Job Discussion Forums

[vallillo1983]

Hey guys, I've been reading on the expatczech websites about people coming over to work in Prague on 50k+ and saying that it's an ok wage but not excellent. Therefore I was wondering, how do you lot survive on 20k teachers salary gross?!

[spiral78]

It's an existence wage.

[ITTP]

I think a lot depends on where and how you spend your money (plus of course, how many hours you are willing to work and for how much per hour you are able to negotiate).

I know an excellent restaurant in Prague 3, for example, which serves up an amazing variety of meals each for no less than 100,-CZK (Fish n' chips is actually 52,-CZK).
It isn't a smoke hell (they have a smoking and non-smoking section), and the prices are not just limited to lunchtime specials (which can be found all over Prague, drawing in the office crew).

Also, in Prague 1 (very close to our Staromestska apartments), there is again a Czech restaurant selling Plsner for under 30,-CZK. Gambac (Gambrinus), goes for just 22,-CZK.

On the other hand, you can easily pay anywhere from 100,-CZK-200+,-CZK for a beer, for example, if you limit yourselves to places which cater specifically to tourists and the 'fresh' expat market.

(at the extreme other end of the scale you can still find a beer for 11,-CZK on Borivojova street in Zizkov, Prague 3)

Sure, some things are more expensive here (such as electronics) but if you are teaching full time and don't have an expensive fine wine/fine dinner/fine blah blah need, then you can have a great time and live very comfortably.

One of the most common misinterpretations concerning the affordability of Prague though is that accommodation will be likewise affordable.
Prague is comparable with Brussels with regards to real estate and especially in P1/P6/P2, you shouldn't expect to find a fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment for lets say $100.
Still, the market here is for the most part unregulated and there are deals to be found out there.
(invariably you will find a better deal upon arrival in Prague as opposed to searching for accommodation whilst still abroad).

[guangho]

For those in Prague, what do you think of a wage of 30,000 (pre-tax) without housing for a public school?