When moving to a new country, mixed emotions such as excitement and nervousness are natural, and even seasoned expats may struggle with the decision of a particular move. In these situations, it can be helpful to learn about the specific quirks and characteristics of living in a certain place.
Every country has its positives and negatives, and the Czech Republic is no exception. Below is a list of some of the pros and cons of moving to the Czech Republic.
Accommodation in Czech Republic
+ PRO: Good value for money
Accommodation in Prague is priced similarly to other major European countries. The rest of the Czech Republic is far cheaper than the capital, meaning expats will be able to find accommodation at a much more affordable rate elsewhere in the country. That said, despite rising prices, even in Prague, rental homes are still reasonably priced.
Living in Prague also means being at the centre of a rich and diverse culture with easily accessible attractions such as museums and historical sites. Therefore, no matter where in the Czech Republic an expat lives, they'll find it's excellent value for money.
- CON: Foreign-aimed accommodation tends to be pricier
Housing specifically advertised to foreigners is typically more expensive than those aimed at locals. Bargains can be found, but many of the websites that advertise these bargains tend to be in Czech.
Lifestyle in Czech Republic
+ PRO: Thriving social scene and lots of outdoor activities
Due to the influx of tourists and expats, the social scene in the Czech Republic is diverse. In Prague in particular, expats will find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. For the more outdoorsy 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 Czech Republic
+ PRO: Low crime rate
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.
- CON: Increasing rate of pickpockets
More and more opportunistic pickpockets are beginning to operate in the Czech Republic. Whenever in a crowded place, foreigners are advised to be mindful of their valuables.
Working in Czech Republic
+ PRO: Great salary and benefits packages for expats
- CON: Bureaucracy in government departments
In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of the Interior handles immigration and this institution is highly bureaucratic. Assuming that all of 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.
Transport in Czech Republic
+ PRO: Public transport is cheap, efficient, easy to use, safe and clean
The Czech Republic’s public transport system is well managed. 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 in order to guarantee higher fares.
- CON: Getting a local drivers' 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 drivers' 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 assessing their driving ability.
Culture shock in Czech Republic
+ PRO: Plenty of expat organisations
There are a number of 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.
- CON: Poor customer service
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, in a grocery store, even if there is enough manpower to have another cash register open, 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.
Cost of living in Czech Republic
+ PRO: Affordable goods and services
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 craftsmen in the country.
Healthcare in Czech Republic
+ PRO: Healthcare system is good and inexpensive
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 of Prague.
- CON: Impersonal approach
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 in which doctors always take time to discuss matters and answer questions should note that this is generally not how things work in the Czech Republic.