ALL Prague SCAMS You Actually Need to Worry About in 2025

[@Geker3]

As a former employee of a an exchange office in the city-centre of Prague I can tell you some tourists are so easy to fool. Many times a person changing money at my place didn't even know the name of our local currency. I could easily gave them Hungarian Forints for for value of Czech Crowns and they wouldn't even notice. I remember one particular customer who wanted to change is USD to "Czech Tolars." Than one lady said to me she want to change USD to CZK and than she dropped bunch of coins of different currencies (mostly USD, CZK and EUR). So I had to first sort it out, than ask her again what she wants to change to what. Explain to her, as she was complaining about people not understanding her, the diference between CZK USD and EUR and tell her she really needs to use proper names for proper currencies. So my advice as a former professional on money changing: before sou visit another country google what currency is used in there, google and learn it's proper name, google pictures of the money and download the pictures in to your phone to check if you're being given proper money when changing.

[@serebii666]

" change is USD to "Czech Tolars." mf was from the the 16th century lol

[@redlopa1]

It’s not just tourists. Cards like Revolut or Transferwise solve this problem completely and for free but can I get any of my British friends to get them? No. They just don’t understand the first thing about foreign currency.

[@Geker3]

@@redlopa1 Well, as far as I know people form the UK and particularly the US do have something called "national exceptionalism." It means that people of the affected nation generally think other countries should always comply with their way of doing things. So may-by what you describe is not stupidity but just this exceptionalism.

[@simonp37]

"I can tell you some tourists are so easy to fool" - That's why these money exchangers shouldn't fool people - which is extremely bad and gives a bad name to the city.

[@Geker3]

@@simonp37 Honestly I'm not fan of your approach. If you got scammed just because you don't know basic (and easy to google) information about the country you're in than it's your fault and you deserve to be scammed. And giving "bad name" to the city? GOOD! City-centre of Prague is overcrowded with tourists anyway.

[@bikingyogatennis]

If you are traveling from the US, I advise exchanging dollars before leaving. Any large bank can obtain crowns in a few days. However, nowadays (or, as Valery says "nowerdays") you really don't need much cash in Prague. Most transactions (restaurants, stores) can be made via your phone. I've been to Prague 10x in the past few years (my wife is Czech; I'm American and we live in the US) and have never been confronted with a scam over the many miles, restaurants and other venues throughout the city. (We did get stopped once by the metro police but we had tix so it was not an issue. They were a bit intimidating though). Prague is the city I never tire of traveling to.

[@scottswinson23]

I enjoyed your video. I just got back from a trip to Prague from the US 2 weeks ago and videos like these are so helpful to have an idea of what to look out for. I was really surprised by the amount of exchange places across the city, as we were in the city for 5 days and did not have to pay cash one time. Every restaurant, bar, or shop we visited accepted cards. In my opinion, the focus on scams from other youtubers is just a way to generate clicks. Prague seemed safe and less scammy than many other places I've visited.

[@deepaktalreja2]

Hi were there construction still going on.. and was it disturbing any routes or trams

[@deancain9387]

I have been to Prague several times over the years and only had a problem one time the first time i went i was not sure where my hotel was so I took a taxi and got over charged but it was 15 years ago. we just visited this year again and had no problems and a fantastic visit

[@HonkL45]

This is honest guide in Prague .. Channel about everything in Prague :D

[@christiank1251]

Useful, beautiful, wonderful. The way video reporting should be done. Thanks a lot!

[@johnh7718]

I've made a practice of researching scams before trips. It's interesting how frequently I've encountered them. Paris,Istanbul and twice in Rome (one we decided to just allow, as it was 10 euro and I enjoyed the conversation). Thanks for the information!

[@chrishutchison5031]

Great stuff RPG's!!! I am glad to hear that scams are on the decline in Prague. I still also think that this is a topic that should be revisited periodically. Honestly, the scariest thing about visiting Prague is the ticket checkers. BUT!!! That is not scary enough to make me not go. Thank's RPG's.

[@paultodd7806]

😊 I’ve been twice and hope to go back, ‘love Prague’ never had a problem and found it easy to get around and had no problems with scams or scammers but I do watch all your amazing, funny and informative videos 👍😉

[@DietwinvonLengenfeld]

My first visit to Prague was on 1996 and we were warned about fraudulous taxis before.

[@philbuarque]

hahaha. This video looks like an unREAL Prague guides! 😛

[@dquarks]

Love your videos Valery, you are very informative and funny ! We had the best time in Prague, also Cesky Krumlov. If we come again in the future, we sure will visit Kutna Hora.

[@fuglbird]

My wife and I visited Praha twice. Once in the nineties and once in 2009. We had a very good experience both times and never had any problems. The first time we stayed at an inexpensive hotel in the outskirts and took the tram every day. The second time we stayed in the center and did not need transportation. Everybody was very nice to us. It seems that things have changed for the worse. Sad. Just like London changed in the late eighties. Robbers and thieves everywhere. Fortunately we have many places left in Europe where people are honest.

[@redlopa1]

Something you missed is that you should ALWAYS check the use-by date on stuff you buy, specifically from small “potraviny” shops. It’s happened to me many times that I bought, for example, a sandwich, and before I ate it I saw that it was out of date. My local potraviny does this a LOT but it even happens in chain stores (it happened to me at Relay on Masarykovo Nadrazi).

[@simonp37]

It happens in every shop, all over the world. It also happened to me in Denmark in regular supermarkets. Of course you should look at the expiration date.

[@RishyRoller]

Very much looking forward to our first trip to Prague next week, we’ve booked the Prague castle tour and old town/jewish quarter with you guys too

[@craigsmith9055]

Hi Valery, thanks for the tips. We'll be joining you on one of your walking tours in a couple of weeks, hoping to pick up some restaurant recommendations too 😊😊

[@newtypev2]

changing currency scam - i was at the charles bridge when someone asked me if i needed czk - just ignored him. old town square prague ham - i tried one out of curiousity. it was explained to me that it was by weight so i asked for the smallest possible weight. it was okay, but nothing extraordinary. transport inspectors - i experienced this. just showed them the validated ticket and went on my way. im actually more scared of the funicular-related stores so it's a good thing that it was down when i was there last november.

[@spark1025]

Another great and useful RPG video. Many thanks for the great job you guys do, and also for the reality check (Czech?🤔) at the very end.

[@chrischivz]

Love your videos and your city!!

[@frankb1]

Many US debit cards give you the actual exchange rate for the day (2529 in your example) with no additional fee so if you have one of those cards it is in your best interest to let your US bank do the conversion, not the foreign bank.

[@nataliyaalexander3340]

How can I find out which banks / cards to use ? Thank you

[@michaelibbeken9739]

Very nice and authentic reporting, will book tour when we visit soon, thanks !

[@markrichardson3685]

There is a scammer in the main train station. He's very tall, dresses dark and speaks very good English. He trolls for tourists looking at the boarding times and gates. The station is a bit chaotic, and the gates can change frequently as many intercity trains can be late (we were going to Vienna). If you ask him what he is doing there he will tell you he is a translator. He'll run around, get you a bit panicked and nervous, get you to follow him running to a gate... and tgen the scam kicks in. He grabs your luggage and runs it up the stairs for you, and then demands 20 Euro for carrying your luggage. We were in a tour group, he'll load up 8 to 10 pieces at once. He tried to grag mine and my wife's luggage, I had to wrestle it away from him, a real tug of war. Be careful engaging with charming, very helpful people in the intercity train station.

[@CreepingBarrage]

just booked a 100 spires walking tour, looking forward to seeing Prague again in the new year!

[@oberststen]

11:10 Get used to mandatory tip? Nah, you’re part of the problem if you accept this scam practices

[@davebryant7114]

Great Video but what has Janek done to annoy you?

[@jackgalway5472]

I got this vibe too 🤣

[@n3bri0s89]

She is just upset because her silly channel has only 43k subscribers, whereas Honest Guide got over 1,5M lol This video is embarrasing.

[@xmarjav6353]

It's called professional Jealousy 😂. Shes good but Janek is the best❤.

[@mracer8]

Personally I think the Gov not allowing the use of slightly older money but have to exchange it in certain bank is a scam in itself! The way to do it is allow old money to be widely circular, when a business/person deposit the older money, the bank will remove those "old" money from circulation in exchange for newer version! it might take a bit longer! but I don't really see a down side to it!

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

"Older money" is usually replaced by a Government because of fears about forgery when the security features on it are seen to be inadequate. Thus they need to get the susceptible notes completely off the streets as fast as possible and through a central checking facility before any voters start to get affected. Hence shovel it all only into 1 point immediately.

[@xsc1000]

But this is the way how it was done. The old 100 CZK and 200 CZK money with thin strip were not printed more than 10 years before they were set as old and non accepted. And even after it there was still possibility to exchange them in bank.

[@Yannickille]

I use cash only❤

[@shane.s-747]

Another awesome vlog Valery, always good to be well informed about these things when traveling. Again you make my day with your smile and your funny self. Have a fantastic day and see ya next time.

[@n3bri0s89]

Except that most of this was already mentioned many times in Honest Guide. She is embarrassing herself heavily, especially by that Honest Guide "parody".

[@djWOOF]

i bought a train ticket and didnt scan it later in the machine, because i didnt understand the ticket person. a man in the train came up to me and told me to pay him like 80-200 dollars penalty. (i forgot how much) I refused thinking it was a scam. He showed me his badge but i was still not convinced. Eventually i realized it was for real.

[@mracer8]

One time I was on a tram in Prugue with a friend visiting, looking every bit a tourist with backpack! couple of ticket inspector come up to us and ask to see the ticket! I was so happy and a big smile when that happen to me and not just watch it on youtube! my friend even took a pic of the exchange! We and the inspector all get off the next stop(right after the Charles Bridge) and I even ask them for direction! they are very nice about it!!

[@techfixuk]

Taxis in Prague are still a bit scammy, but nothing like when I first visited in 1998 when they would literally drive you to a side street and then point a pistol at you. Also, AAA are the scammiest cabs here, if you don't use their app they'll use the 'turbo meter'. Of course, you won't see any cabs standing around on the street at the time of morning you filmed this. Judging by the lack of tourists it was before 8am.

[@ayplan]

I'm travelling to Prague in two weeks. Your videos have been so interesting, informative and fun to watch. Thank you.

[@jakubhrebicek9121]

I'd really be interested in the marijuana thing... please =)

[@janspl]

You dont need cash in Prague. Cards work fine. Most places accept cards.

[@dennismelton5080]

Please mention that people 70 and older ride free on Prague public transport.

[@ttmch7048]

is this Honest Guide video? :D

[@n3bri0s89]

No, this is clearly "anti-honest guide video :D

[@ttmch7048]

@@n3bri0s89 right? very salty :)

[@WoRMaSTeR64]

One thing you did not mention there are let's say shady characters trying to sell you some illegal substances. Obviously better not to make any deals with them. Seems silly to me that if a stranger approaches you on the street you should never ever do any kind of business with them is still not understood by all. One other one that was not mentioned there are people with animals (this has been less lately) that want to take pictures with you and then ask for money after. Overall if you keep your wits about you Prague is extremely safe.

[@mikk7070-gaming]

First! 🇸🇯❤️🇨🇿

[@RealPragueGuides]

Congratulations 🥇

[@MontagZoso]

Why does it matter who comments first? 🙄

[@mracer8]

I would like to comment on the ticket stamp thingy ! while it is the responsibilty of any person to understand how the system work, but it is easy to make that error if you are just a tourist who stay for 1 or 2 day so don't usually do a lot of research, on the other hand it is also easy for a person to cheat the metro company! as an alternate, why not have the system like your neighbor such as Portugal? a smart cart that you scan as you get in station or bus! if it is 24hr card, it start activation auto first time you scan on that day! is end of 2024! not 2014! computer automation could be useful! just saying!!

[@dorivalcamargojr2953]

I would say that a smart card operation will cost much more and, therefore, increase the ticket price. Also, if a person wants a more modern way, there's the app where you can buy, activate, and do everything from the smartphone .

[@simonp37]

You don't need to shit on Honest Guide and Janek when you make videos. It's really not a good look. Besides, he went deeper into the taxi scam almost 10 years ago, which was an excellent piece of journalism.

[@padilayuri9429]

You said to her?

[@simonp37]

@@padilayuri9429 Yes, I did.

[@MartinPodhorny]

Does Janek have a monopoly on tourist guides in Prague or what? She’s obviously trying to make her own content, so why should she link to a competitor in every video, especially when he’s got more time and money to work with?

[@simonp37]

@@MartinPodhorny If she's just trying to make her own content, then do that. There are several content creators in Prague who each have their own style. Nothing wrong with that. But why would she shit on other content creators in the process? Janek Rubeš openly said, that he made the scam taxi series because of the "A Scam City" on National Geographic. People in Prague didn't believe it was true, which is why he went even deeper into the organized scam. But perhaps she didn't really do any research on this and for whatever reason, just shit on other content creators on KZbin.

[@sircarek]

When did she do that?

[@chezkodratek1457]

so what's up with that marijuana thing?

[@WoRMaSTeR64]

There are shops that sell fake stuff. Actually selling the real stuff in a shop is still against the law.

[@RudiPurwana-7]

Bukan tanggung jawab sayah karena itu kan menggunakan tfk sesuai peruntukan atau penyalahgunaan tdk sesuai prosedure artinya melanggar hukum karena semua aplikasi yg ada dan di gunakan sudha di lindungi oleh negara melalu ruu perlindungan user dan konsumen proteksi atas penyalah gunaan dari manipulasi apapun itu di sebut penipuan namanya tdk bisa di terima sebagai trade yg sah jika tdk sesuai penggunaanya kena juga pelanggaran hak cipat atas penyalah gunaan fungsi karena hukum proteksi itu kena jika sudha ada manipulasi artinya tdk sesuai dgn penggunaan semestinya aplikasi yg sudah ada dan di gunakan sah di negara merdeka itu sudah terdaftar secara hukum dan wajib bebas masalah baik keuangan penggunaan juga hasil juga user atau konsumen ......hak cipata merek hp ,android,aplikasinya juga perlindungan konsumen, ruu digitalisasi ,ruu keuangan digital,kemanan pengguna ity berlapis yah kalian yg bermasalah akan menghadapi rentetan proteksi thd pengguna yg legal .....termasuk pihak russia juga bisa menuntut langsung ke pihak yg menyalahgunakannya misal mafia group puji itu di bolehkan menuntut karena menganggu legalitas hukum peyelenggara aplikasi dan ketertiban umum dgn melakukan pungli sepihak di luar ketentuan jelas dari prosedur yg ada itu melanggar hukum juga ....saya bisa angkat semua ini melawan mereka semua

[@jerryczech953]

Valeria ..four yeara after Honest Guide 🙂

[@redlopa1]

Honest guide were paid by their employers Mafra to do that work. Do you want to pay Valerie to do some investigative journalism? I’m sure she would accept your money.

[@jerryczech953]

@redlopa1 I had no idea Janek got paid by Babis Mafra ......No Vala is cool .I d like to have her one day as a tour guide around Prague ..

[@n3bri0s89]

@@redlopa1 Who cares who was paid by who? I don't. The thing is that Honest Guide exposed (and keeps exposing) all these scams long time ago, this vieo is rip-off. At last that is what should she acknowledge, and yes, the scam Taxi drivers DID disappear after Janek exposed them in multiple videos.

[@deatroid]

@@redlopa1no they were not employed by Mafra. They were employed by Seznam (czech yahoo) but not as a journalist but as a video makers.

[@Thanatosofos]

How are you always so cute???😍 Not mention knowledgeable.😊

[@debbenjo5875]

Reykjavik taxi drivers overcharge tourists too. About double.

[@mracer8]

How can you tell? everything is Iceland is overchage already!!! :P I am not even kidding!!!

[@debbenjo5875]

@@mracer8 I know. It happened to me and I'm not a tourist.

[@anitahvas2163]

SERIOUSLY, Before you go to Prague, change to CZK in your own country, instead of trying to decide what ATM or bank gives you the best rate. I always bring the expected amount in local cash, and only use card if I want to splurge. How hard can it be?

[@mracer8]

seriously, depend on country, but your local bank tend to "scam" you on exchange rate!

[@paulterpstra6705]

I come to Prague all my life multiple times a year, but I would never buy crowns in my own Euro country. It is more expensive then a local Czech ATM from an official bank. But I use a card always when possible and just have a few cash for emergencies.

[@redlopa1]

Obviously too hard for most. You’re doing it wrong. Get a Revolut or Transferwise card and there’s then no need to make a distinction.

[@SayonaraMedeiros-n3d]

@@paulterpstra6705 exactly 👍

[@Mr.Edd3905]

Is this an 'honest' guide? lol

[@hughofIreland]

Ignore this video; it’s garbage. We’re being educated about scams that seldom happen anymore. Watch the Honest Guide instead. This site is a weak facsimile of the original.

[@leejames1792]

No, i watched it and i liked it, you sound a very angry little man, have a cup of tea and take a deep breath, there's a good boy.

[@InTeCredo]

This does sound so familiar. You were just rehashing the HONEST GUIDE's videos on the same scams and milking for money. You're scam...

[@leejames1792]

No need to wet ya knickers over it is there, he has sole right to Prague vids does he?

[@tomrusack3266]

I think it’s time to scrap Prague from the tourist map. Let’s see how well you get on without tourist money. Perhaps refugees can make up the difference.

[@WoRMaSTeR64]

What? You really think there are less scams in other similar popular tourist destinations or what was the point of you saying this? Obviously there are scams literally every place there is mass tourism. Prague is definitely among the safest.