What's the biggest scam to avoid in Prague?

Currency-exchange storefronts on Wenceslas Square + Old Town Square offering '0% commission' that mark the rate 15-25% below mid-market — use bank ATMs (ČSOB, Komerční Banka, Česká spořitelna). Restaurant 'tourist menu' overcharging on Karlova street near the Charles Bridge (walk 2 streets toward Smíchov for normal pricing). Taxi 'broken meter' from Wenceslas Square + the train station — always use Liftago/Bolt or AAA Taxi (regulated). 'Free walking tour' guides who hard-sell €30 'cultural experience' upgrades at the end.

Is Prague's beer culture safe / are scams in beer halls real?

Yes safe; some venue-specific scams. Reputable Czech pubs (U Fleků, Lokál, U Medvídků, Pivnice Pegas) post fixed pricing + are honest. Tourist-strip 'Old Prague' beer halls near Old Town Square sometimes pour without asking + charge double for souvenir glasses + add a 10-15% 'service' on top. Watch the pour + check the bill before paying. The 'rounds' culture means waiters refill empty glasses automatically — wave them off if you don't want more.

Common Tourist Scams in Prague (and How to Avoid Them)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-21 · Part of the Prague safety guide

Old Town pickpockets and street scams

Charles Bridge at peak tourist times (mid-morning, evening sunset) — pickpocket teams work the bottleneck approach to the bridge tower. Phone in front pocket; daypack in front.
Astronomical Clock crowd just before each hour — same thing.
Tram 22 (the tourist tram from Mala Strana up to the Castle) — the most-worked tram line in Prague. Pickpockets target the standing area.
"Free walking tour" sign-up touts — actually fine; the genuine companies (Sandemans, Free Prague Tours) work for tips. Avoid the ones with high-pressure sign-ups.
"Show me your wallet" — plain-clothes "police" claim to check for counterfeit bills. Real Czech police never ask for your wallet on the street. Walk to the nearest official police station instead.
Restaurant tourist menus immediately around Old Town Square — €15-20 for a beer, "service charge" added. Walk three blocks; prices halve.
Strip clubs and "discos" in the streets immediately off Wenceslas Square: same rip-off pattern as Roppongi and Patpong. Don't follow touts.

FAQ

What's the biggest scam to avoid in Prague?: Currency-exchange storefronts on Wenceslas Square + Old Town Square offering '0% commission' that mark the rate 15-25% below mid-market — use bank ATMs (ČSOB, Komerční Banka, Česká spořitelna). Restaurant 'tourist menu' overcharging on Karlova street near the Charles Bridge (walk 2 streets toward Smíchov for normal pricing). Taxi 'broken meter' from Wenceslas Square + the train station — always use Liftago/Bolt or AAA Taxi (regulated). 'Free walking tour' guides who hard-sell €30 'cultural experience' upgrades at the end.
Is Prague's beer culture safe / are scams in beer halls real?: Yes safe; some venue-specific scams. Reputable Czech pubs (U Fleků, Lokál, U Medvídků, Pivnice Pegas) post fixed pricing + are honest. Tourist-strip 'Old Prague' beer halls near Old Town Square sometimes pour without asking + charge double for souvenir glasses + add a 10-15% 'service' on top. Watch the pour + check the bill before paying. The 'rounds' culture means waiters refill empty glasses automatically — wave them off if you don't want more.

Read the full Prague safety guide — score breakdown, every neighbourhood, all 4 sources →

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Sources

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.