Pros and Cons of Living in Prague
Last updated on Dec 11, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Prague, Czech Rep include its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant nightlife, its affordable cost of living, and its excellent public transportation system. On the other hand, the cons of living in Prague include its high levels of air pollution, its lack of green spaces, and its sometimes unpredictable weather.
What are the pros and cons of living in Prague?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Prague responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Prague for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. They appreciate the relatively low cost of living, which includes affordable housing, public transportation, and dining options. The city's central location in Europe makes it easy to travel to other countries, and the public transportation system within Prague is efficient and reliable. The expat community is large and diverse, making it easy to meet new people and make friends. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the language barrier, as not everyone speaks English, and learning Czech can be challenging. The bureaucracy and paperwork involved in obtaining visas and dealing with local authorities can be frustrating and time-consuming. The job market can be competitive, especially for non-EU citizens, and salaries may be lower than in other European cities. The weather in Prague can be unpredictable, with cold winters and occasional smog issues. Finally, some expats may find it difficult to integrate into Czech society, as locals can sometimes be perceived as reserved or unfriendly towards foreigners," explained one expat living in Prague.
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What do expats in Prague appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Prague appreciate the city's rich history and culture, which is evident in its stunning architecture, vibrant art scene, and lively music and nightlife. They also enjoy the city's friendly locals, who are known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around. Finally, expats enjoy the city's affordable cost of living, which makes it a great place to live and work," remarked one in Prague.
"There ARE some manners I like. People willing hop up to give somebody older their seat on the bus/train. People offer the help with directions a lot. There are no standards with dress, everyone wears what they want to wear! Its great. There is no corporate standard..levels within society. Most people like to relax and enjoy life..with a beer," explained one expat.
What do expats find most challenging?
"The language, and mannerisms of czech people. Street signs!! Terrible..You have to approach crossings slowly as there are no traffic lights..very rarely. Smoking everywhere..indoors/outdoors..young teenagers..you name it," explained one expat.
"Expats in Prague often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Czech is a difficult language to learn, and many expats find it difficult to communicate with locals. Additionally, the Czech Republic has a unique culture and customs that can be difficult for expats to understand and adjust to. For example, Czechs tend to be more formal and reserved in their interactions with strangers, which can be difficult for expats who are used to more informal social interactions. Additionally, Czechs tend to be quite traditional in their views and values, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to," said one person in Prague.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Prague?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Prague?
- Will I be able to find a job in Prague?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Prague appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Prague?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Prague accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Prague like?
- How are healthcare services in Prague?
- What are medical services in Prague like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Prague?
- What are emergency services like in Prague?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Prague?
- How are local medical facilities in Prague?
- As a foreigner living in Prague, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?