#Expats Stories: James Onyett, a UK-born barber based in Prague
What’s it like to live and work in the Czech Republic as an expat? We spoke with James Onyett, a UK-born barber based in Prague, to hear about his experience.
What inspired you to move to the Czech Republic, and how long have you been living here?
I was inspired to move to the Czech Republic in 2011, about 14 years ago, after meeting my fiancée. We had been dating for a while, and as her time as an au pair in the UK was coming to an end, I saw an opportunity for a new adventure. I had been considering a change of scenery even before meeting her, and this felt like the perfect moment to take the leap. Plus, the idea of making a grand gesture for love really appealed to me.
What were your first impressions of the Czech Republic, and how have they changed over time?
My first impressions of the Czech Republic were overwhelmingly positive. I was captivated by the Gothic architecture of Prague’s Old Town, the beautiful rolling countryside, and how affordable it was to go out and be social. I also appreciated the diverse mix of age groups in the places we visited—whether in pubs, restaurants, or music bars. Seeing people of all ages together creates a more respectful and balanced atmosphere than when one age group dominates.
One of the things I loved most about Czechia was how safe it feels, no matter the time of day. I’m especially grateful that my two children get to grow up in such a secure environment.
Over time, my feelings about living here haven’t really changed. While prices—like everywhere—are gradually rising, it still feels more affordable than many other countries. The balance between income and cost of living remains fair, making for a great quality of life.
How does the work culture in the Czech Republic compare to that of the UK?
When it comes to work culture in the Czech Republic, I’ve noticed a few differences, but they don’t really affect my field. I’ve been a barber for over 20 years, and I got my first job here 10 years ago at the very first barbershop in the country since the end of the war. It was an amazing experience—seeing the excitement on men’s faces when they discovered a men-only barbershop, a place where they could feel a bit pampered (even if they wouldn’t always admit it). For many, it was a brand-new experience, something that had long been a monthly routine in the UK. Watching them walk out looking and feeling great was incredibly rewarding—it inspires me to keep improving and fills me with gratitude.
Over time, I’ve seen Czechia catch up with other countries in terms of men’s hair products and grooming accessories—something that was quite limited when I first arrived. It’s great to see how much the industry has evolved!
Outside of my field, I’ve noticed a few differences in the job market. From speaking with clients in my chair, I get the impression that companies in the Czech Republic prioritize educational qualifications over work experience—which isn’t always the case in the UK.
I’ve heard from people with decades of experience in their field who were told they were perfect for the job, yet still didn’t get hired because they lacked a degree or master’s, even if their skills and experience were more than sufficient. It seems that having a degree is highly valued, sometimes even more than whether the degree is actually relevant to the job.
What are some of the biggest challenges you faced when adapting to life in the Czech Republic?
My biggest challenge while adapting to life in the Czech Republic was the language. That’s not to say you can’t get by with just the basics—especially in Prague, where many people speak English—but I truly believe that if you plan to stay long-term, making the effort to learn more of the language enriches the experience. It opens up more opportunities for deeper connections and a better understanding of the culture.
How has learning Czech impacted your experience as an expat?
Learning Czech to a conversational level (though I’m still not perfect!) has really helped me feel more integrated. Being able to understand most of what’s happening around me makes it much easier to participate in everyday life. People also seem genuinely happy when they realize I can understand them, let alone respond.
Improving my Czech has also given me a deeper insight into the local mindset and cultural approaches, which can sometimes differ from what I was used to. More than anything, it has made me feel more at home here.
A big highlight for me is going on a Čundr—a traditional Czech walking trip through nature—with my Czech friends a couple of times a year. We sleep under the stars, hike through the beautiful countryside, and, to be honest, spend most of the time drinking and joking around. It’s a full immersion in the Czech language, four days of speaking nothing but Czech. I look forward to it every year, and I always come back with better language skills, a stronger bond with my friends, and a deeper connection to Czech culture.
What do you appreciate most about living in the Czech Republic?
One of the things I’ve appreciated most about Czechia is how safe it feels to be out in public, no matter the time of day. It’s something I don’t take for granted, and I feel incredibly grateful that my two children get to grow up in such a secure and comfortable environment.
Are there any misconceptions people outside the Czech Republic have about living here?
One of the most common misconceptions I hear from people outside the Czech Republic is that they think Czechia is in Eastern Europe, when in fact, it’s about as central as you can get.
Another misconception is about low wages. While salaries might seem lower when converted to other currencies, the cost of living balances things out, allowing for a high quality of life—as long as you’re not constantly traveling abroad.
Personally, my quality of life here is much better than it was in the UK, even though I earned more there. As I mentioned earlier, it’s all about money in, money out—and here, that balance just works better for me.
What advice would you give to other English speakers considering relocating to the Czech Republic?
I would advise them to make sure they have an Apostille on all relevant documents they’ll need for life outside their home country. Bureaucracy in the Czech Republic is very strict, and having everything properly prepared will save a lot of stress.
Once your documents are stamped with the Apostille, you’ll also need to have them officially translated into Czech by a certified translator. This will make things much easier when dealing with the Ministry of the Interior for residence applications or any other official matters—such as marriage certificates, birth certificates for your children, and more
James works at Barbershop Jaselska in Prague 6 for bookings visit their website Barbershop Jaselska, Dejvice Praha 6 or call 725 313 756
Instagram @Barbershopjaselska
Facebook: Barbershop Jaselská
