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Czech Republic (CZ)

Czech Republic is a landlocked Central European parliamentary republic of 14 regions, home to the fairy-tale spires of Prague — one of Europe's best-preserved medieval capitals — as well as world-famous Bohemian crystal and glasswork, the birthplace of Pilsner lager, a thriving startup and tech scene anchored in Prague and Brno, and one of the lowest unemployment rates and most stable economies in the EU.

Capital: Prague
Region: Europe
Language: Czech
Currency: CZK (Kč)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)
Emergency: 112
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Scam Warnings

Common scams targeting expats in Czech Republic.

Prague is one of the most-visited cities in Europe and has a well-established landscape of tourist-targeted scams — particularly around currency exchange, taxis, and restaurant billing in the Old Town, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Bridge areas. Czech Republic is an EU member state using the Czech koruna (CZK); it is part of the SEPA payment zone. EU Consumer Rights Directive rules apply: distance and online purchases carry a 14-day withdrawal right. Outside major tourist zones, Czech Republic is generally safe with low crime rates. Three golden rules: use bank ATMs or Revolut/Wise for currency exchange — never tourist-area exchange offices; use Bolt or Uber instead of street taxis; and verify any investment firm with the Czech National Bank (cnb.cz) before committing funds. Emergency: 158 (police) or 112 (European emergency line).

Currency Exchange Office Scam

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Prague's most persistent and well-documented tourist scam. Exchange offices (směnárny) in tourist areas — especially near Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Bridge — display deceptively attractive rates but apply the posted rate to buying currency from you, not selling CZK to you. Effective rates 30–50 % below the interbank rate are common. The Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) documented 47 deliberate overcharging cases in Prague's Old Town in 2025, resulting in fines totalling CZK 2.3 million. "0 % commission" signs are a marketing trick — the bad rate is the profit mechanism.

How to spot it
  • - Exchange offices near tourist attractions displaying "0 % commission" or large bright rate boards
  • - Rate shown without a clear "we buy" / "we sell" distinction — ask exactly how many CZK you will receive
  • - Persistent staff touts on the street directing you to exchange
  • - Very prominent "CHANGE MONEY" signage with illuminated numbers in Old Town
  • - Staff become evasive when you ask for the final CZK amount before handing over cash
What to do: Use ATMs from established Czech banks (Česká spořitelna, KB, ČSOB, Raiffeisenbank) — they give near-interbank rates. Use Revolut or Wise for card payments and ATM withdrawals. The Post Office (Česká pošta) also exchanges at fair rates. Never exchange at tourist-area direction offices. If scammed: report to Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) at coi.gov.cz. Recovery is difficult but reporting prevents future victims.

Prague Taxi Scam

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Unlicensed or predatory taxis near Václav Havel Airport arrivals, Wenceslas Square, Hlavní nádraží (main railway station), and tourist bar areas at night charge massively inflated fares. Fares of CZK 2,000–5,000 for journeys that should cost CZK 150–400 are regularly reported. Some taxis have manipulated meters. This is one of the most reported scams against new arrivals in Prague.

How to spot it
  • - Driver solicits you at a tourist spot rather than waiting at a designated rank
  • - No visible price list or the meter starts at an already-elevated reading
  • - Unmarked or unofficial vehicles at the airport exit
  • - Driver nods and drives without confirming the destination clearly
  • - Meter climbs unusually fast during the journey
What to do: Always use Bolt or Uber — both offer fully metered, transparent pricing. Or call AAA Taxi at 14014 in advance. At Václav Havel Airport, use the official pre-booked taxi service or a ride-hailing app. Never board an unmarked vehicle or accept a ride from anyone approaching you at the airport.

Fake Police Officers

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A well-documented Prague scam: two or more plain-clothes individuals (not in uniform) approach tourists, show unofficial-looking "badges," and claim to be undercover police conducting a check for counterfeit money or drugs. They request to see your wallet or passport and steal cash or cards. Real Czech police do not conduct random financial inspections of tourists.

How to spot it
  • - Plain-clothes persons approaching you asking to inspect your wallet or money
  • - Claim to be conducting a drug or counterfeit currency "undercover check"
  • - Two or more persons working together — one distracts, another acts
  • - Any request to hand over your wallet, show its contents, or surrender your passport
What to do: Refuse. Real Czech police always carry a badge (průkaz) and can be asked to call uniformed backup. Ask to go to the nearest police station (policejní stanice) together — real police comply. Call 158 if uncertain whether a legitimate operation is under way.

Overpriced Tourist Restaurant Bills

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Restaurants in heavy tourist areas (Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square) charge 3–5× normal Prague prices and may add undisclosed service charges, per-person cover charges, or charges for bread, olives, or nuts placed on the table without ordering.

How to spot it
  • - Menu without prices or prices in very small print inside vs. the outside display
  • - Staff standing outside aggressively inviting you in
  • - Bill includes line items for things you did not order
  • - Outside menu differs from inside prices, or menu changes after you sit down
What to do: Walk 1–2 blocks away from the main tourist squares for local restaurants at normal prices. Check the menu and prices before sitting down. Query any unexpected items on the bill before paying. Reputable establishments display prices clearly and do not add undisclosed charges.

Pickpocketing on Public Transport and Tourist Areas

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Pickpocketing teams work Prague Tram 22 (the tram line through major tourist sites), Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and metro line A. Professional teams use distraction techniques — one bumps you or thrusts a map in your face while another removes your wallet or phone.

How to spot it
  • - Being bumped into or distracted on crowded trams or at busy metro doors
  • - Someone standing very close asking for directions or showing you a tourist map
  • - Crowded tram stops or metro carriage rush-hour press
  • - Groups of two or three young people in tourist areas acting casually but moving in coordination
What to do: Keep valuables in a front pocket or inside a zipped jacket pocket. Use an anti-theft bag or a passport holder worn under clothing for important documents. Stay alert in crowded spaces. Report theft to Police (158) and request a report (oznámení) for insurance purposes.

Rental Property Scam (Fake Listings)

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Fraudulent rental listings on Facebook, Bazos.cz, and occasionally Sreality.cz or OLX advertise Prague apartments at well below market prices — Prague is one of the most expensive rental markets in Central Europe. The "owner" is always abroad and asks for a deposit by bank transfer before any viewing. Personal documents submitted to a fake landlord also create identity theft risk.

How to spot it
  • - Price significantly below current market rates for the area and size
  • - Owner is "abroad" and cannot meet in person or show the property via a live video call
  • - Deposit demanded immediately to "secure" the apartment before any viewing
  • - Request for personal documents (passport scan, bank statements) before any signed agreement
  • - Very new or sparse social media profile for the "landlord"
  • - Communication only via WhatsApp or email; unwilling to make a phone call
What to do: Never pay anything before viewing the apartment in person. Verify property ownership on the Czech land registry (nahlizenidokn.cuzk.gov.cz — free public access). Use Bezrealitky.cz or Sreality.cz for more verified listings. Meet the landlord in person and verify their ID against the cadastral record before signing anything.

Investment Fraud and Crypto Scams

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Online investment fraud targeting Czech residents and expats operates via social media and messaging apps. "Investment advisors" promise extraordinary returns on forex, crypto, or "exclusive" portfolios. Pig-butchering scams (long-term online relationship fraud leading to a fake investment platform) are particularly sophisticated. The Czech National Bank (ČNB) publishes a public warning list of unauthorised entities.

How to spot it
  • - Unsolicited investment offer via social media, messaging app, or a new online contact
  • - Promises of guaranteed or unusually high returns
  • - Pressure to invest quickly before "the opportunity closes"
  • - Platform is not registered with the Czech National Bank (cnb.cz register)
  • - Requests to use cryptocurrency or international wire transfer rather than standard Czech banking
  • - Inability to withdraw funds once deposited — platform always has a "reason" for the delay
What to do: Verify any investment firm on the Czech National Bank register at cnb.cz/en/supervision-financial-market/lists-registers. Never invest in unregulated platforms. Report fraud to Police (158) and to ČNB consumer protection: cnb.cz.

Online Marketplace and Classified Ads Fraud

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Fraudulent sellers on Czech platforms (Bazoš.cz, Sbazar.cz, used-car listings) take advance payment for goods that never arrive, or sell counterfeit or seriously defective items. Car listings sometimes hide serious accident damage or outstanding financing. Fake buyers also operate, sending fake "payment confirmation" screenshots before goods are shipped.

How to spot it
  • - Seller insists on advance bank transfer rather than cash on collection or marketplace escrow
  • - Price significantly below market for the item's stated condition
  • - Seller refuses an in-person meeting or inspection before payment
  • - Payment confirmation screenshots that do not match your bank account balance
  • - Car listing lacks full service history or avoids a mechanic inspection
What to do: Use cash on collection where possible for peer-to-peer sales. For vehicles: insist on a test drive, independent mechanic check, and verify the vehicle history (VIN check). Report fraud to ČOI (coi.gov.cz) and to Police (158).

Employment Scam ("Jobs Abroad" Fraud)

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Fraudulent job advertisements targeting workers with "jobs abroad" require upfront payment for visas, training certificates, or accommodation. Some lead to forced labour or exploitation. Fake remote-work scams ask for upfront "equipment costs." Czech employers can be verified on the Czech trade register (or.justice.cz).

How to spot it
  • - Job offer requiring upfront payment of any kind before starting work
  • - Very high pay for simple or unspecified work
  • - Job offer arrived without you applying
  • - Request for passport copies before any interview or signed contract
  • - Company cannot be verified on the Czech trade register (or.justice.cz or rzp.gov.cz)
What to do: Verify all employers on the Czech trade register. Never pay to get a job. Report suspected forced labour to SÚIP (State Labour Inspectorate: suip.cz) or to the IOM Czech Republic office.

Reporting

Where to report: Czech Police (Policie ČR): emergency 158 or 112. Czech Trade Inspection Authority (Česká obchodní inspekce — ČOI): coi.gov.cz — consumer fraud, overcharging, misleading practices. Czech National Bank (ČNB): cnb.cz — investment fraud, unlicensed financial services. State Labour Inspectorate (SÚIP): suip.cz — labour and employment fraud. Europol referral for cross-border fraud: europol.europa.eu.

Consumer helpline: ČOI consumer advisory line: coi.gov.cz (written complaints and advisory — free). Czech National Bank consumer protection: cnb.cz (free). dTest.cz: independent consumer guidance and complaint templates (free). Emergency: 158 (Czech Police) or 112 (European emergency line).