Police
158 (Czech) or 112 (EU emergency)
Ambulance
155
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
Currency Exchange Scams
Exchange offices advertise "No Commission" but offer terrible rates (sometimes 30-40% worse than official rates) or hidden fees buried in fine print. Street exchangers give counterfeit or worthless currency.
Use ATMs from Czech banks only (ČSOB, Česká spořitelna, Moneta). Avoid Euronet ATMs. Check official exchange rate online first. Czech law allows refunds within 3 hours if you keep receipt.
Taxi Overcharging
Taxis at tourist spots (Old Town Square, train station, airport) use rigged meters or quote flat rates 3-5x normal fares. Drivers take unnecessarily long routes.
Use Uber or Bolt apps exclusively. Never use taxis waiting at tourist spots. If must use taxi, agree on price before entering and request receipt with driver details.
Pickpocketing (Charles Bridge & Old Town)
Teams of pickpockets work crowded tourist areas. One distracts (asks for directions, drops something, bumps into you) while accomplice steals from bags/pockets.
Front-facing cross-body bags with zippers. Money belt for valuables. Extra vigilant on trams 22 and 23 (tourist routes). Never put phone/wallet in back pocket.
Fake Charity Petitions
People with clipboards approach tourists asking to sign petitions for "deaf children" or other causes. After signing, they aggressively demand donations ($20-50). Money never reaches any charity.
Never stop for clipboard holders. Simple "no thank you" and keep walking. As of March 2025, public fundraising is banned in Prague city center.
Restaurant Bill Padding
Restaurants add unrequested items (bread, appetizers, "cover charge") to bills. Some charge per person for bread baskets. Hidden service fees added without disclosure.
Always request itemized bill. Ask if bread/starters are complimentary before accepting. Check bill carefully before paying. Tipping is optional (10% if satisfied).
Fake Police/Ticket Inspector Scam
Scammers dress as police or ticket inspectors, ask to see wallet or documents, then steal cash/cards while "inspecting" them.
Real police NEVER ask to see your wallet or handle money on street. Ask for official ID. Call 156 (police) to verify if suspicious. Real ticket inspectors only check tickets, not wallets.
ATM Currency Conversion Scam (DCC)
ATMs (especially Euronet) and card terminals offer to charge in your home currency instead of CZK. This "Dynamic Currency Conversion" uses terrible exchange rates, costing 5-10% extra.
ALWAYS choose to pay in Czech Koruna (CZK), never your home currency. Let your home bank do the conversion. Avoid Euronet ATMs completely.
Counterfeit Souvenir Scams
Fake Bohemian glass, fake garnet jewelry, and counterfeit brand goods sold as authentic in tourist shops. Street vendors sell low-quality items at inflated prices.
Buy specialty items (glass, garnets) only from reputable shops with certificates of authenticity. Compare prices at multiple shops. Check for poor craftsmanship and misspellings.
"Closed" Tourist Site Scam
Scammers near Prague Castle or other sites claim attraction is closed, then offer alternative tours or sell fake tickets.
Verify hours on official websites. Ignore street touts. Buy tickets only at official ticket offices or verified online platforms.
Overpriced Tourist Menu Restaurants
Restaurants on Old Town Square and near Charles Bridge charge 3-4x normal prices. Some have "tourist menus" with inflated prices separate from local menus.
Walk 2-3 blocks away from main tourist areas for authentic prices. Check Google reviews. Ask to see menu with prices before sitting.
Strip Club Scams
Promoters offer "free entry" or "free drinks." Once inside, tourists are pressured to buy overpriced drinks ($50-200 each) and threatened if they refuse to pay massive bills ($1000+).
Avoid all strip clubs in Prague, especially in Wenceslas Square area. If you enter and see inflated prices, leave immediately. Call police (156) if threatened.
Train Station Luggage "Helpers"
Men at Prague Main Station grab luggage claiming to help, then demand payment (200-500 CZK for short distances). Some work in teams to distract while accomplice steals bags.
Firmly decline all unsolicited help. Watch luggage constantly. Use official porters with ID badges if needed.
Fake Airbnb Listings
Scammers create fake Airbnb listings with stolen photos. After payment, property doesn't exist or is already occupied. 120+ cases reported in Prague since Sept 2024, average loss €900.
Book only through official Airbnb platform (not external payment). Check reviews carefully. Verify property exists on Google Maps. Never wire money directly to hosts.
Safe Attractions
Prague Castle
Popular tourist destination
Charles Bridge
Popular tourist destination
Old Town Astronomical Clock
Popular tourist destination
Vyšehrad
Popular tourist destination
Petřín Tower
Popular tourist destination