Prague

Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic. Its rich history attracts visitors from all over the world and the historic city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (did you know that the Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world?). Yet it is not only a popular tourist destination — Prague has become home to an expanding community of expats including a big AI community under the prg.ai initiative. Its central location in the heart of Europe makes it the ideal base from which to explore the rest of the diverse continent. The Czech Republic has also been consistently ranked among the top ten safest places on earth and the tenth best place to raise a family according to safety, happiness, cost, health, education and time indices. A vast cultural scene, dynamic nightlife and expansive greenery are only a few of the reasons why you might be excited to experience life in this city.

Climate

July is the wormest and the lowest humidity month in Prague. The average maximum is of 24°C, but locally it can easily reach 30°C, or even 35°C in the city center. It can get relatively cold in evenings, especially after hot day.

Local Attractions

There are serveral options in Prague. Be aware we will have a guided tour on Wednesday through the city. A few tips are listed here for an inspiration, notice some of the places are within reachable distance such as Karlstejn castle (we will pass it by train on our trip to Pilsen).

Security Tips

Prague can be considered a safe city with low crime. However, there are a few tips you should avoid to enjoy your stay.

  • Do not exchange money on the street. Also, check your bank for the exchange rate (e.g., using your mobile app) with the exchange offices; it might be most likely better than other options). However, in many places in Prague, you can directly pay in EUR.
  • Be aware of pickpockets (especially crowded places), ungrateful taxi drivers, and hustlers. Keep an eye on all of your belongings during moving to the city center. The public transport is great and generally safe (it is one of the best public transport systems in Europe), you should prefer it.
  • Make sure you know the name of the country you are visiting. It is the Czech Republic (or Czechia -- an official short name) and not Czechoslovakia or Chechnya. Well, it is not a security tip, but it is good you are aware of that.

Insurance

The organizers do not accept responsibility for individual medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are strongly advised to take out their own insurance policies.

Currency and banking facilities

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown, abbreviated as Kč (koruna česká) or internationally as CZK:

  • 1 EUR = approx. 25 CZK
  • 1 USD = approx. 24 CZK
  • 1 GBP = approx. 29 CZK
*always check for the current rate.

You can use your credit or debit card in all supermarkets and most restaurants in Prague but it might be a good idea to carry some cash with you when going to smaller shops or pubs. ATMsS are easily accessible in most neighbourhoods, but make sure to use official bank-owned ATMs as opposed to Euronet ATMs that charge high fees and have poor currency conversion rates.

Electicity supply

Electricity is supplied at 230 V – 50 Hz, the power pluggs and sockets are of the type E. The type E is of Frech origin and the socket works with plug C and with plug F if it has an additional pinhole.