Scam in Czech RepublicTaxis
Taxi detours and inflated bills in Czech Republic
How it works
A driver takes a longer route to raise the fare or presents an inflated bill. Visitors who do not speak Czech are frequent targets.
Warning signs
- The driver avoids agreeing how the fare will be calculated.
- The route seems to take an unnecessary detour.
- The driver refuses a printed receipt.
How to avoid it
- Book through Bolt, Liftago or Uber, or a major taxi company.
- Agree the price before leaving or insist on the meter.
- Follow the route on your phone.
- Ask for a printed receipt with the driver's details.
If it happens to you
If presented with an incorrect bill, call the police. Record the plate, taxi licence number and driver details, and contact the taxi company.
- 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.
- Travel blogPrague Scams and Frauds - Livingprague.comThe author describes unnecessary detours, fast meters and inflated tariffs used to increase taxi bills.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/Prague2026Prague Taxi ScamsA tourist alleges that a short ride to the railway station ended with a €50 fare and a banknote swap that increased their total loss to €150.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorPrague ForumTaxi fraud - Prague Forum - TripadvisorA traveller asks how to report a €124 taxi charge for a journey from the train station to Hotel U Páva.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the taxi detours and inflated bills scam in Czech Republic?
A driver takes a longer route to raise the fare or presents an inflated bill. Visitors who do not speak Czech are frequent targets.
How can I spot it early?
The driver avoids agreeing how the fare will be calculated. The route seems to take an unnecessary detour. The driver refuses a printed receipt.
How do I avoid taxi detours and inflated bills in Czech Republic?
Book through Bolt, Liftago or Uber, or a major taxi company. Agree the price before leaving or insist on the meter. Follow the route on your phone. Ask for a printed receipt with the driver's details.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If presented with an incorrect bill, call the police. Record the plate, taxi licence number and driver details, and contact the taxi company.
Where in Czech Republic does this happen?
Journeys between the airport or railway station and hotels, and around Old Town Square. It has been reported in Prague.
How common is this scam in Czech Republic?
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.
Are there similar scams in Czech Republic?
Yes: false fixed taxi fares at the railway station, 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