Prague Bar and Restaurant Scams: What Tourists Need to Know

How Prague Bar and Restaurant Scams Work

The Unlabeled Extras A bar or club charges for every bowl of nuts, every candle on the table, and every napkin used. None of these are mentioned verbally or on the menu. Always ask what is included before accepting anything placed on your table.

The Menu Switch You're shown a menu with reasonable prices when seated. When the bill arrives, prices are higher — sometimes a different menu was used, sometimes items were rung up incorrectly. Check the price of every item on your bill against the menu you were given.

Fake Change Cashiers return change with expired Czech koruna notes (pre-2008 designs) mixed in with valid currency. These are worthless. Check your change before leaving.

Strip Club Advance Fees Men approached near Wenceslas Square are invited to clubs where drinks have no listed price. Bills of €500–2000 are common. Security prevents you from leaving without paying. Avoid any establishment where entry is promoted by someone on the street.

Safe Areas to Eat in Prague

Restaurants more than two blocks from Old Town Square generally offer fair pricing. Žižkov, Vinohrady, and Holešovice neighborhoods have excellent food at honest prices. Avoid restaurants with touts standing outside or menus displayed only in photos.

Key Rules

• •Always get an itemized bill and check it line by line
• •Confirm prices for all drinks before ordering, especially cocktails and imported spirits
• •Do not follow anyone who approaches you on the street offering restaurant or club recommendations
• •Pay by card where possible — it creates a transaction record