Shopping in Czechia

Bohemian crystal and glass are produced to world-class quality with hand-cut designs. But buyers should check for genuine items. Lead content should be at least 24% and clarity should be brilliant. A light fingernail tap on the rim of a glass should give a long, resonant, high-pitched ringing sound. 

Genuine dark, deep-red (or slightly purplish or brownish) Bohemian garnet stones show small, natural irregularities. They are not clear or bubbly, rarely perfect and heavier than glass. They are not cheap. Pieces produced by the minor and artisan cooperative Granát Turnov are marked G, G1 or G2 and come with a certificate. Granát Turnov, or (in Prague) Dana Bohemia and Halada are considered reputable dealers in Czech garnet jewellery. 

Handcrafted marionettes and puppets are a traditional item and are particularly associated with Prague. High-quality wooden toys also come from a long tradition. 

For browsing in Prague, visit malls such as Palladium (with more than 200 stores), Westfield Chodov, which has even more stores (including lots of fashion) and Nový Smíchov. 

Retail stores larger than 200 square metres must remain closed on New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Victory Day (May 8), Czech National Day (September 28) and Czechoslovak Independence Day (October 28). They must also close at noon on December 24 and remain closed both days of Christmas Days (December 25 and 26). Stores often reduce hours on December 31. Convenience stores and small grocery stores can remain open and pharmacies, petrol stations, shops at railway stations and airports are exempt. 

For details of VAT and refunds for visitors, see the Costs section.