ESSENTIAL CITY GUIDES
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Don't change any money on the street and don't believe exchange office claims that they charge no commission. They are lying, or at least avoiding the truth - you will pay a commission, whether you see it or not.
Don't talk to any of the nice friendly girls around Wenceslas Square and the streets leading to Old Town Square. Beware too that a suggestive grope often results in your wallet being stolen.
Don't flag a taxi down within shouting distance of a five star hotel, prices are sure to reflect your supposed rich tourist status. You can flag taxis down, but make sure it is a legitimate taxi company - see our list of reputable taxi firms in Prague.
In common with many cities, Prague has a problem with beggars. There are many around the main tourist areas and please, if you do want to take a photo of the decidedly uncomfortable modus operandi of the Czech beggars, give them some money too.
All of Prague is notorious for pickpockets, notorious enough for the police to invest in a multi-lingual advertising campaign. You might think your pack or bag is safe, but these guys are professionals and usually work in gangs. If you feel threatened and/or crowded in a tram or metro, have the guts to make some noise, even in English it might well be enough to get them to back off. Obviously the tourist areas are the main foci of thieves, Staromětská metro station and trams N°22 and 23 are infamous and gangs of pickpockets spend all day moving up and down them. Just be careful.
That said, don't go around with paranoid terror in your heart, Prague is no more bandit territory than any other European capital with a steady influx of tourists. Not everyone you see is out to rip you off. For instance, it's quite normal for people to stop you on the street or in a bar and ask you for a cigarette. And they only want a cigarette. Just be aware and use your common sense.
Oh, and have fun.
