You land in Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," and the first thing you see is a sign for Euros. It's tempting. You're in the European Union, right? So why wouldn't the Euro work? Well, honestly, that's the first trap most travelers fall into. While the Czech Republic has been an EU member for over two decades, the Czech koruna (CZK)—often called the crown—is still the king here. In fact, as of early 2026, the government has even discussed enshrining the koruna in the national constitution to protect it from being replaced by the Euro anytime soon.
Money is weird here. It’s beautiful, a bit confusing, and if you aren't careful, surprisingly easy to lose to a savvy street "exchanger."
The Koruna Explained (Simply)
Basically, you’re looking at a currency that doesn't care much for the cent. While the koruna is technically divisible into 100 haléřů (hellers), those tiny coins haven't been in your pocket for years. Everything is rounded. If a beer costs 59.90 CZK, you're paying 60.
What you'll actually hold in your hand:
- Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 Kč.
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Kč.
The 50 koruna coin is a bimetallic beauty—copper-colored in the middle with a silver-colored ring. It feels substantial. You'll want to keep a handful of these for public toilets or the occasional street snack. As for the bills, they feature famous Czech figures like Charles IV (on the 100) and Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (the first president, on the 5000).
One quick tip: check your bills. In 2022 and 2023, the Czech National Bank (CNB) pulled older versions of several banknotes from circulation. If someone tries to hand you a 1000 Kč note with a thin silver security strip instead of a thick, color-shifting one, you might be looking at a "valid" bill that most shops won't accept anymore. It’s not necessarily a fake, but it's a headache you don't need.
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Why the Euro is Kinda a Rip-off Here
Can you use Euros in Prague? Sure. Should you? Probably not.
Most major retailers like Tesco or international chains like Starbucks will take your Euros, but they’ll give you a "convenience" exchange rate that would make a banker blush. You might end up paying 15% to 20% more just for the privilege of not using the local Czech republic money currency. Plus, your change will almost always come back in koruna, calculated at whatever rate the shop feels like using that morning.
If you're at a local pub in the Vinohrady neighborhood or buying a puppet in a side-alley shop, don't even bother with the Euro. They’ll either say no or give you a look that suggests you've just asked to pay in seashells.
The "Street Exchange" Scam: Don't Be That Person
I've seen this happen a dozen times near the Astronomical Clock. A friendly guy approaches you. He sees you looking at a currency exchange board with a sour face. "Hey," he says, "I have a better rate. No commission. I just have some extra koruna from my last trip."
Stop.
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These guys are professionals. Often, they aren't giving you Czech koruna at all. They’ll hand you a thick stack of colorful bills that look official. Usually, they are discontinued Belarusian Rubles or Hungarian Forints. To an exhausted tourist, a 50,000 Forint note looks like a lot of money. In reality, it might be worth about three dollars.
If anyone approaches you on the street to trade money, walk away. Fast.
Where to Actually Get Your Cash
The best way to handle Czech republic money currency is to treat your debit card like your best friend. ATMs (called bankomats) are everywhere.
However—and this is a big "however"—avoid the independent ATMs like Euronet. You’ll see them in little kiosks or stuck into the walls of souvenir shops. They charge massive fees and use aggressive "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC).
The Golden Rule of ATMs
When the machine asks if you want to be charged in your "home currency" (USD, EUR, GBP) or the "local currency" (CZK), always choose CZK. By choosing the local currency, your home bank handles the conversion. They almost always give you a better rate than the predatory software inside a random ATM on a Prague street corner.
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If you absolutely must use a physical exchange office, look for "Exchange" on Kaprova Street near Old Town Square. They are legendary among locals for being honest. Most other places in the high-traffic tourist zones are... let's just say "less than ideal."
Current Value: What Does a Koruna Buy in 2026?
Inflation has hit everywhere, and the Czech Republic isn't immune. Gone are the days of the 30-koruna beer in the center of Prague. As of early 2026, the exchange rate hovers around 24 to 25 CZK per 1 Euro and about 20 to 21 CZK per 1 USD.
To give you a better idea of what things cost:
- A pint of Pilsner Urquell: 65–85 CZK (in the center) / 45–60 CZK (outside the center).
- Lunch at a local bistro: 180–250 CZK.
- Public transport ticket (30 min): 30–40 CZK.
- A decent espresso: 60–80 CZK.
Cards are accepted almost everywhere now, even at small Christmas market stalls, thanks to the massive push for digital payments over the last few years. But honestly, having a few hundred koruna in cash is still "old school" essential for that one perfect, hidden basement bar that doesn't believe in Wi-Fi, let alone card readers.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Notify your bank: Tell them you’re heading to the Czech Republic so they don't freeze your card the moment you try to buy a trdelník (that cinnamon pastry everyone eats).
- Download a converter app: Use something like XE or Currency Plus. It helps to quickly see that 500 CZK is roughly $25 so you don't overspend.
- Check your bills for the "Thick Strip": If you get cash from an exchange office, ensure the banknotes are the latest versions with the wide, color-changing security features.
- Use Bank ATMs: Look for names like ČSOB, Komerční banka, or Česká spořitelna. These are the "big three" and are generally much fairer than the blue-and-yellow standalone machines.
- Always Pay in CZK: Whether it's at an ATM or a card terminal in a restaurant, if given the choice, stick to the local currency.
The Czech Republic is a place where history feels alive in every cobblestone. Don't let a bad exchange rate or a "no commission" sign ruin the magic of walking across Charles Bridge at dawn. Treat the koruna with respect, keep your wits about you, and you'll find your money goes surprisingly far.