The culture shock Prague is sure to have on you can be easy, like the cork coming out of a cheap bottle of Savignon Blanc after dinner, or slapped across your face like ugly Czech graffiti on a wall. While this list covers only the basics, it can be a big help in dealing with everyday life in Praha. After you’ve made your way through the school promos and tourist guidebooks, check out this insider’s scoop on what to expect, what not to expect, and what to accept as just the way it is.
1. Learn as much Czech as possible. Key phrases can get you drinks at the right prices as well as a rare smile from the sales lady.
2. If you aren’t linguistically inclined, speak English slowly and clearly. Hand gestures are a huge help as well.
3. Carry your passport on you at all times. Not only do cops racially profile here, they’ll target you just for speaking English.
4. It’s common practice to be shorted at the clubs if you’re a foreigner. Bring small bills to avoid losing money, because they will not give it back once you notice.
5. Keep your jacket, bag and any other belongings you want to keep on your body at all times. Thieves are in abundance. Coat check is a secure option that is not only safe, but cheap.
6. Even though you can get bottles of wine for $2 (and beer for even less), don’t go overboard. It’s easy to drink a whole bottle and then some...and wind up not remembering the entire night. Keep it classy and know your limits.
7. Don’t bank on places taking your debit/credit cards. Bring cash to avoid running around Prague at night looking for an ATM. They’re not on every block, like in New York.
8. The bread put on your table at the beginning of the meal is not free. If you don’t want to pay for it, don’t eat it.
9. Restaurants will charge a service fee sometimes just for sitting at the table. So don’t be shocked when you’re tallying the bill to find that all the goulashes don’t quite add up. Luckily, tipping isn’t mandatory here. Pay the fee and just round up to the nearest ten.
10. Don’t favor one form of public transportation over another. Learning the trams and metro allows you to get a better feel for the city. If you can master NYC, then Praha will be no problem.
11. Cooking will end up saving you loads of money. Even if you don’t know how, the web is full of easy recipes for beginners. While Billa has better quality, Albert has lower prices. What you value more is up to you.
12. Buying the right milk is almost impossible. Go for the clear blue container that says "mleko" in order to save yourself the money and trouble of accidentally buying sour milk.