• Population: 10.5 million people
• Capital: Prague
• Demographics: majority of the inhabitants are Czechs (63.7%), followed by Moravians (4.9%), Slovaks (1.4%), Poles (0.4%), Germans (0.2%) and Silesians (0.1%)
• Type of government: Democracy
• Regional Membership: The Czech Republic is part of the European Union and the Schengen region
• Currency: Czech koruna
• Common food: Epřo knedlo zelo (roasted pork), Sekaná pečeně (baked mincemeat), Česnečka (garlic soup) , Guláš (goulash)

The official language is Czech. It's common for Czech people to know English, especially hotel personnel and young people.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

For stays over 90 days, Czech Republic requires a visa. When a visa is required, check the Czech Republic's visa requirements and apply for a visa at your nearest consulate (Chicago, IL). You will need a passport to obtain a visa.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• GSM Triband phones are available for purchase in country
• Another good option is to obtain a SIM card in Czech Republic for your unlocked phone.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• You can check with your current phone service provider for Czech Republic data options, however, these tend to be very expensive.
• As an alternative, students have bought a triband phone in country, and purchase minimal data weekly for as low as 299CZK/ 11 euros/ $12.23USD

Electricity

• The Czech Republic uses Type E and Type C electric plugs. Therefore a universal adapter (pictured below) is needed.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• Euros are sometimes accepted over the local currency.
• Check with your bank to see if it has a partner bank in this country to avoid ATM fees.

Geography

• Also known as Czechia, the Czech Republic is a country in the center of Europe bordered by Austria, Germany, and Poland.

Climate

• In Prague, the summers are comfortable; the winters are very cold, dry, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round.
• Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 26°F to 77°F and is rarely below 11°F or above 88°F.

Packing

• Bring a good pair of walking shoes.
• Personal medications should be inside their original packaging for airport security purposes.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Common transportation within Czech Republic: Trams (similar to trains), buses, ferri, and Uber are typical ways to travel within the country.
• The following cities have airports: Prague (PRG) in Prague, Brno (BRQ) in Brno, Ostrava Airport (OSR) in Mosnov, Karlovy Vary (KLV) in Karlovy Vary, Pardubice (PED) in Pardubice

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.