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Useful tips before you go
- 4-26-2009
- Categorized in: Safety, Police, Legal Issues, Tourist Information, Weather and When to 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. Anytime you pay for something, make a careful mental note of how much it costs, how much you're handing over, and how much you expect back. Whenever you purchase something, make a mindful mental note of how much it costs, what amount you're handing over, and how much you expect back.
- 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.
- Remember if you find a special deal for a 3 star or 4 star hotel and it claims to be a luxury hotel, check TripAdvisor.com before booking if you don't want to spoil your romantic break, as hotels might be rated as a 3 star but in fact you will be sleeping backpacker-style! (article about Prague Accommodation Tips and Advice)
- 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.
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.
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I was told Ukraine was bad for this, but after 4 visits there, I never encountered any of the trouble I suffered from just 2 days in Prague, (& out-of-season, in February...)
The problem is laissez-faire/non-existent policing & over-reliance on cctv - which isn't a deterent to petty street criminals...
Cheers from a cloudy Prague.
This article makes the city sound like a terrible place full of con-men and scam artists, which couldn't be further from the truth. Take it from one who has been there a number of times.
As in any major city a little bit of common sense is required and nobody should have any problems. I love the city and its people and would have no problem in recommending Prague to anybody who wished to visit..
If you want safety always, you might want to consider to stay home in a panic room ;)
Thanks