Czechia is among the safest countries in the world and violent crime is rare. The two things that actually catch tourists are the "our card machine is broken, pay in euros" trick in central restaurants and taxis hailed on the street without an app.
- Czechia ranks among the safest countries in the world and violent crime is rare; the real risk is petty property crime and tourist scams.
- The "card machine isn't working" trick has central restaurants demanding euros at CZK 20 to 23 instead of the real 25. Insist on paying in CZK and ask for an itemised receipt.
- Never hail a taxi in the street - use Uber or Bolt, where the fare is fixed before you get in.
- A genuine ticket inspector must show a metal service badge and an ID card. Always insist on an official receipt for any fine.
- Pickpockets work Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, tram 22 and the Můstek and Muzeum metro stations.
Safety and the most common scams
Czechia consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with a very low rate of violent crime. The risk to visitors is petty property crime and tourist scams.
- The "card machine isn't working" scam - travellers on r/Prague report that in some tourist restaurants in the centre, staff claim the terminal is down and demand euros at a poor rate, 1 EUR = CZK 20–23 rather than the real 25. Ask for an itemised receipt in CZK, insist on paying in CZK, or pay by QR code.
- Overpriced street taxis - flagging one down without an app invites overcharging. Use only Uber or Bolt.
- Fake ticket inspectors - people without a badge demanding a cash fine from foreigners and issuing no receipt. A genuine inspector must show a metal service badge and an ID card, and you should always insist on an official receipt for any fine.
- Pickpocketing - common at Old Town Square by the astronomical clock, on Charles Bridge, on tram 22, and in the Můstek and Muzeum metro stations.
One area to be careful in: the park by Prague Main Station, Vrchlického sady, known locally as "Sherwood". At night there is a higher concentration of homeless people and drug users. Physical danger is low, but extra care is sensible.
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