Medical Tourism in Czech Republic

Czechia uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro. Credit cards are accepted at hospitals, hotels, and most restaurants in Prague and Brno, but carry koruna cash for tipping and smaller establishments. Avoid exchange booths in tourist areas that advertise no commission but offer poor rates; instead use bank ATMs from Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, or Komerční banka. When tipping, always use koruna rather than euros to avoid leaving servers with cash they must exchange at a loss.

Yes, tap water in Prague and throughout Czechia is safe to drink and meets strict EU quality standards. Locals commonly drink tap water, and you will find refill fountains throughout Prague. Be aware that if you ask for tap water (kohoutková voda) at restaurants, many will charge a service fee of around 45 CZK. Bottled water is also affordable and widely available at convenience stores and hospital cafeterias.

The three main mobile providers are O2, Vodafone, and T-Mobile, all of which offer tourist SIM cards and eSIMs. Physical SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks in the arrivals area of Václav Havel Airport Prague or at carrier stores in the city center. For most short-stay medical tourists, an eSIM is the simplest option if your phone supports it — install it before departure so you have connectivity immediately upon landing.

Prague's metro, tram, and bus system is efficient and affordable — buy a contactless Lítačka travel pass at any metro station. For hospital trips, Bolt and Uber both operate in Prague and are reliable alternatives to street taxis. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare in koruna, especially if they help with luggage. Most private clinics catering to international patients offer concierge transportation including airport pickup and clinic transfers — confirm this during your pre-arrival coordination.

Czechia has a centuries-old tradition of spa and wellness culture, particularly in towns like Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), and Františkovy Lázně. These spa towns offer mineral spring treatments, rehabilitation programs, and recovery-oriented accommodation that many patients combine with their medical trip. Prague itself has a mild continental climate, with spring and early autumn offering the most comfortable recovery conditions at 15-25°C. Always consult your treating doctor before combining spa or thermal treatments with post-surgical recovery.