We will travel to Prague for an exciting learning experience. Preparing ahead
will enhance our education there. This list attempts to assist you in planning.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Be sure your passport is current (suggestion is until six months after our trip).
It takes at least thirty days
to get a passport unless you pay extra. You may pick up an application at a
district clerk's office at a courthouse or download an application from the
US State Department website: travel.state.gov/passport_servces.html
No visa is necessary for the Czech Republic for those holding an American passport.
If you have a passport from another country, you need to check with the Czech
Embassy to see if you need a visa. Your instructor or the Humanities and International
Studies Division secretary will assist you with this.
Making a copy of your passport as well as listing your credit card numbers,
traveler's checks, and prescriptions might save frustration in case of loss.
The credit card hotline for lost cards in Prague is
236-66-88.
EXCHANGING MONEY
It is safer to carry traveler's checks than cash, but ATM's are available for
Czech korunas with a VISA or American Express card. The best rate of exchange
is usually offered at the ATM's. Traveler's checks and American dollars can
be exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices (the latter charge huge
commissions up to 12%). Windows marked smenarna/zmenaren give a 6% exchange.
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8-5, with a two-hour lunch break (they
usually offer a good rate). On the street, offers of exchange will be a black
market transaction, and thus an illegal one. The Prague Airport (Rusinye) has
a 24-hour exchange desk (Ceskoslavenska Obchodni Banka) for a 1-2% commission.
Thomas Cook at Montfort and Beltline in Dallas has korunaceska (kc) if you want
to have cash when you arrive. Calling ahead to make sure the currency is available
the day you will go to get it is a good idea.
We suggest that you pick up at least $50 worth of koruna before leaving on the
trip.
Korunaceska (kc) / 100 hellerorhaler (h) Coins 10h, 20h, 50h, lkc, 2kc, 5kc,
10kc, 20kc
Notes: 20kc, 50kc, 100kc, 500kc, 1000kc, 2000kc, 5000kc
American Express Office address: Vaclavske namesti 56 (across from the Europa
Hotel in New Town)
TIME
Clocks move forward in late May. The time is 8 hours ahead of Dallas
TELEPHONES
The post office (i.e.Main Post Office in Jindresska off Wencelas Square), a
private phone, or a hotel room will be more likely to work; often public phones
have been vandalized. Telefonni karta from tabaks and newsstands are used in
phonecard telephones. The dial tone is a short note followed by a long one;
the ringing tone consists of long ringing notes; the busy signal has short rapid
notes. The hotel has a phone at the desk, but the receptionist is not always
receptive to letting anyone use it.
Internal Czech directory inquiries: 121 Prague directory: 120
International exchange and to make a collect call: 0132
International call followed by country code: 00
Prague from elsewhere in Czech Republic: 02 Any problems: 0135
WEATHER
The weather is similar to that of the mid-western states. Layers, a light jacket,
and rain gear would serve you well since our explorations take place rain or
shine.
CLOTHING
Choose your clothing with a sensitivity to other cultures. We will go to the
Opera one night, will meet with university representatives, and will go to cathedrals.
Laundry facilities are limited, so be prepared to do any washing by hand. A
laundry (bistima) takes a few days. The most important item you should bring
is comfortable walking shoes with good soles. Department stores (tampony) and
supermarkets (damskevlozky) are available but not on the schedule.
ELECTRICITY AND ITEMS
An electrical converter for a 220 volt system (One kind is for appliances up
to 50 watts and the other is for use with appliances of 50-1600 watts. The plug-in
required with the converter has two round prongs, the European style.). Include
any antibiotics or prescription medicines (antibiotics require a prescription
for purchase), a Czech-English phrase book (which is hard to find in the Czech
Republic); a bath towel, and shower shoes.
INSURANCE
If you want additional insurance for medical services, bag loss, or flight cancellation,
check your credit card services, the International Student Insurance Service,
or airlines. Keep medical receipts if you use services.
FOOD AND OTHER EXPENSES
Our rooms in Prague with a continental breakfast are included in the cost. We
will stay in a hotel in Cesky Krumlov, which is also covered in the cost. You
should budget $30 a day for food, but the costs will vary considerably with
your eating habits.
TRANSPORTATION
The transportation system includes an effective metro, buses, and trams. You
will receive a pass to ride the metro and tram system when we arrive in Prague.
It is important to sign the pass and carry it with you at all times, since the
metro police are quite active in checking for passes. If you ride without the
pass and are caught, you will receive a fine (around 300 koruna) that must be
paid on the spot. We will discuss the system in the orientation.
LANGUAGES
Czech is the language of the country, although many Czechs can speak more than
one language. German, Russian, English, and French speakers are not uncommon.
POLICE AND SAFETY
Common sense should help you avoid problems. The national police (nicknamed
zaby (frogs) because of green uniforms) are for arrests and problems, municipal
police (mestska policere) for crime, and Black Sheriffs for security (Cerne
Serie have no power to arrest, but generally steer clear of them). Prague is
safe and non-threatening to walk around and violent crimes are rare. Women should
avoid Wenceslas Square when they are alone. The Charles Bridge and other tourist
sites as well as the metro and tram have pickpockets. It is an unwritten law
to carry your passport at all times, although you are unlikely to be asked for
it. Avoid the street con game of shells. If something is stolen, register with
the local police or the embassy. Report the claim at home.
INFORMATION
The tourist office (informacni centrum) may help you with questions. Cedok is
the state-owned agency. The main office of the Prague Information Service is
at the street Na prikope. The English-language newspapers The Prague Post and
Prognosis , and the PIS, a monthly English book, give listings of events.
The American Cultural Center is at Hybernska 7a, 24 22 09 83, for general help.
HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATIONS
The Center for Disease Control has an excellent website for noting any outbreaks.
Being current on your shots for America is a good precaution, particularly tetanus
and hepatitis A, although shots are not necessary. Bottled water is available
in Prague. If ill, you may get medicine from a pharmacy (lekarna). The Diplomatic
Health Center (Nemocnice Na Homolce) is at Roetgenova 2; call 52-92-11-11.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
1. Make sure you have signed, valid passport (and visas, if required). Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel
Warnings, if
Applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which
you are traveling.
Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country,
you are
subject to its laws.
4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate
replacement if your
passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives.
Carry the other
with you in a separate place from your passport.
5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you
can be contacted
in case of an emergency.
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages
from
strangers.
7. If you plan to stay abroad for more than two weeks, upon arrival you should
notify by
phone or register in person with the US Embassy in the country you are visiting.
This will
facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you.
8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and
expensive
jewelry, and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents
when you exchange
money or purchase art or antiques.
10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy.
STUDENT I. D. CARDS
Price: Approximately $23
Directions: Take Highway 75 (Central Expressway) south to Lovers Lane. Exit. Turn right (west) onto Lovers Lane. Go to Hillcrest. Council Travel is at Lovers and Hillcrest.
COUNCIL TRAVEL
CIEE: Council on International Educational
Exchange
Michelle Barton
Travel Consultant
6715 Hillcrest
Dallas, TX 75205
Tel: 214-363-9941
Fax: 972-363-7538
Metro: 972-445-5139
Website: www.ciee.org
CHECKLIST FOR TRAVEL
Item List
· Passport, Visa · Swimsuit
· Stamps, insurance card · Umbrella
· Gloves, hat · All weather coat
· Itinerary to someone · Sweater
· Tickets-record serial numbers · Skirts
· Hotel confirmations · Pants, jeans
· Travel books, readings · Leotards, hose, socks
· Y cards, travel club · Underwear
· American Express, Visa · Tops
· Traveler's checks · Prescription medicine,
· Addresses (email, etc.) prescription glasses,
· Camera, film, batteries glasses kit, contacts
· International Driver's License · Washcloth
· Student Cards (International Student Card) · Towel
· Water bottle · Shaving/grooming articles
· Journal, pens mirror
· Paints · Hair care items, deodorant
· Checkbook · Kleenex-small packs
· Gum · Accessories
· Electricity converters, blow dryer, curling iron, iron · Tylenol,
Dramamine,
· Calculator Antacid
· Gift list · Inhaler
· Granola bars, snacks · Soap, shampoos, lotion
· Walking Shoes laundry soap
· Ace bandage, mole skin, Band-Aids · Ziplock bag
· Cover-up / pj's · Clothes line
· Carriers · Qtips
· Emory board, fingernail clippers, scissors
· Toothbrush, toothpaste
· Sewing equipment, pins
· Sleeping Bags
· Tents
TO DO LIST
· Stop mail
· Stop paper
· Plant care
· Turn off X electricity/ac
· Empty perishables
· Cars parked
· Pets
· Lock windows, doors
· Secure valuables
· Key to relatives/friends
· Set timers
THE ART OF TRAVELING
When you pack your bags to explore the beauties of your own country or to travel around the world, consider these keys to a happy journey.
TRAVEL LIGHTLY. You are not traveling for people to see you.
TRAVEL EXPECTANTLY. Every place you visit is like a surprise package to be opened. Untie the strings with an expectation of high adventure.
TRAVEL HOPEFULLY. "To travel hopefully," wrote Robert Louis Stevenson, "is better than to arrive."
TRAVEL HUMBLY. Visit people and places with reverence and respect for their traditions and ways of life.
TRAVEL COURTEOUSLY. Consideration for your fellow travelers and your hosts will smooth the way through the most difficult days.
TRAVEL WITH AN OPEN MIND. Leave your prejudices at home.
TRAVEL WITH CURIOSITY. It is not how far you go, but how deeply you go that mines the gold of experience. Thoreau wrote a large book about tiny Walden Pond.
TRAVEL WITH IMAGINATION. As the old Spanish proverb states, "He who would bring home wealth of the Indies, must carry the wealth of the Indies with him."
TRAVEL FEARLESSLY. Banish worry and timidity; the world and its people belong to you, just as you belong to the world.
TRAVEL RELAXED. Make up your mind to have a good time.
TRAVEL PATIENTLY. It takes time to understand others, especially when there are barriers of language and custom; keep flexible and adaptable to all situations.
TRAVEL WITH THE SPIRIT OF A WORLD CITIZEN. You'll discover that people are basically much the same the world around.
** BE AN AMBASSADOR OF GOOD WILL TO ALL PEOPLE **