Czech - Customs & Etiquette

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	Take your shoes off before entering the house as you should do everywhere else anyway. If you are afraid to get your feet dirty, then ask for a pair of home slippers. The Americans are notorious for wearing their shoes and walking all over the houses. I truly hate this.
	You should be on time. Though the Czech are not too strict about punctuality like other European countries, they are not as laid-back as the Mediterranean Southern European counterpart.
	When being invited over for meals, eat everything off your plate and compliment multiple times, especially when the cook is an older female. She likes to hear that they've prepared a good meal for the guest. If you indeed like the food and wish to eat more, don't be shy and ask for another portion as there is no better compliment to the cook than wanting more of her food. I've been to a few Czech dinners and coached by my friends to repeatedly thank and compliment their mom's and grandma's cooking skills.
	If you to buy somebody flowers, buy them in odd numbers since they are lucky numbers in Czech culture. Hah! then you can get away with buying just one.

	Say "hello" to people especially to those who occupy the same office, accommodation buildings or to those who greet you. Czech are into greeting one another even to strangers.
	Keep spare changes for public toilets. It cost around 5 crowns. EUR spenders pay attention here.
	During the summer, if you happen to walk through residential neighborhood, don't be shocked to see men and women in their underwears working in the garden or front yards. This lack of clothing reflects part of Czech's liberal lifestyle. But don't be too happy about this semi-porno prospect because it doesn't happen too often.
	Overdress when you go to the opera or theater. Formal attires are appropriate for these occasions. Wearing T-shirts, jeans, shorts or the like will make look like an odd man/woman out. You know how Europeans are about their dress code.
	Similar to Western and American culture, Czech split their bills when they go out for meals or drink.
	Czech have this special "Name Day" tradition when each day is associated with one or more names. Family members, friends and colleagues buy flowers, small gifts or call the person on his/her Name Day.
	Try Czech beer. Czech are really proud that they rank #1 for beer consumption per capita. At a typical Czech pub and restaurant, waiters/waitresses deliver your beer so fast that you may have to put a beer mat on top of your current beer to indicate "NO MORE!"

PragueBuzz!