Job Discussion Forums

beezy · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 14

Hello-
I am moving to Prague in a few weeks and starting a teaching position immediately. Is it fairly easy to open a bank account? What kind of paperwork is necessary? Do most people open accounts or just use their home accounts or cash?

Thank you in advance for any information/advice...

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

How will you be paid? If the schools' going to do a direct-deposit thing, then you'll need to be assisted (by school staff) to open the appropriate accounts.

It's not difficult to open an account, of course - the Czech Rep's not a third-world country even in terms of banking ! (well, ok, the banks were pretty crap 10 years ago, but now they're mostly normal).

If you will be paid in cash, though, you may not want or need to open an account simply because the fees are still relatively high, and on a teaching salary you may want to save as many koruny as possible.

ITTP · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 343 Location: Prague/Worldwide

Hi Beezy.
Yes, banking fees in CZ are still relatively high - something which I have always found odd as in numerous other countries it is the bank's customer who receives financial rewards for choosing to bank with any particular bank.
Here though, you will be charged for the pleasure of using a bank's services (meaning account) Smile

We bank with CSOB and our overall experience with CSOB is a very good one.
Charges are relatively high (approx 250,- per month) but I really don't see how this should deter you from setting up an account - especially if you are working full-time and bringing in 20,000,-CZK+ per month.
But true - if you are planning on hanging around for just a few months then setting up an account probably wouldn't be worth the while and schools can usually be convinced to pay in cash (as opposed to sending your money direct to your account).
Not always though so you should ask your school on their payment policy.
Perhaps the easiest bank to set up an account at is EBanka:
http://www.ebanka.cz
They have been around for a while now and are considered a secure banking option - you just need to turn up to one of their branches with your ID and a small starting balance and they will have you up and started with an account.
They do charge a little more than the other High Street banks but charges are just slightly higher and they are perhaps the best flexible banking option.
I have seen, over this past decade+ a significant rise in the customer service level of banking staff and now it is a stress-free experience walking into most of the banks in the center and grabbing some info. Banking staff in general seem willing to assist non-Czech speakers and are usually very professional and polite.
(unlike the international reservations counters at the railway station - but that's another issue).

I would also like to take this opportunity to calm anyone's anxiety with respects to arriving in Prague and going through the Czech passport and customs process (as now is the peak tourist season for travelers and TEFLers).
Lots of our clients ask just how difficult it is in terms of the process of getting from plane to Arrivals Hall and in some cases, clients might be traveling on a single ticket.
Not one of our clients has EVER had an issue with passport control or customs at the airport and they are always shocked at just how easy it is breezing through all the 'controls'.
Even clients who have single tickets have never experienced difficulties (not that we encourage arriving on a single ticket).
In conclusion: Prague airport authorities are very relaxed towards Western tourists so no need to worry to anyone out there who is traveling to Prague and sweating over whether they will be allowed entrance or not.

When you arrive through to the Arrivals Hall you should bear to the right and go to one of the booths which says AAA taxis.
You state your destination and an AAA rep will take you to your waiting metered taxi cab (assuming of course that you don-t have pre-arranged pickup booked).
If you are traveling on a shoe-string budget then the 119 bus will take you to Dejvicka Metro station (14,-CZK) - there is also a city public transport booth near the AAA taxi's stand and they provide Prague public transport information.

If I can compare Prague airport arrivals with Lima airport arrivals (to demonstrate a comparative), then Prague airport is a pleasant kindergarten area and Lima airport is a S.Philippine jungle rebel base camp Smile

Happy journeys!

Sigma · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 123

Frizzie Lizzie · Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 3:45 pm Post subject:

No, it shouldn't, as long as you don't tell them you're going to work... Wink

Sigma · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 123

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Don't say anything at the airport. Just give 'em your passport and smile while they stamp it. Your employer is going to support your legal requirements. They don't care at the airport, honestly. You're one of 12 million, no joke.

Sigma · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 123

beezy · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 14

thank you for the banking advice...much appreciated! I will be there for at least one academic school year, so opening an account will probably be the best bet for me. Sounds like I can't avoid the fees, but would rather have some safety/structure with my salary..

thanks again!

rfx24 · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 18

You can open a bank account with Ceska Sporitelna. Make sure you go to the one on Rytirska Street by Mustek. Its one of the largest Ceska Sporitelna banks, very Baroque in the inside. Go to the Expat Center and they can help you. They speak English really well. I think you need at least 1000 Kc in your bank account and have online-banking access. You do not need a visa to open one either. Bring your passport.

Nashledanou · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 64