Moving to Prague | Prague British International School

MOVING TO PRAGUE

At Prague British International School (PBIS), we’re committed to making the admissions process as straightforward as possible. This means providing you with all the information you need about our school – and our beautiful host city. On this page, you’ll find our guide to moving to Prague, covering everything from visa requirements to accommodation and things to do.

THE PBIS GUIDE TO PRAGUE

Prague is a cosmopolitan city, rich in history and culture. Located in the heart of Europe, our captivating capital offers a high standard of living. Prague is an incredibly safe and family-friendly city, too, which is consistently ranked among the happiest places in the world.

When it comes to things to do, living in Prague really does offer something for everyone. From baroque castles and cultural festivals to hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains, your family will have access to an array of unique and exciting activities.

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO PRAGUE

Looking for practical tips about moving to Prague? We’ve covered some of the things you’ll need to consider before you relocate to Czechia.

Organise work permits and visas

Whether you’re relocating to Prague from inside or outside of the EU, your first step is to apply for the necessary visas. If you’re an EU citizen, you’ll need to register with the Czech authorities if you plan to stay for longer than 90 days. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa, which typically requires proof of employment or enrolment at a Czech educational institution.

Sort out your health insurance

Prague offers excellent healthcare, and many clinics and doctors speak English or German. If you’re an EU citizen, bring your EHIC card. Non-EU residents should make sure their insurance meets Czech requirements before arrival. There are many private medical centres, and lots of companies offer healthcare support as part of their benefits.

Find a place to live in Prague

Do you see yourself living in an apartment in the historic centre? Or maybe you’d prefer to settle your family into a house in the suburbs? Whatever your housing needs, Prague has many great neighbourhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Consider learning some basic Czech

For English speakers living in Prague, it can be easy to overlook the importance of learning Czech. Whilst our city is home to many English-speaking Czechs, once you venture beyond the centre, you’ll quickly discover the value of knowing some basic vocabulary. Plus, learning the language can greatly enhance your experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s culture and connect with locals.

LIVING IN PRAGUE

Our guide to living in Prague covers accommodation, transport, and more, ensuring you have all the information you need to settle into our wonderful city.

Housing

From historic city centre apartments to modern homes in the suburbs, Prague has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets – both to rent and buy.

Housing

When moving to Prague, you’ll have a wealth of accommodation choices. Where you live will, of course, depend on your budget, preferred style, and location.

Neighbourhood guide

Prague’s historic centre (known as Prague 1) is made up of five quarters. Hradčany and Malá Strana are located around Prague Castle. Staré Město (Old Town), Nové Město (New Town), and Josefov (the old Jewish quarter) are located on the bank of the Vltava River. These quarters typically attract younger expats, however, rather than families.

Prague 2 is one of the most popular expat districts, particularly the Vinohrady quarter. Located just east of the city centre, this green neighbourhood houses spacious, high-ceilinged apartments in old-fashioned buildings. Prague 2 is also home to lots of trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and designer shops.

Prague 4, 5, and 6 are probably the most popular districts for expats with families. All three are quiet, residential areas with ample green spaces and a good selection of family housing.

Prague 4, in the south of the city centre on the bank of the Vltava River, has plenty of modern apartment buildings and family homes. Our Kamýk and Libuš Campuses are located in this district.
Prague 5 is increasingly popular among expats. Situated around the Anděl metro station, south of Petřín Hill, many families choose to live in Prague 5 because it’s close to the city centre and yet a relatively quiet neighbourhood.
Prague 6, just northwest of Prague Castle, is popular due to its parks and nature reserves. It’s home to a large selection of high-standard family homes, as well as our Vlastina Campus. Many embassies are located in Prague 6, too, and it’s also the district closest to Prague Airport.

Moving to Prague | Prague British International School - Feature Cards Pattern 1

Getting around

Prague is an incredibly easy city to navigate, thanks to its excellent metro, bus, and tram systems, and its pedestrian-friendly size and layout.

Getting around

Prague’s relatively small size means you’re never far from the city centre. This, in combination with Prague’s excellent public transport system, makes accessing most districts extremely easy.

Public transport

Prague’s metro system has three lines that cover the city, which run from 5am until midnight. Unlike many other metropolises, Prague’s metro is clean, safe, and easy to navigate, with signs and announcements in both Czech and English.

With their iconic red and white design, trams are a symbol of the city. The network is one of the largest in the world and covers most districts, including many areas not served by the metro.

Taxis

Whilst taxis are a more expensive mode of transport to use when living in Prague, they can be a good way to get around outside of rush hours or at night. Reputable companies include AAA Radiotaxi, City Taxi and SEDOP. Uber is also available in Prague.

Renting a car

With so many great public transport options, owning a car can be more hassle than it’s worth. Whilst it may be useful for day or weekend trips out of the city, heavy rush hour traffic, a shortage of parking, and lots of one-way streets mean public transport is a more efficient way to get around Prague.

Bikes

Cycling lanes are incorporated into lots of the city’s sidewalks, and cyclists can use many of the pedestrian zones in the centre. NextBike operates bike-sharing programmes in the city.

Things to do

There’s so much to see and do living in Prague, from mountain adventures to high-end city-centre shopping and riverside restaurants.

Things to do

Often referred to as the ‘cultural centre of Europe’, Prague is home to famous attractions, exciting events, and countless festivals.

Prague Castle is a must-visit, while the quirky sculptures of the John Lennon Wall area are a big draw for art lovers. Prague Zoo and the Museum of Senses are popular with families. There’s also much to explore beyond the city centre, including day trips to Karlštejn Castle and hiking in Divoká Šárka.

The city itself is full of secret courtyards, independent coffee shops, and underground music venues. Some of our favourite places off the beaten track include:

Žluté lázně: An outdoor sports area with kayak and paddleboard rental.
Altán Grebovka: A vineyard in the middle of the city.
Riegrovy sady: A great place to watch the sunset.
Vrtbovská zahrada: A stunning baroque garden in Old Town.

What’s more, living in Prague makes it easy to visit neighbouring European countries, including Germany and Austria.

A WORLD-CLASS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN CZECHIA

We know that finding the right school for your child is one of the most important aspects of any move to Prague.

PBIS is one of the leading international schools in Prague, and a proud member of the Nord Anglia Education global family. In our vibrant international community, your child will be guided by outstanding teachers who will inspire them to achieve exceptional academic results. We nurture talents and passions beyond the classroom, too, ensuring every student becomes a well-rounded global citizen with the skills they need to thrive.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT PBIS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the weather like in Prague?

Living in Prague, you’ll experience a moderate, continental climate, with cold winters and relatively warm summers.

Winters can be snowy, with temperatures averaging between -5°C and 5°C, while summers are mild, with plenty of sun and temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. In both spring and autumn, residents flock to the city’s beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy food markets, beer gardens, and alfresco events.

What is the local currency?

The local currency is the ‘koruna’ or ‘Czech Crown’.

What timezone is Prague in?

Czechia is in the Central European Timezone, which is +1 hour ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, formerly known as GMT).

This means that 12:00 pm in Prague is:

6:00 am in New York.
11:00 am in London.
6:00 pm in Hong Kong.
8:00 pm in Sydney.

What is it like to live in Prague as an expat?

Living in Prague as an expat, you’ll meet many people in a similar situation – the city is a bustling hub of internationals working for big corporations, students, diplomats, and digital nomads. According to the country’s leading expat portal, expats.cz, the international community in Czechia is approximately 700,000 people strong.