Sausage stalls ripoffs at Wenceslas Square

I do not advise you to buy from the stalls that sell sausages, because these are not hygienic, and also because they will rob you blind if they can. These people that work in the stalls are not originally from the Czech Republic but from the Ukraine, and some might be linked to the mafia. Generally, I found that with Czech people they do sell at the correct price and if they want a tip they will ask first. I kept getting ripped off by the sausage stalls in Wenceslas Square. I had paid on more than one occasion 100 CZK for a sausage that should cost me 30 CZK. I talked to another foreigner who was working in the centre and he said to me that he knew of one English man who was drunk and gave this lady £200 thinking it was 200 CZK. When he realised, he had already walked away. He returned to ask for the money back and they told him he should have checked it. It was too late because they had his money then. Also, if you pay for something that is 50 CZK and you hand them 200 CZK don't be surprised if they short change you by 100 CZK. If you are going to eat, avoid those stalls - there are a few McDonald's and KFCs in the area, so try them if you are on a low budget. Fast food restaurants might be slightly more expensive compared to eating hamburgers and sausages from stalls, but are much more safe.

Did you know? There are no reports about severe cases of food poisoning in Prague, but mild cases are more common. For this reason avoid stands selling food in the street, as the ingredients are exposed to bacteria and may not be cooked thoroughly. Usually all restaurants in Prague have a high standard of hygiene, equal to the rest of Europe.


Comments (6)

AD
Said this on 9-29-2009 At 10:48 am
I had a bad experience at a Subway-like sandwich shop (note: it was NOT actually a Subway) - I bought a sandwich for 120Kc, gave 500Kc to pay. She asked if I had 20Kc in change, I did, so I gave to her - a total of 520Kc.

She gave me 100Kc change. I said, "Excuse me, I gave you 500." She said, "No, 200." We went back and forth a bit until people were staring, and I eventually gave up - she showed me a 200Kc bill and I sheepishly walked away, only to have my local friends tell me that this happens quite frequently - that they know we (foreigners) won't argue and can't speak Czech so they short-change us.

I think a way to avoid this would have been simply saying something out loud to acknowledge that you know very well what you are handing over - if I'd have said, "Do you have change for a 500?" or "Here is 500" out loud, it could have been avoided perhaps. Anyway, just a tip to other travelers - be careful with change for sure.
CJ
Said this on 9-11-2009 At 08:14 pm
These stalls are awesome. Please do not listen to some fool who is upset because some goof told him about another drunk fool who willingly may have paid out too much money. The moral of that story should be don't get drunk nor depend upon others. In the real world, when you hand someone money and walk away, you gave them the money. Geez, if you need to be babysat don't travel to foreign countries.

First - I've eaten from the stands many times and NEVER gotten sick. Second - just last week, I purchased a sausage, then returned the next day with a Czech friend and we each ordered sausages. Same price per sausage both times. No rip off.

The prices are clearly written above the stand. If the drunk friend of the friend of the person you were talking to overpaid, he has nobody but himself to blame.

What a shame it would be to go to Praha and eat McDonalds or KFC when the fantastic sausages that are part of the landscape. If you are just looking to get drunk and eat KFC, why not just stay home.
John Carlin
Said this on 1-9-2010 At 10:58 am
I've been to Prague many times and always have a good laugh at these stands on Wenceslas Square.....I agree, that they will try and dupe you if you are not switched on, but I wouldn't be handing over silly paper notes anyway, as that can happen anywhere when drunk....I always try and give them the correct amount or a little more and tell them to keep the change....I did have a severe dose of the runs one night mind you immediately after eating one of there sausages...so that kind of put me off!
Jane
Said this on 11-17-2009 At 12:59 pm
I agree entirely. I've travelled round the world and it's good to be aware of what the scams are but also not to limit your experiences because you might get ripped off. Embrace the fact that there are some people who will do their best to get as much money off you as possible and join in the game. Don't let them win. Most people are honest and will be friendly and helpful. It's up to you.
mark
Said this on 2-6-2010 At 07:02 pm
i had the best sausage of my life from 1 of these stalls - Moravian i think.. no ill affects, and the prices are clearly displayed. if you go to a foreign country to eat Big Macs you're an idiot.
Said this on 9-7-2009 At 07:14 pm
To whom this may concern: I was wondering if you could tell me when
you all have the Calache Festival...I have a group of Motorcycle riders interested in seeing your festivals & touring your city...Please if you can help me in this, this will be greatly appreciated...You can email me @chiefssquaw 102@yahoo.com or my cell no. is:580-618-2977...Thank you.. Sincerely Yours, Phyllis Lawson
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