Is Prague Safe in September 2026?

Prague taxis from Václav Havel Airport and Wenceslas Square are notorious for overcharging foreigners. A fair trip from the airport to the center should cost 500–700 CZK — scam taxis charge 2,000–4,000 CZK.

How to avoid: Use Bolt or Uber apps from Prague Airport — they are cheaper and transparent. If taking a metered taxi, only use AAA Taxi (14014) or Liftago app. Avoid taxis soliciting outside the arrivals hall.

Taxis waiting near Wenceslas Square frequently overcharge tourists, running meters at the highest tariff or using unofficial vehicles entirely. Fares from the Square to Old Town (5 min drive) have been charged at €40+.

How to avoid: Use Liftago, Bolt, or Uber which show the fare in advance. Only use licensed taxis with the price per km visible on the door.

Bars and strip clubs on Wenceslas Square and surrounding streets present tourists with inflated drink bills. Attractive staff encourage rounds of drinks, and the bill at the end bears no relation to any menu. Bouncers prevent departure until paid.

How to avoid: Research bars thoroughly before entering. Avoid any bar or club where a person on the street urges you to enter. Ask for the drinks menu and check prices before ordering anything. Keep a running total mentally.

Exchange bureaus on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square advertise "0% commission, best rates" but apply a buy/sell spread that costs tourists up to 20% more than a bank ATM rate.

How to avoid: Use Raiffeisenbank or Komerční banka ATMs for cash. Never exchange money at kiosk bureaus in tourist areas.

In beer halls and tourist pubs, waiters bring unrequested rounds of drinks and add them to your tab without asking. This is particularly common in Old Town and at beer hall style establishments during tourist season.

How to avoid: Tell your server at the start of the meal that you will order drinks yourself and they should not bring unrequested rounds. Check your bill carefully.