Prague is one of the safest capitals in Europe for violent crime — but like any heavily touristed city, it has its share of people looking to relieve visitors of a few extra euros. Most of these aren’t dangerous, just annoying and expensive if you don’t see them coming. Here’s what to watch for.
Money & Payment Scams
Currency exchange rip-offs. Some exchange booths in Old Town advertise a fantastic rate on a big board out front, then apply a “commission” once you’re at the counter, or display a great rate for selling euros and a terrible one for buying them back. Always ask for the total amount in koruna before handing over any cash, and stick to well-known chains rather than the flashiest sign you see.
“Sorry, the card machine is broken.” This one’s been popping up more recently. A restaurant claims their card reader isn’t working and asks for cash instead — then offers a badly skewed euro-to-koruna exchange rate, sometimes as much as 10% below the real rate. If you can, insist on paying by card, or check the current exchange rate on your phone before agreeing to pay in euros.
Hidden charges and double pricing. Watch for a “cover charge” quietly added to your bill, or menus where the printed price and the spoken price don’t match. This is far more common in restaurants directly on the main tourist routes than a few streets away.
Taxi Overcharging
Grabbing a cab off the street, especially at the airport or around Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, is where you’re most likely to get overcharged — sometimes triple the fair price. The safest options are booking through Bolt or Uber, or arranging an airport transfer in advance. If you do need a street taxi, agree on the price (or confirm the meter is running) before you get in.
Street Scams
Fake ticket inspectors. Groups posing as metro staff will stop you, claim your ticket is invalid, and demand an on-the-spot fine. Real inspectors are required to show a badge — ask for one, and if they can’t produce it, insist on calling the police.
The “lost tourist” con. Someone asks for help with directions; while you’re talking, their “friends” show up claiming to be plainclothes police and accuse you of a violation, then ask to see your wallet or passport. Real police won’t ask to inspect your wallet on the street — politely decline and walk away.
Unwinnable street games and bets. Three-cup monte, rigged strength tests, and “double your money” games are designed so you can’t actually win. Enjoy them as a spectator sport, not a wager.
Fake drugs. Around nightlife areas, you may be approached by someone offering to sell cocaine or other drugs — what you’ll actually get, if you’re foolish enough to buy it, is often just crushed paracetamol or another harmless powder. Aside from the obvious legal risk of buying illegal drugs, you’re also just paying a stranger on the street for a headache tablet. Best advice: don’t engage at all.
Pickpocketing. Standard big-city precautions apply, especially in crowds. Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, and the area around Prague Castle see the most reported incidents.
Tourist Traps (Not Scams, But Skip Them)
A few attractions right on the main tourist drag — like the “medieval torture museum” near Charles Bridge — charge a premium for what amounts to a small room of cheap props. Not a scam exactly, just not worth your money or time.
Quick Checklist to Protect Yourself
- Use Bolt/Uber or pre-booked transfers instead of hailing taxis on the street
- Confirm exchange rates and totals before paying, and use reputable exchange chains
- Ask any “official” for ID/a badge before complying with anything
- Avoid buying anything, drugs included, from strangers on the street
- Eat and drink a few streets back from the main squares for better prices and service
- Keep bags zipped and phones out of back pockets in crowded areas
Prague’s charm hasn’t dimmed because of a handful of scammers — knowing what to look out for means you can spend your time enjoying the castle, the beer, and the architecture instead of untangling a bad taxi fare.
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