Destinations › Czechia › Prague › Scams
Prague, Czechia
12 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Prague, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Unlicensed taxis at tourist spots overcharge by 5–10x; stick to app-based rides (Uber, Bolt) or clearly marked official taxis.
Scammers posing as police or ticket inspectors ask to see a wallet or documents, then take cash or cards while the tourist is distracted — real police won't handle your money on the street.
Strip club scam: attractive women near Old Town Square invite tourists to a nearby club; drinks are sometimes spiked, and the bill on leaving is massive.
Bars near Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square charge tourist rates up to 10x normal with no visible menu — always ask for priced menus before ordering.
Currency exchange booths near Wenceslas Square/Old Town advertise "no commission" but display buy/sell rates that favor the house, or apply a steep hidden fee at the counter.
Pickpocketing on Tram 22, popular with tourists heading to Prague Castle.
Fake metro ticket inspectors work in groups, declare a valid ticket invalid, and demand an on-the-spot cash "fine" — legitimate inspectors must show credentials on request.
Restaurants near the Astronomical Clock add an unlisted "tourist menu" charge or overcharge for items with no price shown.
ATM skimming devices reported on machines in high-foot-traffic tourist areas near Old Town — use bank-attached ATMs where possible.
Unofficial sellers near the Charles Bridge offering "skip the line" castle or river-cruise tickets at inflated prices.
Charity petition scam near tourist squares — legitimate charities don't solicit donations this way in Czechia.
Dropped-camera scam: a "tourist" hands over their camera for a photo, then deliberately drops it on return and demands payment for the "damage."
