I love so many places BUT NOT Prague!
Is Prague a great place to live as an expat?
In this Expat Interview, Caitlin will share what it’s like to live in Prague, the Czech Republic as an expat. She shares useful information such as the cost of living, how to move to Prague, where to visit, good and bad things about Prague, and more.
Also, you can know Caitlin’s experience and understand why Caitlin didn’t like to live in Prague.
About Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic (now known as Czechia).
It is centrally located in Europe and is only a short journey away from many other beautiful spots. It’s a beautiful city which straddles the Vltava river.
Prague is home to some of Europe’s most exquisite architecture, including what is widely considered the most beautiful bridge in Europe, the Charles Bridge.
The cobblestone streets provide a beautiful backdrop for any tourist, but when choosing it as a place to live, whether to work or to study, there is more to it that you must consider.
Why did you choose to live in Prague?
I ended up living in Prague solely for the visa. It was never really on my radar as a place to live. I’d been previously a tourist, but that was it.
How did you move to Prague?
I moved to Prague in July of 2016. I chose it based on visas.
The first move I made wasn’t utterly independent as I had a boyfriend along for the ride. He’s Spanish, and I’m American, so finding a country we could work and live in legally was a challenge.
The Czech Republic turned out to be our answer. He didn’t need a visa, and I could get the trade license, which is relatively straightforward and doesn’t need sponsorship.
Tips
- Moving tips: Relocating abroad? Try Sirelo for free quotes from top international movers that fit your budget. Learn more here.
- Money transfer: I use Wise for my international transfers. Quick, secure, and their fees? Way lower than most banks I’ve tried!
- Expat insurance: Life abroad has its surprises; make sure you’re covered with expat insurance.
How did you prepare to move to Prague?
Unlike some other moves I’ve made, I had a job almost entirely lined up before I arrived.
I applied and interviewed for a few jobs before I arrived, and I was offered one in Liberec, a much smaller city in the north of the Czech Republic.
Because of its size, we decided it was better to stick with Prague so my boyfriend would have better work prospects as he doesn’t speak Czech, so he relied on the tourist industry for work.
We arranged an Airbnb for our first few nights and planned to apartment hunt as soon as we arrived. I had my final interview arranged for the first day or two. I was in town, as did my boyfriend. We prepared well.
I also had started the process on my visa and was in touch with the woman (her contact is something I’d be happy to share one-on-one with someone) who would help.
I was already well into my 90-day tourist visa, so I needed to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.
How to deal with culture shock in Prague, Czech Republic?
I don’t think it’s a culture shock as the culture isn’t that different than America. But I did struggle with some things, namely, the cold, dark, wet winters. Brrr.
Did you experience discrimination in Prague?
I don’t know if I’d call it discrimination but definite unfriendliness. The Czechs are not known for their warmth, and it’s sadly very evident just how cool they are once you start living there.
I remember walking into a little tabac with my boyfriend, looking to buy a bus ticket, and before we’d opened our mouths, the woman behind the counter just looked at us and shouted ‘no.’
It was hard to have this happen in our first days, especially when we fell in love with our new home.
How to overcome difficulties when living in Prague?
Yes. I quickly learned that Prague’s English teaching world was very different from what I’d previously been exposed to in Sydney and Vietnam.
It was oversaturated, and most teachers were under-qualified with only online TEFL and no teaching experience.
So, I realized that I would end up being overworked and underpaid. I was there in the first few weeks and quickly started applying for more interviews.
I cut down on the hours I worked for James Cook, the company I’d initially been interviewed with, and started advertising for private students through a few online sites.
What do you like about Prague?
I liked its architecture.
There’s no doubt that Prague is a beautiful city. It has an astronomical clock, an old town square, a castle, and churches.
It did a fantastic job of staying intact throughout Europe’s horrible history, and all these impressive structures are still here for us to see today.
What are the bad things about Prague?
The cold! And the fact that wine is so expensive. I gained a few pounds from all the beer I drank!
Prague is a pretty expensive city to live in. It’s cheap if you’re coming with a dollar or a euro, but to live, the cost is high, as I’ve outlined below.
What are your favorite things to do in Prague?
My favorite thing to do in Prague is to escape it. I love the outskirts.
There’s a little village to the south, technically still in Prague, called Radotin. It’s along the train line, just 8 minutes from the city, and it’s adorable.
The river runs right through it. It’s calm, green, and quiet. It’s a beautiful spot to escape the noise and business of city life. I love to grab a beer and sit by the river down there, especially when the sun is shining.
Where are the best places to visit in Prague?
I had a friend visit earlier this year, and we did a few of the standard things, including the old town and the castle, but I also took her to Letna Park, which is excellent for a warm day and a picnic but has stunning views year long.
My second go-to spot is Namesti Miru, which is just a small square but has a beautiful church, which I love staring at both inside and out.
The cost of living in Prague, Czech Republic
As I mentioned earlier, it’s not cheap. It’s costly. The currency is Crowns, but I will convert everything to USD to make it easier to understand.
My salary is between $10 and $16/hour.
- A liter of beer at a bar costs $2
- An awful bottle of wine at Tesco costs $3
- A dinner out for two at a normal restaurant costs $12
- A new pair of pants costs $10
- Internet costs $20/month
- A basic cell phone bill costs $16/per month
The rent of a one-bedroom apartment costs $630/month (this is the kicker-the market in Prague is very much a landlord’s market, the prices are high, and nearly impossible to survive with this example, what my boyfriend and I paid is very low.)
A year’s transport ticket good for tram, train, metro, and bus costs $165 (this is the best deal in town!)
Is it easy to make friends in Prague?
I struggled so much with this in Prague.
I have to admit that I was spoiled in some of my previous homes with a readily available group of super fabulous people the moment I arrived, and that didn’t happen to me in Prague.
Because my job was not in one place, I ran from office to office all day long, teaching lessons at different locations. So, I didn’t get to know my ‘colleagues’ at all.
Often when you move to a new place, work is your first port of call for new drinking buddies. I had to look elsewhere. I went on many friend dates. People I connected with on Facebook. Some clicked, others didn’t.
I struggled, and it was difficult not to have a great support system in the city.
I was lucky that I had my boyfriend, but I wonder if that was why I didn’t end up with lots of friends, I didn’t need them. I had him.
Do you hang out with the locals or foreigners?
Foreigners. I met up with a few Czech women; some were o.k., but none of them were interested in follow-ups (was it me!?), and the ones were tough to get close to.
Where is your favorite place to meet friends in Prague?
Prague changed its smoking laws this spring, so all the bars and restaurants were smoky and awful last winter. I hate that. So, I chose the cafes.
There’s a little chain called Cross Café. I drink chai lattes, and theirs are my favorite! Plus, they leave you alone for as long as you want to stay there. And no smoking!
Now that there’s no smoking, I’d rediscover more bars and restaurants where I wouldn’t end up reeking of smoke!
Are you in an expat group in Prague?
I went to a few events. I can’t remember exactly which organizations they were through, but all were different things I found on Facebook just searching the activities there.
Nothing clicked through, and I felt a bit awkward going to them, in all honesty.
A memorable event in Prague
It’s hard to pick out one memory, but many of my memories revolve around the trams. They are just everywhere. We lived above a tram line (DON’T DO THAT!), so we heard them running all night long.
The trams are an excellent form of transportation when they work well, but if they’re stuck, you’re screwed!
Did you change your perspective about Prague after living here?
Yes. Sadly, it went from positive to negative.
I feel so bad about it, but people have reminded me that it’s o.k. not to like a place. I LOVE SO MANY PLACES IN THE WORLD! But after living there, Prague simple isn’t one of them.
What is your advice for living or moving to Prague?
Do your research. I think if you make a good salary and you’re not struggling day to day, you’ll enjoy it much more than I did.
So, look at the cost of everything as compared to your salary. Will you have enough to enjoy your life?
Also, be ready for the winter. It’s not only cold but dark and damp. Also, skiing or other outdoor sports will take some getting to, and the wilderness is not at your doorstep.
If you’re content to sit inside and drink beer for a good chunk of the year, then you’ll be happy in Prague. If not, I can’t recommend it.
What have you learned from living abroad?
I’ve learned so much from living abroad. Before Prague, I lived in Ireland, Morocco, Vietnam, and Australia. Everywhere has its good and bad things. I’ve learned to be open-minded and accepting.
Also, I’ve learned to embrace differences, but I’ve learned that we don’t all have to belong everywhere, especially in Prague.
I’ve learned heaps about myself, and I’ve learned how much I’m capable of more than anything else, and I think that’s an invaluable life lesson.
More about Caitlin
Caitlin grew up in the countryside of Vermont, USA, before heading to college in Maryland. Since then, she’s earned her CELTA to teach English as a second language and has lived and worked in Ireland, Morocco, Vietnam, Australia, and the Czech Republic.
She became an expat in 2011 and has never looked back. Caitlin loves riding horses and is a lover of all animals. She loves photography, though she’s still learning.
She loves hiking, yoga, the countryside and the city, knitting, and writing, which she does on her blog at Countryjumperblog.
The opinions expressed here by Expatolife columnists are their own, not those of Expatolife.
I have been living in prague now for about 3 years and some months now. I am marreid to a native born pragonian woman. I met her in america, we dated, married and have 2 kids. When i retired from my job in america i told her i would come to live here since she wanted to move back to prague to be close to her family. We would visit here during the summers so she could see her family. I always found the people her to be cold and unfreindly. I never like the language, it doesnt sound pretty at all. But then again i am sure they dont like english either. The culture here is very cold. Once i moved here the shock was intense even though i had visitied here before. It just seem very cold war like. While my wife has an extended family they all have their own lives with their children. I always feel like the outsider cause i dont speak czech. I had a few bad experiences here. I had prounced a word wrong while in a butcher shop looking to buy some chicken breasts. My wife had texted me the word to my cell so i could show the lady, but my wife did not include the accent marks on the letters and she just looked at me, like i dont know what you want. So i called my my wife and told her she did not understand the text. So my wife texed me the word again with all the proper accent marks on the letters. Then the lady looked at me and said, “no, meaning yes.” I was dumb founded becasuse when i looked at the word properly spelled it had only one accent mark above a coupe of letters, like she made no attempt to help me at all, like she could not figure out that i wanted chicken breast from the way the word was spelled, jesus. She was like the Borge from star trek, the czechs are very unforgiving. My mom died back in america while i was here in prague during covid. I had gone down stairs and bumped into her step dad who asked if i was ok, i said, “my mom died”, he did not know how to react. He only gave me his condolensces when my wife mother was together with him. My wife had to tell her own brother to give me condolensces, can you believe that. Never the less i learned something new about czechs. But not all czechs are cold. I have come to realize that you have to look for the good in life including people. Czech culture is way different that american. If you ask them, “hey whats up”, they will tell you. Unlike in america, it is more of a casual statement unless it is your close personal freind to my understanding. I definately dont feel any warmth here, except maybe from a few people. Winters here are dark, grey, overcast and depressing, so if you need sun during the winter it only comes out to say hello like 2 times a month. So you you better bring your anti depressants. Czechs arent all huggy like americans from my experience. You just have to look for friends like anywhere else. The world keeps changing, culture is a big factor. If your not raised here your in for a rude awakening. But you can find warm people. Friendships like anything else take time to cultivate. On the up side, the trams, buses, and train are clean and run pretty much on time compared to nyc.