Prague Local Custom Tips by anglosaxon

TIPPING In restaurant Review

No Czech person ever leaves a tip on the table. The way you tip is this: the bill comes to 90Kc, if you give the waiter a 100Kc note, he would expect to keep it (i.e. you have given the bill +10%. In Czech you would normally tell the waiter how much to take i.e if the bill was for 120kc I would give the waiter a 200kc note and tell him to take 140kc. (I have given him a 20kc tip) He would then give me the change of 60kc. If you do not know Czech numbering it's best to wait for the change and IMMEDIATELY give your tip back to the waiter as we don't leave a tip on the table here. For details of what to expect in a Czech Restaurant click here and enjoy How to eat Czech

Paying for beer only

If you intend a visit to a Czech bar then you'll find a slightly different way of paying. It's rare to find anybody standing in a truly Czech bar as many tables are provided for sitting at. When the waiter brings your first beer he will generally not ask for money at that time. If you ask for a second beer, this will start a tab i.e. he will bring the beer and then a piece of paper will appear on the table with pen marks on it. Each line represents one beer. At the end of the evening he counts the lines and then you pay. There's information on Czech menus and barfood here

Bringing Gifts

This is the 21st Century, your relatives in CZ are not expecting you to bring underwear and chocolate for them to marvel at. For a Czech woman the gift of flowers is good. For children a book (if they read your language) or a trip to a local fairground etc. For men, stick to buying a drink down the local pub unless they have a specific interest. If you are staying in a small pension etc, consider buying a small plant to give them when you checkout. The main rule here is not to be extravagent as this may cause embarrassment or obligation.

Russian Dolls

On sale in most tourist shops, this is not a Czech Souvenir. It insults the vast majority of Czechs to see tourists buying Russian Dolls and it can affect peoples attitude towards you if they see you with one.

Littering

The Czechs have gone to a lot of trouble to put thousands of waste paper bins at strategic positions in the centre of Prague and they expect you to use them. Prague is a reasonably clean Capital and you can help them by using the bins.

Dress Codes Some modesty please Review

Dress codes are strictly enforced. These will range from "no armless" shirts or vests, up to the requirement of a tie depending on the restaurant. Sports shorts are often refused but, tailored shorts are OK. Trainers are often OK but, trainers without socks may get you barred. The owner of the bar etc may try to accomodate you i.e. eating inside is not possible but, outside is ok. Signs saying no T-Shirts are to put off the masses but, the same sign in a good restaurant will also bar Polo shirts as well.