Prague, with its stunning architecture and rich history, is undoubtedly one of Europe’s gems. However, like any major tourist destination, it is not immune to scams targeting visitors. Understanding these potential pitfalls will allow you to enjoy a worry-free experience in this beautiful city. Let’s dive into the most common scams in Prague for 2025 and learn how to steer clear of them.
1. Currency Exchange Scams
Many tourists mistakenly think they can exchange their euros for Czech koruna (CZK) with ease. Unfortunately, tourist hotspots, airports, and train stations often feature currency exchange offices that advertise “No Commission” but offer poor rates or hidden fees. There’s also the risk of street exchangers providing counterfeit or worthless currency.
How to Avoid:
- Always check the official exchange rate online before making any transactions.
- Read the fine print at exchange offices.
- Confirm the total amount you’ll receive after all fees before handing over your cash.
- Stick to ATMs belonging to local Czech banks, avoiding independent ATMs like Euronet that impose high fees.
- If you realize you’ve received less money than you should have, Czech law gives you the right to request a refund at the exchange office within 3 hours—just be sure to keep your receipt!
2. Taxi Overcharging and Scams
Taxi scams are prevalent in Prague, especially around tourist hotspots, with tactics like tampered meters, inflated flat rates, and unnecessarily long routes—sometimes resulting in fares up to triple the normal price.
How to Avoid:
- Use reliable ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt, which offer transparent pricing and GPS-tracked routes.
- Always ask the driver for the price in advance before starting your journey.
- Always request a receipt with driver details and a fare breakdown.
- Or, skip the taxi altogether and take advantage of Prague’s excellent public transport system, which is affordable, runs all night, and covers the entire city. For the best experience, download the official PID Lítačka app—you can check routes, get real-time updates, and buy tickets right from your phone (check out our blog for Prague Public Transportation).
Staying savvy with these options will help you move around Prague safely and affordably, day or night.
3. Pickpocketing and Petty Theft
Crowded areas such as Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are hotspots for pickpockets, who often work in teams using distractions to steal valuables.
How to Avoid:
- Keep your bags zipped and positioned in front of you.
- Avoid carrying expensive items in back pockets or loose bags.
- Stay vigilant in crowded places and on public transport.
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passports, cash, and cards.
- Be cautious if someone bumps into you, asks for help, or tries to distract you with petitions or street performances.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended at cafés, restaurants, or outdoor seating areas.
- If possible, only carry what you need for the day and leave valuables in a secure place at your accommodation (for our guests at Plus Prague, we provide safeboxes free of charge—just ask at reception!).
A little extra awareness goes a long way—enjoy Prague with peace of mind!
4. Fake Charity Petitions and Fundraisers
Watch out for people with clipboards who approach you, often near busy tourist spots, asking you to sign a petition or support a charity. It might seem harmless at first, but after you sign, they’ll often pressure you to donate money—sometimes quite aggressively. Sadly, the money usually doesn’t go to any real cause.
How to Avoid:
- A simple “no, thank you” and walking away is your best bet.
- Don’t feel bad for ignoring them—this is a known scam.
- As of March 2025, public fundraising like this is actually banned in Prague’s city center to help stop these kinds of tricks.
- If you do want to support a good cause, it’s always safer to donate through official websites or organizations.
- And if you see someone else getting roped in, giving them a friendly heads-up can really help.
5. Restaurant and Food Stall Scams
It’s not uncommon for some restaurants or food stalls to sneak extra charges onto your bill, include items you didn’t order, or tack on “mandatory” service fees that aren’t actually required.
How to Avoid:
- Always ask for an itemized bill and give it a quick look before paying—don’t be shy about questioning anything that seems off.
- Double-check prices before you order, especially at food stalls or casual spots.
- If you’re offered bread, dips, or other starters, ask if they’re complimentary—sometimes they’ll appear on your bill unexpectedly.
- Don’t feel pressured to tip extra if a service charge is already included.
- Remember, tipping in the Czech Republic is appreciated but not mandatory—if you’re happy with the service, rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% is polite, but you should never feel obliged
6. Shopping and Souvenir Scams
It’s easy to get swept up in Prague’s souvenir shops and markets, but beware—counterfeit goods and overpriced trinkets are everywhere, especially among street vendors. Even items like Bohemian glass and garnet jewelry might not be the real deal.
How to Avoid:
- Stick to reputable shops for high-value items—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Always ask for a certificate of authenticity when buying specialty goods like Bohemian glass or garnet jewelry.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices—markets like Havelské tržiště tend to offer better deals than flashy shops in Old Town.
- Watch out for poor craftsmanship, misspelled brand names, or packaging that looks off—these are red flags for fakes.
- Keep your receipts, especially for pricier purchases, in case you need to return something or verify authenticity later.
- If you’re looking for authentic Czech sweets or snacks, skip the overpriced candy shops in tourist zones and pop into a local supermarket instead.
7. Fake Police & Ticket Controller Scams
Some scammers dress up as police officers or ticket inspectors and try to catch you off guard. They might ask to see your wallet or documents, then swipe your cash or cards when you’re distracted.
How to Avoid:
- Real police officers in Prague will never ask to see your wallet or handle your money on the street.
- If someone claiming to be an officer or ticket inspector approaches you, stay calm and politely ask to see their official ID.
- Don’t be afraid to take your time—genuine officials won’t rush you or act suspiciously.
- If anything feels off, you can always call the police emergency number (156) to double-check.
- For ticket inspections on public transport, real inspectors wear uniforms or official badges and will only ask to see your ticket, not your wallet.
8. ATM and Card Payment Scams
Independent ATMs like Euronet are everywhere in Prague’s center and can hit you with sky-high fees or bad exchange rates
Shops and restaurants may also offer to convert your card payment to your home currency—sounds convenient, but you’ll almost always get a worse deal
How to Avoid:
- Stick to ATMs from Czech banks (look for names like ČSOB, Česká spořitelna, or Moneta). If you see an ATM labeled “Euronet” or offering withdrawals in euros, walk away.
- A little caution at the ATM or checkout means more koruna in your pocket for the fun stuff!
- When paying by card, always choose to be charged in Czech koruna (CZK), not your home currency—let your own bank handle the conversion for a better rate.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN, just to be safe
- If you’re unsure, use Google Maps to search for “bankomat” (the Czech word for ATM) to find a local bank machine
A little caution at the ATM or checkout means more koruna in your pocket for the fun stuff!
Final Tips for a Scam-Free Prague Visit
- Keep your wits about you, especially in busy spots and touristy areas.
- Stick with official services—skip the too-good-to-be-true street deals.
- If something feels off, trust your gut! Walk away or ask for help from local authorities or your accommodation.
- Stay up to date by checking out resources like the Honest Guide YouTube channel—they’re great for the latest scam alerts and local tips.
With just a bit of street smarts, you can soak up all the magic Prague has to offer—without any unwelcome surprises.
And if you’re searching for a comfy, friendly place to call home while you explore, we’d love to welcome you to Plus Prague! Our hostel is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure, and our team is always happy to share tips to make your stay even better. Come experience the best of Prague with us!