Expat Center of Česká Spořitelna (photo: www.virtualtravel.cz)

Opening a bank account in the Czech Republic. You will have to provide an ID, proof that you hold a permanent address in the Czech Republic and deposit a minimum amoung of money. Some banks are more attuned to foreign clients than others, offering banking advisors who speak French, English and German - for instance, Komerční Banka, ČSOB and Česká Spořitelna (whose "Expat Center" is located at Rytířská 29, just a few steps from the Můstek metro station on Wenceslaus Square). Banks are generally open Monday to Friday.

If you lose your credit card. Whether you lose your card or travellers cheques, or they are stolen, it is always best to report this fact immediately. American Express. Tel.: (+420) 222 800 222, Master Card / Eurocard, Visa. Tel.: (+420) 272 771 111, Diners Club. Tel.: (+420) 267 197 450.

Changing money. Although there are fewer street scams than there used to be, never ever change money in the street. You'll get the best rates at ATMs anyway, and just about anyone offering to change money on the street is a scam artist. Exchange offices are another option and are plentiful around downtown Prague and at the airport, but make sure to read the rates carefully. Some offices advertise the "purchase" rate for crowns (i.e., the rate at which they buy crowns). This rate is often better than the rate at which they sell crowns. Always check whether they charge a fee (some offices say "no fee", but that only applies for large transactions) and ask before making the transaction in order to avoid any surprises. Banks seldom offer the best rates, but not the worst either.

Lastly, it has been noted that Alfa Prague exchange offices often offer the best rates. You can find them on Na Příkopě street or on Náměstí Republiky. If you print out this coupon, you can get an even better foreign exchange rate.