Scam in Czech RepublicChanging money
Street exchange with worthless foreign notes in Czech Republic
How it works
A stranger offers a tempting exchange rate, then hands over expired Belarusian rubles or old Bulgarian leva instead of Czech money.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers to exchange money on the street.
- The offered rate looks unusually generous.
- You cannot identify the notes being offered.
How to avoid it
- Never exchange money with street dealers.
- Use a bank, official tourist information centre or carefully checked exchange office.
- Learn to recognise Czech koruna notes before handling cash.
If it happens to you
Do not pursue the dealer. Note their description and location, keep the notes and report the fraud to police. Recovery may be difficult.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Prague2025Scammed in kampa this morningA traveller reports exchanging 2,000 crowns for a stranger's smaller banknotes before discovering that the notes were rubles.Read on Reddit
- News2026Prague's notorious fake money scam is still running: How to avoid getting caughtThe article reports police arrests of men accused of giving tourists worthless expired Belarusian rubles in exchange for euros and dollars.Read on News
Questions
What is the street exchange with worthless foreign notes scam in Czech Republic?
A stranger offers a tempting exchange rate, then hands over expired Belarusian rubles or old Bulgarian leva instead of Czech money.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers to exchange money on the street. The offered rate looks unusually generous. You cannot identify the notes being offered.
How do I avoid street exchange with worthless foreign notes in Czech Republic?
Never exchange money with street dealers. Use a bank, official tourist information centre or carefully checked exchange office. Learn to recognise Czech koruna notes before handling cash.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not pursue the dealer. Note their description and location, keep the notes and report the fraud to police. Recovery may be difficult.
Where in Czech Republic does this happen?
Streets in tourist areas. It has been reported in Prague.
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: misleading currency exchange offers, poor exchange rates when paying in euros.
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