Czech Customs & Etiquette: A Tourist's Guide

Czechs are practical, reserved, and value manners. They appreciate directness and hate boastfulness. Tourists who follow these rules will be welcomed like old friends.

1. Greetings (Pozdravy)

• Firm handshake, eye contact, say your name.

• Use "Dobrý den" (good day) until evening.

• Say "Na shledanou" (goodbye) when leaving.

• Close friends: one kiss on each cheek.

• Never greet across a threshold (step fully inside first).

2. Removing Shoes

• Always remove shoes when entering someone's home.

• Host will offer slippers (pantofle) at the door.

• Walking in socks is acceptable.

• Never argue about removing shoes.

• Non-negotiable in Czech homes.

3. Addressing People (Oslovování)

• Use "Pan" (Mr.) for men, "Paní" (Mrs.) for women.

• First name only after invitation.

• Never address older people by first name without permission.

• Professional titles are important (doctor, engineer, professor).

• Use "Vy" (formal "you") with strangers and elders.

4. Hospitality

• Czechs are generous hosts. Never refuse food or drink politely.

• Say "Dobrou chuť" (enjoy your meal) before eating.

• Beer is offered often. Saying "Ne, děkuji" (No, thank you) is fine.

• Toasts: say "Na zdraví!" (cheers) and make eye contact.

5. Table Manners (Stolování)

• Wait for host to say "Dobrou chuť" before eating.

• Fork in left hand, knife in right (European style).

• Keep hands visible above table (not in lap).

• Bread is placed on the tablecloth, not on a separate plate.

• Finish everything on your plate (wasting food is rude).

6. Gift Giving (Dárky)

• Bring gift when invited to someone's home.

• Good gifts: flowers (odd number, not 13), wine, chocolate, coffee.

• Never give chrysanthemums (funeral flower).

• Gifts are opened immediately in front of giver.

• Say "Děkuji" (thank you) many times.