Misleading exchange rates, overpriced taxis, pickpockets, fake police and inflated bar bills: the 5 most common Prague tourist traps and how to spot them.
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The 5 most common Prague scams
The exchange rate that does not apply to you
How it worksThe rate outside looks appealing, but it applies to the opposite direction of exchange. When you hand over euros, you receive fewer Czech korunas than you expected.
WhereCurrency exchange offices in tourist areas.
How to protect yourself
- Ask for the exact amount in CZK before handing over any money.
- Compare the amount you will receive, not just the headline rate in the window.
- Keep the receipt. If you misunderstood the rate, the reversal rules in the FAQ may help.
The taxi with a surprise fare
How it worksA driver offers you a ride on the street. You only realise later how high the tariff is. Some drivers pose as taxi services in unmarked cars and overcharge for the journey.
WhereTourist hotspots and unsolicited street offers.
How to protect yourself
- Book with an established taxi company instead of accepting an unsolicited ride.
- Check the rates displayed on the side of the car and clarify the fare before getting in.
- Avoid unmarked cars whose drivers claim to be taxi services.
Pickpockets in the crowds
How it worksWhile you focus on the view or your next stop, someone can reach your valuables unnoticed. Crowded transport and busy sights are places to keep your belongings close.
WhereBusy tourist areas, including when visiting Charles Bridge, crowded airport connections and trams towards Prague Castle. The map marks a sightseeing reference point, not a measured crime zone.
How to protect yourself
- Keep your phone and money in a closed bag close to your body.
- Never leave bags or valuables unattended, including while taking photos.
- Report a theft to the police and get a report for your insurer.
The supposed police cash check
How it worksSomeone in plain clothes claims to be a police officer and asks to see your passport and foreign currency. The supposed check is a way to get you to show your money. Fake demands for fines are also documented.
WhereUnexpected checks on the street.
How to protect yourself
- Do not show strangers your cash. Offer to resolve the matter at the nearest police station.
- Call 112 if you are unsure and ask to have their identity checked.
- Remember that real police can check your identity. A request to inspect your cash is a separate warning sign.
The bar with an inflated final bill
How it worksThe evening seems straightforward until the bill arrives. Official advice warns about inflated bills and high consumption charges in nightclubs. Losing a consumption card can bring hefty financial penalties too.
WhereBars, nightclubs and other nightlife venues.
How to protect yourself
- Check prices before ordering and ask about anything unclear.
- Keep any consumption card safe until you have settled the bill.
- Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
Travel Prague with fewer surprises
The five scams above are the best known, but they aren’t the only ones. Which ones really matter depends on how you travel: solo, with family, on a budget, or in peak season. That’s why TravelCheck on iPhone builds your own Prague list, usable offline, with Czech phrases you can play aloud.
FAQ
Is Prague safe?
Prague is manageable with a few sensible precautions. Official advice highlights petty crime in tourist areas, overpriced taxis and scams. Keep valuables secure in crowds, check prices first and never leave drinks unattended.
How much are public transport tickets in Prague?
A standard paper ticket costs 39 CZK for 30 minutes, 50 CZK for 90 minutes and 150 CZK for 24 hours. Short tickets cover metro, tram and bus journeys within Prague, but not the Petřín funicular or Airport Express. Validate an unstamped paper ticket before starting your journey.
Can I reverse a bad currency exchange?
You can reverse the transaction at the same exchange office within three hours by presenting the receipt, without giving a reason. This applies up to an amount of 1,000 euros. Still, confirm the exact amount you will receive before exchanging money.
How do I spot fake police in Prague?
Someone in plain clothes wanting to inspect your cash is a warning sign. Do not show your money. Offer to go to the nearest police station and call 112 to check their identity. Real officers can check your identity, so a police check alone does not mean fraud.
What is the emergency number in Prague?
Call 112 in an emergency, or 158 for Czech police. The police station at Jungmannovo náměstí 9 near Můstek is open around the clock. The German Foreign Office says it has staff who speak English and German.
