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-   -   Prague for the lone female traveller? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/prague-for-the-lone-female-traveller-381210/)

JC75 Dec 8th, 2003 09:13 PM

Prague for the lone female traveller?
 
Any problems to be aware of in Prague as a female travelling alone?

nytraveler Dec 9th, 2003 01:57 AM

I spend 3 days alone there (inadvertently - a friend was delyaed) and had a great time. It's jsut as safe as any major city - as long as you're reasonably aware of your surroundings you'll be fine. The only thing to beware of is taxi scam artists that hang around Old Town Square. If taking a taxi get one in front of your hotel - or find out in advance about what the fare should be. I thought this was a joke until I had one drive me in circles and try to charge 4 times the usual fare. He was highly irate when I refused to pay it. I told him I was on to the scam, paid what was fair and simply got out of the cab - offering to discuss it with the police if he insisted on more. They'll back down as long as you stand up to them. (Note: this is not to impugn all taxi drivers - most were fine - I'm sure there are only a few scamming tourists.)

mp413 Dec 9th, 2003 08:12 AM

I have lived in Prague, France, Texas, and New York, and Prague is BY FAR the safest city I have ever lived in. I was a teenager when I lived there and my parents were completely comfortable having me walk around, take the subway, etc. at night. As for the taxis, same as many euro cities: just ask the driver how much approx. it will be to a destination. Prague taxi drivers do overcharge, but not if you ask and make sure the meter's on.

Christina Dec 9th, 2003 08:45 AM

no, I've been there twice alone for about a week each time and it's like any big city. Perhaps safer than some.

Taxis aren't a female issue, but in fact, I have not been cheated by a taxi -- I only took one once, though.

mp413 Dec 9th, 2003 09:06 AM

Taxis aren't a female issue, but they're a tourist issue. They have been seriously cracking down on rip-off drivers recently.

amp322 Dec 12th, 2003 01:00 PM

Been there alone many times. The only thing I suggest is staying away from Wenceslas Square after 12:30 AM, if you are walking alone. You will still be safe, but you will take the chance of being approached by men who will assume you are a hooker . Especially British men, who are OUT OF CONTROL when let loose in that city. There are many strip clubs there, and there are a lot of annoying people who hang out on the streets around Wenceslas, but I have NEVER felt unsafe.

Enjoy your trip.


PakePorkChop Dec 13th, 2003 05:54 PM

I also travelled there alone and did fine. Oh, one thing that I experienced at the main train station: When my shuttle driver dropped me off, a scruffy looking man stepped forward and asked if I needed help with my bags. Under most circumstances, I would have refused, but I was using my sister's suitcase and I knew it was unusually heavy. So I let him take my suitcase and lead me to the train platform. He was very quick, very courteous, and was obviously working very hard. So I gave him a nice tip and some chocolate. When I boarded, I couldn't believe I had done such a thing, you know? How could I have guaranteed this guy wasn't going to demand a lot of money, or take my bag? I guess if you're pretty aware of your surroundings and can follow your instinct, you'll be OK.

I stayed near Tesco and the main bus stop. My British neighbors were also very courteous and a lot of fun, which really helped me enjoy my trip more! Two of them went wandering at about 10:30 PM one night and immediately came running back. Apparently a couple of prostitutes tried to glom on to them and wouldn't let go!

Anyway, that was my long way of saying, it's fairly safe and you'll have a good time. I'm very envious of you!

MelissaHI Dec 17th, 2003 12:17 PM

Oops! Sorry people, that was me hijacking my bro's computer. (Pakeporkchop)


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