Living expenses
Living expenses vary depending on lifestyle. Therefore, what you see below is for general reference to give you an idea of how much a month in Prague can cost you. Generally, you should prepare from 10 000 to 17 000 CZK.
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Accommodation |
University Dormitory |
3500–5000 CZK/month |
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Shared flat |
7000 CZK/month |
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Food |
Lunch in the campus canteen |
80–130 CZK/meal |
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Lunch in the restaurant |
150–200 CZK/meal |
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Shopping and cooking at home |
5000 CZK/month |
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Mobile phone
|
T-Mobile |
480 CZK/month |
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Vodafone CZ |
487 CZK/month |
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Telefónica O2 |
500 CZK/month |
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Internet |
|
300 CZK/month |
|
Transportation |
Metro, bus, tram |
30 CZK/30 min |
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Long-term coupon |
130 CZK/month |
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Culture |
Cinema ticket |
200–500 CZK |
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Theatre ticket |
200–500 CZK |
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Sport |
Group class (yoga etc.) |
150 CZK |
|
Indoor pool |
100 CZK/hour |
Tip 1: Check numbeo.com to compare the living cost of your hometown with Prague.
Tip 2: If you shop online, you have the right to return your purchase within 14 days period. Nevertheless, always check the conditions of the shop before acquisition.
Currency
The currency we use in the Czech Republic is called crown CZK (“koruna” in Czech). Unfortunately, you cannot pay in Euros just yet!
The exchange rate is approximately as follows:
1 US dollar ≈ 21 CZK or 1 EUR ≈ 25 CZK
YOU CAN CHECK FOR THE ACTUAL CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE AT THE CZECH NATIONAL BANK WEBSITE: WWW.CNB.CZ/EN
Before coming to Prague, we suggest you bring some crowns with you, but not too much for safety reasons. As there are foreign exchange corners in airports or the city, you can exchange more crowns right after you arrive.
Tip 1: Download one of the mobile apps for easy currency conversion (Revolut or Splitwise).
Tip 2: Try to avoid exchange rate offices in the city center or on the airport. Even if a place says 0 % commission, it does not mean they will have fair rates! Check the exchange offices episodes on the YouTube ‘Honest Guide’ channel to find out more.
But we can also recommend one exchange rate offices, which located on Jindřišská 12, 110 00 Nové Město - Capital Exchange s.r.o. In many cases, it has the best rate.
Remember, the new las says you have 3 hours to get your money back in exchange offices!!!
Banks & ATMs
Most stores here accept bank cards – both MasterCard and Visa.
If you stay in the Czech Republic for a longer time, we recommend you set up an account in a Czech bank to save on the exchange rates.
The Czech Republic has plenty of banks with English-speaking staff, making it easy to open a bank account in the country. Some of the most popular local retail banks are Česká spořitelna, Citibank and ČSOB (Československá Obchodní Banka) .
The Czech Republic banks also have plenty of international partners, such as:
- HSBC
- Unicredit Bank
- Sberbank
- Raiffeisenbank
Banks within walking distance from the main UCT campus in Dejvice:
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Komerční banka Dejvická 189/5 |
ČSOB Dejvická 36/40 |
UniCredit Bank Vítězné nám. 829/10 |
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Česká spořitelna Vítězné nám. 817/9 |
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Opening a student bank account in Czech Republic have a some advantages. First of all, don't forget to bring your ISIC (International Student Card given by your Czech University) for registration.
- Cards: Free for students
- Incoming Payment: Free
- Pay by credit card: Free
- Account management and internet banking for free
Tip 1: Do not use ATMs only marked with the “ATM” sign. Try to find bank-branded ones (there are plenty). If you do so anyway, always decline the dynamic conversion.
Tip 2: To set up an account in a Czech bank, always bring your passport and another identity document (national ID, driving license, etc.).