The pickpockets in Prague must be very good, because I have never seen it happen in the more than twenty times I have been to Prague. Thank you for the adequate tips, they are so true.
At the 3 minute point in the video, a rare and celebrated event happens, which you probably didn't notice. The famous "Mazačka" (an orange coloured tram) passes by. It travels along all the tram tracks, oiling them from the big tanks it is carrying on its back. The tram has quite a celebrity status in Prague.
@@woltersworld Od course it is. This tram reduces noise trams make, and reduces the wear on the rails and tram´s wheels. There is only one in Prague, so the infrastructure basicaly depends on it.
As a Czech I am sad to see so many anti-scam videos about Prague and Czechia. Not all Czechs are thieves and scammers. The city and state should do a better job policing tourist related business activities.
The problem with exchanges is well-known. This is why there is a law that you can get your money back within 3 hours, providing you have your receipt. So, always take the receipt! Even if the exchange would refuse to return you your initial money, you can call the police. The police will make the exchange to return you the money right away! It does really work!
When I was in Prague recently , one money exchange business in Prague had a long queue of people outside waiting to be serviced , while other money exchange businesses close by had none , the busy business was offering better prices and the customers knew it so if you see a very busy money exchange business there maybe a reason for it .
Public transport is super efficient in Prague, so before thinking about a cab check the public transport available. I managed to get from the airport to Chodov at around 10pm with buses sooo yea, you don't really need taxis much :)
Great video. True story, I was almost pickpocketed in Prague on the tram to the castle. Three men surrounded me and tried to open my crossbody purse but I felt the tug of the strap and I was very lucky. They already had opened the purse zipper but my wallet was still inside. A very shocking experience.
As always Mark. You were spot on. Particularly when doing money conversions. We had issues many years when we were in Prague. I hope it's gotten better. All the best👍👍 Jim and Harriet.
Good tips for visiting a wonderful city. In Europe when paying with cash in restaurants I always tell the waiter/waitress how much I want back so there's no confusion and they're holding the bill at that time (and not already stuffing it into their little change pouches).
@@woltersworld Where I am from it's illegal to panhandle or give to beggars. There is a labor exchange office, if you are down and out for any reason, you go there and exchange your labor for cash or kind. We voluntarily send small amounts to a charity each month when putting credit on our phones, or leave our small change when shopping to help. It's demeaning to sit and beg on the streets, it can also be dangerous for all, a good video from you as usual
When were you in Prague? I was there for the first weekend of April! Now that I'm seeing this, I'm bummed I didn't get to meet you in person! I chose to go to Prague for my first ever solo weekend trip and I had a great time! Prague Castle was by far my favourite part! Fortunately, I didn't have any issues with scams when I was there. I have an Austrian card since I'm currently studying in Vienna so I don't know if that helped. In any case, great video as always and keep up the good work!
HONEST GUIDE is the channel you need to watch regarding scams in Prague. Literally all they do is point out scams, how they work, and where they might be found.
Was about to mention this. While Janek and Honza are doing an awesome job pointing out details of scams, it always pays to be cautious and vigilant in the first place
@@ayauyqr There are 1000s of videos about this. You know why? Because people click on them, and that's why Wolters did it anyways. Gotta make them bucks
I also realized that mini markets in the 1st district have nowhere price!I asked(in English)in 3 different mini markets for the price of my tobacco and I got 3 different prices.11e 12,5e and 16e(even the lowest is very expensive).They also tried to charge me 450Kr(ca 18e) for 1 small water and 1 pringles!I would strongly recommend super markets and mini markets out of the 1st district !
All good advice. Also, if you are getting a taxi, use an official taxi rank. Maybe ask your hotel for advice. We got our hotel to call us a cab for a ride to the airport and had no problems.
Some other advice when it comes to taxis; whenever I travel abroad, I always pre order and pay for a car service to and from the airport. It's more than the metro, but you know exactly how much you are paying, and have great service.
@@woltersworld I really like that you mentioned pick pockets on public transit, a lot of people get complacent there! 👍👍 As great as the tram is for connecting you, I do say that as a European that rides the tram daily so I know what to expect. Others may not...
Went to Prague with my family as a kid, late 90s. My dad got pickpocketed on the metro, we got stopped by fake cops at the Orloj, and the tour guide caught a woman with her hands on my mom's bag at the Castle. Most crime-ridden vacation ever. It's a pity, because most of the people there were really nice and the city was beautiful.
90s, that explains it. Criminality peaked then, because our newly elected president had the great idea to release all prisoners. The thing is, there were only a few prisoners for political reasons, we were not the worst communist country out there, plenty of them were serving punishments for real crimes, majority in fact. So in the revolution chaos in the country, when police was paralysed by management changes, suddenly all criminals were released, and at the same time, the people finaly had opportunity to spend their money, which created huge demand for them. But GDP dropped by 50%, due to collapse of soviet union, our economy lost it´s export customers. Meanwhile the only ones with money were former commies and criminals who were cheating the system before revolution. BTW this is the breeding pool of our current elites, prime example is oligarch Babiš, former prime minister and who recently lost presidential elections.
Luckily my brother-in-law lives in Prague and he guided us around and warned us around the scams. FYI, there are signs warning of pickpockets on public transportation. As far as the beggars, there are professional beggars all over America and around the world.
Not only decline the restaurant's currency conversion when you pay by credit card, if your credit card charges you foreign transaction fees (in addition to the exchange rate) you need to find a new credit card. Just like, if your credit card charges you an annual fee, you need to find a new card.
damn small world. Just watched the latest homest guide video and before yours and was gonna say same as others Honest guide is the best prague and czech travel vids.
Was in Prague a few years ago. No scams at all. Definitely in stores and restaurants nobody tried to give me the wrong change. I saw no panhandlers. No pickpockets. The exchange rate option happens everywhere and I m pretty sure the shop clerks probably don’t even know it’s a bad deal.
My husband had his wallet stolen as he was getting on the public transportation. My cousin told him to move it to his front pick, but he’s was prickish about it & didnt. All CC, quite a bit of money, everything. But Prague is the most beautiful city running neck in neck with Budapest. Definitely keep your eyes and ears open. Protect your purse and wallet. And realize that getting on public transportation or standing on it be aware. Don’t carry anything you don’t want stolen.
As someone who's lived in cities his whole life (except for my one year attending an awful liberal arts college in upstate NY), and takes public transportation everywhere, I never realized how many people don't keep their wallet in their front pocket, tell comments on the Internet.
A lot of tourist don't know that if they are over 65 years old and they have a passport with them , the can travel on the local trains and local transport for free which can save them selves money as a tourist .
Wow. Still Prague despite the scams, is still very beautiful. But I hate having to worry about my wallet or money all the time. I suppose we are spoiled in the US since this seems to be the same old scams in every city in Europe. It wouldn't stop me from going though.
I agree, same scams in general. In non violent places where there are not much assaults or violence, the scams and pickpockets are the Most common crimes.
In Northern Europe there are no scams like these. Prague is famous for these type of scams, it's also the porn capital of Europe, so all around shady place
I got scammed at a restaurant. The server “offers” you a cup of some alcoholic beverage. If you say no they’ll kinda suggest it’s on the house. But when you get your bill it’s on there and about $7 a cup. Say no firmly.
Two types of scams to watch out for at currency exchange holes-in-the-walls: First: Before arriving in Prague, get familiar with what paper banknotes are still legal tender. Some of the smallest denomination banknotes have been replaced by coins. Some currency exchanges will cheat foreign tourists by giving out these obsolete banknotes, which are useless. Second: Make sure you are given Czech banknotes --- NOT Hungarian. Both the Czech and Hungarian banknotes look very similar in design; and dishonest dealers are taking advantage of this. They will give a mixed assortment of both banknotes. Make sure "Ceska Republika" is visibly shown.
"Letting you pay in your own currency." This is a scam that's not only common in Czechia, but probably in a lot more places than you think. Here in Canada, for example, most merchants will gladly take your US dollars. They just won't give you a very good exchange rate. And Americans are (apparently) easily fooled by the fact that their dollar is worth more than ours. Recently I saw a lady hand over $10 US bill to a merchant in Toronto. He gave her credit for $11.80 CAD. Sounds good right? Except that, at the time of that transaction, the true exchange rate was more like $1.25 CAD for $1 US, so she should have gotten closer to $12.50 CAD. Now she may have only lost 70 cents in the transaction, but for merchants in tourist areas in Canada that see American tourists all day long, that's a nice little bonus when you accumulate the amounts. And if you spend hundreds of dollars as a tourist, it ends up being a significant cost to your trip. It comes down to knowing your exchange rate, and not assuming you can pay in your own currency everywhere. When in Rome do as the Romans, as they say, and that includes paying in the local currency. In the above example, the lady would have gotten a fairer exchange rate from her credit card company, or her bank. Or probably even a foreign exchange company, for that matter (at least for the popular ones in Canada).
Great video Mark! There is a channel called Honest Guide, he exposes ALL OF these SCAMMERS! For anyone going to Prague, it's a good channel to look into!
So to avoid money exchange rates and worrying about best rates etc.. it would be best to exchange one time at the beginning and one time at the end... so where is the honest and most safe place to exchange? is it a bank?
I remember my mother getting money out of an ATM in Turkey that was the first time she ever withdrew money outside the European Union, & she took the conversion because she didn't know what the rules were.
Guys dont be intimidated by those tourist scams it happens in every good city where there is plenty of tourist. Just be careful and dont let your trip get ruined by those scams. These are not specific for Prague and Prague is a very good city. Just be aware of tourist scams and try to enjoy the city.
That's because it's not a crime that is worth going after. Pickpocketing happens in cities in America too. NYC, Boston, Chicago, etc. Locals just shrugged their shoulders, because they why locals and police see it is, you should have been more careful.
Thanks Wolter for your useful informative videos. Also places to be careful of scammers are Barcelona Madrid and Rome. The scammers prey on pickpocketing and distraction techniques. In Barcelona scammers roam with fake police badges pretending to be the police ask tourists that they want to check what they are carrying with them. I reported them to the British Consulate and Spanish police after I fell victim of a scam. The Spanish police told me no police officer is undercover and everyone wears a police uniform and even if they pretend to be police officers with the uniform on, the tourists should not allow their bags to be checked and plainly refuse. The scammers need to be made accountable for their actions. Nonetheless it should not prevent you from enjoying the culture, history and traditions of Europe and what it has to offer tourists. But yeah being on your guard is important especially when you are a sole traveller.
Wolter your videos are awesome. Keep up the great work you are doing and helping us travellers to be more cautious when we just want to simply relax and just enjoy the sights and sounds of a new country, when travelling.
I plan on visiting a couple of friends in czechia (driving over to this beautiful small mountainous country from germany luckily doesn't take alot of time) When i'm there i plan to buy me some robust new shoes for Work, so the who Exchanging money thing is Something i need to keep in mind.
These days when it comes to money, the best advice generally is just use your own card, and go cash-less, in a city like Prague that is fully do-able, with no need to withdraw anything, and then just be on alert for the one currency scam when you pay, and select local currency. That resolves a lot of problems there. When it comes to taxis, if you do not want to use local public transport, you do not pick the taxis at the airport itself, you go with apps like Bolt or just Uber for the Americans if they prefer, that is a lot safer, and you know the price you will be paying in advance. Also second the suggestion about reaching out to HONEST GUIDE as well.
Now, and even more after Covid times, when contactless payments were pushed for better hygiene, most places around the country take card. You can even pay in many local, rural buses by card these days. And even _finally_ in Prague buses. 🤣 (Just maybe remember to tell / show people beforehand that you want to pay by card; on a very hot summer day last year, when my brain was melting as it always does in heat, I got a bit told off by a bus driver in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm for forgetting to tell him. 😅They do need to send the info to the machine so telling them beforehand makes everything run smoother.)
I was there three years ago, but it had never occurred to me. Carrying Euro notes are better than dollars. They would mostly take Euros, but return you Czech crowns for change, as long as you are aware of the exchange rate. Just like paying in US dollars in Canada and getting Canadian dollars for change. I wonder what changed in 3 years in Prague, maybe covid economics. As far as beer is concerned, ask for the Czech Budweiser, the original. It is a great tasting beer, not expensive. I have never experienced any of those unfortunate incidents. I was there all by myself, never had any bad time, almost everyone I met in the Old Town, spoke English. I did not know the language, found my way always with Google Maps. Honestly I never heard of any tourist scamming schemes. I do not intend to negate your comments, but I wonder what really might have changed the townspeople in three years.
For a one week trip to Prague, how many Czech Crowns would you recommend taking? I'm planning to see if my bank can order me some ahead of time. Last year I took about 200 Euro to Italy and it was enough for almost two weeks, but the dollar to crown conversion is throwing me for a loop. Usually we try to pay with credit cards if possible though.
You should mention Trdelník. They are gonna charge you riddiculous money for bit of grilled dough, which is NOT traditional. For that money, you can get real meal or way better sweets.
I am interested in visiting Prague, but a scam that has been left out is scammers posing as police. Anyway, is there a love/hate video about Bucharest, Romania coming available?
Sounds like I need to get a debit card that is local and put crowns on it. Basically make sure I get the correct exchange rate and then load that money onto a prepaid card. Then small bills for tip and taxi. Ill never forget going to Venice Italy and having the tour bus tell us how they steal your wallet by slicing the bottom of your back pocket with a scalpel pressed against their thumb. For decades I now carry my wallet in my front pocket. It's a pain to pull out but I can always feel it against my leg because of the pressure and my hand is there.
We didn't know that we have to validate the 72 hours tickets for the public transport. Beacuse in our country the given time starts when you buy the ticket (you only have to validate one way tickets) They charged us 2000crowns on our first day... The ticket inspectors were extremly rude. I begged them not to fine us beacuse i was not be able to bring that much money for the trip but they did not care. One of them even grabbed my jacket. So we had to pay. It almost costed as much as the price of our accommodation..
I've been to Prague before and I avoided these scams luckily and I had such a wonderful holiday. My only tip for avoiding pickpockets is wearing trousers with button or zip pockets or tie a sweater around your waist so your pockets are well protected.
I have trousers with pocket zips and I lock the pockets with a special safety pin that locks and it requires to hands to unlock it and it is impossible for pick pockets to unlock it when they are standing up . I have travelled the world and the worst place I found for pick pockets was in central London in the very busy tourist's areas . One pick pocket tried it on me so I banged my hand down very hard on my pocket and he got the message that he was not going to rob me .
@@philipmullins5185 wow, you're smart and vigilant. I should also try the safety pin trick with my pockets, so it's more of a chore for someone to try and pickpocket me. Still you have to watch out because pick pockets will look for new tricks.
Speaking of scams, you cant go anywhere near the pyramids without getting hounded and scammed, Wolter might not be to into that with his family and all
i have been living in czech republic for basicaly two decades now, and i can attest to the fact that in czech republic, whereever you go, whatever you do. if there is money involved, someone always tries to f**k you over in some way shape or form. most scams are so subtle that you dont even notice. But as your street smarts get better you start to see that shit everywhere. Car dealerships, taxis, bars, drug dealers, women, banks, employers, employees basicaly everywhere you go. Beauty of czech republic is wasted on czech people. By far the lowest form of life in whole europe. Also everything is more expensive than in neighbouring countries for absolutely no reason. The whole country is a scam.
@@Rolando95 To me, as a Czech, it sounds just like typical Czech extreme self-deprecation / opposite of healthy patriotism (often fed by a lack of in-depth comparison to other places, I believe). It's not as bad as he makes it sound. He's just either native, or has gone completely native, and lost the ability to see the brighter parts of living here. :D
I had no trouble at all with scams in Prague and really loved my visit. But then no matter which city or country I go to, I never interact with anyone who approaches me on the street, for any reason, I never take taxis, not anywhere, I keep all my money and valuables in a safety pouch hung around my neck, inside my shirt, and lastly I only exchange money in banks
I was in Prague a month ago. It is an amazing city (ok, I was on in the torustic parts), great experience walking around, eating, drinking etc. I didn't have any issue, but I used debit card 99% of the time and Uber. I had a bad experience with other app in Prague so I just use uber. The taxis in the airport are fine, but offcouse more expensive. I felt very safe and had a great time.
Both uber and bolt works same, but bolt is cheaper most of times. Anyway I'm using here both of them and always pick the cheaper one. it is like 90% times bolt is cheaper 10% times uber is cheaper
i was scammed in prague. whilst minding my business in charles square, an attractive woman approached me, chatted me up, then invited me back to her place. once there, she started demanding 3,000 krone! for what, i don't know?! shame on you, for trying to rip off innocent tourists like this.
if you are trying to get currency from an ATM, better not take withdrawals from ČSOB, Moneta and probably a few other banks, better to get change from a respectable exchange office with good buy/sell rates. Each time I visit CZ I fall for the cash point scams (I don't mean the choose the check out in your own currency scam, but like the other outrageous hidden costs), while on the other hand I was always handed a fair deal at exchange offices, don't be afraid to change currency at exchange offices in CZ. edited: bold words disappered
LOL, im well traveled,very careful, and always inform myself before I leave home.But Prague gave me a surprise of my life some time back( before the pandemic) I had visited and really loved the place, since it was just a 3-day visit, I decided to go back almost immediately. Booked and paid an expensive all-inclusive hotel, booked and paid transportation for the time I will be there, so everything was ready. When I got to Prague, no one was there to pick me up from the airport, when I reached the hotel, it was closed. Needless to say, it was one of the worst vacations I`ve ever had because it meant I did not have enough money for hotel, food, and transportation. Thanks for sharing your tips and I hope would be travelers to Prague will check your video before getting there
The pickpockets in Prague must be very good, because I have never seen it happen in the more than twenty times I have been to Prague. Thank you for the adequate tips, they are so true.
Even though this video was focused on Prague, these scams can really happen anywhere. Thanks Mark for your insight!
At the 3 minute point in the video, a rare and celebrated event happens, which you probably didn't notice. The famous "Mazačka" (an orange coloured tram) passes by. It travels along all the tram tracks, oiling them from the big tanks it is carrying on its back. The tram has quite a celebrity status in Prague.
That's cool
@@woltersworld Od course it is. This tram reduces noise trams make, and reduces the wear on the rails and tram´s wheels. There is only one in Prague, so the infrastructure basicaly depends on it.
This is a great conclusion of most scams in Prague! Very helpful!
As a Czech I am sad to see so many anti-scam videos about Prague and Czechia. Not all Czechs are thieves and scammers. The city and state should do a better job policing tourist related business activities.
That's just how big touristy cities are
The restaurants i went to actually told me to keep it in CZK. Thanks.
@@davidmo7515 he has been to Prague many times. Also as a Czech, I can confirm all of the stuff he said can happen.
most of the scammer aren't even Czechs
The scammers are often not Czechs. They are primarily Romanians.
The problem with exchanges is well-known. This is why there is a law that you can get your money back within 3 hours, providing you have your receipt. So, always take the receipt! Even if the exchange would refuse to return you your initial money, you can call the police. The police will make the exchange to return you the money right away! It does really work!
That is great. Thank you for sharing!
When I was in Prague recently , one money exchange business in Prague had a long queue of people outside waiting to be serviced , while other money exchange businesses close by had none , the busy business was offering better prices and the customers knew it so if you see a very busy money exchange business there maybe a reason for it .
Really appreciate your videos, has helped me immensely when I travel overseas.
Public transport is super efficient in Prague, so before thinking about a cab check the public transport available. I managed to get from the airport to Chodov at around 10pm with buses sooo yea, you don't really need taxis much :)
Great video. True story, I was almost pickpocketed in Prague on the tram to the castle. Three men surrounded me and tried to open my crossbody purse but I felt the tug of the strap and I was very lucky. They already had opened the purse zipper but my wallet was still inside. A very shocking experience.
Thanks so much for the video love your videos! Very informative
As always Mark. You were spot on. Particularly when doing money conversions. We had issues many years when we were in Prague. I hope it's gotten better. All the best👍👍 Jim and Harriet.
Thanks for looking out.
Thanks Mark ❤️
You are welcome
Good tips for visiting a wonderful city. In Europe when paying with cash in restaurants I always tell the waiter/waitress how much I want back so there's no confusion and they're holding the bill at that time (and not already stuffing it into their little change pouches).
Yes!!! Good reminder!
@@woltersworld Where I am from it's illegal to panhandle or give to beggars. There is a labor exchange office, if you are down and out for any reason, you go there and exchange your labor for cash or kind. We voluntarily send small amounts to a charity each month when putting credit on our phones, or leave our small change when shopping to help. It's demeaning to sit and beg on the streets, it can also be dangerous for all, a good video from you as usual
Thanks for this video!!
When were you in Prague? I was there for the first weekend of April! Now that I'm seeing this, I'm bummed I didn't get to meet you in person! I chose to go to Prague for my first ever solo weekend trip and I had a great time! Prague Castle was by far my favourite part! Fortunately, I didn't have any issues with scams when I was there. I have an Austrian card since I'm currently studying in Vienna so I don't know if that helped. In any case, great video as always and keep up the good work!
Great advice, Mark 🙂 such a beautiful city
Excellent details from you sir thank you appreciate
This Wolter guy is good. Thanks for all the head's up. Especially the last part, don't worry too much, just have your eyes open.
Traveling to Prague for work soon so appreciate the videos. Cheers
HONEST GUIDE is the channel you need to watch regarding scams in Prague. Literally all they do is point out scams, how they work, and where they might be found.
Was about to mention this. While Janek and Honza are doing an awesome job pointing out details of scams, it always pays to be cautious and vigilant in the first place
I think it's worth repeating on multiple channels by multiple RUclipsrs. It'd mean more eyes on the topic.
@@ayauyqr There are 1000s of videos about this. You know why? Because people click on them, and that's why Wolters did it anyways. Gotta make them bucks
Thanks buddy for this. Heading to Prague next week so will keep an eye out 👍
I do like your scam videos as a reminder and hints for specific places!
I also realized that mini markets in the 1st district have nowhere price!I asked(in English)in 3 different mini markets for the price of my tobacco and I got 3 different prices.11e 12,5e and 16e(even the lowest is very expensive).They also tried to charge me 450Kr(ca 18e) for 1 small water and 1 pringles!I would strongly recommend super markets and mini markets out of the 1st district !
All good advice. Also, if you are getting a taxi, use an official taxi rank. Maybe ask your hotel for advice. We got our hotel to call us a cab for a ride to the airport and had no problems.
Some other advice when it comes to taxis; whenever I travel abroad, I always pre order and pay for a car service to and from the airport. It's more than the metro, but you know exactly how much you are paying, and have great service.
after watching this video, I feel like I do learn a lot and at the same time I realize it is a sad thing to be in a world like this.
Very good information, I learned a lot, thanks Wolter!
I never took a cab in Prague while there because the tram honestly connects you to everything really well...
It is super helpful. I agree
@@woltersworld I really like that you mentioned pick pockets on public transit, a lot of people get complacent there! 👍👍 As great as the tram is for connecting you, I do say that as a European that rides the tram daily so I know what to expect. Others may not...
Love your videos, thank you.
In other words, if someone asks if you want the currency conversion, tell them "I'll have the Czech please!"
Went to Prague with my family as a kid, late 90s. My dad got pickpocketed on the metro, we got stopped by fake cops at the Orloj, and the tour guide caught a woman with her hands on my mom's bag at the Castle. Most crime-ridden vacation ever. It's a pity, because most of the people there were really nice and the city was beautiful.
90s, that explains it. Criminality peaked then, because our newly elected president had the great idea to release all prisoners. The thing is, there were only a few prisoners for political reasons, we were not the worst communist country out there, plenty of them were serving punishments for real crimes, majority in fact. So in the revolution chaos in the country, when police was paralysed by management changes, suddenly all criminals were released, and at the same time, the people finaly had opportunity to spend their money, which created huge demand for them. But GDP dropped by 50%, due to collapse of soviet union, our economy lost it´s export customers. Meanwhile the only ones with money were former commies and criminals who were cheating the system before revolution. BTW this is the breeding pool of our current elites, prime example is oligarch Babiš, former prime minister and who recently lost presidential elections.
Thanks for this
Luckily my brother-in-law lives in Prague and he guided us around and warned us around the scams. FYI, there are signs warning of pickpockets on public transportation. As far as the beggars, there are professional beggars all over America and around the world.
They are organised here. There is a mafia they work for, which transports them around town, and takes their money.
Great tips Mark!!
Thanks Eric
Thank you for shearing. Chaos
Not only decline the restaurant's currency conversion when you pay by credit card, if your credit card charges you foreign transaction fees (in addition to the exchange rate) you need to find a new credit card. Just like, if your credit card charges you an annual fee, you need to find a new card.
very helpful! thanks
Thanks Mark!
I can deffo agree with you about the beggers Mark. I saw alsorts in Prague.
The Euronet ATMs are all across Europe and are notable for outrageous fees and bad rates
I was just in prague last week!!! We must've been there at the same time :D Wish I had bumped into you - hope you had a good holiday :)
I loved my trip to Prague!
damn small world. Just watched the latest homest guide video and before yours and was gonna say same as others Honest guide is the best prague and czech travel vids.
Was in Prague a few years ago. No scams at all. Definitely in stores and restaurants nobody tried to give me the wrong change. I saw no panhandlers. No pickpockets. The exchange rate option happens everywhere and I m pretty sure the shop clerks probably don’t even know it’s a bad deal.
Great tips
Awesome video
My husband had his wallet stolen as he was getting on the public transportation. My cousin told him to move it to his front pick, but he’s was prickish about it & didnt. All CC, quite a bit of money, everything.
But Prague is the most beautiful city running neck in neck with Budapest. Definitely keep your eyes and ears open. Protect your purse and wallet. And realize that getting on public transportation or standing on it be aware. Don’t carry anything you don’t want stolen.
As someone who's lived in cities his whole life (except for my one year attending an awful liberal arts college in upstate NY), and takes public transportation everywhere, I never realized how many people don't keep their wallet in their front pocket, tell comments on the Internet.
A lot of tourist don't know that if they are over 65 years old and they have a passport with them , the can travel on the local trains and local transport for free which can save them selves money as a tourist .
Wow. Still Prague despite the scams, is still very beautiful. But I hate having to worry about my wallet or money all the time. I suppose we are spoiled in the US since this seems to be the same old scams in every city in Europe. It wouldn't stop me from going though.
I agree, same scams in general. In non violent places where there are not much assaults or violence, the scams and pickpockets are the Most common crimes.
@@mauriciot 🤣🙌🏻
In Northern Europe there are no scams like these. Prague is famous for these type of scams, it's also the porn capital of Europe, so all around shady place
@@leob4403 you probably live far away both north and Prague.
I got scammed at a restaurant.
The server “offers” you a cup of some alcoholic beverage. If you say no they’ll kinda suggest it’s on the house. But when you get your bill it’s on there and about $7 a cup.
Say no firmly.
where
@@louisdogman9218 a restaurant in Old Town.
Two types of scams to watch out for at currency exchange holes-in-the-walls:
First: Before arriving in Prague, get familiar with what paper banknotes are still legal tender. Some of the smallest denomination banknotes have been replaced by coins. Some currency exchanges will cheat foreign tourists by giving out these obsolete banknotes, which are useless.
Second: Make sure you are given Czech banknotes --- NOT Hungarian. Both the Czech and Hungarian banknotes look very similar in design; and dishonest dealers are taking advantage of this. They will give a mixed assortment of both banknotes. Make sure "Ceska Republika" is visibly shown.
"Letting you pay in your own currency." This is a scam that's not only common in Czechia, but probably in a lot more places than you think. Here in Canada, for example, most merchants will gladly take your US dollars. They just won't give you a very good exchange rate. And Americans are (apparently) easily fooled by the fact that their dollar is worth more than ours. Recently I saw a lady hand over $10 US bill to a merchant in Toronto. He gave her credit for $11.80 CAD. Sounds good right? Except that, at the time of that transaction, the true exchange rate was more like $1.25 CAD for $1 US, so she should have gotten closer to $12.50 CAD.
Now she may have only lost 70 cents in the transaction, but for merchants in tourist areas in Canada that see American tourists all day long, that's a nice little bonus when you accumulate the amounts. And if you spend hundreds of dollars as a tourist, it ends up being a significant cost to your trip.
It comes down to knowing your exchange rate, and not assuming you can pay in your own currency everywhere. When in Rome do as the Romans, as they say, and that includes paying in the local currency. In the above example, the lady would have gotten a fairer exchange rate from her credit card company, or her bank. Or probably even a foreign exchange company, for that matter (at least for the popular ones in Canada).
Just got back from Prague and I was careful with all these sorts of scams 😇
Great video Mark! There is a channel called Honest Guide, he exposes ALL OF these SCAMMERS! For anyone going to Prague, it's a good channel to look into!
Yeah. We have talked about making a video together the next time I'm in Prague
@@woltersworld that would be awesome! Two legends making a video about things to be vary of when traveling!
I do enjoy the scam videos. I enjoy the travel advice.
So to avoid money exchange rates and worrying about best rates etc..
it would be best to exchange one time at the beginning and one time at the end...
so where is the honest and most safe place to exchange?
is it a bank?
I remember my mother getting money out of an ATM in Turkey that was the first time she ever withdrew money outside the European Union, & she took the conversion because she didn't know what the rules were.
Your first scam will be the taxi from the airport...check before hand with your hotel what the cost should be.
6:53 We have professional beggars near me too and the weird thing is, I am on the first name basis with a few of them
Even the rates of the official currency exchange are so horrendous they might as well be considered a scam
Touche!
Guys dont be intimidated by those tourist scams it happens in every good city where there is plenty of tourist. Just be careful and dont let your trip get ruined by those scams. These are not specific for Prague and Prague is a very good city. Just be aware of tourist scams and try to enjoy the city.
I love reading about scams in Europe. Sad Europe doesn't seem to do much to stop all the pickpockets & theft.
In northern Europe this bullshit doesn't happen. Prague is famous for scammers
That's because it's not a crime that is worth going after. Pickpocketing happens in cities in America too. NYC, Boston, Chicago, etc. Locals just shrugged their shoulders, because they why locals and police see it is, you should have been more careful.
@@DrVVVinK And maybe one day they'll pickpocket the wrong person - and they'll decide to stop.
Thanks Wolter for your useful informative videos. Also places to be careful of scammers are Barcelona Madrid and Rome. The scammers prey on pickpocketing and distraction techniques. In Barcelona scammers roam with fake police badges pretending to be the police ask tourists that they want to check what they are carrying with them. I reported them to the British Consulate and Spanish police after I fell victim of a scam. The Spanish police told me no police officer is undercover and everyone wears a police uniform and even if they pretend to be police officers with the uniform on, the tourists should not allow their bags to be checked and plainly refuse. The scammers need to be made accountable for their actions. Nonetheless it should not prevent you from enjoying the culture, history and traditions of Europe and what it has to offer tourists. But yeah being on your guard is important especially when you are a sole traveller.
Wolter your videos are awesome. Keep up the great work you are doing and helping us travellers to be more cautious when we just want to simply relax and just enjoy the sights and sounds of a new country, when travelling.
HONEST GUIDE is the best source for Prague travel, sorry Wolter
How’s Poland 🇵🇱 is it safe ?
It’s safe oh thank you
where would you suggest exchanging the money then. any particular places which you are aware of?
I plan on visiting a couple of friends in czechia
(driving over to this beautiful small mountainous country from germany luckily doesn't take alot of time)
When i'm there i plan to buy me some robust new shoes for Work, so the who Exchanging money thing is Something i need to keep in mind.
These days when it comes to money, the best advice generally is just use your own card, and go cash-less, in a city like Prague that is fully do-able, with no need to withdraw anything, and then just be on alert for the one currency scam when you pay, and select local currency. That resolves a lot of problems there.
When it comes to taxis, if you do not want to use local public transport, you do not pick the taxis at the airport itself, you go with apps like Bolt or just Uber for the Americans if they prefer, that is a lot safer, and you know the price you will be paying in advance.
Also second the suggestion about reaching out to HONEST GUIDE as well.
Honest guide is the best for Prague everything.
Now, and even more after Covid times, when contactless payments were pushed for better hygiene, most places around the country take card. You can even pay in many local, rural buses by card these days. And even _finally_ in Prague buses. 🤣
(Just maybe remember to tell / show people beforehand that you want to pay by card; on a very hot summer day last year, when my brain was melting as it always does in heat, I got a bit told off by a bus driver in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm for forgetting to tell him. 😅They do need to send the info to the machine so telling them beforehand makes everything run smoother.)
I am From India
I Love Prague 😍
I always use the ATM at the aiports or malls, and decline the exchange rate. My bank refunds me the fees for the transaction.
Cheers
I've been to Prague recently and I didn't encounter eny sketchy behavior. Apple pay is ubiquitous around there, and it shows instantly after payment.
I'm sending Mark Paul and his crew there
I was there three years ago, but it had never occurred to me. Carrying Euro notes are better than dollars. They would mostly take Euros, but return you Czech crowns for change, as long as you are aware of the exchange rate. Just like paying in US dollars in Canada and getting Canadian dollars for change. I wonder what changed in 3 years in Prague, maybe covid economics. As far as beer is concerned, ask for the Czech Budweiser, the original. It is a great tasting beer, not expensive. I have never experienced any of those unfortunate incidents. I was there all by myself, never had any bad time, almost everyone I met in the Old Town, spoke English. I did not know the language, found my way always with Google Maps. Honestly I never heard of any tourist scamming schemes. I do not intend to negate your comments, but I wonder what really might have changed the townspeople in three years.
Check out Honest Guide yt channel, it's a czech guy fighting these scammers in Prague, real cool stuff
A lot just seem like common sense in any place, but when on vacation people tend to let their common sense shield down.
It's crazy how we all get a bit "dumb" when we go on vacation :)
@@woltersworld Exactly, like it is some perfect alternate world where nothing goes wrong:)
For a one week trip to Prague, how many Czech Crowns would you recommend taking? I'm planning to see if my bank can order me some ahead of time. Last year I took about 200 Euro to Italy and it was enough for almost two weeks, but the dollar to crown conversion is throwing me for a loop. Usually we try to pay with credit cards if possible though.
so when paying with my card i don't want to pay with my home currency? i want to pay in crowns?
You should mention Trdelník. They are gonna charge you riddiculous money for bit of grilled dough, which is NOT traditional. For that money, you can get real meal or way better sweets.
I am interested in visiting Prague, but a scam that has been left out is scammers posing as police.
Anyway, is there a love/hate video about Bucharest, Romania coming available?
Sounds like I need to get a debit card that is local and put crowns on it. Basically make sure I get the correct exchange rate and then load that money onto a prepaid card. Then small bills for tip and taxi. Ill never forget going to Venice Italy and having the tour bus tell us how they steal your wallet by slicing the bottom of your back pocket with a scalpel pressed against their thumb. For decades I now carry my wallet in my front pocket. It's a pain to pull out but I can always feel it against my leg because of the pressure and my hand is there.
We didn't know that we have to validate the 72 hours tickets for the public transport. Beacuse in our country the given time starts when you buy the ticket (you only have to validate one way tickets) They charged us 2000crowns on our first day... The ticket inspectors were extremly rude. I begged them not to fine us beacuse i was not be able to bring that much money for the trip but they did not care. One of them even grabbed my jacket. So we had to pay. It almost costed as much as the price of our accommodation..
Lol that’s you’re fault tho
I've been to Prague before and I avoided these scams luckily and I had such a wonderful holiday. My only tip for avoiding pickpockets is wearing trousers with button or zip pockets or tie a sweater around your waist so your pockets are well protected.
I have trousers with pocket zips and I lock the pockets with a special safety pin that locks and it requires to hands to unlock it and it is impossible for pick pockets to unlock it when they are standing up .
I have travelled the world and the worst place I found for pick pockets was in central London in the very busy tourist's areas .
One pick pocket tried it on me so I banged my hand down very hard on my pocket and he got the message that he was not going to rob me .
@@philipmullins5185 wow, you're smart and vigilant. I should also try the safety pin trick with my pockets, so it's more of a chore for someone to try and pickpocket me.
Still you have to watch out because pick pockets will look for new tricks.
please do a scam series in Europe.
what do you do for a living?
Ice-hockey.
Takes 10 years to learn how to play. And what do you get in return? Busted teeth. Thanks, Prague. Thanks.
For the record Mark wouldn’t really rob you, he’s just trying to prove a point! 😌
if you think in praha are scammers then go to most/chánov and teplice/trnovany in the evening :D
We got totally ripped off by a taxi in Frankfurt
Am I missing something or do you have zero content on egypt? I'm shocked nothing comes up when I search
Speaking of scams, you cant go anywhere near the pyramids without getting hounded and scammed, Wolter might not be to into that with his family and all
i have been living in czech republic for basicaly two decades now, and i can attest to the fact that in czech republic, whereever you go, whatever you do. if there is money involved, someone always tries to f**k you over in some way shape or form. most scams are so subtle that you dont even notice. But as your street smarts get better you start to see that shit everywhere. Car dealerships, taxis, bars, drug dealers, women, banks, employers, employees basicaly everywhere you go. Beauty of czech republic is wasted on czech people. By far the lowest form of life in whole europe. Also everything is more expensive than in neighbouring countries for absolutely no reason. The whole country is a scam.
Nice and I was about to go there in a few days 😅
hahaha, why you still there?
@@Rolando95 To me, as a Czech, it sounds just like typical Czech extreme self-deprecation / opposite of healthy patriotism (often fed by a lack of in-depth comparison to other places, I believe). It's not as bad as he makes it sound. He's just either native, or has gone completely native, and lost the ability to see the brighter parts of living here. :D
I had no trouble at all with scams in Prague and really loved my visit. But then no matter which city or country I go to, I never interact with anyone who approaches me on the street, for any reason, I never take taxis, not anywhere, I keep all my money and valuables in a safety pouch hung around my neck, inside my shirt, and lastly I only exchange money in banks
Please tell me this is in partnership with Honest Guides.
I was in Prague a month ago. It is an amazing city (ok, I was on in the torustic parts), great experience walking around, eating, drinking etc. I didn't have any issue, but I used debit card 99% of the time and Uber. I had a bad experience with other app in Prague so I just use uber. The taxis in the airport are fine, but offcouse more expensive. I felt very safe and had a great time.
Both uber and bolt works same, but bolt is cheaper most of times. Anyway I'm using here both of them and always pick the cheaper one. it is like 90% times bolt is cheaper 10% times uber is cheaper
@@Divixlol yeah, bolt may be cheaper but I had a problem with a driver there in Prague so I don't use bolt there anymore.
@@mauriciot I'm sorry to hear that. Had over 100 rides with them in multiple countries and never had any issue
Beers in Czechia are great for some and terrible for others, get the expensive one
i was scammed in prague. whilst minding my business in charles square, an attractive woman approached me, chatted me up, then invited me back to her place. once there, she started demanding 3,000 krone! for what, i don't know?! shame on you, for trying to rip off innocent tourists like this.
if you are trying to get currency from an ATM, better not take withdrawals from ČSOB, Moneta and probably a few other banks, better to get change from a respectable exchange office with good buy/sell rates. Each time I visit CZ I fall for the cash point scams (I don't mean the choose the check out in your own currency scam, but like the other outrageous hidden costs), while on the other hand I was always handed a fair deal at exchange offices, don't be afraid to change currency at exchange offices in CZ. edited: bold words disappered
You don't need cash in 95% places in Prague. Just pay with card :)
There are only few places which doesn't accept card payments.
Look up Honest Guide Prague. It is an incredible channel with many valuable tips.
They do a great job. We have talked about working together when we get back to Prague again
Who the hell would exchange money from some guy on the street? I would have no sympathy there.
I’m flying here with my classmates soon
How did it turn out?
@@SA-iu7xj we haven’t gone yet
We are going in a week
Uber works well there, as well.
LOL, im well traveled,very careful, and always inform myself before I leave home.But Prague gave me a surprise of my life some time back( before the pandemic)
I had visited and really loved the place, since it was just a 3-day visit, I decided to go back almost immediately. Booked and paid an expensive all-inclusive hotel, booked and paid transportation for the time I will be there, so everything was ready. When I got to Prague, no one was there to pick me up from the airport, when I reached the hotel, it was closed.
Needless to say, it was one of the worst vacations I`ve ever had because it meant I did not have enough money for hotel, food, and transportation.
Thanks for sharing your tips and I hope would be travelers to Prague will check your video before getting there
sorry to read this, but i got the same negativ impression of prague. 2 days three scams.
BTW don't rely on taxi, use Uber :)