Czech Republic
Businessmen wear suits. Knowledge of German is useful, as English is not widely spoken among the older generation. Long business lunches are usual. Overall, western European customs apply when conducting business in the Czech Republic. Standard business attire is the norm and punctuality at appointments is expected. It is becoming increasingly common for Czech business people to work beyond the standard eight-hour day and weekend meetings do occur more frequently. Foreign businessmen should expect initial business meetings to not be overly cordial but serious and matter-of-fact. Unless the Czech businessperson has had experience dealing with U.S. companies, he or she may appear to be overly reserved or even unfriendly during this first meeting. It usually takes several meetings to establish a sense of rapport with the Czech contact and to develop a more informal and relaxed attitude in communications.
When scheduling meetings or events to which Czech business guests are invited, it is best to avoid Friday afternoon (and Friday morning, if possible), as many Czechs have country houses to which they travel to as early as possible on Friday. Czechs regard weekends and holidays as near-sacrosanct family time, and they avoid allowing business to intrude on this time. As is the case in much of Europe, it may be more difficult to make business appointments and contacts in the Czech Republic during the month of August and close to major holidays, such as Christmas. Office hours are 0800-1600 Monday to Friday.
Violent and/or confrontational crime is rare in the Czech Republic. The type of crime most foreigners, are likely to face is petty street crime. Residents and visitors alike are advised to be wary of Prague's famously efficient pickpockets. Special caution is warranted in and around train stations and when boarding and exiting Prague's trams. Tourist areas, such as Charles Bridge, and the areas around Wenceslas and Old Town Squares are also favored haunts of pickpockets and scam artists. The skilled, professional pickpocket rings can have as many as six to eight members on the street operating against the same target or group of targets. In many cases, the pickpocket rings are family affairs with members varying in age and gender.
The criminals rarely use violence or the threat of violence to carry out the crime. Most times, the victim is distracted on the street or jostled on the crowded trams while their wallet or valuables are lifted. Most victims of pickpockets report being unaware of the incident taking place and realize it only after the fact, although there are some reports of purse snatchings in which the criminal grabs a handbag or backpack and runs. Rural areas of the Czech Republic are quite safe.
Car theft and vehicle break-ins are not uncommon in Prague. The stolen cars are usually transported out of the country by organized crime rings or dismantled for spare parts. The recovery rate of stolen property, including vehicles, is very low.
The Czech Republic is able to offer a full range of accommodation to suit every pocket. There is a wide range of hotels, graded from one to five stars, boarding hostels and private apartments. Many campsites are also open during the summer. For further information on the range of accommodation available, contact the Czech Tourist Authority at Vinohradská Suite 46, PO Box 32, 12041 Prague 2, Czech Republic Tel: (2) 2158 0111. Fax: (2) 2425 7091 or 2424 7516. E-mail: cccr@cccr-cta.cz Website: www.visitczechia.cz or www.cccr-info.cz.
Full Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 420. Outgoing international code: 00. There are public telephone booths, including special kiosks for international calls. Surcharges can be quite high on long-distance calls from hotels. Most of the public telephone boxes take phonecards, which can be purchased at all Telecom points of sale and at newsagent and tobacconist shops. Mobile phones are GSM 900/1800. Network operators include Cesky Mobil (website: www.oskarmobil.cz), Eurotel (website: www.eurotel.cz) and RadioMobil (website: www.paegas.cz). Coverage extends all over the country. Fax services are widely available. Post office hours are 0800-1800 Monday to Friday.
Electricity is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most major hotels have standard international 2-pin razor plugs. Lamp fittings are normally of the screw type
Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most major hotels have standard international two-pin razor plugs. Lamp fittings are normally of the screw type.
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Food is often based on Austro-Hungarian dishes. Western-style fresh vegetables are often missing in lower-class restaurants. There is a wide selection of restaurants, beer taverns and wine cellars. National specialties:
• (Wiener) Schnitzel and pork are very popular.
• Bramborak, a delicacy of a potato pancake filled with garlic and herbs.
• Prague ham.
• Meat dishes are mostly served with knedliky, a type of large dough dumpling, and zeli (sauerkraut). National drinks:
• Popular beverages
include beers (lager, dark ales, pilsner), red, white and sparkling wines from Bohemia and Moravia, fruit juices and liqueurs.
• Particular specialties include becherovka (herb brandy) and two Moravian favorites, slivovice (plum brandy) and merunkovice (apricot brandy).
There are no rigid licensing hours. Tipping
: A 5 to 10 per cent tip is usual.Nightlife
Theater and opera are of a good standard all over Eastern Europe. Much of the nightlife takes place in nightclubs, bars and casinos which are to be found in major cities.
