Is Prague Safe?

1. Taxis:

1. • Problem: 

     • Unfortunately, as tourism has grown in Prague, so have those who wish to take advantage of tourists and travelers alike. And this means that some taxi drivers have been known to charge extremely high prices for a ride that should have been quite short and cheap. Sometimes they might give back the wrong change as the Czech koruna might be unfamiliar to new visitors of Prague. 

   • Solution: 

     • With all of the advances in technology, there are many alternatives to simply going to the street to hail a taxi cab. You can call or order a car service, similar to a taxi service, through apps such as: Uber, Taxify, Bolt and Liftago (some more internationally recognized and some are more regional) are all reliable services where you can safely and quickly order a driver and know what the final price will be and track your ride so that you know you’re on the most direct route. 
     • You can also always ask the restaurant or hotel where you are if they are able to call a taxi for you (calling a taxi versus stopping one on the street is always better as you will be dealing directly with a company who will not try to scam you out of your money). 

2. Money changers/Currency Exchange Houses:

1. • Problem:

     • Once again, where there are tourists, there will be people wishing to exploit them. This happens at money exchange shops and currency houses. Sometimes they advertise that there is no commission charged for changing money there but in the end they charge a very high commission charge. Other times they might show one exchange rate but not tell you that it is only for large sums of money and not for small sums. 

   • Solution:

     • There are several ways to avoid these scammers as well as a few things to know before going to change money. 
     • First, if possible, only go to exchange shops recommended by your hotel or by a guide you just had a tour with. These people are reliable and will know which money exchange shops are scams. Also, NEVER change money on the street with a random stranger. 
     • If you are out during the day and do not have cash in hand and need to make an exchange immediately, then there are a few things to know: you should always read the fine print and also ask the person who is going to make the transaction for you if the rates shown outside the shop are the ones which you will receive. Also, it’s best to always have a very accurate idea of that day’s current exchange rate so that you know how much you should be getting back for your USD or Euros or Korean Won. 
     • Another important thing to know is that you should always keep your receipt. On the back of the receipt, it states that you have up to 3 hours to reverse the exchange of money if you believe that you did not receive the correct amount. 
     • And always count the money that you get to make sure it matches what is shown on the receipt.  

3. Pickpockets:

• • Problem: 

    • As the saying goes, “when opportunity knocks….” Many small, petty crimes arise from opportunities that readily present themselves. In crowded historical squares, bustling city streets and packed public metros and trams, pickpocketing is a concern. This is especially the case in areas that are chock full of travelers, tourists and new arrivals to any city, including unfortunately, Prague. As visitors stare up at the grandeur of the Prague Castle or watch in amazement as the Astrological Clock ticks off the seconds, pickpocketers see opportunity and jump on it.

  • Solution:

    • Even while you are admiring the beautiful architecture that will completely surround you in Prague, be sure to keep an eye and a hand on your things. Don’t leave bags or purses on benches while you go off to take a picture of the Charles Bridge. Don’t leave bags or backpacks open if you are able to close them with zippers, buttons or ties as sly hands can make off with your phone or wallet quite easily. If you can wear the bag towards your front, rather than hanging off your back, this is also a more recommended style. 
    • It’s best to keep the most important objects, (your phone, wallet and passport) in a very safe place on your body when you are out exploring the city. Money belts or small packs or bags that fit under your clothes are the safest way to secure these items to your body. 

4. Trams

• • Problem:

    • Prague is lucky to receive visitors from around the world, but some of those travelers might come from places that do not have the intricate tram system that is common in Prague. Therefore many tourists are unaware or forgetful of the trams and do not look before crossing the tram’s pathway. 

  • Solution:

    • Remember that the trams ALWAYS have the right of way, even if you find yourself in a pedestrian crosswalk the tram has the right of way. Just as you learned as a child, please be sure to look: left-right-left before crossing any street in Prague, especially if you see the tram tracks on the road in front of you. If you see a tram coming, remember that they are moving at a faster pace than you might assume. 

5. ……..that’s it

• • We tried very hard to think and find a 5th danger that exists in Prague. We searched high and low and we can honestly (and much pride) say that there is not a 5th danger in Prague or the Czech Republic. Prague really is that safe and the Czech Republic is waiting with open arms and hearts to receive you, your friends and loved ones for a wonderfully amazing and safe visit to the “Heart of Europe.” Come join us!