The Czech Republic is becoming a backward country in the introduction of modern payment methods. I recently visited Prague and I must say that I was shocked by several things. We sat down at Műstek in a restaurant that bears the name of one of our historical figures. And I stared. Everyone who sat down in the restaurant garden was immediately told by the staff that they only take cash. They were mainly foreigners and they did not understand why, instead of a nice greeting, the staff strictly informs them that modern payment methods are not welcome in Prague. Nevermind.
My wife and I had lunch and I informed the waiter that I would be paying. But with a card. He looked at me and said: “Come with me.” I entered the corridor of the restaurant, there was a functioning payment terminal. He told me the amount of CZK 1,740, I attached my mobile phone and it was paid. Satisfaction? Not. I asked for a receipt and there was a price of 1,460. How is it possible? Well, the waiter tapped a 20% tip on the terminal. They say 10% for waiters and 10% for cooks. I insisted on returning the money, so with great reluctance he returned the 200 CZK, saying that he would pay it out of his own money. Well outrageous.
So my wife and I decided to have a coffee somewhere else after lunch. We sent more to the center of Václavák and were about to sit down, when the waiter informed us that payment was only possible in cash. Well, let’s make one more attempt and we went to another restaurant garden, it was free, we sat down, the waiter came, I ordered 2 lunga coffees and I hear: “Payment only in cash”. So I had to accept this game. In my opinion, shameful and unheard of in Western Europe. Today I came to a tobacconist in Olomouc and I see: “payments only in cash.” Would that be contagious?
So just an afterthought: I run a sports bar where I still use EET, pay with cards, mobile phones and I won’t go back. I support this government but I will not forgive them for canceling EET. Again, all cheaters can rub their hands and not pay taxes. And I think there are still enough of them in the Czech Republic.
