First things to do when you arrive

Day 1: Arrive and navigate the airport

Main airports in Czech Republic:

• Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): 20km southeast of Prague city centre. About 30 minutes by car, train, or shuttle bus to city. This is your most likely entry point. Direct flights from many African hubs.
• Brno Airport (BRQ): Smaller, used for some European connections. About 12km south of Brno centre.
• Ostrava Airport (OSR): Serves eastern Czech Republic. Connections to Ostrava city centre by bus/taxi.
• Connections: If flying to other nearby cities, check Vienna (Austria), Warsaw (Poland), or Budapest (Hungary) airports as backups.

At the airport:

• Exchange some Naira to CZK at the airport desk (rates are fair) or use ATM
• Buy a phone SIM card (Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile all available at airport kiosks)
• Get travel information desk details if you need help
• Take the airport bus or train to your city (much cheaper than taxi)

Days 1-3: Public transport in your city

Prague (largest city, most common destination):

• PID (Prague Integrated Transport): Metro, tram, and bus network. Very reliable and frequent.
• Tickets: Buy a day pass (CZK 110, approx NGN 500) or multi-day pass. Single journey is CZK 40 (NGN 180).
• App: Download "PID Lítačka" app to buy digital tickets
• Metro lines: Red (A), Green (B), Yellow (C) - simple, clean, efficient
• Trams and buses: Cover everywhere. Usually faster than walking for long distances.

Brno:

• DPMB (Brno Transport Company): Metro, tram, and bus. Similar to Prague but smaller scale.
• Tickets: CZK 25-30 for single journey (NGN 110-140)
• App: "Brno MHD" for digital tickets

Ostrava:

• DPO (Ostrava Transport): Tram and bus system. Smaller and more manageable.
• Tickets: CZK 20 per journey (NGN 90)

General tips:

• Always validate your ticket on the vehicle (machines at entrance)
• Inspectors check regularly. No valid ticket = 1,500 CZK fine (NGN 6,700)
• Most stops have clear signs and digital displays
• Buy a student pass (much cheaper) if your university provides it

Within 3 days: Register with Foreign Police

This is mandatory. Do not delay.

• Where: Foreign Police office in your city (search "Cizinecka policie" + your city)
• Prague office: Olšanská 2176, Praha 3 (walk-in, queue tickets available)
• Brno office: Kounicova 58 (walk-in)
• Ostrava office: 28. října 117
• Documents needed: Your passport with valid visa, accommodation proof (lease or dorm contract), completed registration form (available at the office)
• Fee: Usually free or minimal cost (100-300 CZK)
• Result: Residence card (delivered by post in 1-2 weeks). This is your official Czech ID.
• Important: Failure to register within 3 days can result in fines up to 5,000 CZK (NGN 22,500)

Within 1 week: Open a Czech bank account

• Major banks: Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka, Raiffeisenbank, or online banks (Wise, Revolut)
• Documents needed: Passport, visa, accommodation proof, sometimes student ID
• Purpose: Receive stipend/salary, pay rent, buy groceries online
• Cost: Most student accounts are free or very cheap
• IBAN: You'll get a Czech IBAN (starts with CZ). Share this for receiving money from home.
• Card: Debit card is usually free, works in any ATM (bankomats everywhere)

Ministry of Interior and residence permit matters

The "Ministerstvo vnitra" (Ministry of Interior) handles residence permits.

• What they do: Issue and renew residence permits and visas for foreigners
• When you need them: If your visa expires or changes, for residence card renewal
• Website: moi.gov.cz (English section)
• Local offices: At Foreign Police (cizinecka policie) in each city - they handle Ministry matters locally
• Important: Keep your passport and residence documents safe. Losing them is bureaucratic nightmare.

Nigerian Embassy in Czech Republic

Location and contact details:

• Address: Nad Pristavem 3, 170 00 Prague 7, Czech Republic
• Phone: +420 233 320 822
• Email: Contact through official website
• Website: czechrepublic.embassy.gov.ng
• Services: Passport services, visa endorsements, consular assistance, notarizations
• When to visit: If you need passport renewal, certification of documents, or emergency assistance
• Hours: Check website for current opening hours (usually Monday-Friday mornings)
• Tip: Register with the embassy when you arrive (optional but recommended for emergency contact)