Prague is quite a safe city where violent crime is rare, though petty crime is quite a bit of a problem. So for visitors pick-pocketing and car theft are the worst dangers. To avoid an unpleasant experience we advice you watch your bag in tourist areas, and on the metro and trams. Never leave valuables in your car. At night it is better to walk in well-lit streets and avoid the park in front of the main train station, though you should not encounter any problems. Tap water is safe to drink but is heavily chlorinated. In the Czech Republic smoking is prohibited at schools, cinemas, theatres, sports facilities, state offices and other public places such as bus and tram stops. For example, if you smoke at a tram or bus stop you can be fined (a 1,000-CZK fine). Another danger for visitors might be swindles, but you will be happy to know there is a way to protect yourself. Common problems are when a waiter puts an extra charge on your bill, a taxi driver adjusts his meter so you pay a little bit more than the official fare, an exchange office charges a rip-off 10% commission or a hotel calls its contracted taxi and charges you a very high amount. In such situations contact the Czech Retail Inspection Office. They may not be able to help in your individual case but they can send out inspectors and prevent it happening to others. In all cases keep the receipt or note and the details of the company involved when lodging a complaint. If you commit any offence and the police or transport inspector fines you, always ask for a receipt! Sometimes tourists can be targeted by prostitutes around Wenceslas Square, especially after dark.

Police

Police stations have phone lines open 24 hours a day; just call 158 from any phone free of charge. State police are responsible for day-to-day safety. They wear white shirts and dark-grey trousers or skirts. They are armed. Municipal police wear light-grey trousers or skirts. Traffic police are responsible for all road and traffic regulations. They may erect roadblocks to check documents. This police force also controls fines for parking and clamping infringements. If you are involved in a traffic accident and there is significant damage or someone gets hurt you must inform the police before moving your vehicle.


How to stay safe in Prague

1) Pick-pocketing is really the worst danger. We recommend you keep valuables in a hotel safe. Do not take large amounts of cash with you as you can always use cash machines which are on every corner. Be careful in touristy areas, like Charles Bridge, Karlova St. on Old Town Square, on trams 22 and 23, on the metro during peak hours and in busy stores.

2) ‘Unsafe' Locations - Wenceslas Square at night can be risky if you get close to prostitutes who operate there. Some foreigners have been robbed of all their money. The final locations to avoid are Prague's main train station at night and the nearby park.

3) Taking a taxi is another problem. Always call a reputable company in order to avoid been overcharged.

Emergency Numbers

112 - General emergency number (similar to 911 in the US). Operators speak English and German. This can be used for any emergency situation (police, fire brigade, or emergency medical assistance, report road accident).
150 - Fire brigade
155 - Medical emergency (ambulance/first aid)
156 - Prague City police
158 - Police.

These numbers can be called free of charge from mobiles even without a SIM card inserted.