Do you need cash in Prague? Using Czech koruna
Bring about 500 Czech koruna (CZK) in cash per day, about US$23 at the Czech National Bank rate of 3 November 2026 (US$1 = 21.762 CZK), and pay by card for everything else. That is our guide figure, not an official one: it covers tips, market stalls, small cafés and public restrooms. Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, and on public transport you can buy a ticket by contactless card on board: Prague's transit company says "Ticket purchase terminals are in all city buses, trams, trolleybuses and even in the metro as well as funicular stations" (DPP, read 4 November 2026). Get the koruna from a bank ATM rather than exchanging dollars at a booth.
Prague uses Czech crowns, not euros
The Czech Republic is in the EU but uses its own currency, the koruna (CZK). Some tourist places accept euros, but at a poor rate and with change in crowns. US dollars are generally not accepted.
How to get crowns
- Withdraw from an ATM belonging to a bank (inside or next to a branch). Avoid stand-alone ATMs in tourist areas, which often charge high fees and push a poor exchange rate.
- Decline conversion into dollars (dynamic currency conversion) at the ATM or card terminal and choose to be charged in CZK.
- If you must exchange cash, compare the actual amount you will receive, not the "0% commission" sign. The rate posted for small amounts can be poor.
- Never exchange money with people on the street. This is a well-known scam: you are handed worthless foreign banknotes.
When cash is handy
- Tips: rounding up or leaving about 10% in restaurants is common, and leaving it in cash is easy.
- Small shops, markets and some pubs that prefer cash.
- Public toilets and coat checks.
For everything else – hotels, restaurants, museums, shops and transit tickets – a card with no foreign transaction fee works well. If you plan to pay or send money in stablecoins, check the recipient's address on Stablecoin scanner ACHIVX first.
FAQ
Does Prague use euros?
No. The currency is the Czech crown (CZK). Some places take euros, but you will usually lose money on the rate.
Is it better to have cash or card in Prague?
Card for most purchases, plus a little cash for tips and small vendors.
Should I exchange money before going to Prague?
Usually not. Withdrawing crowns from a bank ATM in Prague is typically cheaper than buying them at home.
Do I need to tip in Prague?
Tipping is customary but modest: rounding up or about 10% for good service in restaurants.
What currency should I bring to Prague?
None in particular: bring a card with no foreign transaction fee and withdraw koruna in Prague. US dollars are generally not accepted, and euros only at a poor rate.
How much Czech koruna do I need for 4 days?
About 2,000 CZK (500 CZK a day, about US$92 at the 3 November 2026 rate) is enough if you pay by card for hotels, meals and tickets and keep cash for tips, toilets and small purchases. You can always withdraw more at a bank ATM.