Are You a Foreigner Moving to the Czech Republic? Here's What You Should Know

Out of all the places in the world, you have finally settled on the Czech Republic as your next destination, and you now want to know as much as you can before you move there. The Czech Republic is a beautiful country, but it certainly has its peculiarities for a foreigner. So here are some of the most often talked about specificities of Czechia you should know about before moving there.

Most people agree that it's better to find a job in the Czech Republic before moving there as it will help you both with your visa process and the first few weeks of your stay. Many companies that employ ex-pat workers provide them with temporary accommodation or help them with the administration surrounding their visas or long-term residence.

This is simpler if you're moving from a European country, as you don't need a visa to work in Czechia, but for visitors from non-European countries, this can be a huge help. So make sure to ask your employer for help with your move.

Very few people relocate to the Czech Republic with full knowledge of the country’s language, not the least because Czech is a difficult language to learn. As a Slavic language, it has many specificities that western languages like English or French don't have. But don't worry, you will be able to get by with English just fine.

Suppose you plan to stay in a larger city like Prague, Brno, Ostrava, or Olomouc. In that case, you will find that most shops, restaurants, services and even some administration offices will be able to communicate with you in English. Outside of the urban centres, it may be difficult to find English speakers above a certain age, though younger people of thirty and less should be able to talk to you just fine.

If you come from first-world countries, you might find Czechia's prices very affordable. From rent and electronics to food, the Czech Republic has a reputation for being one of the most Western of the Eastern European countries. However, the salaries there reflect that as well. If you are an unskilled worker or you are still gathering experiences in your field, it will be near impossible to find salaries that could match their western counterparts.

However, they tend to be proportional to the lower price of living in Czechia. If you are relocated by your company or a professional in your field, don't be afraid to ask for western pay, as many international companies will gladly spend the finances necessary to have you on their teams.

These may seem like odd things to have side by side, but they are one of the most talked-about cultural specificities you need to know about. Tipping in Czechia is not mandatory and serves more as an appreciation of foodservice. Alternatively, some people round up their orders to the nearest ten crown increment to make it easier for the cashier to count.

If you want to leave a tip, it's good to add around 10% of the final price to the bill as that's the average amount people add. The second thing to remember is that you are expected to remove your shoes when you visit someone in their home in the Czech Republic. Depending on where you're from, this may be obvious, but this may seem odd to some.

It is seen as unclean to go beyond the hallway of a house or an apartment in your outside shoes. Usually, the apartment owner will provide you with slippers, or you can choose to remain in your socks (as some people prefer).