Ahoj! I am going on exchange to Ceske Budejovice for a full year and I have no idea what to pack. Any tips? What can I easily get there and what should I leave behind?
Bring casual clothes: jeans, sneakers etc. as most youngsters wear that. Buying new jeans there is expensive so make sure it will last you till you get back home. Hiking and sports are popular activities so be prepared for that. Also, one more formal outfit to go to theatre. I would not be surprised if you would have the opportunity to go as it is one of the popular good quality entertainments in Czech republic (opera, ballet, musical). Tennis shoes are not acceptable footwear to wear to theatre, but do not miss this opportunity as tickets are much more reasonable than elsewhere and if you have never been to ballet or opera this will be your chance. Enough underwear and socks to last you at least a week as dryer is still not usual household appliance and most likely laundry is done at at most once week or longer. If you are taking prescription medication on regular basis be aware that it is NOT possible to have more mailed from home. You have to bring all you need with you. As to any other medication you may need during that year i.e. aspirin and all usual stuff, it is all available there and probably cheaper than at home. From my experience all your daily toiletries are available. Have a great time and make sure you visit Prague too as it is not to be missed.
I suggest you bring only what you think you'll need through the summer. By fall you'll have learned where the best shops for you are and you can buy what you need for the rest of your stay. I think it's fun shopping for daily necessities in foreign countries; I always come home with small articles of clothing, toothpaste, shampoo, notebooks etc. which I can use at home or when travelling to other places. It's a good reminder of the places I've been.
Hi everyone, I am also going for a year and I was told that it is hard to find deoterant? Is this true? I sure hope not! Oh, I have another question, I love my shoes and shoe shopping is my favorite, but I was told they are very expensive in the Czech Republic! I like being a girly girl and a pair of cute heals or flip-flops just make me feel good! :wink: ~Kaitlyn
Hi, Kaitlyn -- I guess everyone has a different idea of what consitutes "expensive" when it comes to shoes, but when I visited last fall I thought the better-quality shoes (at least in the department stores and shoe stores in Prague) were a bit pricey, compared to the US. There were, however, flip flops and other casual shoes in the Asian-run shops that seemed pretty inexpensive. So, if you're looking for some casual shoes that don't need to be of high quality, you'll probably be fine. Also, I never noticed anyone with body odor, so there must be deodorant/antiperspirant readily available! :lol: Susan
Hi everyone, This may be slightly veering off topic but I couldn't help but comment on the things said about deoderant in CR. I have been to the Czech Republic several times in the past year and a half and also to a number of other European countries. And, I have to say that I think that Czechs (and Europeans in general), do not share the same obsession with using deoderant that Americans do, for instance. During my visits there, I frequently encountered individuals that did not seem to be wearing any deoderant. They were everywhere, in stores, hotels, on the street and most often (it seemed) on public transportation. It's not the majority, of course but I think that Europeans are not so ashamed of what is a natural bodily function. I found it in old and young alike but I'd say more often with older people. It can be a bit unpleasant when you are not used to it. But, I have to say I feel there is just something more "real" about the people maybe because of it and because everyone seems so accepting of it as a normal thing. Anyhow, I had my deoderant with me each time but I don't think you will have problems buying it. I remember seeing it in the Tesco stores so if you have one of those where you are going you should be fine. But I guess I would recommend bringing along at least a good initial supply.
It used to be problem under communists, but not anymore, there are all usual Western makes of deodorants available and you will probably find make you use at home. Note: Antipespirant is to cut down on pespiration, but not that much on odor. "De-odorant" is the right thing which works on both, especially on odor. I would assume you bring first one with you.
