Czech Business Etiquette

Czech business etiquette is a fusion of taking one’s time to get to know another, wearing the correct attire to impress, beer drinking (which falls so strongly into the Czech culture) and always arriving on time. Once arriving at Prague Airport you can rely on Prague airport transfers to get you to your meetings swiftly and on time.

Dress Code

"Good clothes open all doors." - Thomas Fuller

During normal business hours business dress code leans more to the informal side for both men and women, where jackets and ties are not necessary. Just remember that, whatever you’re wearing, your clothes need to appear ironed and neat.

Formality steps into the picture when dealing with law firms and financial institutions as well as meetings, where conservatism is appreciated. Dark suits with ties are ideal attire for men and women should not wear anything too revealing.

Before packing, keep in mind that summers can be very warm in the Czech Republic and winters exceptionally cold. If you have arrived at the airport and realise that you do not have the appropriate attire to suit the current weather, you always have the option of going into the city centre to do some shopping before your meeting. You can rely on Prague airport transfers to get you there swiftly.

Timing

"There is more to life than increasing its speed." - Mahatma Ghandi

Keep in mind that business is conducted at a relatively slow pace and initial meetings are for those involved to get acquainted with one another. Serious business and important matters will be dealt with at later occasions.

Tardiness is not tolerated by Czech business culture as it is seen as exceptionally impolite professional behaviour. Appointments and meetings need to be organised well ahead of time. Most working days are good options, except for Friday afternoons when business starts to unwind.

Wining and Dining

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin

Most business meetings take place in a restaurant, never at home, unless both parties are very familiar with one another. It is up to the host to choose the restaurant as well as make reservations. The host will also take the bill for the meal and leave a tip.

For first meetings, getting acquainted over lunch is usually the order of the day. After that, more formal business will usually occur in the office. For a lunch meeting a professional dark coloured suit is usually recommended for men and something equally elegant and sophisticated for women.

Know that a typical meal is made up of three courses: soup or an appetiser, a main meal and something sweet to follow. Allowing for leftovers on your plate is completely acceptable.

The Czechs are known to have a culture of beer drinking, but feel free to order whatever it is you want. There may be a toast in order from the host recognising the success of the business partnership.

Keep in mind to follow the direction of the host with regards to smoking and if you are going to light up, first ask if anyone minds. As one can see, Czech business culture may differ in certain ways from your own but professionalism, respect, a great suit and a winning attitude will see you far in your business dealings.

How to Get to Prague from London

There are a number of airlines that will fly you from London to Prague, from British Airways to Air France and Brussels Airlines (a great option if you are watching your budget), amongst many more. Most these flights have one stop or fly direct.

How to Get from Václav Havel Airport Prague into the City Centre

To get from Václav Havel Airport Prague into the city centre you can rely on bus, car rental, taxi or shuttle. Affordable Prague airport transfers can take you to your destination and back again in around 40 minutes. The city busses run every 15 minutes between 4.30am and 11.30pm. You can also take an Airport Express bus.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for Prague airport transfers, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport surely, swiftly and safely.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.