Czechia (The Czech Republic)

Czechia: Europe’s Hidden Gem for Digital Nomads

Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, is a perfect blend of medieval charm, modern infrastructure, and affordability. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, this Central European country offers digital nomads an attractive balance between work and leisure. Whether you're soaking in the gothic beauty of Prague, exploring the cultural hubs of Brno, or hiking in the Bohemian countryside, Czechia has everything a nomad could need, with reliable internet, coworking spaces, and a growing expat community.

Visas & Entry Requirements

  • Visa Options: Czechia is part of the Schengen Area, so most digital nomads can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
  • Schengen Visa: For longer stays, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Freelancer Visa: Though Czechia does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, the Zivno Visa (Freelancer Visa) is available for self-employed workers in specific professions.
  • Entry Requirements: Ensure you have travel insurance, and check for any COVID-19 updates or vaccination requirements.
  • Apply for a Visa

Best Cities for Digital Nomads

  • Prague: The capital city of Czechia, Prague is a nomad favorite for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and excellent work-life balance. It has numerous coworking spaces and a vibrant café culture.
  • Brno: As Czechia’s second-largest city, Brno offers a more relaxed vibe than Prague but with a lively expat community, affordable living, and great coworking spaces like Impact Hub.
  • Ostrava: A hidden gem for those who prefer a less touristy city with a booming tech scene and creative spaces.
  • Plzeň: Famous for its beer and relaxed atmosphere, Plzeň offers a quieter, more affordable option with proximity to Prague.
  • Explore Top Cities: Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň

Know Before You Go

Before heading to Czechia, here are some essential tips:

  • Cultural Etiquette: The Czechs value politeness and punctuality. Always greet people with a friendly “Dobrý den” (Good day) and respect personal space. Tipping 10-15% in restaurants is standard.
  • Language: Czech is the official language, but many people, especially in Prague, speak English. Learning a few phrases like “Děkuji” (Thank you) will be appreciated.
  • Weather: Czechia has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild.
  • Safety Tips: Czechia is very safe for travelers. However, always be cautious of pickpockets in busy tourist areas, particularly in Prague.
  • Cultural Etiquette Guide

Cost of Living & Budget Tips

Czechia offers an affordable lifestyle compared to Western Europe, particularly outside of Prague. Here’s a cost breakdown:

  • Accommodation: Apartments range from $400 - $900 per month depending on the city and location.
  • Food: Eating out is relatively cheap, with meals costing around $5-10 at mid-range restaurants. Groceries are also affordable.
  • Transport: A monthly public transport pass in Prague costs around $25, and Uber is widely available.
  • Total Monthly Budget: $1,000 - $1,800.
  • Detailed Budget Breakdown

Top Attractions & Things to Do

Czechia is rich in history and natural beauty, offering endless things to do:

  • Prague: Visit the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square for a dose of medieval charm.
  • Brno: Explore the Špilberk Castle and the modernist architecture of Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Kutná Hora: Famous for the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church), this town is an eerie but fascinating day trip from Prague.
  • Czech Countryside: The Bohemian Switzerland National Park and Moravian Karst offer stunning landscapes for hiking and outdoor adventures.
  • Czechia’s Must-Visit Sights

Accommodation Options

  • Short-Term Stays: Prague and Brno have plenty of Airbnb options, ranging from city apartments to modern flats. Hostels are also available for budget travelers.
  • Long-Term Rentals: Look for long-term rentals through websites like Sreality.cz or Bezrealitky.cz. Apartments are more affordable outside Prague, with Brno and Ostrava offering great value.
  • Coworking & Coliving Spaces: Spaces like Impact Hub (Prague, Brno, Ostrava) and Node5 (Prague) offer excellent facilities for nomads, with coliving options available at some locations.
  • Find Your Stay in Czechia

SIM Cards & Internet Access

  • SIM Cards: The main providers in Czechia are T-Mobile, O2, and Vodafone. SIM cards with affordable data plans are available at the airport or convenience stores.
  • Internet Speed: Czechia has excellent internet infrastructure, with average speeds around 50-100 Mbps, especially in major cities.
  • Choose Your SIM Card

Work & Nomad Resources

  • Top Coworking Spaces: Czechia is home to a variety of coworking spaces in its main cities:
  • Impact Hub in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava
  • Node5 in Prague
  • Cowork Brno
  • Digital Nomad Communities: The expat and nomad community is active in both Prague and Brno, with regular events, networking opportunities, and meetups through platforms like Meetup and local Facebook groups.
  • Best Coworking Spaces in Czechia

Transportation & Getting Around

  • Public Transport: Czechia has a well-connected public transport system, with trams, buses, and metros in major cities like Prague and Brno. Regional trains and buses connect the entire country.
  • Ride-Sharing: Uber and Bolt are widely used in Prague and Brno. Taxis are available but can be more expensive, so ride-sharing is recommended.
  • Biking: Prague has several bike rental stations, and Brno is becoming more bike-friendly.
  • Czechia Transport Guide

Local Cuisine & Food Recommendations

  • Traditional Dishes: Be sure to try Czech classics like Svíčková (marinated beef with dumplings), Guláš (goulash), and Trdelník (a sweet pastry roll).
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Options: The vegetarian and vegan scene is growing, especially in Prague, with an increasing number of plant-based restaurants and cafes like Estrella and Maitrea.
  • Nomad-Friendly Cafes: Cafes in Prague and Brno offer great spots for working, with Můj šálek kávy and Café Lounge being popular among nomads.
  • Explore Czechia’s Food Scene

Sustainability & Responsible Travel

  • Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Czechia has a growing number of eco-friendly hotels and hostels, especially in rural areas like the Bohemian Forest and Czech Switzerland National Park.
  • Responsible Tourism: Czechia promotes sustainable tourism through national parks, cultural heritage preservation, and eco-conscious travel options. Be mindful of your environmental impact by using public transport and supporting local businesses.
  • Sustainable Travel in Czechia

Expat & Nomad Communities

Czechia has a vibrant expat and digital nomad community, especially in cities like Prague and Brno:

  • Meetups & Events: Join events at coworking spaces or through Facebook groups like Digital Nomads in Prague and Brno Expats.
  • Facebook Groups: Communities like Expats.cz or Prague Digital Nomads are great for finding housing, events, and connecting with other nomads.
  • Connect with the Community

Affiliate Recommendations (Optional)

  • Accommodation: Find deals on apartments and short-term stays in Czechia via Airbnb or Booking.com.
  • SIM Cards & Travel Gear: Get your SIM card for Czechia ahead of time or explore the best travel gear for your next adventure.
  • Explore Deals

With its medieval towns, modern infrastructure, and welcoming expat community, Czechia is a hidden gem for digital nomads looking to live and work in the heart of Europe. Whether you’re here for a few months or planning a long-term stay, Czechia offers a balance of productivity, culture, and adventure for every type of traveler.