Czech republic currency: how to Pay in Czech Shops

The Czech Republic has its own currency, the Czech Koruna (CZK), and does not use the Euro. In the Czech Republic, paying in shops is straightforward and overwhelmingly cashless. Nearly all supermarkets, retail chains, restaurants, and cafés accept both debit and credit cards, and even many small shops and kiosks are equipped with payment terminals.

Contactless payments are standard in the Czech Republic currency (CZK). For small amounts (usually under 500 CZK), you can often pay just by tapping your card, phone, or smartwatch.

However, depending on your bank’s security settings or the card you use, you may still be asked to enter your PIN—even for very small amounts—when paying in the Czech Republic currency.

Czech Card Payment Rules

While card payments are widely accepted, there are a few Czech card payment rules to keep in mind:

Minimum payment limits – Some smaller shops may set a minimum amount (e.g., 100 CZK) for card payments.
Cash preference in small towns – In rural areas or at traditional markets, cash is still common, so it’s good to carry some Czech koruna.
PIN or signature – For higher amounts, you may need to enter your PIN. Contactless payments under 500 CZK often don’t require it.
Accepted cards – Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used. American Express and other cards may not be accepted everywhere.
Currency conversion – Some terminals may offer payment in your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion), but it’s usually better to choose Czech koruna for a fairer exchange rate.

Paying with foreign Cards in the Czech Republic

When you pay with a foreign card, the shop first checks your card and blocks the money. The money is taken from your account later – usually after 1–3 business days. Sometimes it can take longer, especially with credit cards.

This has two sides:

Good: If the payment is not yours, it can be stopped before the money leaves your account.
Not so good: The bank uses the exchange rate on the day the money is taken, not on the day you paid. The rate may change, so you could pay more than you expected.

Sometimes the terminal offers to pay in your home currency instead of Czech crowns. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). It shows you the price right away, but usually it is more expensive because of extra fees. It is almost always cheaper to choose payment in Czech crowns (CZK) and let your own bank do the conversion.

In the EU, including the Czech Republic, shops must now show you the exchange rate and fees if they offer DCC.

Common Payment Mistakes Foreigners Make in the Czech Republic

Choosing the Wrong Currency (The DCC Trap): Many foreigners accept payment in their home currency (a process called Dynamic Currency Conversion, or DCC). This conversion uses a poor exchange rate and almost always costs you more. Always choose to pay in the local currency: CZK (Czech Koruna).
- For consumer rights and official rules regarding currency exchange, refer to the Czech National Bank’s guidance: Ten Golden Rules for Bureau-de-Change Clients.
Not Carrying Any Cash: Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but some small shops, markets, street vendors, or public toilets still take cash only. It’s wise to always keep a small amount of cash (like 200–500 CZK) with you.
Ignoring Minimum Card Limits: Some small shops or cafés may enforce a minimum amount for card payments (for example, 100 CZK).
Not Checking Card Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. However, cards like American Express, Diners Club, or Discover are often not accepted, especially outside of major hotels or international chains.
Forgetting About Exchange Rate Timing: Your bank converts the money when the payment is processed, not instantly at the shop. Since rates can change, always check your bank’s policy on foreign transaction fees and conversion rates before traveling.
Assuming Tips Can Be Added to the Receipt: In many restaurants, tips (spropitné) are still expected to be given in cash. While some terminals allow you to add a tip by card, this is not standard everywhere, so always be prepared to tip with cash.

Getting Cash: The Best Way to Use ATMs

Although you can pay by card almost everywhere, you will need some cash for small purchases, markets, or tipping.

Avoid Independent ATMs: Be extremely cautious of independent ATM operators like Euronet. These machines typically charge high withdrawal fees and offer very poor exchange rates, often using the same misleading DCC process you see in shops.
Use Bank ATMs: For the best rates and lowest fees, always use an ATM operated by a major Czech bank (such as Česká spořitelna, Komerční banka, ČSOB, or UniCredit Bank).
Choose CZK: Just like when paying in a shop, if the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency (EUR/USD/etc.), ALWAYS DECLINE this option and choose to be charged in CZK (Czech Koruna).

Alternative to ATMs: If you have foreign currency in cash, a better option is often to exchange it for Korunas at a reputable exchange bureau. This can sometimes give you a better rate than an ATM after fees and conversion rates are factored in.

How to Tip When Paying by Card

Tipping (spropitné) in the Czech Republic is typically 5–10% and is usually done by verbally telling the waiter the new total amount. When paying with a card, this process can differ:

Verbal Confirmation (Most Common): Tell your waiter or cashier the total amount you wish to pay (bill + tip) before they put the card in the terminal. For example, if the bill is 470 CZK, you say “500” before they start the transaction.
Terminal Input: Some modern terminals will ask you if you want to add a tip, or they may allow you to enter the final amount (bill + tip) yourself.
Cash Tip: If you are unsure about the terminal, the safest option is to pay the exact bill amount by card and leave the tip (5–10%) in cash on the table.

Best Tips for Paying in the Czech Republic

Category	Advice	Detail
✅ Do’s (Actionable Tips)	Pay in CZK	Always choose the local currency (Czech Koruna) when using your card at a terminal.
	Use Contactless	This is the quick and widely accepted norm. It works with cards, phones, and smartwatches.
	Carry Some Cash	Keep 200–500 CZK handy for small markets, public toilets, or tiny cafés that might not accept cards.
	Check Your Bank Fees	Review your bank’s policy for potential extra charges on foreign card payments.
	Look for Stickers	Visa/Mastercard logos on the door indicate that cards are accepted.
❌ Don’ts (Common Mistakes)	Don’t Accept DCC	Never accept Dynamic Currency Conversion (paying in your home currency); it is always more expensive.
	Don’t Rely on Amex/Diners	American Express or Diners Club cards are not common and are often not accepted outside of large chains.
	Don’t Forget Minimum Limits	Be aware that some small shops or cafés enforce minimum card limits (e.g., 100 CZK).
	Don’t Expect Card Tipping	Many waiters still prefer cash tips; be prepared to tip with cash even if you pay the bill by card.