Orientation - Prague and the Czech Republic - page 47

meaning “tariff,” on the meter). Avoid cabs waiting at tourist
attractions and train stations. To improve your odds of getting a
fair meter rate—which starts only when you take off—call for a cab
(or have your hotel or restaurant call one for you). AAA Taxi (tel.
233-113-311) and City Taxi (tel. [phone]) are the most likely to
have English-speaking staff—and honest cabbies. I also find that
hailing a passing taxi usually gets me a decent price, although at
a slightly higher rate than when reserving by phone. If a cabbie
surprises you at the end with an astronomical fare, simply pay 200
Kč, which should cover you for a long ride anywhere in the center.
Then go into your hotel. On the miniscule chance that he follows
you, the receptionist will back you up.
tourS
Walking Tours
Many small companies offer walking tours of the Old Town, the
castle, and more. For the latest, pick up the walking tour fliers
at the TI. Since guiding is a routine side-job for local university
students, you'll generally get hardworking young guides at good
prices. While I'd rather go with my own private guide (see below),
public walking tours are cheaper (about 450 Kč for a 4-hour tour),
cover themes you might not otherwise consider, connect you with
other English-speaking travelers, and allow for spontaneity. The
quality depends on the guide rather than the company. Your best
bet is to show up at the Astronomical Clock a couple of minutes
before 8:00, 10:00, or 11:00, then chat with a few of the umbrella-
holding guides there. Choose the one you click with. Guides also
have fliers advertising additional walks.
Private Guides
In Prague, hiring a local guide is particularly smart—they're
twice as helpful for half the price compared to guides in Western
Europe. Because prices are usually per hour (not per person), small
groups can inexpensively hire a guide for several days. Guides
meet you wherever you like, and tailor the tour to your interests.
Visit their websites in advance for details on various walks, airport
transfers, countryside excursions, and other services offered, and
then make arrangements by email.
Šárka Ka č abová, who uses her teaching background to help
you comprehend Czech culture, has hand-picked a team of person-
able and knowledgeable guides for her company Personal Prague
Guide (600 Kč/hr for 2-3 people, 800 Kč/hr for 4-8 people,
mobile [phone], www.prague-guide.info, [e-mail]).
Katka Svobodová, a hardworking anthropologist-historian-guide
who knows her stuff, runs Praguewalker, which offers enthusiastic