How do I avoid being ripped off at Prague currency exchanges?

Use ATMs from the major Czech banks (ČSOB, Komerční Banka, Česká Spořitelna, Raiffeisenbank) — they give the interbank rate and are spread throughout the centre. Avoid the stand-alone Euronet ATMs (orange-yellow, frequent in tourist areas) which offer 'dynamic currency conversion' costing 5-10% more — always select 'without conversion' / 'decline DCC' and pay in CZK. The street-window currency exchanges in Old Town are now legally required (since 2019) to display the actual rate and offer a 3-hour cancellation window, but the ATM approach is simpler and safer. Avoid the central 'O% commission' exchange windows — the trick is the spread, not the commission.

Is Prague Castle area safe at night?

Yes — Hradčany (the Castle quarter) is calm and safe through the evening, though most of the castle complex itself closes by 18:00-19:00. The evening walk down from the castle through Malá Strana via Nerudova or the Castle Stairs (Zámecké schody) is a defining Prague experience and broadly safe — well-lit, well-walked, atmospheric. The tram 22 is the easiest way up to the castle (and the most-pickpocketed Prague route — use front-pocket protocol). After castle-area dinner, walk down or take Bolt; the upper Hradčany at midnight is calm but largely closed and empty rather than threatening.

Safest Neighbourhoods in Old Town, Prague (and Areas to Avoid)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-28 · Part of the Old Town, Prague safety guide

FAQ

How do I avoid being ripped off at Prague currency exchanges?: Use ATMs from the major Czech banks (ČSOB, Komerční Banka, Česká Spořitelna, Raiffeisenbank) — they give the interbank rate and are spread throughout the centre. Avoid the stand-alone Euronet ATMs (orange-yellow, frequent in tourist areas) which offer 'dynamic currency conversion' costing 5-10% more — always select 'without conversion' / 'decline DCC' and pay in CZK. The street-window currency exchanges in Old Town are now legally required (since 2019) to display the actual rate and offer a 3-hour cancellation window, but the ATM approach is simpler and safer. Avoid the central 'O% commission' exchange windows — the trick is the spread, not the commission.
Is Prague Castle area safe at night?: Yes — Hradčany (the Castle quarter) is calm and safe through the evening, though most of the castle complex itself closes by 18:00-19:00. The evening walk down from the castle through Malá Strana via Nerudova or the Castle Stairs (Zámecké schody) is a defining Prague experience and broadly safe — well-lit, well-walked, atmospheric. The tram 22 is the easiest way up to the castle (and the most-pickpocketed Prague route — use front-pocket protocol). After castle-area dinner, walk down or take Bolt; the upper Hradčany at midnight is calm but largely closed and empty rather than threatening.

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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.