Digital Nomad Life in Plzen, Czechia

"Expats in Plzenublic, appreciate the rich history and architecture of the city, with its beautiful old town and the famous St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. They also value the local beer culture, as Plzen is the birthplace of Pilsner beer and home to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. The locals' love for outdoor activities and the city's proximity to nature is another aspect that expats enjoy. They also appreciate the slower pace of life compared to larger cities, and the sense of community in the city. The Czech tradition of celebrating holidays and festivals is another aspect that expats in Plzen enjoy, as it provides an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. Lastly, expats appreciate the safety of the city and the friendliness and hospitality of the locals," said one expat in Plzen.

"Expats in Plzenublic often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Czech is a Slavic language that is quite difficult to learn, especially for English speakers. Another challenge is the reserved nature of the Czech people. They are generally not as open and outgoing as people from other cultures, which can make it difficult for expats to make friends and feel integrated into the community. The Czech Republic also has a very different approach to customer service than what many expats are used to. The service can often be perceived as rude or indifferent, which can be off-putting for foreigners. Additionally, the Czech culture is heavily influenced by its history, particularly its past under communist rule. This can sometimes lead to a pessimistic or cynical outlook, which can be challenging for expats to understand and adapt to. Lastly, the Czech Republic has a very distinct cuisine that is heavy on meat and potatoes, which may not appeal to everyone's taste. This can make dining out or grocery shopping a bit of a challenge for expats," said one person in Plzen.

"If you are planning to stay in Plzenublic for a while, the type of visa or residency document you need will depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, you do not need a visa to stay in the Czech Republic. However, if you plan to stay for more than 30 days, you must register with the Foreign Police Department within 30 days of your arrival. If you are a non-EU citizen and you plan to stay in the Czech Republic for less than 90 days, you may need a Schengen visa, depending on your nationality. This visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area, which includes the Czech Republic. If you are a non-EU citizen and you plan to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, you will need a long-term visa or a long-term residence permit. You must apply for these documents at the Czech embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel to the Czech Republic. If you are planning to work or study in the Czech Republic, you may need a specific type of visa or permit, such as a work permit or a student visa. In all cases, you should check the specific requirements with the Czech embassy or consulate in your home country, as the rules can change and may vary depending on your individual circumstances," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Plzen.

"When visiting Plzenublic, it's important to respect the local customs and traditions to avoid any cultural faux pas. Here are some tips: Avoid speaking loudly in public places. Czech people value their personal space and quietness, so try to keep your voice down, especially in restaurants, cafes, and public transportation. Do not assume everyone speaks English. While many Czechs do speak English, especially the younger generation, it's polite to ask if they speak English before starting a conversation. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and World War II. Czechs are generally private people and may not feel comfortable discussing these topics with strangers. Do not leave a mess after eating or drinking in public places. Czechs take pride in cleanliness and it's considered rude to leave your trash behind. Do not forget to say "Dobrý den" (Good day) when entering shops, restaurants, or other establishments, and "Na shledanou" (Goodbye) when leaving. It's considered polite and shows respect to the locals. Avoid being overly friendly or familiar with people you've just met. Czechs are generally reserved and may take some time to warm up to strangers. Do not refuse a drink if offered, especially beer. Plzen is famous for its beer and refusing a drink could be seen as an insult. Lastly, tipping is customary in the Czech Republic. It's common to round up the bill or leave a 10% tip in restaurants, cafes, and taxis," said one expat in Plzen.