Everyday Life in Eastern Europe Tuzex, short for Tuzemský export
(or domestic export), was a set of special stores in Communist
Czechoslovakia. The Communist Party established Tuzex in 1957,
in order to draw hard currency from citizens' pockets into the
coffers of the state. Hard currency, including American dollars
and West German marks, was convertible currency linked to the
international gold standard (unlike currencies in the East
Bloc). The main source of hard currency in the East Bloc was
relatives of Eastern Europeans who sent money to their families.
Other sources included foreign tourists and wages earned abroad.
Tuzex stores carried varieties of luxury goods not available in
regular stores. Western liquors, cigarettes, and
clothing—especially blue jeans—were in-demand items; high-
quality goods domestically produced (often for foreign export)
were also available. Shopping in Tuzex was expensive due to
exchanges one had to make. Initially Czechoslovaks had to use
hard currency; later they could use re