Surviving Czech Republic

You will find that the people of the Czech Republic can be conservative, but they are very friendly and polite, so follow their lead and be friendly and polite in return. In the Czech Republic, greeting people is very important. If you're at a pub and some people join your table, say hello, or "Dobrý den ", which means "Good day " in Czech. If you're in an elevator and there already people inside, say "Dobrý den". Upon entering a store, say "Dobrý den!". Before you know it, it will become second nature and you'll be saying hello to everyone, even after you go home. The people of the Czech Republic are very proud of their heritage, language, and rich history. Most of the bigger cities are used to seeing tourists, but in order to respect them and not stand out as a foreigner, remember the following don’ts. Below are some tips on Czech etiquette to take with you on your trip to the Czech Republic.

 

1. Do not wear shorts unless you are going swimming or taking part in some sports.

2. Do not discuss politics or the former communist regime.

3. Do not assume that Czechoslovakia was a party of the Soviet Union or the Russian Empire. The Czechs do not appreciate people assuming that.

4. Do not assume that whoever you are conversing with has religious beliefs. The Czech Republic is a largely atheist and agnostic country, and proud of it.

5. Do not stay out too late in the evening. 10 pm is about alright.

6. Do not be late when invited over to someone’s house.

7. Do not wear your shoes inside the home you are invited into, remove them at the door step, you will be given a pair to wear inside.

8. Do not take flowers numbering 13, which is considered unlucky.

9. Do not gift lilies and chrysanthemums, as they are used in funerals.

10. You never giver a Czech flowers with the paper still on it. You always remove the paper before handing the person their flowers.

11. Avoid flowers in general, given their romantic connotations.

12. Do not discuss business when visiting someone’s home.

13. Do not be late for business appointments.

14. Sniffling due to a cold in public is considered extremely bad manners.

15. If you are driving, do not park in the blue zone or your car will get clamped.

16. Do not take taxi drivers waiting at ranks at tourist locations. Hail a moving one or call for an authorized one.

17. Do not change money from anyone on the street even if they tempt you.