Brno guide for foreigners
If you have made the mistake of accepting a job in Brno and are now living there, there is no need to panic just yet. Take the time to carefully read this article, as it will help you identify the potential pitfalls you may have fallen into.
Many IT companies, especially those based in the United States, tend to assume that the income they provide is enough to meet your daily expenses, rent, and recreational needs. However, this limited financial capacity may not afford you the opportunity to save money and explore better career prospects in Europe. These companies are well aware that young individuals with limited education often equate success with meeting their basic needs and possessing a smartphone. This perspective can be interpreted as a contemporary form of exploitation, as unscrupulous individuals take advantage of these individuals’ mindset.
If you decide to find employment elsewhere and need to relocate quickly, it is important to be aware that you may have to give up your deposit. Most landlords are unwilling to provide a refund in any form. It is advisable to refrain from informing your landlord about your intention to move to Brno, as the city is known for its opportunistic individuals. Numerous websites, paid agencies, and Facebook groups may attempt to persuade you that Brno is a wonderful place to live and work.
However, it is best to dismiss their claims as they are simply advertisements from individuals seeking personal gain. While Brno does have some positive aspects such as an efficient transportation system, quality healthcare, and access to nature, the overall experience can be quite negative, particularly when dealing with ignorant and unsophisticated individuals.
The locals don’t really like foreigners.
For newcomers who have unfortunately fallen victim to deception by prominent IT companies in the region, yet have succeeded in securing a contract, here is some valuable advice.
1. ACCOMMODATION
It is advisable to steer clear of any real estate agencies when in search of an apartment or room, especially for foreigners who may not be acquainted with the housing situation in Brno. These agencies typically demand a fee equal to 1 or 1.5 times the rent, and sometimes even include additional expenses, which is unjustified. In most countries, it is the landlord’s responsibility to cover the agency fees, not the tenant’s. Moreover, real estate agencies often exhibit poor responsiveness, with apartment viewings requiring a waiting period of 1 to 2 weeks.
I recommend utilizing the website bezrealitky.cz for your housing needs. However, exercise caution when dealing with potential scams, as there may be misleading advertisements featuring non-existent facilities. It is important to note that as a non-local resident, you may encounter higher prices than those initially advertised.
Many locals own pets, but having one can lead to landlords refusing accommodation or demanding a higher deposit.
It is important to approach the review of your contract with caution, as certain landlords may incorporate non-negotiable terms that restrict your ability to provide a two-month notice period or require you to fulfill payment obligations until the contract’s expiration. Seeking the guidance of a trustworthy translator prior to signing is highly recommended.
When searching for a rental property in the Czech Republic, it is important to be aware of the costs involved and plan your budget accordingly. You should anticipate paying significant rental rates, which typically include the current month’s rent, as well as the upcoming month’s rent.
Additionally, landlords usually require a deposit, which is a common practice in the Czech Republic. If you are utilizing the services of a real estate agency, the overall cost will be higher, typically four times the original rental amount. It is worth noting that this practice of asking for deposits extends beyond housing, as it is quite customary in various transactions within the country. This prompts the question: does this widespread requirement create a harmonious relationship between landlords and tenants, or does it inadvertently promote opportunistic behavior?
I find it difficult to comprehend why some individuals prefer to seek accommodation in the bustling city center. The Czech Republic sets itself apart from other countries, as here, apartments located in the downtown area come with a heftier price tag compared to their counterparts in the suburbs. It truly astonishes me that people willingly shell out more money to reside in a lively and polluted city center, instead of opting for the tranquility and natural beauty offered by the nearby suburbs, complete with their picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and delightful parks. In my personal viewpoint, only individuals lacking refinement and appreciation for a more sophisticated lifestyle would consider downtown living as their preference.
2. Buying and registering a Car ,Car Insurance, Car repair Service
I suggest purchasing a car from Germany or Austria rather than the Czech Republic. Firstly, car prices in the Czech Republic are approximately 30-80% higher than in Germany. There is a high possibility of falling victim to scams, particularly in some areas and individuals.
Do not buy a car from AAA Auto. The prices displayed on their website are only valid when purchasing a car through Bank Leasing.
Purchasing a car with cash incurs an extra charge of 30% on the listed price. It is strongly recommended to obtain a loan from specific banks when buying a car. There are other car dealerships with similar regulations. Exercise caution!
Registering a car can be a challenging process if you are unfamiliar with the local language. It is advisable to allocate a 2-3 day vacation for this purpose.
You can enlist a company’s assistance in registering your car, but do not agree to pay a fee exceeding 1000-1500 CZK for this service.
The firms often fail to provide documents or invoices. Underground market ????
Foreigners residing in the Czech Republic should anticipate higher car insurance premiums compared to locals. This is primarily due to the absence of driving records that are usually utilized by insurance companies to determine costs. Nevertheless, a few insurance providers do offer fixed prices, albeit requiring prior research. Should you be interested in exploring these options, kindly contact me via email as I am unable to endorse any particular company on this platform.
Finding a reliable car service in Brno can be challenging due to language barriers and the potential for being taken advantage of as a foreigner.
The prices in Brno, compared to the neighboring countries, are almost double. In Bratislava, you can find more affordable and reliable repair shops.
If you need cheaper and quality spare parts for your car I can recommend you the Car Spare parts shop, located in Brno, and stay away from Autokelly.
Autokelly`s spare parts are quality and good, but the prices are double than others. Use Google to find the better prices. The price for Tyre change is 900 -1000 CZK, but you can find more cheaper around 500-600 CZK around Brno.
Gas prices :
Gas stations engage in collusive behavior to maintain high prices and discourage competition. In Austria, the cost of gas hovers between 0.80 and 0.90 euros, whereas in the Czech Republic, it fluctuates between 1.05 and 1.10 euros. Furthermore, the substandard fuel quality offered by certain gas stations is a cause for concern. It is imperative to exercise caution as these stations are merely franchises, not authentic manufacturers. Whenever feasible, it is advisable to refuel your vehicle in Slovakia, Germany, or Austria.
If you’re interested in learning about mobile phone service and mobile operators, as well as mobile internet, you can find more information by visiting this link: here.
Lot of things you write about are quite true. Surprisingly most of the websites put Brno in a very good light.
I was changing my career to IT and had to accept the first job offer I got. Brno was the best choice as it was easier to get a job here than in most other expensive places where they would prefer to employ someone with many years of experience.
Having lived in several highly developed countries (US, Germany etc.) throughout my life, I am not impressed by Brno at all. Life here is simply boring, and the inability to understand the Czech language is a big barrier. Not the speaking Czech language will cause you problems when dealing with immigration, sending a package at the post office, opening a bank account or getting a haircut. Czech people are not so friendly toward foreigners, especially the Brno police. Brno was the first place in the world where I got fined for jaywalking. They charged me 500 CZK for that which was probably the maximum limit for that kind of offense (according to a Czech colleague). The frequent presence of Brno police throughout the city is discomforting and it feels a bit like a policed city. According to one American colleague, his kids were bullied in school for having an American dad and were ostracized.
If one needs to leave apartment prematurely, your security deposit will be confiscated by the landlord. They will say that the contract has to be honored and will not bother to try find another tenant in time to return you the deposit. Apartments are way overpriced and the prices are almost comparable to nearby Vienna, which has much more to offer and a much more developed economy. Be prepared to give out 350-600 euros for the apartment. With “good” salaries of 900-1300 euros, this will be in most cases 40-50% of your salary. If you are a party person and like to go out, you can forget about saving money.
Your first salary is basically what you will stay with. The increases in salary are minuscule and it might take you 10 years to reach any respectable level.
Air quality is questionable as the center of Brno is surrounded by high-traffic highways. Water quality is also not the best as it contains high amount of dissolved matter. Be ready to scrub your bathroom every 2 weeks. Because of bad air, you will need to wipe away the dust daily on every surface in your apartment.
The food quality in Czech republic is a disaster if you were ever accustomed to nice dining. Most cheap restaurants provide high-carb, low protein meals (90-120 CZK) which your body will not be happy with after a while, and you will turn into a fat slob if you consume that on a daily basis. Cooking at home is a viable option if you have the discipline. The only recommended grocery stores are of German origin (Kaufland, Billa).
There are a couple of good restaurants, but unless you have a good salary, you can forget about dining out on a regular basis. Brno is also the first place where I got severe food poisoning after eating potato salad at a cheap restaurant.
Czech Republic is according to Bloomberg the most decadent country in the world, and it seems there is something behind it. If you believe in good moral values, you will not like this place. Most people that prefer Czech Republic over other countries are of questionable morality. The divorce rate here is 66% and most relationships are quite fragile and not very lasting.
Weather in Brno is depressing as throughout most of the year the sky is grey and it is raining. The only exception is the period between May and mid August.