Sunday, 18 October 2009
Pickpockets in Prague
In general, narrow streets are very attractive for pickpockets. Charles Bridge, Charles street, tram lines (especially number 22), metro and the city center are most dangerous places. Japanese people need to pay more attention to their belongings, because they are usually the target of pickpockets.
The high number of thefts is definitely one of the reason for the loss of tourist in Prague.
Vacation and public holidays in th Czech Republic
However, the research was based on statutory defined minimum number of days of leave. Some countries do not have this number defined.
Holidays in the Czech Republic
1st January - Day of Restoration of the Independent Czech State
5th July - Cyril and Methodius
28th September - Czech Statehood Day
28th October - Day of the Independent Czech State
17th November - Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy
1st January - New Year
Spring - a movable feast - Easter Monday
1st May - Labor Day
24th December - Christmas Day
25th December - Christmas
26th December - Christmas
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Czech citizenship law zakon o občanství České republiky
Zákon o nabývání a pozbývání státního občanství České republiky
English version is also published on Wikipedia (slightly differs from Czech one):
Czech nationality law (The Czech Republic citizenship law)
Summary of the requirements for naturalisation:
1. The person has permanent residence in the Czech Republic ( usually recieved after 5 years)
2. Passed Czech language exam
3. The person has one of the following:
- has lived in the Czech Republic for at least 10 years continuously
- was born on the territory of the Czech Republic
- has held Czech citizenship before
- was adopted by a Czech citizen
- his or her spouse is a Czech citizen
- one of his or her parents is a Czech citizen
- has relocated to the Czech Republic before 31 December 1994 based on the invitation of the Czech government
- is stateless
- has the status of refugee in the Czech Republic
Czech version covers all the details, so please, read it here: Zákon o nabývání a pozbývání státního občanství České republiky or Google Translated version of the citizenship law can be found here: Act on the Acquisition and Loss of Citizenship of the Czech Republic
The documents necessary for the application are described in § 8 of the law. Administrative procedures are covered in § 10
Friday, 28 August 2009
The most frequently stolen car is Skoda, Audi is the most risky
According to information published on Centrum.cz portal, CSOB , Allianz and Kooperativa insurance companies and Czech police consider Skoda as the most frequently stolen cars and Audi as the most risky to be stolen.
Bestsellers = most frequently stolen
Skoda
Volkswagen
Renault
Ford
The greatest risk of theft are luxury cars:
Audi
Mercedes
BMW
Alfa Romeo
Almost every thirty from luxury models is stolen
On the contrary, Korean, Japanese and Romanian cars become the target of car thieves less often
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Rich people are considered those with income over 60000 CZK
Poor people die sooner. Men with the lowest incomes in the Czech Republic under the National Health Institute (SZU) live on average seven years lower age than those from the highest income group, in women this difference is four years.
Poor men often die of cardiovascular diseases, more suffering from ulcer disease and stomach cancer, or diabetes. People with lower incomes also have more affect mental illness and injuries reported in May.
Friday, 21 August 2009
Mandarin Hotel Prague and Madonna
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Prague is located in a comfortable environment rebuilt from monastery of 14 century, which combines elements of history with the luxury of modern life.
Among other famous hotel guests were, for example, Catherine Z. Jones, Tina Turner, Robert De Niro, Christopher Lee and Kylie Minogue.
Madonna was accomodated in one of the most luxurious hotel appartments on the fifth floor with a large terrace and views on Prague castle. The appartment has two floors with living room in the upper part and bedroom, office and bathroom in the bottom part. It costs about 113 000 CZK per night, what includes 24 hours service and breakfast in bed.
Chef of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Prague, Jiri Stift,
is classified as one of the greatest talents in Prague culinary scene. He holds significant awards in the field of gastronomy. Stift studied in Prague and began a career in the InterContinental Prague hotel. Later he worked on board of the famous ship Queen Elizabeth II. After returning to Prague, he joined the Hotel Radisson SAS Alcron.
Czech Average salary vs Europe and the rest of the World
In accordance with research by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and finance.cz Czech average monthly salary was about 23 542 CZK, anually 10 803 EUR what is about one fifth of the average Swiss annual salary of 50 500 EUR, about one fourth of Dutch annual everage salary of 42 363 EUR and about one third of US annual average salary of 29 o62 EUR.
The highest Czech average monthly salary by sector was about 44 000 CZK in financial sector.
People with university education are the most successful and have better salaries. The age group between 43 and 48 years old is the best paid.
The onlly positive number for Czech economy is that Czech average salary is the highest in Eastern Europe.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Clothing and electronics are expensive in CR
The lowest prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages were in Bulgaria and alcohol and tobacco in Romania. Denmark had the most expensive food, soft drinks and tobacco, however, alcoholic beverages were the most expensive in Ireland.
The most expensive country in EU was Denmark, which exceeded other member states by 41 percent. Th Czech republic reached 72 percent of EU average. The cheapest country was Bulgaria.
Friday, 12 June 2009
HP Employer of the year 2009
HP was also 22nd in the list of top 50 best paying companies in CR with 776 emloyees and average monthly salary of about 82 000 CZK
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Czech roads - global disaster
Russia, Slovakia, Poland and Turkey are in the top of the list with the highest number of accidents per million inhabitants.
According to the survey USA, Greece are even worse then Czech Republic.
Friday, 5 June 2009
Czech wages rose by one percent in Q1
The real wage (compared to inflation) grew by about 1%.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Czech Republic is between top 20 most peaceful countries
Global Peace Index 2009 ranks the Czech Republic as 11th the most peaceful country in the World. It follows New Zeland, Scandinavian countries, Japan, Austria and Canada.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Allegro restaurant Prague recieves Michelin star
Friday, 13 March 2009
Treasures on Prague underground map
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Wages increase in Q4 in Czech Republic
The average gross monthly wage was 25381 in Q4.
The average gross monthly wage was 23542 in 2008. It means rise by 8.5 %.
The real wage (compared to inflation) grew by 2.1%
Friday, 6 March 2009
Gorrilas from Prague Zoo
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Ixodes ticks, encephalitis and vaccination
Some tick bites may cause paralysis, tick typhus and severe allergic reactions.
About 5000 people were infected by ticks (ixodes) last year according to data from the National Institute of Public Health.
Over 90 percent of the territory of the Czech Republic is considered to be the area with an increased number of infected ticks (ixodes). The highest number of illnesses reported each year South Bohemia, Vysočina and Brno. Season diseases from ticks begin around May.
It is the best time for vaccination to have enough time to create antibodies.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Top 50 best paying companies in the Czech Republic
Cisco Systems is a leader on the Czech market with average salary of 223 260 CZK
1. Cisco Systems
number of employees 60
average salary 223 260 CZK
2. ABN Amro Bank
number of employees 130
average salary 128 433 CZK
3. Deutsche Bank
number of employees 62
average salary 125 609 CZK
4. SAP ČR
number of employees 191
average salary 117 247 CZK
5. IBM Česká republika
number of employees 584
average salary 115 952 CZK
...
8. Microsoft
number of employees 193
average salary 113 066 CZK
9. Dell Computer
number of employees 99
average salary 105 174 CZK
10. Mc Kinsey & Co.
number of employees 192
average salary 104 839 CZK
11. Oracle Czech
number of employees 260
average salary 97 217 CZK
...
To see the full list read the article about best paying companies on iDnes.cz
The research is based on publicly available data.
Friday, 27 February 2009
DM drug-store discounts
DM gives you a sticker (bod) for every 100 CZK of your purchase.
You can get 10% discount for 15 stickers (15 bodu) and also you can get discount coupons for every 10 stickers.
Some of the coupons may have 50% discount.
Related Posts:
Baby bonus from DM drug-store
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Tax deduction and relief in the Czech Republic
Interest on a mortgage or building savings
Tax base can be reduced up to 300 000 CZK a year, which means up to 45 000 CZK less tax
Condition: housing needs(construction, renovation or purchase of house or apartment for your permanent residence, not just for recreation) and mortgage should be written to his taxpayers name at least partially.
Life and pension insurance
Tax base can be reduced up to 12 000 crowns a year, maximum 1 000 CZK per month
Condition: contract for 60 years and insurance and also insurance can be paid erlier then 60 month after signing the agreement.
Pension plan
Tax base can be reduced up to 12 000 crowns a year
Condition: the same as for insurance, state contribution can not be deducted
Gifts and charity, including blood donation
Condition: the aggregate value of such donations in the tax period was higher than 1 000 CZK or exceeded two percent of the original tax base
Free blood donation can reduce the tax base to 2 000 CZK
Contributions to trade unions
Tax base can be reduced to 1.5 percent of annual taxable income, up to 3 000 CZK
Education
Tax base can be reduced up to 10 000 CZK, if you have completed the test to verify the results of continuous education.
Deductible items
- Interest on a mortgage or building savings
- Life and pension insurance
- Gifts, including blood donation
- Contributions to trade unions
- Education
Tax rebates
- On the taxpayer
- The wife (husband)
- For students
- Disabled
- For children
Source: Aktualne.CZ
Related posts:
Tax relief on wife
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Baby bonus DM drug-store gift
It could be for example 400 CZK discount per 2 500 CZK purchase, depends on your needs.
All children born in 2009 or pregnant women in the Czech Republic can get the discount vouchers.
It is enough to fill out the application form ( přihlašovací formulář ) directly on www.d-drogeriemarkt.cz and send e-mail to babybonus@dm-drogeriemarkt.cz with a copy of the birth certificate.
Related Posts:
DM drug-store discounts
Czech Miss 2009
Dresses were designed by Jaroslava Sedláčková, well known Czech fashion designer using traditional African materials such as wrought metal, and pearl beads.
Final gala evening will be held on February 28 at 8 pm in the attractive environment of Prague Airport. The live final will be broadcast by TV Nova . Many fans of this popular competition are looking forward to exciting show. Tickets are sold by Ticketpro network.
Finalists of Czech Miss 2009 presented their curves not only in swimsuits in the African style, but also in the extravagant models designed by Radka Sirková, Šárka Šišková or Katerina Severýn.
Iveta Lutovska became Czech Miss 2009
Monday, 23 February 2009
Aria hotel Prague - top luxury hotel in Europe and around the world
The most original features:
- Ancient Gregorian chant represented in Italian mosaic.
- Warm, spacious and furnished with opulent antiques rooms.
- Rooms enhanced with original artwork, books, computer with flat screen, equipped with the biography of the featured composer or artist and also iPod with music of 52 composers.
- Music Library to the Private Screening Room.
- Artists range from Dvořák to Elvis, Mozart to Billie Holiday celebrated by the Aria Hotel .
- Dr Ivana Stehlikova, PhD in Musicology, Aria Hotel’s Music Director provides advice on current cultural and musical events in Prague to guests.
Matejska pout fun-fair in Prague
Matejska pout fun-fair is the first spring fair in Europe. It will continue until April and take place at Prague Exhibition grounds as usually.
The most famous attraction of Matejska fun-fair is probably roller coaster called cyclones. Many other attractions from the Netherlands such as centrifuges or Booster Catapult Bungee are also very popular.
You can find also motion simulators, shooting, roundabouts, chain roundabouts and swings.
Fast food, oriental sweets, Gingerbread hearts, toys and many other sales booths are there as well.
Opening hours of Matejska pout fun-fair:
Tuesday - Friday: from 2 pm to 10 pm,
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: from 10 am to 10 pm
Friday, 20 February 2009
Indoor kart racing in Prague
Kart racing center Radotin offers the longest kart track in Europe with 910 m length which can be divided into 710 m half track and 200 m child track.
There are more than 30 curves and average speed can be 40 km/h. Some individuals can reach 60 km/h. The track is air-conditioned.
Races and mini challenges can be organized in 2 categories: sprint and endurance. There are special karts for children.
There is also restaurant and private parking. Price is 200 CZK per 10 minutes, however you can get some discounts.
Tax relief on wife (spouse) in the Czech Republic
In accordance with Income Tax Law § 35ba (1) the taxpayer can deduct from taxes calculated only 24 840 CZK for himself ( "discount on the taxpayer"), but under the conditions the same amount for a wife or husband.
The largest uncertainties arise about the concept of "own revenue" wife.
One large group of people think that it counted as "active earnings" - that is, income from employment, business and the like, not the parent or parental contributions. The second group in turn thinks that it calculates almost everything, including maternity and parental, that discount can be used effectively only in "socially weak" cases. Both are wrong.
Own income of the spouse includes in particular:
- All earnings from employment, business or agreements on work performed outside an employment relationship (agreement on the implementation of labor agreement on the work),
- Financial assistance in maternity
- Sickness insurance benefits
- Unemployment Benefits
- Payment (wage compensation) for vacation
- Income from pension insurance (old age, full and partial disability, widows' and widowers')
- Wife maintenance after divorce (but not the maintenance for the child),
- Revenue from the sale of property that does not belong to the joint property of spouses,
- The succession derived income
- The value of gifts received in the tax period.
On the contrary, own income of the spouse does not include:
- Parental allowance
- Other benefits of state social support, including birth grants and child allowance, social supplements, housing allowance and similar
- Social assistance benefits
- Assistance benefits in material need
- Contribution to the care, social services
- State contributions to retirement income insurance
- State contributions to building savings
- A scholarship provided to student continuously preparing for the future profession
- Income arising from the care of another person who is entitled to care under the Law on social services.
Source: Aktualne.cz
Related Posts:
Income Tax Act
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Free entrance to Aquapalace Prague for children
Child has to be accompanied by an adult paying full price. One adult can be with 2 children. Children should be also smaller then 150 cm in height to get free entrance.
Video, Miss CR along with hundreds of children from children's homes, Renata Langmannová, Veronika Chmelířová, Veronika Nová, Filip Tomsa and others
Related Post:
Aquapalace Prague
Happy Monday in Aquapalace
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Mortgage loans decline in the Czech Republic
Overall, it was granted 2,675 mortgage in comparison with 4817 last year. The main reason is that people speculate a lot about fall in property prices.
At the moment prices felt only for the old blocks of flats and newly build properties still keep prices without changes. However, people are more open for negotiations when selling properties.
Related posts:
Flat and house prices down 30 percent in Prague
Orco flats price 10 percents down
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Happy Monday in Aquapalace Prague
All day ticket costs 300 CZK to Water World. If you enter Sauna World before 14:00 pm, sauna is free for you for the rest of the day, otherwise Water World & Sauna World all day ticket costs 400 CZK
Just to compare to weekend admission, the all day ticket costs 850 CZK. Saturdays are probably most popular, but the price is almost 3 times higher.
Find the full price list here.
Related Post:
Aquapalace Prague
Manager and other well - paid positions salary changes in the Czech Republic
See the shorten list of them. Find more here.
POSITION 2008 - 2006 % Change (numbers in CZK / month, gross)
Information Technology
Sales Director 180 000 - 200 000 - 10 %
Client Manager 120 000 - 150 000 - 20 %
IT team lead 90 000 - 75 000 + 25 %
JAVA developer 85 000 - 80 000 + 6,3 %
System Administrator 70 000 - 60 000 + 16,7 %
IT Consultant 70 000 - 65 000 + 7,7 %
Telecommunications Specialist 70 000 - 65 000 + 7,7 %
Web Developer 50 000 - 44 000 + 13.6%
Sales - Technical Products
Sales Director 110 000 - 200 000 - 45 %
Marketing Manager 100 000 - 100 000 0%
Pharmaceutical and Health Care
Head of Marketing and Sales 130 000 - 150 000 - 13,3 %
Regional Manager 90 000 - 80 000 + 12,5 %
Legal Services
Lawyer 180 000 - 150 000 + 20 %
Corporate Attorney 100 000 - 100 000 0 %
Advertising
PR Manager 80 000 - 70 000 + 14,3 %
Client Manager 55 000 - 40 000 + 37,5 %
Finance & Accounting
Financial Manager 250 000 - 250 000 0 %
Chief Accountant 80 000 - 60 000 + 33,3 %
Financial Analyst 80 000 - 80 000 0 %
Payroll Department Lead 60 000 - 45 000 + 33,3 %
Human resources
HR Manager 100 000 - 100 000 0 %
Training Manager 90 000 - 80 000 + 12,5 %
Recruitment Manager 90 000 - 80 000 + 12,5 %
Trainer 70 000 - 60 000 + 16,7 %
Monday, 16 February 2009
IT salary increase in the Czech Republic
The average annual salary increase of IT professionals is about 9%
The average annual salary increase in the Czech Republic is about 5%
The average gross monthly wage of IT professionals in the Czech Republic has grown
from 26530 CZK in 2002 to 40333 CZK in 2007, while Czech average monthly wage has grown from 19801 CZK in 2002 to 25344 CZK in 2007.
Related postings:
Salaries in Prague
Thirteenth Salaries
Czech Average Salaries by Merces
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Residence of Aliens in the Czech Republic (Cizinecky zakon)
326/1999 Coll. Law on Residence of Aliens in the Czech Republic
The original Czech version of the law can be found on portal.gov.cz The government portal should have the most up-to-date version .
This is a contents of the law (translated by Google)
(1) Cizinec je oprávněn vstoupit na území přes hraniční přechod v místě a čase určeném k provádění hraniční kontroly. (1) An alien is entitled to enter the territory through the border crossing at the place and time specified for the implementation of border controls.
(1) Cizinec je povinen podrobit se hraniční kontrole bez odkladu po překročení státních hranic, pokud je hraniční kontrola prováděna (1) An alien is obliged to undergo border checks immediately after crossing the state border, where border control is carried out
(1) Podmínky vstupu na území a provádění hraniční kontroly stanoví přímo použitelný právní předpis Evropských společenství1) (1) Conditions for entry into the territory and border control provides directly applicable European legislation společenství1)
Odepření vstupu na území Denied the
Zajištění nákladů spojených s vycestováním z území Ensuring the costs associated with exit from the territory
Prostředky k pobytu na území Means to stay in the territory
Hraniční průvodka Border docket
(1) Rodinným příslušníkem občana Evropské unie1b) (1) family members of citizens of the European unie1b)
(1) Cizinec pobývá na území přechodně a) po překročení státních hranic České republiky a po ukončení hraniční kontroly, nebyl-li (1) A foreigner staying in the territory and temporarily) after crossing the state border and the Czech Republic after the end of border controls, if no
Cizinec může pobývat na území přechodně a) bez víza, An alien may reside in a transitional and) without a visa,
Krátkodobá víza Short-stay visas
Dlouhodobá víza Long-stay visas
Cizinec může pobývat na území přechodně bez víza, An alien may reside in a temporarily without a visa,
Ukončení přechodného pobytu na území, k němuž se vízum nevyžaduje, a zánik tohoto pobytu Termination of temporary residence in the territory to which the visa is not required, and termination of the stay
(1) Průjezdní vízum uděluje, pokud není dále stanoveno jinak, diplomatická mise nebo konzulární úřad České republiky (dále jen (1) The transit visa is granted, unless stipulated otherwise, the diplomatic mission or consular office of the Czech Republic (hereinafter
Náležitosti k žádosti o udělení průjezdního víza Requirements for application for grant of visa
(1) Letištní vízum uděluje zastupitelský úřad na žádost cizince, který z důvodu čekání na letecký spoj je nucen pobývat v tranzitním (1) Airport Embassy visa granted at the request of an alien who by reason of waiting for the air service is forced to stay in transit
Náležitosti k žádosti o udělení letištního víza The elements of the application on the airport visa
(1) Vízum k pobytu do 90 dnů uděluje, pokud není dále stanoveno jinak, zastupitelský úřad na žádost cizince. (1) visa to stay within 90 days is granted, unless stipulated otherwise, the representative office at the request of a foreigner.
Náležitosti k žádosti o udělení víza k pobytu do 90 dnů Requirements for application for a visa to stay within 90 days
Při podání žádosti podle § 26 odst. 5 When the application under Section 26, paragraph 5
Prodloužení platnosti a doby pobytu na krátkodobé vízum Extension of period of stay for a short stay visa
Jednotné schengenské vízum vydané Českou republikou Uniform Schengen visa issued by the Czech Republic
Jednotné schengenské vízum vydané jiným smluvním státem Uniform Schengen visa issued by another Contracting State
(1) Vízum k pobytu nad 90 dnů uděluje policie na žádost cizince, který hodlá pobývat na území za účelem vyžadujícím pobyt na (1) visa to stay over 90 days is granted at the request of police, foreigners wishing to reside in the territory for the purpose of requiring a stay of
Náležitosti žádosti o udělení víza k pobytu nad 90 dnů Requirements for application for a visa to stay over 90 days
Vízum k pobytu nad 90 dnů za účelem strpění pobytu na území Visa for over 90 days for tolerated stay in the territory
Náležitosti žádosti o udělení víza k pobytu nad 90 dnů za účelem strpění pobytu na území Requirements for application for a visa to stay over 90 days for tolerated stay in the territory
Prodloužení doby pobytu na území na vízum k pobytu nad 90 dnů Extension of period of stay in the territory of the visa for over 90 days
Prodloužení doby platnosti víza a doby pobytu na území na vízum k pobytu nad 90 dnů za účelem strpění pobytu na území The extension of the duration of visa and period of stay in the territory of the visa for over 90 days for tolerated stay in the territory
Zrušení platnosti víza k pobytu nad 90 dnů 1. Cancellation of the visa for over 90 of 1 cizinec ve lhůtě stanovené policií nepředloží potvrzení o tom, že požádal o vydání nového cestovního dokladu, nebo alien within the period provided for the police fails to confirm that the requested issuance of a new travel document, or
Zrušení platnosti víza k pobytu nad 90 dnů za účelem strpění pobytu na území Cancellation of the visa for over 90 days for tolerated stay in the territory
Dlouhodobé vízum smluvních států Long-term visa Contracting States
(1) Diplomatickým vízem se rozumí letištní vízum, průjezdní vízum, vízum k pobytu do 90 dnů nebo vízum k pobytu nad 90 dnů (1) diplomatic visa means airport visas, transit visa, visa for up to 90 days or a visa for over 90 days
Prohlášení neplatnosti diplomatického víza a zvláštního víza Nullity of a diplomatic visa and a special visa
Povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu With long-term resident
Povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu za účelem společného soužití rodiny na území A long-term residence for the purpose of the joint family living together in the territory
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