EXPAT VOICES: Internationals in Czechia on dating-scene culture clash

The season of love is upon us, whether you are single or taken and like it or not. Dating is difficult – expats in Czechia will know all too well that doing so in a different country makes life even harder.

Language barriers, cultural differences, different customs, and not knowing “where to go” can all create a frustrating experience when meeting new people in the country. 

We wanted to get readers’ opinions on dating in the Czech Republic – we asked for your thoughts about the differences between dating locals and people from your own country. Many people pointed out personality- and culture-based differences, and opinion was split on whether dating here was overall harder or easier than back home.

Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Several readers commented on Czechs’ personalities and relatively reserved nature. 

“I am from Italy, and dating is much different there. Czech men are very reserved and will probably wait until the second or third date to show a physical approach and engagement. In my country, dating is much more direct and sensual. This is not a bad thing – I just found interactions difficult in the beginning. With a Czech, I can never really tell if they are interested,” said reader Giulia. 

“As a Latino, I love to kiss and hug others…here, it can be difficult to find ‘warm’ people,” said Roberto. He says that Czechs being typically “cold” can also make it harder to date locals. Along the same lines, reader Diana believes that Czechs can be “closed towards expats.”

Reader Joaquín critiques Czechs’ occasional reserve when dating. “The lack of politeness can be an issue: sometimes Czechs can be rude (on an international scale). I learned not to take it personally, though – it's just cultural,” he says.

Others spoke about the desire for commitment and relationships. Reader James said some Czechs are “obsessed with being in a relationship.” Another reader thought that “Czech women look for huge commitment.” 

On the flip side, reader Dan thought that Czechs usually “have sex earlier” than in other cultures and countries. Amy said: “Sometimes, due to cultural/language differences, it's difficult to understand upfront what someone is looking for (a one-night thing or long term) without being very direct.”

Some readers mentioned Czechs’ rather traditionalistic values. “It's a relatively conservative place here, and it is hard to come by people with less herd mentality,” says one reader. “I feel like Czech people are very conservative when it comes to gender roles,” added Daniel. Similarly, reader Jan notes the “firm adherence to traditions” in Czechia.

Reader Xen criticizes what he believes to be still-held traditional gender standards in Czechia: that “men have to provide and women must take care of them.”

Some readers said that Czechs – due to cultural differences – seem less likely to date expats in Czechia.

One reader noted that Czechs could often be unfairly discriminatory, even racist, to people of other cultures. Other readers said that, due to language barriers, Czechs prefer to date people from their own country.

“Having a meaningful relationship here is harder because people are not very social. Also, there is a lack of shared cultural references between Czechs and some foreigners. With people from a similar culture, I can talk for hours about movies, music, and books that are not popular here. I believe Czechs must feel the same when talking to us,” says Daniel.

When we asked readers whether dating in Czechia is easier or harder, we received a mix of responses – with about half saying it was more difficult.

Giulia, from Italy, thinks dating here is harder: “I think Italians leave a lot of space for social interaction, so if you're attracted to someone, it's pretty easy to approach them. We're more direct and extroverted, so you clearly understand what someone's intentions are, unlike here.”

“Here, you need to be open-minded to the fact you will probably date someone from another country – not everyone is open to this,” observes Berta.

Others believe dating in Czechia is trickier due to perceived overall higher standards and expectations. 

However, some find it easier to date here. Amy believes that Czechs are generally “more open” compared to people from other countries.

Dating apps were comfortably the most common answer. Some found in-person dating was tricky due to cultural differences and because foreigners were in the minority.

“Meet-ups barely work here in the Czech Republic – usually, there's an expat world and a Czech world, when it comes to social life.”

Mutual friends were also a frequent pick – though some readers pointed out that this often could make situations “awkward.” One person said they had experience dating a work colleague, and others said they preferred meeting people in bars and nights out.

A few readers pointed out the benefit of knowing Czech and how this makes dating more straightforward in the country. “Dating is easier for me because it's all a chance to practice using Czech. And I think I have more men to choose from and feel safer here,” said one reader.