You don’t have to learn Czech or modify your look for a long weekend in Prague. We’d like to share some practical advice for those of you who wish to avoid seeming like a tourist and more like a Prague native.
1. Keep an eye out for the fast track on the escalators.
Locals are pretty concerned about this issue. Never, ever stand on the left side of an escalator while using the metro or any other moving stairway. The right side is for standing, while the left side serves as a “speed track” for walking up and down. The left side of the street might be a little nerve-wracking for locals when other people are speeding by. Indeed, they’re frequently in a hurry.
2. Never leave your money down on a table.
So, how does it work in this case? To begin, gratuities are not included in the meal price, and the amount you choose to leave is totally up to you. It all comes down to how much you like it. Typically, it is between 5% and 10%. There’s no need to do this, though. The most important thing to remember is not just disappeared with your money. When your bill arrives, add your gratuity to the total cost and indicate how much you’d want to tip (e.g., your bill is 362 CZK, then say you wish to pay 400). The practice of rounding up the total is strongly encouraged. Please don’t allow the employees to give you back the minimal change they gave you.
3. Never consume a "ventilator."
Do you know what a “ventilator” is in Czech beer terminology? It is a beer sitting on a table or at a pub for too long without any foam. Or it was tapped incorrectly, or it was tapped when it was too cold. In some nations, beer is served without a “white cap,” but in the Czech Republic, foam is a requirement. If you get a beer that does not include the correct foam, there is always a problem. As a result, you should request a new one, which locals term “vtrák” in Czech (ventilator). A beer provided without froth is not acceptable! The easiest way to tell whether a beer is fresh and high-quality is to look at the foam.
4.Matryoshka dolls from tourist stores are a no-no.
Despite its cuteness, the Matryoshka doll is in no sense a typical Czech gift. Downtown tourist stores often sell matryoshkas, fur hats with Soviet emblems, and other “fun” Soviet-era memorabilia. It’s not humorous to the people that live there. It’s really rather snobbish to say so. In Prague, don’t purchase matryoshka, and don’t wear USSR fur caps. This will make you appear like a complete and utter inconsiderate person. There are several tourist traps in Prague.
5. Learn petite Czech: It's interesting, and the people you meet will be kind.
Learning a few simple phrases in the language of the place you’re going is usually a plus. Everyone in Prague respects the work you put into learning the language in Czech. However, complete fluency in English is not required; you might demonstrate your abilities nonetheless by telling them anything.
5. Get out of your comfort zone when it comes to eating.
You didn’t come to Prague to compare the menu at the local McDonald’s or the lattes at Starbucks in the city against the ones back home. There is nothing wrong with staying in your own surroundings when traveling. Still, suppose you’re out of your comfort zone. In that case, you should try something new, local, and a little weird: have you ever heard of Olomoucké syreyky, Prdelaka blood broth, or Kvytákov mozesek? Never be frightened to give them a try.
