What Coin Is Used in Prague?
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, uses the Czech koruna as its currency. The koruna is abbreviated as “CZK” and is represented by the symbol “Kč”.
It is essential for travelers to familiarize themselves with the country’s currency to ensure a smooth experience during their visit.
History of the Czech Koruna
The Czech koruna has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first introduced in 1919 after Czechoslovakia gained independence.
Initially, it was known as the Czechoslovak koruna and was used in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
However, following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, two separate currencies were created: the Czech koruna for the Czech Republic and the Slovak koruna for Slovakia.
Denominations
The Czech koruna is divided into smaller units called haléře (singular: haléř). However, due to their low value, haléře are no longer in circulation.
The current coins in use are 1 Kč, 2 Kč, 5 Kč, 10 Kč, 20 Kč, and 50 Kč. These coins feature various designs and symbols that represent different aspects of Czech culture and history.
In addition to coins, there are also banknotes available in denominations of 100 Kč, 200 Kč, 500 Kč, 1000 Kč, 2000 Kč, and recently introduced a new banknote with a denomination of 5000 Kč.
Tips for Handling Currency in Prague
When visiting Prague, it’s essential to be mindful of a few tips related to handling the local currency:
- Exchange Rates: Check the current exchange rates before exchanging your money to ensure you receive a fair rate.
- Withdrawal from ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Prague, allowing you to withdraw Czech koruna directly from your bank account. However, keep in mind that some ATMs may charge additional fees.
- Credit Cards: Most establishments in Prague accept credit cards.
However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and places that may not accept cards.
- Tipping: It is customary to tip around 10% of the total bill at restaurants and bars. However, it’s always a good practice to check if a service charge has already been included before tipping.
Conclusion
The Czech koruna is the official currency used in Prague. Understanding its history, denominations, and tips for handling currency will help ensure a smooth financial experience during your visit to this beautiful city.