Cash or Card in Prague: Which Is the Best Way to Pay in 2025?
Prague is one of Europe’s most visited and enchanting cities, known for its Gothic architecture, medieval bridges, world famous beer, Baroque cathedrals, and vibrant cultural scene. As tourism in the Czech Republic grows, travelers increasingly ask a critical question before arriving: Do you need cash in Prague, or can you pay for everything with a card?
Like most European capitals, Prague has modernized rapidly. Digital payments, contactless cards, and mobile wallets are widely accepted throughout the city. However, cash still plays a meaningful role, especially in local markets, small businesses, and certain forms of public transport. Understanding when and how to use each payment method can help you avoid unnecessary fees, reduce transaction costs, and confidently navigate daily spending.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the payment landscape in Prague for tourists, expats, and digital nomads in 2025, covering bank card acceptance, ATM usage, scams to avoid, budgeting tips, and the advantages of both cash and card.
The Official Currency Used in Prague
Prague, and the rest of the Czech Republic, uses the Czech Koruna, not the Euro.
Currency Code
CZK
Symbol
Kč
Prices in restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions are displayed in CZK. Some tourist locations may accept Euros, but the exchange rate is usually poor, so using Czech koruna is strongly recommended.
Is Prague a Cash or Card City?
The short answer: Prague is primarily a card friendly city with pockets of cash preferred areas.
You can survive using mostly cards, but you will benefit from having a small amount of cash on hand.
Where Cards Are Widely Accepted
• Supermarkets
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Large cafes and bakeries
• Major tourist attractions
• Airport and transport stations
• Ride sharing apps (Bolt, Uber)
• Clothing stores
• Chain businesses
• Grocery stores like Albert, Lidl, Billa, Tesco
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express acceptance is moderate but not guaranteed.
Where Cash Is Still Preferred
• Small market stalls
• Local pubs (especially non tourist areas)
• Street vendors
• Farmers markets
• Independent souvenir shops
• Some bakeries and traditional eateries
• Ticket machines on older trams or buses
• Public toilets
• Rural or suburban areas beyond Prague
Keeping 200 to 400 CZK in cash is enough for most small expenses.
Comparing Cash and Card in Prague
To understand which method is best, let’s break down their strengths and limitations.
Paying by Card in Prague
Advantages of Using Your Card
• Widely accepted
• Fast, convenient, and contactless
• No need to withdraw or carry cash
• Ideal for mid to large purchases
• Secure, easily traceable transactions
• Best exchange rates when using a low fee travel card
Travel cards such as Wise, Monzo, Revolut, or N26 provide competitive currency conversion and minimal fees, making them ideal for Prague.
check the conversion rates here
Digital Wallets
Prague supports mobile payment apps including:
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Garmin Pay
These are accepted in most supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
Potential Card Fees to Watch Out For
Your home bank may charge:
• Foreign transaction fees
• Currency conversion markups
• ATM withdrawal fees
• Dynamic currency conversion fees
Using a travel friendly debit or credit card reduces these extra costs.
Paying with Cash in Prague
Advantages of Using Cash
• Essential for local markets and small shops
• Helps avoid minimum card charge fees
• Useful during transportation machine outages
• Helps budget by limiting spending
• Preferred in some traditional pubs serving Czech beer
Cash gives you flexibility and prevents situations where a small vendor cannot process card payments.
Downsides of Cash
• ATM fees can apply
• Carrying too much cash is risky
• Lost cash cannot be recovered
• Some ATMs offer bad exchange rates
Because of these risks, most travelers use cash only when necessary.
How to Withdraw Cash in Prague
ATMs, known locally as bankomats, are easy to find throughout the city.
Best ATMs to Use
Choose ATMs belonging to reputable banks:
• Česká spořitelna
• Komerční banka
• Moneta Money Bank
• UniCredit
• Air Bank
• Raiffeisenbank
These banks typically offer honest exchange rates and lower fees.
ATMs to Avoid
Avoid independent ATMs in:
• Old Town Square
• Wenceslas Square
• Tourist heavy districts
Brands like Euronet often apply expensive conversion fees and unfavorable exchange rates.
Important Warning
Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC).
When an ATM asks:
Pay in local currency (CZK) or pay in your home currency?
Always choose CZK.
Choosing your home currency allows the ATM to add a markup of 8 to 15 percent, resulting in a worse deal.
Do You Need to Tip in Prague?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
General guidelines:
• Restaurants: round up or add 10 percent
• Bars: round up
• Taxis: round up
• Tour guides: optional tip
Both card and cash tips are accepted. In restaurants, confirm whether the card terminal allows tips before completing payment.
Is It Safe to Use Cards in Prague?
Prague is safe and modern, and card payments are secure.
Best Practices
• Use contactless payments when possible
• Avoid ATMs in nightlife areas late at night
• Do not hand over your card; insist it stays in sight
• Check receipts for unnecessary service charges
• Use digital wallets for extra security
Card fraud is rare in Prague compared to other global tourist cities.
When Cash Is Essential in Prague
Although cards are widely accepted, certain situations require cash:
1. Local Pubs
Some legendary Czech pubs still operate cash only to avoid processing fees.
2. Farmers Markets
Stall owners prefer coins and small notes.
3. Street Food Vendors
Small purchases often require cash.
4. Public Toilets
Some charge 10 to 20 CZK.
5. Older Transport Machines
Newer machines accept cards, but older ones do not.
6. Tipping
While card tips are possible, cash tips are simpler.
Using Euros in Prague
Prague is not part of the Eurozone, so Euros are not widely accepted.
Who Accepts Euros?
• Some hotels
• Tourist shops
• Airport vendors
Should You Use Euros?
No.
Euro transactions usually include poor exchange rates intended for tourists.
Always pay in Czech Koruna for fair pricing.
Best Cards for Traveling to Prague
To minimize costs, use cards that offer:
• No foreign transaction fees
• Mid market exchange rates
• Low ATM withdrawal fees
• Strong travel security features
Top options:
• Wise Debit Card
• Revolut
• Monzo
• N26
• Starling Bank
• Capital One (US cards)
These cards generally provide better exchange rates than traditional banks.
How Much Cash Should You Carry?
Most travelers only need:
• 200 to 400 CZK for daily small purchases
• 500 to 1,000 CZK for emergencies or rural travel
Carrying large amounts is unnecessary.
Common Scams to Avoid in Prague
Although Prague is safe, a few payment related scams exist.
ATM Conversion Scam
ATM asks you to accept a conversion rate. Decline it and choose CZK.
Restaurant Bill Rounding
Some restaurants may round the bill without notice.
Always check your receipt.
Fake Charity Collectors
These groups may target tourists.
Avoid giving cash.
Final Recommendation: Cash or Card?
The best way to pay in Prague is to use your card for most transactions and keep a small amount of cash for backup.
Ideal Strategy
Use card for:
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Public transport
• Shopping
• Attractions
Use cash for:
• Markets
• Small cafes
• Pub drinks
• Street vendors
This combination delivers convenience, low fees, and local practicality.
Final Thoughts
Prague offers a modern, secure, and efficient payment infrastructure that supports both digital and traditional methods. Travelers who understand when to use cash and when to rely on cards enjoy smoother experiences, lower fees, and better protection against unnecessary charges. By combining a travel friendly debit card with a small amount of Czech Koruna, you can fully enjoy the city’s history, culture, and charm without financial stress.
Sources
Czech National Bank
https://www.cnb.cz
Prague City Tourism
https://www.prague.eu
European Consumer Centre Czech Republic
https://www.evropskyspotrebitel.cz
