What are the most common tourist scams in Prague?

Taxis: the 2026 fare-cap saga

Prague's city hall sets maximum taxi fares for metered cabs. The price cap went from 36 to 42 Czech koruna per kilometer on 1 August 2026. Then the city abolished metered taxi price controls on 1 October, which brought fears of overcharging, and brought them back from 21 October at the same maximum of 42 koruna per kilometer and 7 koruna per minute of waiting, according to Expats.cz citing the city. These are maximums, not fixed prices, so a driver can charge less. App-based services such as Uber and Bolt are not covered by the cap.

Prague Airport's page on unofficial taxis (checked 30 October 2026) still said that metered taxis had no maximum fare as of 1 October, so it may lag behind the reinstatement. The airport's advice holds either way: do not accept rides from people outside the terminals or from unsolicited offers, check the fare in advance, ask for a receipt and ring the Municipal Police on 156 if a fare seems unfair. The airport points to the Uber Airport service, which shows the total fare before you confirm. Our Prague airport guide lists the cheaper bus and train options, which avoid the issue entirely.

The FCDO adds that you should check the rates on the side of the taxi before getting in, use a major company rather than one from the street, and beware of drivers who pretend to be a taxi service in unmarked cars. Take a photo of the plate and the rates.

Fake plainclothes police

The FCDO warns of criminals pretending to be plainclothes policemen who ask to see your foreign currency and passport. It says Czech police officers do not have the right to do this, advises you not to show them your money, and says you can call 112 to check their identity. The usual setting is a tourist street at night or around the main station.

The script is predictable: two men approach, show a badge for a second, and say they are checking for drugs or fake money. Hand over nothing. Say you want to go to a police station and offer to walk to a busy place together. A real officer will not mind. Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy or photo.

Money exchange: the costly one

Prague police advice quoted by the FCDO is to always change money at a currency exchange or a bank rather than on the street, because street money is often counterfeit, and to take care when using cash machines. The Czech Republic uses the koruna, not the euro, so visitors who arrive with euros are tempted by a 'no commission' exchange kiosk in the centre. The catch is the rate: the sign shows a good buy rate and a poor sell rate in small print, or deducts a fee at the counter.

Compare the number on the board with the mid-market rate on your phone, ask for the exact amount you will receive before handing over cash, and keep the receipt. In practice, withdrawing koruna from a bank ATM with a no-fee card is usually better than a kiosk. If an ATM offers to convert the amount to your home currency, decline and pay in koruna. Our Czech Republic tips page covers the currency and exchange basics, and the cost of the trip is in how much a trip to the Czech Republic costs.

Pickpockets on trams and the airport bus

The FCDO names three places where pickpocketing is a risk: busy metro and bus routes from Prague airport to the city centre, trams to popular tourist sites such as Prague Castle, and busy tourist areas. The Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and the metro are the main spots. Trams to the Castle are crowded in summer, and a bag in a crowd at the door is easy to open.

Keep your bag zipped and in front, use an inner pocket for the phone and do not leave belongings unattended at a restaurant table. If you want to use your phone for a ticket, buy it before you get on. The FCDO also says Prague's lampposts carry a six-digit number at eye level, useful to give to police if you cannot give an address.

Restaurants, pubs and bar bills

The Old Town and Prague 1 are where overcharging happens: a menu with no prices, a 'cover' charge, a bottle opened without being ordered, or a bill with extra items. Check the printed menu before sitting down, ask what any 'special' costs, and review the bill line by line. A service charge is sometimes added automatically; our tipping guide for Prague explains how to check for it before tipping again.

Pub culture is cheap by European standards, but beer sold on a tourist street can be priced for tourists. The FCDO notes a risk of drink spiking in bars and clubs, so keep your drink in sight and buy your own. For where to stay away from the trouble spots, see where to stay in Prague, and for what to eat, our Prague food guide.

Who to call and how to report

The FCDO says to call 112 if you are a victim of crime. The Municipal Police number given by the airport for taxi complaints is 156. For insurance you need a police report from the local station. Cancel cards from the bank's app straight away. If your passport is stolen, contact your embassy in Prague.

The situation is still reassuring. For most visitors the cost of a Prague scam is a taxi fare or a bad exchange rate, not personal safety. A simple rule covers most of it: ride-hail or take public transport, exchange nothing in the centre, and never show a stranger your wallet.

Frequently asked questions