The Czech currency is the crown (korun českých, abbrev. Kč). The smallest crown note is 50 Kč; the largest is 5000. Fifty and below are found in coin form. Hellers (1/100 crown) will be used only until October 2003, and can be exchanged for higher currencies at the banks. 2009 is the soonest realistic date for the changeover to Euros.
The Czech Republic still operates as a cash economy. Although credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and some crystal and china shops in the heart of Prague, they are NOT commonly accepted in small grocery and clothing stores. Personal checks are not used as a payment method. However, American Express will cash personal checks up to the amount of your card. The best exchange rates are obtained at banks and ATM cash machines.
American
Express (+420 2 222 800 111)
Visa (+420 2 224 124
353)
Diners Club
(+420 2 267 314 485)
Eurocard/Mastercard
(+420 2 261 354 650)