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Czech Republic
22 scams
Boasting the highest density of castles in Europe, Czech Republic is also rich in cultural and historical sites, with well-preserved Gothic architecture and towns all with a story to tell.
However, there are a number of tourist targeted scams and petty crime to be wary of here.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number: 112
- Fire: 150
- Rescue/ambulance: 155
- Metropolitan police: 156
- Police: 158
Travel resources
Street tout money exchange scam in Czech Republic
6 2How it works: Besides rogue money exchanges, you may encounter someone on the street who offers to change money, but is actually using counterfeit currency. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZLvgAGx3A Places to beware: Prague:…
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Snatch thefts in Czech Republic
6 1How it works: Bar, restaurant: stealing unattended bags/valuables on the chair or table. Street, mall, shop, park, bus/metro station: snatching at night. Overnight train: bag theft on the Prague-Vienna route. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKbCA6yWW6I…
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Ham, sausage scam in Czech Republic
5 0How it works: Opening: you see stalls advertising ham at low prices. It is actually priced per 100 grams, but this is “hidden” in small print below. Set-up: if you…
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ATM skimming in Czech Republic
4 1How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Public transport pickpockets in Czech Republic
5 0How it works: Version 1: one blocks you at the door (ties shoelaces/drops something), another steals from behind and slips to a third who escapes, and one blocks others from…
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Hybernia Theatre seats scam in Czech Republic
3 0How it works: Based on reports, if you were to try booking a seat both online and offline, you will be told that the theatre is almost full and all…
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Pickpockets in Czech Republic
3 0How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Fake beggars in Czech Republic
3 0How it works: They are mostly foreigners brought in by syndicates, or locals who chose this kind of lifestyle (“free” money for cigarettes, alcohol and food). Places to beware: Prague:…
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Taxi scams in Czech Republic
2 0How it works: Overcharging: drivers in Prague are notorious for overcharging (up to 5x the fair price). A ride to and from the airport is a favourite route. Rigged meter:…
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Fake train officials in Czech Republic
2 0How it works: Version 1: scammers posing as ticket inspectors accuse your ticket of being a fake or accuse you of some offence. They then demand a fine to be…
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Fake garnets in Czech Republic
2 1How it works: The Czech Republic is famous for its Bohemian garnets/Prague garnets which are deep red pyrope gemstones. These can only mined in the country and they have been…
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Municipal House Hall concert scam in Czech Republic
2 0How it works: Scam 1: there is a group that sells tickets at inflated prices for a performance in a small room, rather than in the real concert hall which…
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Petition charity scam in Czech Republic
2 0How it works: Opening: someone approaches and asks you to sign a petition which is already pre-filled with signatures. The petition seems to be for a deaf/mute association or disability…
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Money changer scams in Czech Republic
2 3How it works: Situation: there are a couple of shady money changers which will cause you to lose out on 20-40% of your money. Version 1: advertising a favourable exchange…
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Restaurant, food stall scams in Czech Republic
2 1How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: misleading advertising…
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