Scam in Czech RepublicTaxis
False fixed taxi fares at the railway station in Czech Republic
How it works
Drivers show a printed card claiming to list fixed city fares. The card makes a very high price look official.
Warning signs
- A driver uses a printed card to claim a compulsory fixed fare.
- The rank looks official, but the quoted price is very high.
How to avoid it
- Do not treat a printed fare card as proof of an official price.
- Compare the quote with an app booking.
- Use the station's metro connection instead.
If it happens to you
Before travelling, decline and leave. If already overcharged, record the vehicle details, keep any receipt and contact the company or police.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront a group.
- If you are threatened or injured, call 112. For police, call 158; for a medical emergency, call 155.
- Block stolen cards through your bank or card issuer. Secure affected accounts.
- Save receipts, booking records and screenshots. Write down the time, place and vehicle or business details.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference. For a bad currency exchange, return with the receipt within 3 hours to request a refund.
- Contact your insurer, rental company or embassy as relevant. Ask your card issuer about disputed payments.
Questions
What is the false fixed taxi fares at the railway station scam in Czech Republic?
Drivers show a printed card claiming to list fixed city fares. The card makes a very high price look official.
How can I spot it early?
A driver uses a printed card to claim a compulsory fixed fare. The rank looks official, but the quoted price is very high.
How do I avoid false fixed taxi fares at the railway station in Czech Republic?
Do not treat a printed fare card as proof of an official price. Compare the quote with an app booking. Use the station's metro connection instead.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Before travelling, decline and leave. If already overcharged, record the vehicle details, keep any receipt and contact the company or police.
Where in Czech Republic does this happen?
The official-looking taxi rank beside Praha hlavní nádraží. It has been reported in Prague.
How much can it cost me?
1,760 Kč for a trip within the city centre zone, with higher prices for longer trips.
How common is this scam in Czech Republic?
Occasional. The Czech Republic is generally safe, but scams and pickpocketing are common in busy tourist areas, especially in high season. Watch for taxi overcharging, misleading exchange rates, worthless foreign money and theft in crowds. Most detailed warnings concern Prague, with pickpocket warnings also covering parts of Brno.
Are there similar scams in Czech Republic?
Yes: taxi detours and inflated bills, taxi meter 'turbo' button, high-price taxi stands and lookalike company names.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 158 for police assistance or 112 in an emergency. For a theft or fraud report, provide the location, time, receipts and any vehicle or business details. City police (městská policie): if a Prague exchange office refuses a refund requested within 3 hours, politely ask a nearby city police officer to accompany you and help. Czech National Bank: file a complaint if an exchange office refuses the refund. Keep your receipt and a record of the refusal. Taxi company: report the disputed fare with the receipt, licence plate, taxi licence number and driver's name, if available. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to block missing cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about payment disputes. Airport security staff: report missing items immediately at the screening area. Give the screening lane, time and item description. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep the police report, receipts and evidence of your loss. Your embassy or consulate: contact it through official channels if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Czech Republic?
General emergency: 112, Police: 158, Medical emergency: 155, Fire brigade: 150.
Reviewed by @snuck