HOW TO GET THERE
The region of Central Moravia is located in the middle of
Moravia, an administrative district of the Czech Republic.
The region is easily reached by rail (international fast trains,
expresses and INTERCITY and EUROCITY trains stop at Olomouc
and Přerov, from which it is easy to take trains to other
towns. From Ostrava or Prague it is also possible to take
the SuperCity Pendolino train to Olomouc).
Intercity bus lines can take you here from Prague, Brno, Ostrava
and Bratislava. Region travel companies also arrange international
transportation (France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland,
etc.).
For connections: http://www.idos.cz
The region of Central Moravia, due to its interior position,
has excellent motorway connections in all directions. The
international motorway E462 runs north-south, connecting Central
Moravia to Poland and Austria. The R46 motorway from Olomouc
through Prostějov connects in Vyškov to the D1 fast motorway
via Brno to Prague, and from Brno via D2 to Bratislava. The
R35 motorway goes through Olomouc in the direction Slovakia
– Hradec Králové – Liberec.
A new section of the D1 motorway, Vyškov – Mořice – Vrchoslavice
ensures better connections via Vyškov – Kojetín – Přerov –
Ostrava to the border of the Czech Republic with Poland.
The region of Central Moravia is easily travelled via car,
the dense regional rail system, and town and intercity bus
lines (and by tram in Olomouc).
Taxi services can be found at train and bus stations, hotels,
and all tourist attractions.
Major international airports are in Prague (ca 300 km) and
Vienna (ca 200 km). The nearest national airports are in Brno
and Ostrava.
HOW BEST TO TRAVEL + ORIENTATION
IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
For travel to the Czech Republic, a valid passport is required;
for driving, a valid driving license. We recommend tourists
to sign an agreement with their health insurers regarding
coverage in the Czech Republic; otherwise it will be necessary
to pay for health services in cash.
Cars are driven on the right side of the road. The maximum
speed on D motorways is 130 km/h, on other motorways 90 km/h,
in villages 50 km/h. Children under 12 must ride in children’s
seats and in the winter headlights must be on 24 hours a day.
Drivers of motorcycles, vehicles with motors larger than 50
cc, and cyclists up to the age of 15 are required to wear
safety helmets.
Since 1995, motorists on express motorways are required to
pay for this privilege in the Czech Republic, and it is necessary
to have a valid motorway decal (one-day, 15-day, two-month
and yearly coupons are available). More information can be
found at
http://www.ceskedalnice.cz
The legal blood-alcohol content for drivers is 0.00 %. Telephoning
while driving is legal only with “hands-free” apparatus.
The official state language is Czech. Most information centres,
travel offices, financial institutions, hotels and shops understand
English and German.
WEATHER
The Czech Republic is land-locked. The main summer tourist
season lasts from April to September. The winter tourist season
lasts from November to March. Up-to-date weather forecasts
are available via mass media and on the web pages of the Czech
Meteorologic Institute.
http://www.chmi.cz
TELEPHONING
International dialling from the Czech Republic requires dialling
00 + the international country code and then the number. For
dialling to the Czech Republic the international country code
is 420. The high tariff period is from 7 am to 7 pm. Off-hours
rates are 50% less. GSM mobile telephones with roaming operate
in the Czech Republic.
HOLIDAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS
Summer school holidays in the Czech Republic are from July
to August. Bank holidays: January 1, Easter Sunday and Monday,
May 1, May 8, July 5–6, October 28, November 17, December
24–26. As well as banks, post offices and government offices,
some information centres, and the majority of shops are closed.
MONETARY SYSTEM AND BANKS
The official monetary unit of the Czech Republic is the Czech
crown, denoted “Kč” (international symbol CZK), which is made
up of 100 hellers, denoted “h”. Banknotes: 5000, 2000, 1000,
500, 200, 100, 50, 20 Kč. Coins: 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 50 hellers.
1 EUR = ca 31 CZK.
In selected hotels and shops one can pay via VISA, EUROCARD,
MASTERCARD, etc. Money can be changed in banks and private
exchange places where tourists frequent.
ACCOMMODATIONS
In the region are to be found hotels of all categories, pensions,
and private accommodations. Local campsites offer cheap stays
whether in auto camps, cottages, or your own tent. Information
is available at information centres and travel agencies.
SHOPPING
Shops are generally open from Monday-Friday, on Saturdays
until noon. Large chain supermarkets can be found in every
large town, open seven days a week, usually from 8 am to 8
pm. Shopping can also be done at shopping centres and marketplaces.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES
In the case of emergencies call the Police (tel.: 158), Ambulance
(tel.: 155), Fire (tel.: 150), or SOS line (tel.: 112). Motorist
Aid (tel.: 1230).
For more detailed information about the Czech Republic:
http://www.visitczech.cz
