p17tb85kpn4am1jcl1n5h13maat24.pdf

elocation
Prague is a wonderful place to call home. It’s
got green spaces and quality schools, activities
for families, cultural opportunities galore, and
a swinging nightlife that has earned it a bit of
a reputation. But the challenges faced in the
initial relocating phase might affect your spirit of
adventure. Our guide walks you through some of
the most crucial relocation topics from choosing
a school to finding the right neighborhood to call
home—and navigating the sometimes frustrating
visa process. We wish you great success making
the transition to the Czech Republic!
pRAGue diStRictS
A confusing, incompatible system of naming districts is used in Prague.
The varying systems are from different historic periods and at least
three of them are in use today for different purposes. To complicate
matters, a single district name can be used in all the systems, but with
different meanings. We’ll adhere to the “old” system which divides
Prague into ten numbered districts and is used on street signs and
house numbers. (Higher numbers indicate a different system.) The
district you choose can determine which doctor or dentist you go
to if you plan to use the Czech public healthcare system. It can also
determine where your child will attend school.
Prague 1: Truly the heart of Prague; comprising the districts Malá
Strana (Lesser Quarter), Staré Město (Old Town), and Nové Město
(New Town). Although centrally located and flush with restaurants,
museums, and shops, the ever-present crowd of tourists (not to
mention the lofty rents) can make this area virtually uninhabitable,
especially for those with families.
Prague 2: The leafy suburb of Vinohrady is a favorite among expats
for a trio of reasons: its proximity to the city center, its easy access to
public transport, and its trendy culinary offerings. The abundance of
parks and green spaces also makes Vinohrady an attractive option for
families, though the demand for apartments here means higher rent.
Prague 3: Bordering progressively upscale Vinohrady is the grittier
Žižkov. Teeming with restaurants and pubs (more per square km than
any other neighborhood) and surrounded by its own fair share of parks
and greenery, this hilly district’s reputation as Vinohrady’s “rougher”
cousin is undeserved.
Prague 4: Nestled on the Vltava and dominated by the Braník and
Podolí neighborhoods, this is Prague’s most residential, and, some say,
safest district. Here outdoor pubs, parks, and restaurants abound. The
lack of a central metro hub may prove inconvenient but tram and bus
connections are plentiful. Two of the city’s largest international schools
are in Prague 4, giving the expatriate population a boost.
Prague 5: Smíchov, south of Malá Strana, is on the pricey side and can
feel crowded with all the malls, cinema complexes, and office buildings.
But the public transport is good, and nice neighborhoods with historic
homes can be found in Košíře, Motol, Hlubočepy, and Radlice. Though
cozy, these areas are far from the center and shops and entertainment
are scarce.
Prague 6: Dejvice is similar to Vinohrady in expat popularity (Nebušice
is especially favored by expats) and landscape. Rents are typically
cheaper and pubs and eateries are decidedly more “Czech” in
atmosphere. Prague 6, with its plentiful parks and schools, is an ideal
place for families. Ořechovka and Hanspaulka are two of the nicest
residential areas in all of Prague, characterized by luxurious houses
and villas.
Prague 7: Letná neighborhoods are just a short walk from lively Letná
and Stromovka parks where dog-walkers, rollerbladers, and beer
gardens are plentiful. An ample selection of restaurants nearby Sparta
football stadium, and good shopping continue to lure the international
community here.
Prague 8: Karlín in Prague 8 was the district worst hit by the 2002
floods but has experienced a brilliant renaissance. The stylized living
spaces, cafés, and state-of-the-art gyms cropping up continue to draw
yuppie types while a strong presence of die-hard locals keeps the mix
interesting.
Prague 9: Prosek, Ládví, and Letňany in Prague 9 are a good distance
from the center, although Metro line “C” now extends to Letňany, an
area of upscale homes and an enormous shopping center.
Prague 10: Vršovice has a Vinohrady feel but is a bit further from
the center, with lower rents. Eateries, entertainment, and access to
public transport links aren’t plentiful but do exist. Hostivař is a quiet
residential area dominated by Hostivař Dam and surrounded by a wellmaintained
forest.
the czech School SyStem
The changing face of public administration in the Czech Republic
has meant good news for schools, with the Czech education system
undergoing tremendous reform. The Czech School Inspectorate (Česká
školní inspekce) is responsible for monitoring test scores, quality of
management, budget matters and, in general, ensuring compliance
with the new standards of education. To enroll your child in a Czech
school he or she will need to obtain a Czech residence permit. (See
RESIDENCE PERMITS/VISA, page 135.)
If your child has completed his/her primary education at a school
abroad, a certificate of attestation equality or a certificate of education
featuring a recognition clause must be presented. Classes in primary
schools are taught in Czech. Citizens of EU member states may
receive free-of-charge tutoring including Czech classes; this option is
not available to citizens of third countries. If a student proves that he/
she is able to study in the Czech language, his/her education is free
of charge.
The online resource www.inkluzivniskola.cz is an EU-sponsored
initiative that helps children of foreign families’ transition into the
Czech school system. For information on schooling, see EDUCATION
on page 98.
mobile phoneS
A low-tech new phone with all of the basic features costs less than
1,000 CZK, while an iPhone 5 can sell for more than 17,000 CZK. If
you’re only in the Czech Republic short-term, all of the main mobile
operators offer a prepaid SIM card which comes with significantly
inflated per-minute rates. SIM cards are often included in the price of a
new phone and providers will often offer special packages that include
free credits with the purchase of a phone and SIM.
If you’re here for the long haul get a contract with one of the three
major mobile networks: O2, T-Mobile, or Vodafone. You’ll need proof of
residence in the Czech Republic and/or a passport. A deposit ranging
from 500 to 2,000 CZK is also required in most cases, and is returned
when the contract is terminated (bills settled). Non-residents may be
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