Misleading currency exchange offers in Czech Republic

An office advertises 0% commission or a good-looking rate but gives a much worse return. The attractive rate may apply only to large exchanges, or the board may highlight the wrong side of the transaction. Staff may falsely say a printed receipt means you cannot cancel.

A large rate board has small print about minimum amounts. The main board says "we sell" without clearly showing what you will receive. Staff will not confirm the exact payout before taking your money.

Ask for the exact amount of Kč you will receive before handing over money. Read the conditions rather than relying on a 0% commission sign. Compare rates with a bank or official tourist information centre. Keep your exchange receipt.

Return to the same office with your receipt within 3 hours and request a refund. If refused, ask a nearby city police officer to help. You can also complain to the Czech National Bank.

Exchange offices near tourist sights, especially Old Town Square, and inside Praha hlavní nádraží. It has been reported in Prague.

Some offices offer roughly half the normal exchange rate.

Common. 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.

Yes: street exchange with worthless foreign notes, poor exchange rates when paying in euros.

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.

General emergency: 112, Police: 158, Medical emergency: 155, Fire brigade: 150.