Cash, Card, ATMs & Tipping in Prague

You’re in Prague, you need cash, and the first ATM you see is bright yellow with “EURONET” on it. Walk past. That machine will hit you with a fee of €5–9 and a fake exchange rate that costs you another 10%. This page is the only thing you need to read about money in Prague: where to get koruna without getting robbed, how to tip without confusion, and why you should never let a restaurant charge you in euros.

Currency basics: Czech koruna (CZK)

Prague uses the Czech koruna, abbreviated CZK or Kč. As of 2025, the rate hovers around 25 Kč = €1, 22 Kč = $1. It fluctuates—check xe.com before you leave. Forget the euro for daily spending; shops and restaurants that quote prices in EUR are marking you up 2–3×.

Rule one: always pay in CZK. If a restaurant bill or ATM offers to “convert to your home currency”, decline. That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and it’s a scam everywhere, but Prague is notorious for it.

Card acceptance: yes, widely used

In central Prague (Old Town, New Town, Vinohrady, Malá Strana), nearly every restaurant, shop, and even tram ticket machines accept Visa and Mastercard. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at any contactless terminal—tap your phone or watch. You’ll need a PIN for chip transactions. Contactless under 500 Kč usually doesn’t require a PIN.

Where cash is still useful:

Small neighborhood pubs (pivnice) – the ones with liter mugs and smoke-stained ceilings
Trdelník stalls (though you should skip those anyway – they’re overpriced tourist traps)
Beer hall tips – waiters often prefer a few coins on the table
Public toilet attendants (5–10 Kč)

American Express works at upscale restaurants and chain hotels, but don’t rely on it. Visa and Mastercard are universal. If you’re going outside Prague (e.g., Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary), carry at least 1,000 Kč in small bills.

ATMs: the good, the bad, the predatory

Use bank-owned ATMs only. Look for these brands:

ČSOB
KB (Komerční banka)
Česká spořitelna
Raiffeisen
Moneta

These machines are attached to actual bank branches and dispense koruna with a fair exchange rate (mid-market + markup ~1–2%). The fee depends on your home bank; usually 0–3 € per withdrawal.

Avoid EURONET like you avoid the astronomical prices at Prague Castle souvenir shops. EURONET machines are everywhere in tourist zones (Václavské náměstí, Staroměstské náměstí, near the Charles Bridge). They charge a flat fee of €5–9 plus a terrible exchange rate. You’ll lose 15% on each withdrawal.

Always decline DCC at the ATM. When the screen asks “Do you want to be charged in EUR?” – say NO. Choose “charge in CZK” every time. Same rule applies at restaurant payment terminals and hotel desks.

Where to exchange cash if you must

Bringing EUR or USD notes and exchanging them on the street is the next easiest way to lose money. Exchange booths in the Old Town square will show a “0% commission” sign and then give you a rate that’s 20% below market. If you have to exchange physical cash, go to Exchange Praha at Kaprova 14 (near Staroměstská metro). They offer near-market rates with no tricks. You can also check rates online at eXchange.cz (their mobile app shows live rates).

But honestly: just use a bank ATM. Cheaper, faster, less hassle.

Tipping in Prague: the rules most tourists get wrong

Tipping culture is straightforward once you know the local custom. Czechs round up or leave 5–10% for good service. Here’s the exact protocol for each scenario:

Restaurants

After the meal, you ask for the bill (účet, please). The waiter brings a terminal or a paper slip.
Tell the waiter the total including tip before they tap your card. Example: bill is 340 Kč, you want to tip 10% → say “350, prosím” (or “360” if generous). They enter that amount into the terminal, you tap your card, done.
Do NOT leave cash on the table after paying by card. The waiter will assume it’s a mistake or keep it as extra – it’s not the norm.
If you pay cash, you can tell the waiter the total (e.g., “z 340 je 400”) and they’ll keep the difference. Or just round up when handing the bills.

Bars and pubs

Round up to the nearest 10 or 20 Kč. For a beer costing 55 Kč, give 60 and say “děkuji”. No need to tip per round – just on the final tab.

Taxis

Round up to the nearest 20–50 Kč if the driver didn’t try to scam you (which is common – see Prague scams page for Uber vs. taxi details). If the fare is 280 Kč, give 300.

Hotel housekeeping

Leave 50 Kč per day in a visible spot (under the card key). In euros: about €2. Not mandatory, but appreciated.

Other money facts you need

Tap water in restaurants

You can get tap water for free. Ask “vodu z kohoutku, prosím” and they’ll bring a carafe. It’s safe to drink, quality is excellent. Some touristy places may pretend they don’t have it – insist. Related: our 24‑hour survival page lists pharmacies and other late‑night services.

Tourist tax

Hotels add 50 Kč per person, per night to your bill. This is legal and included in the final price. You can’t avoid it.

VAT and refunds

VAT (DPH) is 21% on most goods and services. It’s always included in the price you see – no nasty surprises at the register. Non‑EU tourists can claim a VAT refund on purchases over 2,000 Kč in a single store. Ask for a TaxFree slip at the shop, then present it at the airport before check‑in (Václav Havel Airport has a Global Blue / Planet Payment kiosk). You’ll get back about 15% of the purchase price.

Counterfeit notes

Rare, but bigger bills (1,000 Kč and 2,000 Kč) are sometimes faked. Check the watermark when you receive them – hold it up to light. If you’re handed a dodgy note at an exchange booth or ATM, call the police immediately. Most ATMs inside bank branches won’t give you fakes.

Bargaining

Almost never. In regular shops the price is fixed. At Havel’s Market (Havelské tržiště) you can haggle a little if you’re buying multiple trinkets, but it’s considered pushy. Skip it unless you’re genuinely buying bulk.

One last tip

If you’re arriving at Václav Havel Airport, there are ATMs inside arrivals. They’re fine (bank‑branded). Just decline DCC. Also, for a quick overview of getting around Prague, check the main Prague guide. And if something goes wrong with a payment – like a card being skimmed – your first step is to call your bank, then Prague police (emergency: 158). Second step: read our scams page to avoid the same trick twice.

Bottom line: Carry ~1,000 Kč in cash for small purchases, use a bank ATM for more, pay by card when you can, tip by telling the waiter the total, and never, ever let anyone charge you in euros.