Scam in Czech RepublicTaxis
Taxi meter 'turbo' button in Czech Republic
How it works
A driver uses a hidden 'turbo' button to make a tampered meter increase faster than it should. A meter and receipt do not rule out this trick.
Warning signs
- The fare rises unusually fast.
- The final charge is far above the price you expected.
How to avoid it
- Use an app that shows the booking price.
- Watch the meter during the trip.
- Keep the booking details and request a printed receipt.
If it happens to you
Call the police if the bill is incorrect. Record the vehicle 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.
Questions
What is the taxi meter 'turbo' button scam in Czech Republic?
A driver uses a hidden 'turbo' button to make a tampered meter increase faster than it should. A meter and receipt do not rule out this trick.
How can I spot it early?
The fare rises unusually fast. The final charge is far above the price you expected.
How do I avoid taxi meter 'turbo' button in Czech Republic?
Use an app that shows the booking price. Watch the meter during the trip. Keep the booking details and request a printed receipt.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Call the police if the bill is incorrect. Record the vehicle and driver details and contact the taxi company.
Where in Czech Republic does this happen?
Taxis. 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: taxi detours and inflated bills, false fixed taxi fares at the railway station, 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