The koruna is the currency used within the Czech Republic. The word koruna literally translates as crown.
One koruna is subdivided into 100 haleru, but this is commonly referred to by the letter 'h'.
The koruna was introduced to replace the Czechoslovak koruna.
The Czechoslovak koruna was the currency used within the Republic of Czechoslovakia, which was created in 1918 following the end of the First World War. In 1993 the Republic of Czechoslovakia ceased to exist having been split into two sections, namely the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Thus the history of the Czech koruna is actually a very short history. In fact the koruna may have a very short lifespan. It is likely that at some point in the future the Czech koruna will be replaced by the use of the Euro. It had been planned that this would take place by the year 2012, but the government decided against that in 2007. However, it is likely that the euro will eventually take over from the koruna at some point.
Coins which are currently in circulation are namely the 50 haleru 1,2,5,10, 20 and 50 korun.
Banknotes are issued in the forms of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5,000 korun.
The easiest way to get hold of koruna is to withdraw them using an ATM machine. There are quite a few ATM machines within the airport building and if you are going into the centre of Prague you will find them readily available. They are also widely available in all the towns and cities in Prague.
If you want to take money into the country with you and exchange it then you will find exchange centres located just off the Old Town Square in the centre of Prague. You will probably see quite a few currency exchange bureaus located all over Prague and they tend to have signs showing that they charge 0% commission, but the reality is that the exchange rate will be exceptionally poor. So, only use these places if you are really desperate for some cash.
Credit card use is widespread, so you should be able to use your credit card in most of the hotels and shops, but restaurants and cafes may not accept credit cards. So, it is important to make sure that you have at least some cash with you, just to get you by.
The Czech Republic is a country that has Prague, but also some amazing spa towns and quaint little villages many of which are steeped in history.
Historically the Czech Republic was an exceptionally cheap place to go for a holiday. However, the success of its tourist trade has resulted in prices gradually increasing and it is much more expensive than it used to be. Nevertheless, when compared to many other European countries, it does still offer tremendously good value for money.
Prague is the area where you should be quite vigilant about your personal safety and your valuables. Crime is at a relatively low rate in Prague, however, as always in tourist destinations, there is a risk of theft or pickpockets taking up your purse or wallet. In the country areas crime is at a much lower level and they are generally much safer areas to visit.
Eating and drinking is still relatively cheap throughout the Czech Republic, but prices are significantly higher in Prague. You will find that menus are available in a whole variety of languages, in Prague restaurants and many of the bigger towns than in the countryside. But in some of the very small towns, which are not on the tourist trail, you will find that they are sometimes not available in English.
Czech cuisine is not the most sophisticated in the world and tends to be very reliant on meat. Whilst the food available in Prague is quite cosmopolitan, in other areas it tends to be more traditionally Czech. Vegetarians may find plenty to eat in Prague, but less available in the rural areas.
Czech beer is renowned throughout the world and many people assert that it is actually the best beer in the world. You will also find that beer is still quite cheap usually you can buy half a litre of beer for less than the price of a cup of coffee, which is a great excuse to drink lots of beer!
There are also some good wines to be had, particularly Moravian wines which are usually of really good quality. If you prefer spirits then you may wish to try some of the local liqueurs such as Becherovka.
English is widely spoken and many people in Prague seem genuinely multilingual, and are able to switch from one language to another, without even taking a breath. In the country areas English is spoken, but not so widely or as fluently.
Prague as a destination is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Europe. In recent years it has become a popular destination for stag and hen parties, which sometimes involves quite drunken antics in the centre of Prague. These can be quite loud and sometimes a little over exuberant. However, that apart, Prague is still a very beautiful city to visit and some of its buildings are instantly recognisable since there are quite iconic, having featured in a whole variety of films and portraits.
Prague is a genuine treat for anyone who has more than a passing interest in architecture. Some people describe Prague as a living museum, because it is literally littered with buildings which range from Gothic to Romanesque and Art Nouveau. Even the streets in Prague are interesting, with some wonderful cobbled streets winding their way around this charming city. Indeed, the architectural and cultural heritage that Prague has to offer was recognised in 2002 by UNESCO declaring that Prague was a World Heritage Site.
There is also an amazing array of churches, with ostentatious spires and some amazing features, which makes it a dream come true for anyone who likes interesting buildings.
Prague also enjoys quite a reputation as being the perfect city for lovers. It is a very romantic city and so it's easy to see how this reputation has come about. In Prague you can wander the streets hand-in-hand, gaze at the buildings and then have a romantic lunch, then just spend the rest of the day alone together, oblivious to the rest of the world.
The rest of the Czech Republic is very different from Prague. For a start it is much quieter. One of the most popular towns is Kutna Hora, which is in fact a smaller and less busy version of Prague. It is also home to the Santa Barbara Cathedral, which is reputed to be the most outstanding example of Gothic architecture in Europe.
There are three major Spa areas in the Czech Republic. The most famous of these is Karlovy Vary which is now an extremely popular destination. It has been famous since the 19th century for its mineral waters, which are reputed to have therapeutic qualities. However, it is now an exceptionally busy area to visit and in summer months can be a little oppressive. But if you don't mind crowds then this may be a place that you would enjoy: after all the waters have been taken by Karl Marx and Beethoven amongst others!
Most of the smaller towns are very picturesque, but this means that they get their fair share of tourists. It is possible to avoid the tourist areas, particularly if you hire a car. This gives you the opportunity to get out and about and see some of the less well known parts of the Czech Republic.
Since it is actually at the very heart of Europe, the Czech Republic has long enjoyed visitors coming in to trade or just pass through and it has always made them welcome. This tradition continues today and in many of the little villages, people are very welcoming towards tourists and enjoy meeting them.
These areas tend to be less commercial than the tourist destinations and shopping in these places can be somewhat limited, but also great fun. The prices are also dramatically cheaper than in Prague and in the major tourist points.
The interior of the Czech Republic also offers the opportunity to be a little more active than in Prague. There are some great opportunities to go walking and hiking everywhere in the Czech Republic and you may well find that you can walk for some time and not see another person. It is also a very safe place for a walking holiday, so you don't need to worry about safety issues.
If you go to the Czech Republic from January until the end of March or beginning of April you can actually have a very good skiing holiday at a considerably lower price than you would expect to pay in the rest of Europe. The only downside of skiing here is that the facilities are somewhat basic and you may find that they are not up to the standards you would expect.
Whilst Prague and the interior can seem like two completely different countries they are one and the same. If you really want to get to know the Czech Republic, then try combining a few days in Prague with a few days out and about within the countryside.
One important thing to bear in mind, is that although Prague is a year round destination, you will find that in many of the towns, facilities and museums are actually closed between November and March. It can also be very cold during the winter, so if you do intend to visit during the winter then it is probably better to stay in and around Prague.
Many people regard Prague as a short-break destination, so people tend to go to Prague for 3-4 days and then come home again. In some ways this seems like quite a shame because Prague really does have so much to offer, but on the other hand it is a very busy city and after a few days you can be a little bit jaded. But you definitely must visit!