Where to exchange money in Prague

The most common question before arriving in Prague: do I need to exchange money or can I pay with euros?

Straight answer: Prague's currency is the Czech crown (CZK). The euro is not the official currency: some establishments in the tourist centre accept it, but always at an unfavourable exchange rate for the traveller. Better to pay in crowns.

This guide explains how currency works in Prague, how much to exchange, where to do it without losing money and what mistakes to avoid.

The Czech crown (CZK): the basics

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (koruna česká, abbreviated CZK or Kč). The Czech Republic has been a member of the European Union since 2004 but has not adopted the euro and has no planned date to do so. In practical terms, the euro is not legal tender.

Approximate exchange rate (2026):

• 1 € ≈ 24-25 CZK
• 100 CZK ≈ 4 €
• 500 CZK ≈ 20 €

The exact rate varies daily. You can check the official rate from the Czech National Bank (ČNB) as a reference before exchanging.

Banknotes in circulation: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 CZK. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 CZK. Haléřů (cents) are no longer in circulation: prices with decimals are rounded when you pay in cash.

Can you pay with euros in Prague?

Technically, some establishments in the tourist centre accept euros: large hotels, souvenir shops, some restaurants. But there is a problem: the exchange rate they apply is always worse than the official one. Sometimes much worse.

If you pay with euros where they accept them, you are giving money away. The difference can be 10-20% compared to the market rate. Over a stay of several days, that adds up.

Practical rule: always pay in crowns. If the card payment terminal gives you the option to pay in euros (DCC, Dynamic Currency Conversion), always decline and pay in crowns.

How much cash to bring

Prague is a city where credit and debit cards work well in hotels, restaurants and shops. But cash is still necessary for:

• Markets and street stalls
• Small shops in the historic centre
• Some traditional pubs
• Tips

Rough estimate per day (excluding accommodation):

Where to exchange money, and where not to

ATMs (the best option)

The most practical option with the best exchange rate is to withdraw money from an ATM (bankomat) with your debit or credit card. Use the ATMs of the major Czech banks (Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka, Moneta). If you decline the conversion the ATM offers, the conversion is done by your bank or card network, usually at the best rate available.

Tips when using an ATM:

• Always decline the "conversion at the ATM's rate" option (DCC). Always pay in CZK, not EUR.
• Check your bank's foreign withdrawal fees before you leave. Some cards (Revolut, Wise, N26) have minimal or zero fees for foreign withdrawals.
• Withdraw reasonable amounts at once to minimise fixed per-transaction fees.
• Avoid standalone Euronet ATMs (the blue and yellow ones on the most touristy streets): they charge a fee and push you to accept the DCC conversion.

ATMs are available throughout the city, including the area around the historic centre and the Náměstí Republiky area, near the ODISEA tours meeting point.

Exchange offices (bureaux de change)

If you prefer to exchange cash, use exchange offices with 0% commission and rates clearly displayed on the board. Trustworthy exchange offices in Prague show the buy and sell rates without any small print.

Avoid: exchange offices located in the most touristy spots: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, the immediate surroundings of the Astronomical Clock. Many advertise attractive exchange rates on the outside sign but apply hidden commissions in the final transaction. The result: you pay 10-15% more than you expected.

Always ask: to see the exact amount in CZK you will receive before handing over your money. If the office does not show it to you clearly, find another.

If you get ripped off: by law, you can cancel an exchange free of charge within 3 hours if you exchanged the equivalent of €1,000 or less. You have to go back to the same office with the receipt.

The exchange offices we recommend to our travellers:

• Capital Exchange s.r.o., Jindřišská 12, Nové Město (5 min walk from the ODISEA meeting point)
• Change RYM s.r.o., Panská 6, Nové Město

Both have 0% commission and transparent exchange rates. These are the ones we use as a reference when travellers ask where to exchange.

Airport and hotels: only in an emergency

The exchange at Prague airport (Václav Havel) has very uncompetitive rates. You do not need cash to reach the centre: the public transport ticket can be paid by card or on the app. If you need some cash upon landing, use a bank ATM instead of the exchange office.

Hotels also offer currency exchange, but rarely at a good rate.

All the options, with prices, in our guide on how to get from Prague airport to the city centre.

Tipping in Prague

Tips are not mandatory in the Czech Republic but are well received in restaurants and pubs. The usual practice:

• Restaurants: round up the bill or leave 10% if the service was good.
• Pubs: round up to the next round number in crowns.
• Taxis: round up or leave the change.
• Guided tours: ODISEA free tours work on a voluntary tip at the end. The tip is the way to value the guide's work.

In restaurants, if you pay by card, you can tell the waiter the total amount including the tip before they bring the card machine. For everything else, always keep some loose change in crowns.

Credit and debit cards in Prague

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants in the centre and shops. American Express has more limited acceptance.

Notify your bank before you leave that you will be making payments in the Czech Republic to avoid blocks due to unusual activity abroad.

Always remember: when the card terminal offers you the option to pay in euros (DCC), select "pay in CZK". The rate the terminal applies via DCC is always worse than your bank's.

How much does Prague cost: quick price reference

Prague remains cheaper than Madrid, Barcelona or most Western European capitals, although the historic centre is converging in prices towards western cities. If you want a more detailed breakdown, check our guide on how much it costs to travel to Prague. And if you already have your budget sorted, take a look at our Prague 2-day itinerary with daily cost estimates.

Frequently asked questions about currency in Prague

Can I pay by card in Prague? Yes, in most hotels, restaurants and shops in the centre. But cash is still necessary for markets, street stalls, some pubs and for tips.

Are euros accepted in Prague? Some tourist establishments in the centre accept them, but always at an unfavourable exchange rate. The right thing to do is to pay in Czech crowns (CZK) whenever possible.

Where do I withdraw money in Prague? From ATMs at the main Czech banks (Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka). Always decline the ATM conversion option (DCC) and pay in CZK.

How much is 1 euro in Czech crowns? The approximate exchange rate in 2026 is 1 € ≈ 24-25 CZK. The exact rate varies daily; check the Czech National Bank (ČNB) for the official rate.

Can you pay in crowns for ODISEA tours? ODISEA free tours work on a voluntary cash tip at the end. Excursions are booked and paid online in euros. The guide's tip is paid in crowns (or euros if you do not have crowns; the guide appreciates any currency).

How much cash do I need for a day in Prague? It depends on your travel style. As a reference: 1,000-1,500 CZK (~40-60 €) covers transport, a meal and minor purchases for a standard day of sightseeing.

Are there fees at Czech ATMs? It depends on the ATM. Czech bank ATMs are usually the cheapest option; standalone Euronet ATMs charge a fee. On top of that, your issuing bank may charge a foreign usage fee. Check your card's terms before you leave.

To understand how to get around the city once you have crowns in your pocket, check our Prague metro guide.

And if you want to discover the city with ODISEA, here are all our tours.