Prague Emergency Card

Tourist Police / 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

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies (English) on 112 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Prague Tourist Police (Bartolomějská) on +420 974 851 750 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/prague

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Street money-changer short-change
   You give 100 EUR; you get 500 Czech koruna back (worth ~€20) instead of ~2,500.
   Avoid: Never change money with a person on the street. It is illegal in Czech Republic — always a scam.
   If it happens: Count the money in front of them before leaving. Refuse if wrong.
2. 2. 'Free shot' strip-bar bill trap
   A friendly local invites you for a drink; the bill arrives at €500 with muscle at the door.
   Avoid: Never follow strangers to bars in Prague. This scam is documented since the 1990s.
   If it happens: Refuse to pay by card in the venue — you lose chargeback rights.
3. 3. Fake taxi at Prague Airport / centre
   Unlicensed taxis charge 1,500–3,000 Kč for a 700-Kč ride.
   Avoid: Use Bolt or Uber (both cheap, fixed fare).
   If it happens: Photograph the driver's license (mandatory display).
4. 4. Restaurant menu switch on Old Town Square
   €8 beer, €25 goulash on the outside menu; bill arrives at €70 with mystery charges.
   Avoid: Eat two streets off any tourist landmark — Vinohrady, Karlín, Holešovice have great local food at half the price.
   If it happens: Refuse undisclosed charges. Ask for the Kniha přání a stížností (complaint book) — legally required.
5. 5. Prague pickpocket teams (Tram 22, Charles Bridge)
   Coordinated teams work Tram 22 to the Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock crowd.
   Avoid: Keep bags on the front, zipped, hand on top on Tram 22.
   If it happens: Shout for attention — Czechs will help.