Job Discussion Forums

enoch83 · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 69 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

I'm currently living in Taiwan and want to relocate to CZ in January '09. Most people have said on here that the subsistant wages don't allow for much beyond meager living. I was wondering what you guys living in country do in your free time. or do u not have enough money to do anything but check message boards? Wink

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

Prague itself can easily occupy one for a year, in my opinion. The tourist routes are spectacular and extensive, but the city's got a million attractions off the highly-traveled tourist routes as well, great for leisurly discovery in your free time.

And you should be able to afford to eat out now and then, and attend concerts and theater events, and most of the other cultural events around. These things are still relatively inexpensive compared to those in North America, for example. Prague zoo's a great day, if you're into that sort of thing. Lots of stuff going on in the parks in nice weather as well - I recommend petang on Petrin:)

Travel around the country, by train or bus, is quite reasonable. And there's lots to see! Many, many castles and very picturesque towns with both pleasant and sometimes quirky attractions. (Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov, Trebon, Karlovy Vary...the list goes on and on).

Cycling is a popular countryside activity that doesn't cost a fortune. Bike rentals are available at some train stations on major cycling routes (Veseli nad Luznici is such a centre).

You won't be rich, but you shouldn't be bored!!

Chris Westergaard · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Prague

The pay isn't that bad. There's a lot great places in the city and countryside to visit. Camping, swimming, hiking are all great.

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

It depends on where you go. Prague is obviously more expensive than cities in Moravia, like Brno or Olomouc (the best little city in the world). Many Czech cities and towns are like open-air museums. It doesn't cost anything to just walk around. Czechs are avid hikers and campers. I recommend a visit to Pravicka Brana and the surrounding area there. In Prague, Bila Hora, Petrin Hill, and Vysehrad are great places to have a picnic. If you like movies, especially smaller films, Prague has a plethora of art house theaters where you can find something for 70kc.

retro_joe · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 6 Location: back in the States

I live in Brno, in a shared flat. I'm fairly frugal in the kitchen and with my stuff. I can easily afford to go out drinking often and I've done quite a few trips around the country. On top of that I've managed to sock away close to a months salary for travel this summer. So, yeah, it's quite possible. And I know teachers at schools which pay better than mine.

If you're coming form Taiwan and you want to keep the same kinda busy, lots of people around feel, then you should go to Praha. To me Brno feels really sleepy and close, and the locals call it the biggest village in the country. I'm a fan.

enoch83 · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 69 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

thanks for the valuable info. I love hiking/camping so its nice to know thats available. i'm coming from Taipei (pop. density = 9,720people per sq/km) so i really wouldn't mind a few fewer faces in the crowd. I am thinking about transferring to Wall Street - prague, since i work for WSI here) so i'd most likely have to live in prague. is that too saturated with foreigners? i would like to not fall in the expat trap of only hanging out with other expats although i enjoy meeting people from all over the world. and what do ya'll think of WSI there?

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

The expat crowd isn't all bad, as Czechs tend to make friends a bit more slowly...it's fairly typical to start off with mostly (or all) expat friends - with whom you'll surely have lots in common, and then develop friendships with the locals over time.

You'll find most Czechs a bit reserved (they have their own busy lives, especially in Prague, and foreigners are no novelty here), but when you do make friends among them, they are REAL friends.

As for being saturated with foreigners, well, yeah, there are a lot. But off the well-beaten tourist paths there is still quiet.

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

Compared to Taipei, Prague is a sleepy little hamlet. According to wikipedia there are about 2 million people in Prague's metropolitan area, compared to 10 million in Taipei. I agree that expats in Prague are generally an enjoyable lot. To get away from the tourists simply avoid Prague 1. That's the only thing usually covered in guidebooks.