Your Arrival Guide

This guide will help you check what to arrange before you travel and what to do soon after you arrive.

You have been admitted to studies in Czechia. Congratulations! Now it is time to prepare for your trip, organise the essentials and get ready for your first days in Czechia. This guide will help you check what to arrange before you travel and what to do soon after you arrive.

Before you travel

Start with the essentials. Some things can take time, so do not leave them until the last week. Make sure you have:

valid passport or national ID if you are from the EU, EEA or Switzerland
visa or residence documents, if required
acceptance letter from your Czech university
proof of accommodation
health insurance for your stay
copies of important documents
contact details for your university coordinator, your accommodation provider
some Czech crowns or a payment card for your first day

Check Visa and Residence Information

mzv.gov.cz

Pack for Czechia

Czechia has four seasons. Winters can be cold, summers can be hot and spring or autumn weather can change quickly. You do not need to pack everything. You can buy winter clothes, room basics and daily items in Czechia after you arrive. Pack the essentials first:

documents
medication you use regularly
chargers and adapters
clothes you can layer
comfortable shoes
a few personal items that help you feel at home

Learn a few Czech phrases

Locals love it when you make a tiny effort with our language. A few words can make everyday life easier and help you feel more confident in shops, cafés, offices or public transport. Try starting with:

Dobrý den – hello or good day
Ahoj – hi or bye, informal
Děkuji – thank you
Prosím – please, here you go or you are welcome
Promiňte – excuse me or sorry
Nerozumím – I do not understand
Mluvíte anglicky? – do you speak English?
Kde je…? – where is…?

Check Arrival and Registration Rules

ipc.gov.cz

Arrival and registration

Most international students must make sure their stay is registered with the Foreign Police after arrival. Always check the official information before you travel.

Living in a dormitory? The dorm will usually complete the registration for you.
Living in a private accommation? You may register in person at the Foreign Police office. EU students must report their stay if they plan to stay in Czechia for more than 30 days. Non-EU students usually need to register within 3 working days after arrival.

Money, SIM card and bank account

Czechia uses the Czech crown (CZK), not the euro. While it’s useful to have some cash for small bakeries or markets, you can pay with a card or a phone almost everywhere. Before you arrive:

check whether your bank card works abroad
ask your bank about fees for payments and withdrawals
prepare some Czech crowns or a travel card
check whether your phone is unlocked for another SIM card or eSIM

If you are from the EU, your home mobile plan will work in Czechia under EU roaming rules. If you are from outside the EU, a local prepaid SIM card or eSIM can help you avoid high roaming fees. You may also want to open a Czech bank account. Banks usually ask for identification and may request other documents, such as proof of study or residence permit.

Getting Around

Public transport in Czechia is reliable and affordable. Cities usually have buses, trams or trolleybuses, and Prague also has a metro. Useful apps include:

IDOS for buses, trams, trains and public transport connections
Mapy.cz for city navigation, hiking and cycling routes
your city transport app, if available

You need a valid ticket before you travel. In many cities, students can get discounted long-term public transport passes. Your university may also issue a student card or ISIC card. It can be useful for university services, public transport discounts and student benefits.

Join orientation activities

Most universities organise a welcome or orientation programme before the semester starts. Join if you can. You can usually:

learn how your university system works
meet your International Office or faculty coordinator
find out how to register for courses
visit the campus, library and student services
meet other students
learn about student clubs

Orientation events are one of the easiest ways to make your first contacts in Czechia. Also look out for the Erasmus Student Network at your university - they organize fantastic events, trips, and buddy programmes to help international students settle in.

Explore Student Clubs and Communities

Meet New Friends

Useful apps and contacts

Make your everyday life in Czechia easier from day one. These apps can help you move around, stay safe and find information faster.

Useful apps

IDOS for transport connections
Mapy.cz for maps and offline navigation
Záchranka for emergency help and location sharing
ISIC app for your digital student card and discounts
Smart Migration for basic information for foreigners living in Czechia
university app, if your university has one

Useful contacts

your university International Office
your accommodation provider
your local ESN or buddy programme
regional integration centres or expat centres
the Information Portal for Foreigners