# Services
### 1. What "services" means

- **Services** = work done for someone, usually paid – we don’t buy a physical product, we pay for an **activity or expertise**.
- The **tertiary sector** of the economy.
- Services include both **traditional** (post, bank, hairdresser) and **modern / digital** ones (streaming, cloud, ride-sharing).

### 2. Post office

- Send and receive **letters, postcards, parcels**.
- **Registered mail, express, tracked delivery**.
- Pay bills, send money, buy stamps.
- **Czech Post (Česká pošta)** + private competitors (DPD, PPL, Zásilkovna, GLS).
- **Parcel lockers** (Z-BOX, AlzaBox) are booming.

### 3. Bank

- **Open / close an account, deposit / withdraw money, transfer money.**
- **Internet & mobile banking** – almost everyone uses an app.
- **Loans, mortgages, credit cards, savings accounts, investments.**
- **Currency exchange** (směnárna) for travelling.
- Major banks in CZ: Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, KB, Air Bank, Fio, Moneta, Raiffeisen.

### 4. Hairdresser / barber / beauty salon

- **Cut, wash, dye, blow-dry, perm.**
- Men: short cut, fade, beard trim.
- Women: highlights, colouring, styling.
- **Beauty salon:** manicure, pedicure, eyebrows, eyelashes, facial.
- **Cosmetics / spa / massage.**

### 5. Repair services

- **Car mechanic / garage** – servicing, repairs, MOT (technical inspection / STK in CZ).
- **Electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter** – home repairs.
- **Cobbler / shoe repair, watch repair.**
- **Phone / computer repair shops.**
- **Dry cleaner, tailor (alterations).**

### 6. Healthcare services

- **GP, specialist doctors, dentist, optician, pharmacy.**
- **Hospital (public, private), emergency rooms (ER / A&E).**
- **Ambulance, paramedics (112 emergency number).**
- **Veterinarian** for pets.

### 7. Education services

- **Schools, universities, language schools, courses.**
- **Private tutoring (doučování).**
- **Online courses** – Coursera, Khan Academy, Udemy.

### 8. Public services

- **Town hall / municipality (radnice / magistrát)** – ID cards, passports.
- **Police, fire brigade, ambulance, army.**
- **Czech Post, public transport.**
- **Libraries, museums, public swimming pools.**

### 9. Digital / modern services

- **Streaming:** Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Spotify, YouTube Premium.
- **Cloud:** Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive.
- **Ride-hailing:** Uber, Bolt, Liftago.
- **Food delivery:** Wolt, Bolt Food, Foodora, Dáme jídlo.
- **Accommodation:** Airbnb, Booking.com.
- **Communication:** WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Zoom.
- **Banking apps:** Revolut, Wise, Air Bank.

### 10. Tourist services

- **Travel agencies / tour operators** – CK Fischer, Exim, Čedok.
- **Information centres** (Infocentrum) – maps, brochures.
- **Tour guides, hotels, hostels, B&Bs.**
- **Car rental, taxi.**

### 11. Service quality

- **Good service:** polite, fast, professional, value for money, friendly staff.
- **Bad service:** rude staff, long waiting times, hidden fees, dishonest.
- **Complaints** – officially in writing; refunds; ombudsman; consumer protection (ČOI).
- **Reviews** matter – Google reviews, Heureka, Trustpilot.

### 12. Useful phrases

- *I’d like to book / make an appointment for…*
- *Could you help me with…?*
- *How long will it take?*
- *How much will it cost?*
- *I’d like to make a complaint about…*
- *I’d like to open an account. / I’d like to send this parcel.*

### 13. Speaking strategy

Define what services are (tertiary sector). List a few categories with examples – post, bank, hairdresser, repairs, healthcare, digital. Talk about a recent service you used yourself. Mention how modern apps are replacing traditional services. End with good vs. bad service experiences.