Czech Republic

A mid-range budget is approximately 1,800 to 2,500 CZK (₹6,500 to ₹9,000) per day for food, local travel, and sightseeing. To save money, opt for 'Polední menu' (lunch specials) which offer a full meal at a fraction of the dinner price.

Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted across hotels, restaurants and shops in Prague and other cities, but the country uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro, so you still need cash for pubs, market stalls, small cafes and public toilets. Carry roughly CZK 10,000-15,000 (about INR 38,000-58,000) for a week and top up at bank ATMs, which give rates within 1-2% of the real rate versus 5-15% at exchange booths. Always decline the ATM/card option to be charged in INR (dynamic currency conversion) and pay in CZK instead. Tipping is 10-15%, usually rounded up in cash.

Indian passport holders must apply for a Schengen Visa through VFS Global, representing the Czech Republic Embassy or Consulate. The process requires proof of flight bookings, travel insurance, and a minimum bank balance to cover the duration of your stay.

The Czech short-stay (Schengen) visa fee is EUR 80 (around INR 7,300), plus a VFS Global service charge of roughly INR 2,070, so most applicants spend around INR 9,500-10,500 in total before travel insurance and courier add-ons. Standard processing is 10-15 calendar days, but during the May-September peak it can stretch to 3-5 weeks, so apply at least 6 weeks ahead. All fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused, and you must submit in person at a VFS centre (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune or Ahmedabad). Fly Goldfinch handles the documentation, appointment and cover letter so the file is decision-ready.

The official currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK), and while some tourist spots in Prague accept Euros, they often use poor exchange rates. It is highly recommended to use an international forex card or withdraw CZK from local ATMs to get the best value.

Prague has an excellent selection of Indian restaurants and vegetarian-only cafes like 'Dhaba Beas' that cater to desi palates. Most traditional Czech restaurants also serve 'Smažený sýr' (breaded fried cheese), providing a reliable meat-free local alternative.

A travel eSIM is the easiest option for Indian visitors: you install it before departure and it activates on landing with no passport registration or store queue, with tourist data plans starting around USD 4-5. The Czech Republic has nationwide 4G and growing 5G in Prague, Brno, Ostrava and Plzen, so coverage is strong. Keep your Indian SIM active as a second line for banking OTPs and WhatsApp. A local prepaid SIM (Vodafone, O2 or T-Mobile, from about CZK 200) only makes sense if you are staying several weeks.

Prague is the highlight, but a 7-8 day trip easily covers more: Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO fairytale town on the Vltava (about 3 hours by bus or 2.25 hours by car), is the one stop not to skip, ideally with an overnight stay to enjoy it after the day crowds leave. Karlovy Vary's spa colonnades and Bohemian Switzerland National Park (sandstone arches and hiking) make excellent day trips, and Brno is roughly 2.5 hours away by frequent intercity trains. April-June and September-October bring mild weather and thinner crowds, ideal for both honeymoon and family itineraries. Fly Goldfinch customizes the route, pace and hotels to match your interests.