Key points to keep in mind:
- Many ATMs (locally called “bankomat”) of major Czech banks (e.g., Komerční banka, ČSOB, Česká spořitelna) are widely available in towns and cities.
- Your home bank’s card (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) typically works — but you’ll often face two kinds of fees: one from the Czech ATM bank and one from your own bank for foreign withdrawals.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC): when prompted to withdraw in your home currency instead of Czech koruna (CZK), always choose CZK. Taking the home-currency option often means a poor exchange rate + additional markup.
- Check the ATM: Use machines inside main bank branches, avoid stand-alone kiosks or machines in tourist traps—they often carry high fees.
- Withdrawal limits and fees: Some ATMs may charge about CZK 125–239 for foreign cards per transaction.
- Cards increasingly accepted for many purchases, but having some cash (CZK) is still wise for smaller vendors or more rural areas.
How dogpay Fits In
While dogpay isn’t an ATM network, you can integrate it into your money-planning for travel or stay in the Czech Republic:
- If you hold funds in another currency (USD, EUR, etc.) and will need CZK, you can use dogpay to convert/send funds ahead of time, reducing your dependence on using high-fee foreign ATMs.
- For small or unexpected payments (deposits, local service costs, cash-only situations) that might require cash, dogpay gives you an alternative path rather than relying solely on ATM withdrawals.
- If you manage multiple currencies and want more control over when and how you convert funds (say USD → CZK) rather than leaving it to last-minute ATM rates, dogpay adds flexibility.
