed at locals. Bargains can be found, but many of the websites that advertise these bargains tend to be in Czech. 

Lifestyle in the Czech Republic

Due to the influx of tourists and expats, the social scene in the Czech Republic is diverse. In Prague, expats will find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. For the more nature-loving types, the country is bordered by mountains, and its forests are well-preserved, which presents many opportunities for cycling around the countryside or hiking during the summer. In winter, there is cross-country running or skiing.

Safety in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a relatively safe country. Crime rates are low, and the European emergency telephone number, 112, is available for foreigners who don’t speak the local language.  

More and more opportunistic pickpockets are beginning to operate in the Czech Republic. Foreigners are advised to be mindful of their valuables whenever in a crowded place.

Working in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of the Interior handles immigration, and this institution is highly bureaucratic. Assuming that all the necessary paperwork for work permits and visas has been submitted and approved, expats will also need to report to the Foreign Police once they arrive in the country. This process can also be cumbersome, often requiring the submission of documents that were already submitted to the Ministry of the Interior for the initial work permit application.

Culture shock in Czech Republic

There are several expat organisations in the Czech Republic. Most of these cater to a wide range of interests. They also have a strong online presence, which makes them easy to find. Expats find it easier to make friends in the Czech Republic once they attend one of the many events organised by expat groups.

Perhaps a legacy of communism, customer service in the Czech Republic isn’t great and can be incredibly frustrating for expats used to good service. It is accepted as the norm, and Czech locals don’t seem too bothered with complaining. For example,  even if there is enough staffing to open another cash register in a grocery shop, expats may find that customers will wait patiently in line without bothering to ask the store manager about opening another register. In some auto shops, an oil change can even take the whole day, with customers being at the mercy of the mechanic assigned to do the job.

Transport in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic’s public transport system is comprehensive and efficient. In Prague, one-month passes can be purchased that can be used on any of the public transport networks (tram, subway or bus). Schedules are strictly followed, so passengers can rest assured that they will get to their appointments on time. Information on travel times and connections is easily accessible online, and regular schedules are posted at the stops.

- CON: Local taxis may try to scam foreigners

Czech taxi drivers are notorious for charging highly inflated rates and taking unnecessary detours to guarantee higher fares. 

- CON: Getting a local driving licence can be difficult

For expats from certain countries, the process of fulfilling Czech driving requirements can be arduous. For the first three months of their residency, they may drive on an International Drivers Permit. After this period, they will need a Czech licence to continue driving.

Some countries have an agreement with the Czech Republic allowing nationals to simply exchange their home-country licence for a Czech one, and anyone with a driving licence from an EU country can continue driving on their existing licence as long as it is valid. That said, those from non-EU countries without such an agreement will need to take driving lessons for a certain number of hours before finally taking theoretical and practical tests to assess their driving ability. 

Healthcare in the Czech Republic

The healthcare system in the Czech Republic is generally good, and those with an insurance card are eligible for nationalised healthcare. There are doctors in each district, but new arrivals are free to choose their personal doctor.

The approach to medicine is Westernised, and it’s relatively inexpensive. Patients often pay a minimal fee for consultations, but many other services are free, including lab tests. Most doctors also speak English, even in cities outside Prague.

During a visit to a doctor, medical staff may come off as grumpy and waiting times at hospitals are long. Although most doctors speak English, nurses and medical staff might not.

Doctors can be curt and may appear to be unsympathetic, but this is a normal element of Czech medical culture. Those from a country where doctors always take time to discuss matters and answer questions should note that this is generally not how things work in the Czech Republic.

Cost of living in the Czech Republic

Everything from household goods to food, utilities and healthcare is reasonably priced in the Czech Republic. Staples such as bread, potatoes and meat are of good quality and are inexpensive. Appliances, furniture and electronics from familiar Western brands are easily accessible in malls and speciality stores. Furniture is also reasonably priced since there are a lot of highly skilled artisans in the country.