Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Prague, Czechia

1. Coin Scam at Charles Bridge

Tourists are often approached to exchange coins for 'rare' Prague gold. The coins are not real and the scammers keep your money.

Unsuspecting Targets: Mainly targets tourists who are unaware of local currency
Busy Attraction: Occurs at the busy Charles Bridge, making it hard to spot scammers
Quick Exchange: Scammers try to make the exchange quick to avoid suspicion

Some taxi drivers may overcharge unsuspecting tourists. It's best to use pre-paid taxis or apps.

Unfamiliar Destination: Tourists unaware of local pricing are targeted
Lack of Regulation: Not all taxi services are regulated, leading to overcharging
Inadequate Knowledge: Tourists may not be familiar with local pricing or routes

Markets selling counterfeit goods often target tourists. Be careful when shopping for souvenirs.

Lure of Cheap Prices: Counterfeit items are often cheaper than original ones
Attractive Displays: Counterfeit goods may look similar to original items
Busy Marketplaces: Occurs in busy marketplaces where it's hard to spot counterfeits

Wenceslas Square is a popular pickpocketing spot. Keep your belongings secure.

Crowded Area: Pickpockets take advantage of the crowd
Distraction Techniques: Pickpockets often use distraction techniques to steal
Unattended Belongings: Belongings left unattended are an easy target

Unlicensed guides may offer cheap tours but lead you to overpriced shops. Always check for official licensing.

Cheap Prices: Tours are often priced cheaper than legitimate ones
Lack of Licensing: Unlicensed guides may not have the necessary permits
Pressure Tactics: Guides may use pressure tactics to convince you to join their tour

Restaurants in Old Town Square may overcharge or serve poor quality food. Research restaurants before dining.

Location: Restaurants near popular attractions often overcharge
Menu Translation Errors: Menus may have translation errors, making prices unclear
Low Food Quality: Some restaurants serve low-quality food to unsuspecting tourists

Skimmers may attach devices to ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or in well-lit areas.

Unsecured ATMs: ATMs without proper security measures are more likely to be targeted
Card Information Theft: Skimmers steal your card information for fraudulent use
ATM Location: ATMs in isolated or dimly-lit areas are more susceptible to skimming

Fake police officers may approach you asking for documents or money. Legitimate police will never ask for money.

False Identification: Imposters use fake identification
Document Demand: They may ask for your documents or money under the guise of a check
Pressure Tactics: They may use pressure tactics to scare you into complying

Some street performers may demand excessive tips. Tip generously but fairly.

Demanding Tips: Performers may demand an unreasonable amount for their performance
Poor Quality Performance: Some performances may not be up to par with the requested tip
Busy Areas: Performers often concentrate in busy tourist areas

Fake petition signers may approach you to sign a petition. They may take your pen or ask for money.

Unsolicited Approach: Petition signers may approach unsuspecting tourists
Demand for Money or Personal Belongings: They may demand money or your personal belongings after signing
Fake Petitions: Some petitions are not real, and the signatures are used for fraudulent purposes

Unscrupulous money changers may give you less than what was agreed. Use reputable exchange services.

Unfair Exchange Rates: Money changers may offer unfavorable exchange rates
Lack of Regulation: Not all money changers are regulated, leading to fraudulent practices
Busy Marketplaces: Money changers often operate in busy marketplaces

Unscrupulous parking attendants may charge excessive fees or damage your vehicle. Park in well-established parking lots.

Exorbitant Fees: Parking attendants may charge unreasonable fees for parking
Damage to Vehicle: Some parking attendants may damage your vehicle and claim damages
Lack of Supervision: Unsupervised parking areas are more likely to have scams

Some locals may befriend you and then ask for money or guide you to overpriced shops. Be cautious of unsolicited help.

Friendly Appearance: Scammers may appear friendly and helpful
Demand for Money or Guidance: They may ask for money or guide you to overpriced shops after befriending you
Busy Areas: Scammers often operate in busy tourist areas

Counterfeit money may be given as change by some merchants or street vendors. Always check your change.

Unsuspecting Targets: Tourists unaware of local currency are the main targets
Inadequate Knowledge: Tourists may not be familiar with local currency or differences between real and counterfeit money
Lack of Regulation: Not all merchants are regulated, leading to the use of counterfeit money

Some ticket vendors may sell fake or overpriced tickets for attractions. Always purchase tickets from official outlets.

Overpriced Tickets: Tickets may be significantly more expensive than the actual price
Fake Tickets: Ticket vendors may sell fake tickets that do not grant access to attractions
Unlicensed Vendors: Tickets may be sold by unlicensed vendors, making it hard to spot scams