Business trip to Prague, Czech Republic.

• Communication:
  Use formal names and academic titles.
  Czechs are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness. They will go out of their way to protect your feelings.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
  First appointments are more socially oriented, Czechs’s would like to know you a bit better at first before conduction business.
  Czechs generally offer what they expect to get and will not often give counter-offers.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  If making a toast, stand up.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating. Keep your elbows close to your body.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right. Your plate will be removed immediately.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Economic growth was 6% from 2005 till 2007, dropping to 4% in 2008. In 2009, the Czech Republic felt the impact of the global economic slowdown with growth dropping to 1-2% or possibly even fall into a recession due to a lack of export orders to Western Europe with the automotive sector particularly hit hard.

Economic growth is largely based on inflows of FDI and growth in exports. Foreign investment is boosting productivity, creating new jobs and raising wages and domestic consumption. In addition to new manufacturing facilities, a growing number of American companies are establishing R&D and shared-services support centers. The Czech Republic has become a major hub for automotive and electronics manufacturing in Central Europe. There is enormous competition from European companies which have close historical and economic ties to the market.

The Czech Republic’s economic transformation is not yet complete. The government still faces challenges such as the slow pace of legislative reforms and industrial restructuring, lax enforcement of IPR protection, making the public procurement process more transparent, and a growing shortage of highly skilled technical workers. In addition, the government’s reluctance to commit to a time table for conversion to the euro has many export-oriented businesses concerned. If unresolved, these conditionscan have an adverse effect on the business climate and competitiveness of the Czech Republic.

Product tip: When you love to read, consider an e-reader! When you love to read, you should consider buying an e-reader. The main advantages of these devices are portability, readability of their screens in bright sunlight, and long battery life. An e-book can be purchased, downloaded and used immediately, whereas when one buys a book one has to go to a bookshop, or wait for a delivery.

Address
Praha Ruzyne Airport
Letište Praha s.p.
160 08 Praha 6
Czech Republic
Telephone: +420(0)2 2011 3314/21
Fax: +420(0)2 3535 0922
Email: info@prg.aero
www.prg.aero

Airport codes
IATA airport code: PRG
ICAO airport code: LKPR

Lost property
For items left behind or lost in the public area of the airport, in the transit area or at the gate, you can contact Prague Airport Terminal Operations.
* Tel.: + 420 220 115 000

There are four terminals, of which the two most important are North 1 and North 2. The other, smaller terminals, South 1 and South 2 are used for irregular flights and for the arrival and departure of VIPs.

Bus
Several city buses leave the bus station to Prague, the most important are bus line 119 to the Dejvická metro station (metro line A) and the express line 100 to the Zlicín metro station (metro line B). Between midnight and 03:30, when the metro does not operate, there is a special night bus line 510 to Prague. A special Airport Express bus goes to the Holešovice metro station (metro line C). For all buses you must purchase an extra ‘half’ ticket for large baggage.

Taxi
Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall (tel: +420(0)2 2056 1788). Taxi drivers in Prague are notorious for asking high prices from tourists, a ride to the center of the city normally costs between CZK 500 and 700, make a clear agreement with the driver about the price before you get in!

You can also choose a mini bus from the company Cedaz (tel: +420(0)2 2491 9240), this goes every 30 minutes for Namesti Republiky and you only pay CZK 90.00.

Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Prague.
Unfortunately for Prague, its taxi drivers have become a scar on its reputation. Fortunately for you, getting around Prague by public transportation is so easy and convenient that you may be able to simply forget about the existence of taxis.

Francouzska Restaurant
Francouzska Restaurant is located in one of Europe’s finest Art Nouveau buildings, the stunning Municipal House. This most elegant establishment serves some of the best international cuisine in Prague.
Namesti republiky 5
Old Town, Prague 1
Czech Republic
Tel: 222 002 770
www.francouzskarestaurace.cz (Only in Czech)

Villa Richter
Villa Richter provides an unusual culinary experience to the true connoisseurs not only at the traditional Villa staterooms, that bring about a feeling of coziness and a an unobtrusive charm of the “old times” with wonderful views from our windows, but also in a unique greenhouse with a ceiling decoration showing a grapevine motif. If you are on a business trip to Prague, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Staré zámecké schody 6, č.p. 251
118 00 Praha 1 – Pražský hrad
257-219-079
www.villarichter.cz

TRITON Restaurant
As if you were in another world.
The stalactite cave in the heart of Prague, the resident geniuses from 1912, the originality of the original Art Nouveau interior, the tradition of top-class gastronomy and the classical story in the statues all around you...
Václavské nám. 26
110 00 Praha 1
Phone: +420.221 081 218
www.tritonrestaurant.com

Hilton Prague Hotel
The Hilton Prague is the largest luxury hotel both in the Czech Republic and Central & Eastern Europe, providing a gracious welcome to business executives and leisure travelers alike. Well-appointed rooms, a diverse assortment of restaurants and state-of-the-art meeting facilities assure our guests of a pleasant, productive visit.
Pobrezni 1
186 00 Prague
Czech Republic
More info about Hilton Prague Hotel

Best Western Hotel Bila Labut
Guests staying at the newly renovated 4-star Best Western Hotel Bila Labut will experience peaceful, intimate accommodations and superior amenities to make each stay a comfortable one. Centrally located in the historic center of Prague, guests will have premier access to key cultural and business centers in this Czech Republic city.
Biskupska 9
Prague 1 11000 CZ
Phone: 420-224-811-382
More info about Best Western Hotel Bila Labut

Corinthia Hotel Prague
Only a short distance away from the city centre of Prague, this Corinthia Hotel is a landmark in itself, standing atop one of Prague’s seven hills and offering outstanding views of the capital city. Two ‘metro’ stops away from the city centre and a short driving distance from a main highway which is very convenient during a busy business trip, this is also a perfect destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and events.
Kongresová 1
140 69 Praha 4
Tel: (+420) 261 191 111
More info about Corinthia Towers Hotel Prague

Prague Fashion
On Na príkope, the main stream of Prague’s shopping district where you’re never far from a branch of the Italian fashion chain Bloom, there are at least 15 shoe stores. The designer boutiques, like Versace at the end of the avenue, are an haven of exclusivity. H&M has opened two stores in central Prague, on Na príkope and Jindrišská. There’s nothing else like Parizska Street in Prague: from Hermès to Dior, the five-block-long boutique-studded avenue is Prague’s own shopping paradise.
Czech fashion designers have claimed their own window for shopping in Prague and are gaining a following among Prague’s fashion followers. The small boutiques around Staromestské námestí are popular with stylists and shopping addicts.

Jewellery
Bohemian garnets belong to the best class in the world. Set in gold or silver, the deep red stones always look elegant and timeless. Antique garnet jewellery, with its darker stones and delicate art deco designs, can be found at almost any antique shop in Prague. The prices and selection at the factory-direct Cesky Gránat Turnov are some of the best in town.

Crystal, Glass and Porcelain
Prague is renowned for its fine Bohemian crystal, glass and porcelain. The art of glass-blowing has been practiced in Bohemia since the 14th century and Czech crystal is one of the national prides. Moser is the largest of crystal houses, but prices reflect this status as ’the glass of kings’. Many stores will pack and send your purchases free of charge to local hotels so you don’t have to carry breakables around with you.

Quest For Antiques
For antique shopping in Prague, look for signs that say “Starozitnosti”, and for antique books, “antikvariát”. The products wear a price, but you can make a polite counteroffer if you feel justified. Lace items, small paintings and art deco tea sets are widely available and not very expensive. The bazaar at the Palmovka metro stop is a treasure-hunter’s paradise, with an array of old and antique furniture.

Getting there on the funicular
The funicular that goes to the top of Petřín starts on Újezd street (you can get there by tram 6, 9, 12, 20, 22, or 23 and get off at Újezd) and can be an exciting activity for your children. The funicular operates daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (April - October) or 9 a.m. to 10:20 p.m. (November - March) and runs every 10 to 15 minutes. You will need a public transportation ticket, which you can buy right there if needed. Get off at the very top (it’s the second stop - the first one is halfway up the hill).

What to do on Petřín
You can climb the Petřín tower for beautiful views of Prague. It only takes four minutes to climb the stairs to the observation point.

The mirror maze (bludiště) is a fun diversion for children and adults alike thanks to the hall with distorting mirrors.

Leaving Petřín
When you’re done visiting the Petřín area, you can take the funicular back, but it is nicer and more interesting to follow one of the trails that lead to the Prague Castle or the Strahov Monastery (flat or downhill).

When you need English speaking medical care you can contact:
Unicare 24 Hours Emergency Service
call: (+420) 608 10 30 50

Although in business most people speak some English, some Czech phrases can always come in hand....

Thank you.	Děkuji.
You are welcome.	Není zač./Prosím.
Excuse me.	S dovolením.
I’m sorry.	Promiňte.
Good day!	Dobrý den!
Good evening!	Dobrý večer!
Good night!	Dobrou noc!
Good bye!	Na shledanou!
What’s your name?	Jak se jmenujete?
My name is Peter.	Jmenuji se Petr.
Mr./Mrs./Miss	Pán/Paní/Slečna
Nice to meet you.	Těší mě.
How are you?	Jak se máte?
I’m fine, thank you.	Mám se dobře, děkuji.
Do you speak English?	Mluvíte anglicky?
I don’t speak Czech.	Nemluvím česky.
I don’t understand.	Nerozumím.
Where is the subway station?	Kde je stanice metra?
Next stop: Náměstí Republiky	Příští stanice: Náměstí Republiky
Please stop here.	Prosím zastavte tady.
Excuse me, where is the theater?	Prosím vás, kde je divadlo?
Turn right / left.	Zahněte doprava / doleva.
How far is it?	Jak je to daleko?
Where is the town square?	Kde je náměstí?
Check please!	Zaplatíme!
Where is a cash machine?	Kde je bankomat?