Prague Crime & Tourist Traps In Prague - Personal Safety In Praha
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Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Prague
Threat Of Terrorism
The threat of a terrorist attack in Prague is thought to be low
General Crime
Probably one of Europes safest cities. According to Prague police the three biggest problems tourists encounter are women posing as prostitues who are actually pick-poctets and snatches at cash machines especially in busy tourist areas. Pickpockets also operate at railways stations and on tram and buses especially on the routes that go to and from Prague Castle and the airport. Theft from an of cars is an increasing problem.
Another approach is to pose as plain clothes police officer and to ask to see you id and cash. Under Czech law police are not permitted to do this. You should offer to go the police station or dial 158 or 112 for real police assistance.
Also in recent years criminals working alone have been approaching tourists offering to exchange foreign currency at high exchange rates - but the czech money they offer you in part at least is counterfeit!
Personal Safety
LeavIing drinks and food unattended, or accepting drinks from strangers especially in night clubs is not advisable as occasionally thieves will spike visitors so as to free them of their valuables when they are drunk.
Evening All - Prague's English Speaking Police Station Lost & Stolen Property
This should be reported to the Foreigners Police Station (English Speaking) at: Jungmanovo namesti 9, Prague 1 (nearest metro stop is Mustek). Reports should made within 24 hours if you reqiuire a crime number for insurance purposes or a replacement passport. .
Tourist Traps
Prague fortunately is not over-run with tourist traps but like most cities there are some. Euromost is aware that the most common of these are the restaurants and cafes in the Old Town Square and those along Na-prikope at the lower end of Wenceslas Square are grossly over- priced and very touristy. Some, but not all of the restaurants on the embankment road running along the old town side of the river are also overpriced.
Some restaurants will include a service charge in your bill (10% is the norm in the Czech Republic) but not specify it so as to oblige you to leave a tip. We have seen VAT levied at various rates when it should be 19%. The other common practice is to charge for the bread basket which is put on the table when you sit down even if you don't ask ask for it or use it.
Generally restaurants that display their prices in the window or outside the premises have less to hide. There are numerous bars off the main drag which offer food and beer at more favourable prices.
Reading the 'brochure' you may be attracted to the idea of taking a river cruise under the 18 bridges that span the River Vltava. In reality this can't be done because of a mini waterfall near the Charles Bridge - and River Cruises rarely take in more than three or four bridges - though on a good day you may sail under the same bridges several times. These trips are worthless.
Prague is famous for it market - especially at Christmas and like all markets some of the goods are not good! paricularly young childrens toys some of which are made in China.
Taxis Charges In Prague
Some taxis will charge highly inflated prices. If the Taxi rates per kilometre are not shown on the side of the taxi do not get in. The City of Prague operates a ‘Taxi Fare Place’ scheme. Taxi companies that operate from stands displaying the ‘Taxi Fare Place’ can charge a maximum of 28 Crowns per kilometre.
If you are overcharged obtain a receipt from the taxi-metre displaying the price, rate, registration number and drivers name. Complaints should be sent direct to the relevant taxi-company and copied to taxi@cityofprague.cz who will investigate them on behalf of the City of Prague.Recent legislation introduced by the City of Prague enables Czech Authorities to fine severely taxis drivers convicted of over charging.