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  • Useful tips before you go

Useful tips before you go

  • If you wish to exchange money in Prague (especially in the city centre) please be careful as many exchange offices charge very high commission. You will have no problem withdrawing cash from any ATM machine as they all accept UK-issued debit or credit cards (much cheaper). Please note that the majority of exchange offices do not accept Scottish or Northern Ireland-issued banknotes. Therefore be sure that you have English notes (or use your card).
  • Keep your bags close to your body, carry money in a secure money belt, or in a wallet in your front pocket or inside jacket pocket, and be especially wary of crowds.  Be careful in crowded areas such as trams and tourist attractions - there may be pickpockets (common sense needs to be used).
  • When eating in cheaper restaurants please check your bill as sometimes foreigners can be overcharged with extra items added or changed prices. Prices in the menu always include VAT and you are not obliged to leave any tips. A service charge is always included although tips between 5% and 10% are widely expected when satisfied (recently the situation has improved and this is almost unheard of in the more upmarket restaurants).
  • Short-Change Scams. The most common scam is simple short-changing. Example: hand someone a 500 CZK note at a food stand, and the cashier hands back change for 200 CZK. If you just take the change and walk away without counting it, they’re winning, but if you do count notes and claim you gave a larger note then they hand you the other correct change, as if it was merely a small oversight.
  • When taking a taxi on the street be very careful; when possible always call a cab, from the airport pre-book safe airport transfer. It is not recommended to take a taxi from a tourist spot or a train station or from the inner city centre - even the locals avoid doing this.
  • If you are taking your mobile phone with you to Prague then before you go call your operator to check your roaming rates.
  • Cash Machines (trick - stealing your card): if you getting cash from an ATM try to use one inside a bank. If you have to use one on the street get someone in your party to watch out for you whilst using the machine. A favourite trick is for someone to interrupt you as you make your transaction, by pointing to a Czech note on the ground and saying you have just dropped it. You bend down to pick up the note and when you stand up again your card has gone.
  • Many museums and galleries are closed on Monday and quite a few smaller churches only open for services. Joining classical music concerts in the churches can be another way of visiting. Check for service and concert times at the church entrances.
  • The discount card “Prague Card” is suitable especially for those who wish to spend several days in Prague and visit the best-known sights while spending less money on the entrance tickets. As well as free entrance to more than 50 attractions, including the Prague Castle, the card also offers discounts at selected partners, and includes also a multi-language tourist guide to Prague.
  • Late evening or early morning walks, especially in the peak season, are the only way to avoid the crowds of people in famous locations such as along the Old Town Square and Charles' Bridge. Prague Castle, frequently packed with tourists in the daytime, is surprisingly empty in the evening.
Short-Change Scams
The most common scam is simple short-changing. Example: hand someone a 500 CZK note at a food stand, and the cashier hands back change for 200 CZK. If you just take the change and walk away without counting it, they’re winning, but if you do count notes and claim you gave a larger note then they hand you the other correct change, as if it was merely a small oversight.


Comments (11)

fawaz
Said this on 1-29-2012 At 09:26 pm
honestly i was excited to visit prague. but after reading these advices and remarks, i change my destination to geneva where security and services are exellent. it is too much better, to be in a safe side in advance.a tourist needs to enjoy his trip , not to avoid this and this.
Reply to this Comment
Irena Wynn
Said this on 6-13-2011 At 07:30 pm
Could you please let me know how the railstrike on thursday 16thof june will affect publik transport are the buses still operating Thank you Irena
Reply to this Comment
Steven
Said this on 6-13-2011 At 08:33 pm
In reply to #9
Hi, strike announced on this Thursday 16thof June will effect public transport in Prague. It is expected that even roads will be blocked and definitely no public transport will be operating on that day. If using alternative mode of travel like taxis or car you still should pale carefully as 10 drive might takes up to 45 minutes due to the extra heavy traffic and as mentioned many of roads will be closed.
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Sara
Said this on 3-29-2011 At 04:36 pm
Where Can I find rre packed healthy food in Prague 2?
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NoWorries
Said this on 7-20-2010 At 12:47 pm
@baijos

Have you considered an armed bodyguard team to escort you around Prague?
Or wearing a bullet proof vest?

Irony aside, Prague is not Iraq or Afghanistan or Somalia...
Most Czechs are normal, friendly human beings.
Part of being on holiday is to try and relax and enjoy new surrounds / culture.
By all means keep your eyes open but don't turn it into a special forces mission.
Do go out for at least 1 meal and experience some local cuisine.
Enjoy your trip!
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