Money changer very-bad-rate scam
Very common — every tourist should know this
Moderate financial riskCost EUR 30-200
Trigger
Money changer with prominent rate on board but small text with "commission" or "different rate for smaller amounts".
How it works
Rate advertised is only for changes above EUR 500-1000. Small tourist changes get 25-40% worse rate. Chequepoint is a documented offender.
Where it clusters
Wenceslas SquareOld Town SquareAnywhere with "Chequepoint" branding
How to avoid
- ✓Use ATMs from major Czech banks (Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka).
- ✓Or use Revolut/Wise for card payments (no exchange).
- ✓Never Chequepoint. Or any place with "0% commission" claims.
If it happens to you
- →File complaint with Czech Trade Inspection (COI): +420 296 366 360.
Fake taxi with tampered meter
Common — likely to encounter
Moderate financial riskCost EUR 20-80
Trigger
Taxi at Wenceslas Square or airport quotes flat or has fast meter.
How it works
Airport-to-centre should be CZK 500-700 with Praha taxi standards. Scam taxis charge CZK 1500-3000.
How to avoid
- ✓Use Bolt / Uber / Liftago apps — fixed price.
- ✓Or AAA taxi (+420 14 014) — reputable radio taxi.
- ✓From airport: AE bus (CZK 100) to metro.
If it happens to you
- →Photo of taxi + driver. Report to Prague Municipal Police: 156.
Prague emergency contacts
European emergency
Police
Ambulance
Prague Municipal Police
Tourist assistance
Community
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