# Do you need cash in Prague? Using Czech koruna

> Bring about 500 Czech koruna (CZK, about US$23) in cash a day for tips and small vendors; cards work almost everywhere in Prague, including transit.

Bring about 500 Czech koruna (CZK) in cash per day, about US$23 at the [Czech National Bank](https://www.cnb.cz/en/financial-markets/foreign-exchange-market/central-bank-exchange-rate-fixing/central-bank-exchange-rate-fixing/) 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](https://www.dpp.cz/en/travelling/tips/detail/1334_2625-contactless-ticket-purchase-now-on-board-every-vehicle), 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

1. **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.
2. **Decline conversion into dollars** (dynamic currency conversion) at the ATM or card terminal and choose to be charged in CZK.
3. **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.
4. **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](https://stablescan.achivx.com/) 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.

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https://inyourtravel.com/how-much-cash-should-i-bring-to-prague/ · In Your Travel · Checked 2026-11-04