Prague, the locals?

[pinkflamingo]

Off to Prague next week, first time there and from the reviews that i have read i can expect to see surly, sour faced people at every hotel, bar, restaurant and shop that i visit .

Is this a myth or really what i can expect?

[fairkatrina]

I stayed in Prague a couple of years ago as part of a student exchange scheme. I lived with a Czech family, and found them all lovely. On the outside it can seem a poverty-stricken city (I stayed in something equivalent to a 1970s block of council flats, but it wasn't as well built) but inside was like a mini palace containing the biggest TV I've ever seen to this day! Like in any big city the people can be abrupt and they will just barge past you, but they didn't strike me as ruder than the people of London or Manchester. It's certainly a wonderful place, and I'd love to go back someday. The only thing you do have to watch is pickpockets, they are very brazen - I actually caught on with her hand in my bag (which was zipped up and tucked under my arm) and she started shouting at me when I caught her! Apparently this is quite typical, so just be careful on public transport. Have fun!

[Narolines]

Czechs can appear very serious; they don't smile readily in public, tend to keep themselves very much to themselves on public transport, and are generally even more reserved than the British. Quite often waiters/waitresses can also seem a bit curt, but it's just a cultural thing - you soon get used to it; just don't take it personally, they're like that with everyone! Underneath it all they are. by and large, a warm, friendly, welcoming nationality and are nothing if not polite - even stiffly formal in some cases. Having said that, things have been loosening up in Prague (not so much so in other cities, and certainly not out in the sticks) over the last few years, so that nowadays cgeerful faces are becoming a little more common and service is becoming warmer and more open. I've spent so much time in the Czech Republic over the last 9 or 10 years that I don't notice the serious faces any more!

As it's your first time in Prague, I'd like to echo fairkatrina's warning about pickpockets; actually they're by no means the worst in Europe, but they are a real nuisance, and the last thing you want is to have to spend hours in a Czech police station (not the most cheerful of places) while you make your formal complaint (necessary if you want to claim on your travel insurance). Also, I'd advise against the taxis - they're overpriced and driven, on the whole, by lunatics. Make full use of the cheap and comprehensive public transport - the tram is the best way of getting about . DON'T under any circumstances change any money with anyone who approaches you in the street.

You'll have a wonderful time in my favourite European city - enjoy!

[dot.hawkes]

also, if you do get in a taxi make sure you have made the driver agree the fare and tell them you will not be paying anything other than that price, and don;t let them pretend they don;t understand either

[SKA]

THEY STARE AT YOU!! honestly especially on the tram and some people don�t even make an effort to understand you in shops but there were a few very helpful people!
My grandparents were Indian so when we got chatting to one shop keeper he asked us where we were from we said England he said but your not English (proberly because we�re brown) so then we said India and he said, oh then you can have a discount � so I got some cheap Russian dolls!!
Hope you have a nice time it�s a gorgeous city and I thought very romantic!!

[pinkflamingo]

A very big thanks to everyone that posted an answer. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner.

All your replies make great reading and I'm looking forward to my visit to Prague. I will keep a good hold on my handbag lol.

I'm off on the 27th, and if you don't mind I'll let you all know how it went when I get back.

Thanks once again

[pinkflamingo]

Sorry I'm going 24th. oops I hope I remember to go to the airport on the right date lol.

[Diane1954]

Enjoy. It's a beautiful city but has a very sad past. Don't miss the changing of the guard at the castle!!!
Like everywhere else they appreciate it if you try to talk their language. (Hello sounds like Ahoy)

[pinkflamingo]

Thanks, Diane,

Do you know the word for cheers?

[Narolines]

The usual phrase when taking a drink in na zdravi - to health

Also remember that "yes" is "ano", often shortened to "no"! "No" is "ne".

"Ahoj" (pronounced nore or less "ahoy" is the equivalent of "hi", usually used among friends; slightly more formal and more polite is "dobry den" - good-day.

And most important of all - "please" is "prosim" and "thank you" is "dekuji" (pronounced approximately"dyekwi") or more informally "dik" - "thanks.

[pinkflamingo]

Thanks to all the responses, you were all very helpful

We had a fantastic time in Prague. The sites, the people, the food, the beer and their metro and trams were wonderful.

We really enjoyed our break there and I can recommend it as a great place to visit.

We come across any pickpockets, and no-one tried to take rip us off. It snowed most of the time, but that just made it more special as the christmas markets were open.

Thanks again for your comments. I'm telling everyone I know to go and visit Prague. It's a place not to be missed.

[dawndevil]

They appear quite serious but most are quite friendly and willing to help you they helped us when we were lost even though some didn't speak english and we don't speak czech
its beautiful there hope you had a lovely time!