Moving to a new city becomes a challenge if you are unprepared for all the unexpected and surprising sides of its personality. When it comes to Brno, you are meeting a Dragon (the official symbol of Brno and its old legend) who is about to bite you unless you learn its tricks. Here are some of them:
Brno Waste Tax: Don’t Forget to Register
Everyone who is coming to Brno for more than 3 months has to pay the waste tax. Even if you are a student, there is no guarantee that your university will be paying this tax for you. Usually, it is your responsibility to do it.
You can do it online in 2 easy steps:
- Access the BrnoID system and click ‘Wasre Tax’. Create an account (only an email and password are needed) and submit a form for reporting the stay of foreigners.
- Once registered, pay through the BrnoID e-shop.
The waste collection fee is set to 670 CZK per year. If you arrive later in the year, you pay only for the number of remaining months until the end of the calendar year.
Public Transport in Brno: Get a Transport Pass
Being a welcoming and dynamic city, Brno offers you various ways to make your life here more comfortable. Public transport is always on time and follows a convenient schedule, so you can plan your day and budget. Speaking of last, there are several options to make your daily travel even more advantageous.
- Options include monthly, quarterly, or yearly passes, which can be bought through the BrnoID system. All tickets are valid for all city transport (tram, bus, trolleybus, and even boats). It can also be bought through the BrnoID system.
If you prefer not to commit to a pass, you can use contactless payment methods for individual rides. A 60-minute ticket costs 25 CZK, and you can switch between vehicles within that time. If your daily travel costs exceed 90 CZK, the system caps your charge at that amount for the day. Still in doubt? Out detailed instructions are here to help you out!
Free Bicycle Rides in Brno
For those of you who want to help make the world greener and save some money on commuting to work, there is a great opportunity to do both.
Starting from spring 2024 you can use shared bicycles for 1 hour per day free of charge. Yes, you heard me, free bicycle in Brno, 2 rides per day 30 minutes each.
To access the service, simply download the application, Rekola or Nextbike, and your free ride starts automatically when you rent a bike. The service is available until the allocated funds are exhausted, which is estimated to happen in November.
But don’t get sad, this is not the first time Brno has allocated resources to support a healthier lifestyle and greener environment, the initiative has been in action since 2022. No doubt, next year we will cycle again!
Cash is Still King in Some Places
While most businesses accept cards, you’ll find that many small shops, cafés, and late-hour grocery stores only take cash or have a minimum card payment limit. To avoid any inconvenience, always carry some cash with you, especially when visiting local markets or smaller venues.
What is a Šalina?
If you hear locals talking about the “Šalina” pass, don’t get confused! “Šalina” is Brno slang for tram, derived from the German word “elektrische Linie” (electric line). It’s just another way Brno differentiates itself from other cities like Prague, where they simply call it “tram.”
With these tips, you’re now ready to embrace Brno’s quirks and enjoy everything the city has to offer. Pack your bags, and welcome to this dynamic, dragon-hearted city!
