Thursday 13 September 2012

Where to send post in Prague

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Having lived in Prague for the past 17 years, I think I have an objective overview of the Czech postal system. It has improved a lot and there are usually few (if any) issues with sending either domestic or international post. Receiving post domestically is also very good, but receiving international post can sometimes be frustrating and it seems that with every birthday card that a small hole has been made in the corner of the envelope; maybe a standard customs procedure, or maybe a post office employee hoping for a 'find'. I really don't know. We do use the Czech post service quite a bit and are mostly satisfied with the service. My advice when sending any letters or packages is to always use the main Prague post office and this blog post explains exactly how to get there and the logistics of sending post from there:


The Main Post Office is located on Vodickova Street in Prague 1. The easiest way to reach here is to take the metro to the Green line Mustek station. If coming from the Dejvicka side of the metro line then when you get out of the metro train you need to turn right from the metro and take the escalators up. If coming from the other end of the line then turn to your left when stepping out of the metro train. At the top of the escalators take the second exit on your left, walk up the steps, walk straight ahead (on the right side of the road) and in a few minutes you should have this view in front of you:

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There are two main entrances to the post office and this is the first one when coming from the Mustek metro station. When you walk through the door you will find the following:

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Walk up the steps and go through the sliding doors to enter the post office area. On your right you will see the following ticket number machines:

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Here is an up close view of one of the machines:

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You need to press the first green button if you are sending more than 5 letters or postcards, the second one down if you are sending less than 5. Press number 4 if you are sending a parcel or two. When you press each green button you will receive a number on a piece of paper from the machine and you then just need to go through the next set of doors ahead of you and you will have the following beautiful view:

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This is the exact view from the doors leading from the paper ticket machine area. You just need to take a seat and wait for your number to come up on the number screens dotted above the post booths. When your number comes up it will show your number and the number of the booth which you need to go to, so just go to that booth and place your things which you need to have posted on the counter. The post office member of staff will take your post, weigh it, ask (in Czech) if you want it sent regular post or special delivery and will then calculate the cost for you. The staff are used to non Czech speakers so a simple "normal" should be a sufficient answer when asked which type you would like. In my experience the staff can be on the less than upbeat side if you know what I mean, but imagine that you have to sit behind that counter all day and on public display and you can understand a little where they are coming from.

If you need envelopes then directly to your right are two kiosks where you can purchase these. You can also buy stamps here if you so wish, but there is no need to add a stamp before you go to the post office counter because the staff do this for you when they take your post. If you need assistance then there is a helpful information office immediately to your left (although you will need to prepare yourself for a broken English experience).

The post office opening times are:

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My tip is to go there either mid morning or mid afternoon, when there are rarely queues. It can get very busy there around the work rush hour start and finish (7-9 / 4-6) and also during lunch (12-1).

Hope it helps!

Hezky den!/Lovely day!

Neville :-)
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