Safety and scams

The overall picture

Prague is one of the safer capitals in Europe, and violent crime against visitors is rare. Walking home through the centre late at night is normal. What exists is a small set of well-known tricks, nearly all aimed at your wallet.

Pickpockets

They work where people are packed and distracted: tram 22 on the way to the Castle, Charles Bridge, the crowd in front of the astronomical clock on the hour, metro escalators and the Christmas markets. Keep your phone out of back pockets and bags closed and in front.

Taxis

Do not flag down a taxi on the street in the tourist centre or take one waiting outside a club. Book through an app — Bolt, Uber or Liftago — or use a pre-booked transfer, so the price is agreed before you get in.

Exchange offices

The biggest money trap in the city, covered in detail on the money page: ask what you will receive before handing anything over, and remember you can cancel within three hours.

Bars and clubs

Avoid anyone on the street offering to take you to a bar, a club or a "private party". Bills several times the menu price are the result, particularly in strip clubs around Wenceslas Square. Choose the venue yourself and check prices before ordering.

Street offers

Street money changers, "free" bracelets tied to your wrist and petition clipboards are all ways of getting close to your pockets or your cash. A firm no and walking on is enough.

If something happens

The emergency number is 112, answered in English. Report thefts to the police for your insurance; the station at Jungmannovo náměstí near Wenceslas Square deals with visitors.