The Czech Republic is a country with an ancient history, its undoubted feature is a rich culture and diverse traditions. Thousands of tourists come here every year, regardless of the season.

Czechs tend to have a calm and practical demeanor. So, in the Czech Republic, it is not supposed to quickly run down the street or try to push forward, and in conflict situations (for example, road collisions), no one behaves excessively aggressively.

Great tolerance and hospitality is also a characteristic feature of the inhabitants of this country.

Language

The official language is Czech. Also in use are Slovak, German, English, Russian. The older and middle generation speaks Russian (once it was a compulsory subject in Czech schools), but in communicating with young people, knowledge of English is useful for tourists.

In general, some expressions of the Czech language are similar in sound to Russian, so it will not be difficult for tourists to master the most frequently used phrases to facilitate communication with the local population.

Religion

According to Countryaah, Czech society is quite heterogeneous in terms of religion. About 40% of the population are adherents of Catholicism, the most common Czech religion. 4.6% of the inhabitants profess Protestantism, and there are about 3% of Orthodox Christians in the country.

The adherents of various other religions account for approximately 13.4% of the country’s population. The Czech Republic is one of the most atheistic states in Europe, about 40% of citizens consider themselves atheists.

Behavior rules

While in the Czech Republic, a tourist needs to remember some features and rules of decency, if violated, there is a risk of seeming rude and discourteous to the local population.

When meeting and saying goodbye, men shake hands. As for women, it is better to wait until she gives her hand herself.

Czechs are not very religious, but when entering a church or church, men need to take off their hats.

The Czechs value their beer traditions very much, so it is better to drink this drink in a cafe or restaurant, but not on the street and not in transport.

“Street” alcoholic drinks (especially in winter) are punch and mulled wine, sold in stalls and kiosks.

Smoking is allowed in cafes and restaurants, but not in theaters and museums. Outside the closed premises there are also separate places where smoking is prohibited. For example, the museum in Terezin, located on the site of the Gestapo prison, as well as the area near the mineral springs in Karlovy Vary.

When visiting a supermarket, it is better to use a basket or trolley, so as not to cause bewilderment and excitement of the store staff.

Officially, in the Czech Republic it is supposed to take an increased payment for a hotel from visitors from other countries, and at an unofficial level, the bill in a cafe or taxi may be overestimated. Check agooddir for recent history of Czech Republic.

National Czech holidays:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day, Day of the Restoration of the Independent Czech State
• Easter Monday (no exact date)
• May 1 – Labor Day
• May 8 – Day of Liberation from Fascism
• July 5 – Day of the Slavic Preachers Cyril and Methodius
• July 6 – Memorial Day of Jan Hus
• October 28 – Foundation Day of the Independent Czechoslovak State
• November 17 – Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy
• December 24 – Christmas Eve
• December 25-26 – Christmas