GACS Safe TravellerPrague tourist scams: what to watch for, how to react
Prague is very safe from violent crime but has classic tourist scams — money-changer short-changes, taxi overcharging, and 'strip club' bait-and-switches near Wenceslas Square.
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Top 5 scams in Prague
Street money-changer short-change
You give 100 EUR; you get 500 Czech koruna back (worth ~€20) instead of ~2,500.
How it works
Street money-changers (often near Wenceslas Square) or predatory exchange booths advertise 'no commission' with fake buy/sell rates in tiny print. You get 15–30% less than fair value, or old Belarusian rubles that look like koruna.
How to avoid it
- Never change money with a person on the street. It is illegal in Czech Republic — always a scam.
- Use bank ATMs or reputable exchange booths (Exchange.cz, eXchange in Kaprova street) that display the ACTUAL rate you get.
- Prefer paying by card everywhere — Czechia is nearly cashless.
If it happens: do this now
- Count the money in front of them before leaving. Refuse if wrong.
- Report predatory booths to CTA (Czech Trade Authority) at ctia.cz.
'Free shot' strip-bar bill trap
A friendly local invites you for a drink; the bill arrives at €500 with muscle at the door.
How it works
Same pattern as Istanbul — a well-dressed local (often working with English-speaking women) invites you for a drink at 'a great place.' Once inside, drinks are €50–€200, women appear at your table, bill escalates. Security blocks the exit until payment.
How to avoid it
- Never follow strangers to bars in Prague. This scam is documented since the 1990s.
- Do not accept 'let me show you a real Czech place' from anyone you just met.
- Even asking directions can be a lead-in — decline politely and walk away.
If it happens: do this now
- Refuse to pay by card in the venue — you lose chargeback rights.
- Call the police (158) loudly. Real police respond fast and know this scam.
- If forced to pay by card, dispute with your bank as coerced payment within 24h.
Fake taxi at Prague Airport / centre
Unlicensed taxis charge 1,500–3,000 Kč for a 700-Kč ride.
How it works
Airport taxi ranks are policed but touts still approach in arrivals. In the centre, unmarked cars near Old Town Square quote flat fares 2–3× the metered rate.
How to avoid it
- Use Bolt or Uber (both cheap, fixed fare).
- From the airport, use the 'Prague Airport Transfers' fixed-price yellow AAA taxis at the official rank — 700 Kč to city.
- Real taxis have a yellow roof lamp with 'TAXI' and license number on the door.
If it happens: do this now
- Photograph the driver's license (mandatory display).
- Refuse to pay more than metered rate. Threaten to call Municipal Police (156).
- Report to Prague City Hall (praha.eu tourist section).
Restaurant menu switch on Old Town Square
€8 beer, €25 goulash on the outside menu; bill arrives at €70 with mystery charges.
How it works
Restaurants on Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and around Charles Bridge display a menu with prices, then bring one without. Cover charges, 'welcome' bread, and 'live music surcharges' inflate the bill.
How to avoid it
- Eat two streets off any tourist landmark — Vinohrady, Karlín, Holešovice have great local food at half the price.
- Ask for the menu with prices AND ask if there is a cover charge before ordering.
- Verify each item on the bill against the menu.
If it happens: do this now
- Refuse undisclosed charges. Ask for the Kniha přání a stížností (complaint book) — legally required.
- Report to Czech Trade Authority (ctia.cz) — they investigate.
Prague pickpocket teams (Tram 22, Charles Bridge)
Coordinated teams work Tram 22 to the Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock crowd.
How it works
Teams of 3–4 crowd tourists on Tram 22 (especially between Národní třída and Pražský hrad), during Astronomical Clock hourly show, and on Charles Bridge. One distracts, others reach into bags/pockets.
How to avoid it
- Keep bags on the front, zipped, hand on top on Tram 22.
- Watch pockets during the clock show — the crowd is dense on purpose.
- Nothing valuable in outer pockets or open bags.
If it happens: do this now
- Shout for attention — Czechs will help.
- File denuncia at any police station (needed for insurance).
- Cancel cards immediately; Prague teams test cards fast.
Emergency numbers in Czech Republic
Local police & anti-fraud authorities
Prague Tourist Police (Bartolomějská)
+420 974 851 750
Bartolomějská 14, Prague 1 — English-speaking
Czech Trade Authority (bill / exchange fraud)
https://www.coi.cz
Online complaints in English
Most embassies are in Malá Strana (below the Castle) and Vinohrady. Search 'your country embassy Prague'.
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GACS Safe Traveller — Prague, Czech Republic. Updated 2026-07-14. Source: https://gacs.app/safe-traveller/prague
© 2026 GACS — Global Anti-Crime & Safety. Published as a public safety guide. Content updated monthly from government advisories, local police guidance, and verified traveler reports.
Sources: US State Department, UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice, Australian Smartraveller, local police advisories, and reports verified by GACS. Content updated monthly.
