Are taxis in Prague still a scam?

Less than they used to be. The dramatic tourist-taxi overcharge reputation has been substantially cleaned up since the 2018 regulatory changes, and the rise of Uber/Bolt/Liftago has given tourists a safer default. Use Bolt (cheapest), Uber, or Liftago — all dispatch licensed Prague Taxi vehicles, GPS-track the ride, cashless payment. Typical 2026 fares 150-300 CZK across central Prague (€6-12); airport to Old Town 500-700 CZK. The honest catch: kerb-tout taxis at Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Hlavní nádraží exit are still problematic — never get into a taxi where the driver approached you. Use the apps or the marked official ranks.

Should I worry about pickpockets in Prague?

Yes, on the high-density tourist routes — Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the tram 22 route up to Prague Castle, and the Prague metro at the central interchange stations (Můstek, Muzeum, Hlavní nádraží). The technique is the standard European pattern: distraction at viewpoints, bumping on dense trams, the platform crush. Defence: phone in front trouser pocket, wallet in front pocket or zipped inner jacket, bag in front of you across the chest, no exposed jewellery. Tram 22 is the single most-pickpocketed route in Prague — the famous tourist tram up to the castle.

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

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

FAQ

Are taxis in Prague still a scam?: Less than they used to be. The dramatic tourist-taxi overcharge reputation has been substantially cleaned up since the 2018 regulatory changes, and the rise of Uber/Bolt/Liftago has given tourists a safer default. Use Bolt (cheapest), Uber, or Liftago — all dispatch licensed Prague Taxi vehicles, GPS-track the ride, cashless payment. Typical 2026 fares 150-300 CZK across central Prague (€6-12); airport to Old Town 500-700 CZK. The honest catch: kerb-tout taxis at Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Hlavní nádraží exit are still problematic — never get into a taxi where the driver approached you. Use the apps or the marked official ranks.
Should I worry about pickpockets in Prague?: Yes, on the high-density tourist routes — Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the tram 22 route up to Prague Castle, and the Prague metro at the central interchange stations (Můstek, Muzeum, Hlavní nádraží). The technique is the standard European pattern: distraction at viewpoints, bumping on dense trams, the platform crush. Defence: phone in front trouser pocket, wallet in front pocket or zipped inner jacket, bag in front of you across the chest, no exposed jewellery. Tram 22 is the single most-pickpocketed route in Prague — the famous tourist tram up to the castle.

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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.