Czech Republic, a landlocked country in the heart of Europe, is a treasure trove of historical architecture, charming towns, and picturesque landscapes. From the enchanting spires of Prague to the medieval charm of Český Krumlov, and from the rolling hills of Moravia to the rejuvenating spas of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic offers a diverse array of experiences. Navigating the financial landscape is crucial for a seamless journey, so understanding the local currency and cash, using cash and ATMs in Czech Republic and knowing the payment options is essential. This guide will equip you with the financial knowledge needed to explore the rich tapestry of Czech Republic with ease and confidence, immersing yourself in its cultural and natural beauty.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic has a comfortable count of over 6,000 ATMs, both bank-operated and independent. They’re readily found in cities and small towns but are rare in very remote areas. Usual places to find ATMs include major airports, central market areas, and main tourist streets.
You can find ATMs at:
- major transport hubs, central markets, busy tourist streets, malls, and near banks.,
- Central Markets,
- Busy tourist streets,
- Malls,
- Near Banks.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Small airports on islands,
- Bus stops in the area,
- The villages’ interiors,
- Hidden away in small towns, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets,
- Remote resorts and retreats.
Best ATMs to use in Czech Republic for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Czech Republic are those owned by popular banks such as:
Fio Banka,
Air Bank,
CSOB,
Unicredit,
Raiffeisen,
KB, and
Ceska Sporitelna.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Global ATM alliance: Global ATM Alliance is a partnership among many banks in the world to allow its customers to withdraw cash from all partner banks abroad without any ATM fee. Many banks in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Latin America are part of the Global ATM Alliance, including Bank of America, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and others. BUT, there is no local bank in Czech Republic part of this network. So don’t rely on this.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Czech Republic, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in CZK).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Czech Republic, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in CZK’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Czech Republic?
Yes, many types of foreign cards are easily accepted at ATMs in Czech Republic.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Czech Republic.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs are usually open 24/7, especially the standalone types. However, ATMs situated within bank branches usually have hours restricted to 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in Czech Republic?
Words ATM or bankomat are widely used
PIN type
ATMs in Czech Republic (Czech Republic) primarily accept 4-digit PINs. Longer PINs are generally not accepted.
Languages at ATMs in Czech Republic
Czech ATMs will typically offer you a choice of Czech or English right at the beginning of your transaction. If these aren’t your languages, remember that Google Translate can assist, although it’s not infallible.
If you cannot understand these languages, it’s fine. Use the camera feature of Google Translate to translate the selections on your phone in real time! Note: Because these translations are not always accurate, please take your time and finish the transaction without haste.
Do ATMs in Czech Republic work similarly as other countries?
The Czech Republic’s ATMs are undeniably modern, bearing a strong resemblance to those in well-known western and Asian countries. Be vigilant about retrieving your card from ATMs that engulf it during transactions.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Europe.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Czech Republic?
ATMs in Czech Republic dispense only the official currency Czech Koruna (CZK).
ATM withdrawal limits in Czech Republic?
ATMs in Czech Republic have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of CZK 80,000 to CZK 120,000 (Czech Koruna). One ATM allows upto CZK 198,000 per transaction. Bank ATMs usually do not have a limit on number of withdrawals per day.
ATM Fees in Czech Republic?
There are some fee-free ATMs in Czech Republic. Majority of the ATMs in Czech Republic charge between CZK 125 to CZK 239 per transaction (Czeck Koruna) and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Czech Republic – something every traveller handling cash in Czech Republic should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Czech Republic?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Czech Republic?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Czechia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Czech Republic.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Is it safe to use Czech Republic ATMs?
ATMs in the Czech Republic are generally secure, equipped with cameras and guards. However, pickpocketing and isolated cases of skimming near keypads have been reported.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Czech Republic takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Czech Republic. Majority of the ATMs in Czech Republic charge between CZK 125 to CZK 239 per transaction (Czeck Koruna) and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs.
Yes. You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Yes, there are about 70 Bitcoin ATMs in Czech Republic.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Czech Republic
Bank of America: No
Citbank: Yes, there are about 20 Citibank ATMs.
Barclays: No.
HSBC: None at all.
Standard Chartered: No.