CZECH REPUBLIC HANDBOOK Military Family Services Europe / MFS(E) Riga-Remote Team [email protected] www.cafconnection.ca / www.connexionfac.ca TABLE OF CONTENTS GREETINGS FROM YOUR MFS(E) TEAM ........................ I European Advisory Committee .......................................................................... 1 Using This Guide ............................................................................................. 1 SOME HELPFUL RESOURCES ....................................... 2 OVERVIEW OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC ......................... 3 Maps ............................................................................................................. 3 overview ........................................................................................................ 4 Geography/Politics .......................................................................................... 6 Climate ......................................................................................................... 7 Languages ..................................................................................................... 8 Cost of Living ................................................................................................. 8 Canadian/Expat Community ............................................................................. 9 Cultural Nuances, Etiquette and Traditions ......................................................... 9 Public Holidays ............................................................................................. 10 News ........................................................................................................... 11 BEFORE YOU COME ................................................... 12 EMERGENCY INFORMATION ..................................... 17 Public Safety and Security .............................................................................. 17 Emergency Contacts ...................................................................................... 17 GETTING SETTLED .................................................... 18 Making Phone Calls ....................................................................................... 18 Calling Within Europe .............................................................................. 18 Calling Outside of the Czech Republic ........................................................ 18 Calling Canada from the Czech Republic .................................................... 18 Calling the Czech Republic from Canada .................................................... 18 Some Country Codes: ............................................................................. 19 Summary: ............................................................................................. 19 Toll Free and Charges for Calls ................................................................. 19 Where to Live ............................................................................................... 20 Houses and Realtors ...................................................................................... 20 BASE INFORMATION ................................................ 21 Maps ........................................................................................................... 22 Exchange/Commissary .................................................................................. 23 Schools ....................................................................................................... 23 Morale, Welfare and Recreation ....................................................................... 23 Housing ....................................................................................................... 23 Religious Services ......................................................................................... 24 Post Office ................................................................................................... 24 TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION ................................... 26 Subsidized Travel .......................................................................................... 26 NON-UNIT Fund and CANEX/SISIP Grant .......................................................... 26 Air Travel ..................................................................................................... 26 Public Transit ............................................................................................... 26 Train ........................................................................................................... 27 Taxis ........................................................................................................... 28 Car Rental ................................................................................................... 28 Hotels ......................................................................................................... 28 Travel Advisories .......................................................................................... 28 ADMINISTRATION .................................................... 30 Banking ....................................................................................................... 30 Local Currency ....................................................................................... 30 Bank Accounts and Financial Considerations ............................................... 31 Bank Cards ............................................................................................ 32 Credit Cards .......................................................................................... 32 Online Banking Payments – IBANs, BICs, and TANs .................................... 32 Money Transfer ...................................................................................... 32 Insurance .................................................................................................... 32 CRA and Residency Status for Spouses/Dependents ........................................... 33 Child Benefits ............................................................................................... 35 Pets ............................................................................................................ 36 POSTAL SERVICES .................................................... 37 Personal Mail ................................................................................................ 37 Canadian Forces Post Office ..................................................................... 37 The Czech Republic Postal Services ........................................................... 37 HEALTH SERVICES ................................................... 38 General ....................................................................................................... 38 Emergency Numbers ..................................................................................... 39 Hospitals ..................................................................................................... 39 Private Clinics ............................................................................................... 43 Pharmaceutical Services ................................................................................ 43 Dental Clinics ............................................................................................... 43 Social Services ............................................................................................. 44 Social Worker ........................................................................................ 44 Padre .................................................................................................... 44 CAF Member Assistance Program .............................................................. 44 Family Information Line .......................................................................... 45 Local Resources ..................................................................................... 45 A. A. Meetings ....................................................................................... 45 Great West Life / Allianz ................................................................................ 45 Dental Claims ........................................................................................ 45 Medical Claims ....................................................................................... 46 ON THE ROAD ........................................................... 47 General ....................................................................................................... 47 Driver’s Licence ............................................................................................ 47 Roadworthiness Test/Safety ........................................................................... 48 Car Insurance ............................................................................................... 51 Vehicle Registration ....................................................................................... 52 Emission Sticker ........................................................................................... 52 European Green Zones ............................................................................ 52 Fuel Card ..................................................................................................... 52 Items in Your Car .......................................................................................... 52 Biking/Mopeds/Motorcycles