Cash or card in Prague: Which is the best way to pay?

If Prague is your next destination, you're probably already working on your travel budget. No matter how much you plan on spending, it's helpful to understand the payment habits of locals before going somewhere.

Cash is still used in Prague and across the Czech Republic, but alternative payment methods are becoming more popular. Many Czechs prefer cashless payments, but Prague is a relatively card-friendly city. How often you’ll use cash depends on where you go and what you buy. We’ll explore this in more detail to help answer the question - Which is more convenient, cash or card in Prague?

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to handle your finances in Prague with Wise. For all international purchases, online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

How cash-centric is Prague?

Cash is still commonly used in the Czech Republic, but its popularity is starting to decline. Some statistics show that while nearly 90% of locals used cash a few years ago, that number has now dropped below 80%.¹

Consumers are increasingly using cards and other cashless methods. Even small transactions, which were typically paid in cash, are now often made with debit cards.² And since Prague is the capital and largest city, these changes are more noticeable here than in the more rural parts of the country.

Cash etiquette in Prague

In general, tipping isn’t required in Prague. If you're happy with the service, though, it’s customary to leave a little extra on your bill. It’s best to tip in local currency and in cash to ensure your server receives it directly.

In bars and restaurants, the standard tip amount is 10-15%. A 8-10% service charge is sometimes included in the prices, so it’s up to you if you’d like to tip in those situations.³

People typically don’t tip taxi drivers, especially when using services like Uber or Bolt. You can leave a 10% tip or round up the fare if you'd like to show appreciation. Just make sure to agree on the price of the ride beforehand to avoid any surprises.³

Cash or card in Prague - the comparison

We’ve listed some common situations where you’ll be paying for things in Prague. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Paying for…	Card	Cash
🚕 Taxis	Sometimes4	Yes
🏪 Convenience stores5	Usually, yes	Yes
☕ Bars and coffee shops5	Usually, yes	Yes
🚌 Public transport6	Usually, yes	Usually, yes (depends on the ticket machine)
🍽️ Restaurants5	Usually, yes	Yes
🖼️ Museums7	Usually, yes	Yes

Want to work out exactly how much things cost? Explore our live GBP to Czech koruna exchange rate currency converter.

Using your card in Prague at an ATM

There are around 6,000 ATMs in the Czech Republic, many of which are located in Prague. They can easily be found in all main tourist streets and central areas. Some of the most popular banks in the country include ČSOB, Česká spořitelna, and KB so you’ll likely come across their ATMs more frequently.⁸

Some ATMs don’t charge any fees, while others may charge up to 240 CZK per transaction. Certain banks might also impose a fee of around 160 CZK for foreign cardholders. The withdrawal limit is typically 80,000 CZK, though it can range from 60,000 to 400,000 CZK.⁸

📚Money and banks in Czech Republic

Will my UK debit card work in Prague?

Yes, you’ll be able to use your UK card in Prague. Cards from providers like Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in most shops and restaurants.⁵

Can I use my UK credit card in Prague?

You can use your UK-issued credit card in Prague, but try not to withdraw money with it, as doing so may result in a higher fee.

Reasons to use cash in Prague

While Prague residents use cards and other cashless methods for most things, cash can still be the only option in some cases. For example, some smaller stores may only accept cash or require it for small purchases.

Additionally, even though cards are more convenient, cash is necessary for tipping. Tips are typically given in cash and in local currency, so it's a good idea to keep some Czech korunas on hand.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in Prague

Cards are a safer and more convenient option, as carrying large amounts of Czech korunas can be risky. Plus, you may end up with unused foreign currency at the end of your trip.

You’ll likely be able to pay for almost everything by card, from public transport to restaurant bills. Prague is a card-friendly city, so you’ll probably only need a small amount of cash.

Are contactless card payments common in Prague?

Yes, contactless payments are accepted in most places in Prague, except for smaller stores. However, for small amounts, you might be asked to pay in cash.⁹

The limit for contactless payments is 500 CZK, after which you’ll need to enter your PIN.¹⁰

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in Prague. If you don’t want to carry multiple cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Get your Wise virtual card 💳

Other payment methods in Prague

Besides the traditional cards and cash, other payment methods are available in Prague.

Buy now pay later options (BNPL)

In recent years, BNPL services have gained traction in the Czech Republic. International providers like Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 are quite prominent, as are local options like Twisto.¹¹

Twisto offers two main payment options: Twisto Pay and Pay in 3. With Twisto Pay, you can pay for your purchase 30 days later, while Pay in 3 divides your bill into three installments.¹²

Mobile payment

Paying with a digital wallet is gaining popularity in the Czech Republic. Global options like Apple Pay, PayPal and Google Pay are available, along with payment services such as PayU and Paysera.¹¹

PayU and Paysera are primarily used for e-commerce. PayU, for example, allows customers to pay using methods like bank transfers or digital wallets.¹¹

Before your trip, make sure to update any of these wallet apps you plan to use to avoid potential issues.

For an additional layer of security, you could add your Wise virtual card to your wallet. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, too.

What is the best way to pay in Prague: cash or card?

If you have to choose between cash or card in Prague, cards may be the better option. They’re more convenient and you’ll be able to use them in most places, including public transport and restaurants.

However, cash can be useful in some situations, such as smaller purchases or some street vendors. It’s also the preferred method for tipping, so a combination of both might be the best solution.

Spend like a local in Prague with Wise

Cards are widely accepted and commonly used in Prague, while cash is gradually becoming less popular. However, both methods are still in use, so you won’t go wrong with either.

And if you want to spend like a local in the Czech Republic and 150+ countries, without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees, the Wise card might be just the thing you’re looking for.

The Wise card can be used for all international payments, including accommodation costs and daily expenses. It automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

You can also use it to easily withdraw cash from the ATMs in Prague. Each month, you can make 2 withdrawals of up to 200 GBP for free. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.

Cash or card in Prague - FAQs

To summarise, here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in Prague.

Can you use a UK debit card in Prague?

Yes, UK debit cards are widely accepted in Prague.

Are ATMs free to use in Prague?

Some ATMs in Prague are free to use, while others charge a fee.

Is the euro accepted in Prague?

While you might be able to pay with euros in some places, like larger hotels and shops, it's best to stick to korunas overall.¹³

How much cash do you need for 3 days in Prague?

This largely depends on how much you plan to eat out. For reference, a cup of coffee in Prague costs around £2.50 on average, a pint of beer is about £2 and a three-course meal for two is close to £37.¹⁴

Do you need cash for public transport in Prague?

No, there are machines in Prague public transport that accept contactless payments.

Should you exchange money before going to the Czech Republic?

There’s no need to do this, you can exchange money in Prague.

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Sources used:

1. Statista - cash use in Czechia
2. Global Data - cards in the Czech Republic
3. World Tip Calculator - tipping in Czechia
4. Hotels.com - Prague travel essentials
5. Finder - best way to spend in the Czech Republic
6. PID - how to buy tickets
7. National Museum - tickets
8. ATM Fee Saver - ATMs in the Czech Republic
9. UCT - first steps in Prague
10. Worldline - contactless limit
11. NORBr - payment methods in the Czech Republic
12. Twisto - how Twisto works
13. Frommer’s - money in Prague
14. Numbeo - cost of living in Prague

Sources last checked on date: 24-Jan-2025