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Some scams

Central Europe

Tourist scams in Czech Republic

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.
  1. 1 TheftVery commonCrowd and public transport pickpocketingThieves take wallets and other valuables in crowds. Some groups in Prague jostle and surround passengers to distract them, especially when people board or leave transport.Busy sights, crowded public transport, station entrances and escalators. Prague warnings include trams 9, 10 and 22 and central metro stations. Brno warnings include the main train station area and Cejl. 3Read
  2. 2 Changing moneyCommonMisleading currency exchange offersAn 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.Prague 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonTaxi detours and inflated billsA driver takes a longer route to raise the fare or presents an inflated bill. Visitors who do not speak Czech are frequent targets.Prague 3Read
  4. 4 ShoppingCommonOverpriced tourist souvenirsShops charge high tourist prices for mass-produced goods. Sellers also market furry hats and Matryoshka dolls to visitors even though these are Russian items rather than Prague souvenirs.Prague 2Read
  5. 5 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet exchange with worthless foreign notesA stranger offers a tempting exchange rate, then hands over expired Belarusian rubles or old Bulgarian leva instead of Czech money.Prague 2Read
  6. 6 ShoppingOccasionalForeign notes passed off as shop changeA shop gives similar-looking Belarusian rubles as change instead of Czech koruna. This trick is described as less common than it once was.PragueRead
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalFalse fixed taxi fares at the railway stationDrivers show a printed card claiming to list fixed city fares. The card makes a very high price look official.PragueRead
  8. 8 TaxisOccasionalTaxi meter 'turbo' buttonA 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.Prague 1Read
  9. 9 TaxisOccasionalHigh-price taxi stands and lookalike company namesSome companies renting taxi stands charge very high rates. AAA Taxi s.r.o. uses a name resembling AAA Radiotaxi Praha, which can confuse visitors. An information desk at the stand does not guarantee a fair fare.Prague 2Read
  10. 10 TaxisOccasionalOverpriced hotel-arranged taxisA hotel offers a taxi at a much higher price than other companies. The vehicle may have no taxi markings.PragueRead
  11. 11 Cards and ATMsOccasionalCostly ATM withdrawalsA withdrawal carries an ATM fee, and the machine may offer only 1,000 Kč notes. These are costly withdrawal terms rather than a described card-skimming method.Prague 2Read
  12. 12 Changing moneyCommonPoor exchange rates when paying in eurosA business accepts euros but converts the price at a poor rate. Change may be returned in Czech koruna. This can make a convenient payment much more expensive.Stores and accommodation providers that accept or quote prices in euros. 2Read
  13. 13 Food and drinkOccasionalTourist-area drink overpricingVenues in prime tourist spots charge much more for drinks than nearby alternatives. A small serving can also make a price look better than it is.Prague, Karlovy Vary 2Read
  14. 14 NightlifeOccasionalOverpriced nightclub entry and drinksSome clubs charge high prices despite being empty or offering a poor experience. High prices alone do not prove fraud, but visitors can spend far more than expected.Prague 1Read
  15. 15 TheftOccasionalAirport security small-item theftSmall valuables can go missing while belongings pass through airport security.Prague 1Read
  16. 16 NightlifeOccasionalDrink spiking followed by robberyA drink is spiked, leaving the victim vulnerable to robbery.Areas where sex work is common. 1Read
  17. 17 TheftCommonCar theftVehicles are stolen. No specific theft method is described.Prague 1Read
  18. 18 TheftOccasionalStreet robberyRobbery is an increased risk in some areas of these cities. This does not mean the whole city is unsafe.Most, Litvínov, Ústí nad Labem, Ostrava 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Old Town Square, PragueWarnings cover misleading exchange rates, taxi overcharging, high-price taxi stands and expensive drinks.
  • Praha hlavní nádraží, PragueThe main railway station has warnings about false fixed taxi fares, poor exchange rates and costly Euronet withdrawals.
  • Trams 9, 10 and 22, PraguePickpocket groups target crowded vehicles and passengers boarding or leaving.
  • Central metro stations and escalators, PraguePickpockets use crowds and movement to distract passengers.
  • Václav Havel Airport PragueSmall-item theft has been reported at security. Airport-to-hotel journeys are also linked to taxi cheating.
  • Route between Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, PragueSouvenir shops can charge much more than nearby side-street shops for identical goods.
  • Brno main train station and nearby ATMsThe surrounding area has pickpocket warnings. Extra caution is advised after dusk and when withdrawing money.
  • Cejl district, BrnoPickpocket and personal-safety warnings apply, especially at night.
  • Riverside establishments, Karlovy VarySome charge twice as much as places a short distance away.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use Bolt, Liftago, Uber or an established taxi company where available.
  • Compare hotel and station taxi quotes before accepting.
  • Agree the price or fare calculation before departure.
  • Keep the booking details and request a printed receipt.

Money

  • Never exchange cash with a stranger on the street.
  • Ask exactly how many Kč you will receive before handing over money.
  • Read exchange conditions and keep the receipt.
  • Check shop change and compare euro payments with the price in Kč.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check withdrawal fees before confirming.
  • Use an ATM in a well-lit place and stay alert around station ATMs.
  • Shield your PIN and put cash away before leaving.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowded places.
  • Separate your everyday money from spare cash and cards.
  • Stay alert at transport doors and on escalators.
  • Put small valuables inside a larger bag before airport security.
  • Lock your car and leave no valuables visible.

Nights out

  • Check entry fees, drink prices and serving sizes before paying.
  • Keep your drink with you and avoid drinks of uncertain origin.
  • Stay with trusted company if you feel unwell.
  • Keep enough money and phone charge for a safe journey back.

What travellers say about Czech Republic

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams?

Serious violence is rare, but scams and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas. Pay particular attention to cash exchanges, taxi prices and your belongings in crowds.

What is the safest way to book a taxi?

Use an established company or an app such as Bolt, Liftago or Uber where available. Check the price before booking and keep the trip record.

Can I undo a bad currency exchange?

Keep the receipt and return to the same exchange office within 3 hours to request a refund. If refused, ask a nearby city police officer for help or complain to the Czech National Bank.

Should I accept a good exchange offer on the street?

No. Street dealers may give you expired Belarusian rubles or old Bulgarian leva instead of Czech koruna.

Where should I be most alert for pickpockets?

Watch crowded sights and public transport. Specific warnings cover Prague trams 9, 10 and 22, central metro stations and escalators, plus Brno's main station area and Cejl.

Are there ATM traps to watch for?

Check the fee before confirming. Euronet ATMs in Prague are flagged for withdrawal fees and large notes. Stay alert when using ATMs near Brno's main train station.

Is paying in euros a good idea?

Some businesses accept euros, but their conversion rate can be poor. Ask for the price in Kč and check what change you will receive.

How can I avoid paying too much for souvenirs?

Compare shops away from the route between Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. Identical items can cost much less nearby. Ask for an authenticity certificate when buying traditional Czech garnet jewellery.

What should I check before ordering drinks or entering a club?

Check the entry fee, drink prices and serving sizes. Tourist venues can be expensive. Keep your drink with you, as drink spiking followed by robbery has been reported.

What should I do if something disappears at airport security?

Tell security staff immediately and give the lane and time. Before screening, put small valuables inside a larger bag to reduce the chance of loss or theft.

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