There are also a few things you should pay attention to in Prague. / The worst tourist traps in Prague
Prague is full of tourists, especially in summer. Many scammers also use this: While many things in the Czech Republic are particularly cheap, there are some traps where holidaymakers can lose a lot of money. Therefore, you should know these ten tourist traps and try to avoid them:
1. Prices too high
Overnight stays, eating out, shopping: many things in Prague are particularly cheap compared to German prices. Nevertheless, there are some things that are offered overpriced because it is assumed that tourists cannot orientate themselves on the price levels.
Therefore, you should be particularly careful with food, souvenirs or other products advertised as “typically Czech”. These are usually much cheaper in non-touristy shops a little off the most popular streets and squares. The souvenirs sold on the streets in the center of Prague, on the other hand, are often neither Czech nor cheap.
2. Change money
The Czech Republic is still one of the countries in the European Union where payments are not made in euros. However, you should not just change your money on the street, this is almost always a scam.
In an exchange office, you should also carefully determine the exchange rate and make sure that no additional fees are incurred. Since 2019, all costs must be included in the exchange rate and you have the right to exchange the money back up to three hours after the exchange if you notice an error.
3. Be careful when driving a taxi
Taxi drivers in Prague don’t have the best reputation either. It is always best to order a taxi by phone or at one of the taxi ranks, which have a yellow information board. Before you start your journey, you should ask about the approximate price and ideally have it written down. This is how you can prevent fraud by manipulated taximeters.
There are also apps that allow you to calculate the taxi fare in advance and notice when the price is too high. The best tip, however, is: use public transport. It is significantly cheaper and often not even slower.
4. Pay attention to signs when parking
If, on the other hand, you have arrived in your own car or have rented a car, you should also pay attention to a few things when parking. It is best to look for a parking space with the sign “Bez omezení”, which means “unlimited”, here you can park for free.
On the other hand, signs such as “parkovací lístek” or “parkovací karta” require a parking ticket. If you don’t comply, you can expect a fine or even parking clamps or the towing service.
5. Beware of pickpockets
As almost everywhere where large numbers of people gather, there are also many pickpockets and con artists in Prague. They are mainly found in the center of the Czech capital and are particularly common in public transport and facilities.
Theft is particularly popular when getting on and off trams, and children are often used as thieves. You should therefore be particularly vigilant everywhere and not leave your valuables unattended.
6. Bread and nuts in the restaurant
Don’t get excited too soon when there’s bread or nuts on the table in the restaurant or bar. Usually these are charged without being asked if you eat from them. Even if the price is usually not high, this can become a nuisance.
7. False or dubious police officers
“The policeman, your friend and helper” doesn’t always apply in Prague. On the one hand, there are scammers who disguise themselves as police officers and ask tourists to show their cash when they are checked for drugs or counterfeit money. The money is then often stolen from you. The real police are only allowed to check the identity on the street in Prague.
On the other hand, there is also dubious behavior among the Czech police. Foreign drivers in particular are often asked to pay because they allegedly violated traffic rules. In addition, warning fees are not properly accounted for. You should always make sure you get a receipt.
8. Black Theater: Top or Flop?
The “Black Theater” has its roots in Europe, among other places in Prague. Actors dressed in black appear in a darkened room and sometimes cannot be seen at all. Actually, that sounds exciting.
But in Prague, a visit to the Black Theater has now become a must for tourists and has lost some of its quality as a result. If you want to see a really good black light theater in Prague, you should therefore make an accurate selection and get detailed information.
9. Avoid strip clubs
The area around Wenceslas Square in Prague is particularly popular with tourists. At the same time, the strip clubs also open here at night, and they advertise generously.
This can be uncomfortable for some. And if you like it, you can be sure that you will pay significantly more in these touristy strip clubs than in other parts of the city.
10. Charles Bridge as a traffic jam
Prague is actually full of tourists all year round. But it gets particularly tight at one point: on the Charles Bridge. The city’s landmark is particularly popular with tourists. Enjoy the view in peace – none.
Tourists, buskers, portrait artists and vendors all crowd the bridge and it’s easy to get stuck.
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