I was in Prague in 2003. DH & I walked around the Old Town at night and we never felt afraid. However, we DID run into a scam. I have posted about it before.

A young girl about 18 approached us & asked if we spoke English. When we said we did she said she had been robbed and could we give her money. Yeah, right!

They use this scam in Chicago too! If she had really been robbed she should go to the police!

A couple of follow-up bits:

1) About JoeTro's questions: I have not heard from anyone here nor has it happened to me that we've had anything extra added to the bill in a restaurant, but it is never a bad idea to check. (Perhaps run a mental tally when you order since you won't be able to read the bill when it comes--then you'll have a ballpark figure to expect.)

One thing that we were told to expect was that the Czech and English menus would have different prices, but **this has not been the case** in any of the restaurants we have visited (neighborhood or touristy). To guard against it, if you are concerned, you can keep the Czech menu and compare it to the English one they bring. We did this "to practice our Czech" when we first arrived. A majority of the restaurants in the main area have menus printed in Czech and translated into English, so you shouldn't have any problems with that.

About the change, I haven't ever been shortchanged. I would suggest that you get a quick handle on which coins are worth what, though, as it makes it easier to keep track of what you spend (and what change you receive). One of our relatives gave someone a HUGE tip by dropping his change in one of the only tip jars in town because he didn't realize how much each coin was worth! I bet he made her day!

2) About taxis at the airport: AAA taxi does pick up at the airport, and they always run with a meter. Generally, we live on the other side of Wenceslaus Square from the airport, and the ride to/from the airport to our apartment costs about 500 CZK.

A couple of things you might do if you are really concerned that you might still be overcharged:

1) Call your hotel in advance and find out what the cab fare from the airport should be.

2) You could also print a map online from your cab driver if you think you are staying somewhere that might be difficult to find.

This can be done at www.mapy.cz . Click "Plánovaè tras" and, at "Start" enter "Ruzyne Airport, 160 08 Prague 6". Then at "Cíl" enter the address for your hotel. The directions will print in Czech which you won't be able to read, but your cab driver will!

I hope this helps.

Also, the number for AAA taxi is worth keeping on-hand throughout your trip in case you decide not to use public transport for all things: +420 233 113 311 (you can also get a business card at the info counter in the airport).

3) All taxi talk aside: public transit from the airport terminals to the city center is quite easy and far less expensive. I'm sure there must be info about this somewhere, but if not, feel free to post a question to that end.

--MP

I would have to agree that taking the trams is an easy and conveneient way to travel, including #23 which I have taken numerous times and never been pickpocketed.

What I would be careful about are some of the absolutely corrupt taxi drivers. Get an agreement beforehand as to prices if at all possible.

You are, IMO, foolish to "avoid public transportation" in that city when a few elementary precautions are all that are necessary.

I was at Prage at new year last year,crowded night, lots of people on the streets and it did not fell unsafe AT ALL!!! Hard to believe anyone would rate Prague as unsafe!!! In terms of incident report, all guides, for any major cities in europe will say that you have to watch for pickpockets, but that does not mean that they are dangerous places!!!!

This whole thread is making me laugh. Just returned from my 10th trip to Prague. Only problem I encountered was the heat wave my first week there (my ankles were swelling up from the temps!) Other than that, took the metro, bus, trams, walked around at midnight in Wenceslas Square & Zizkov, and returned alive & with all my $. Never once wished I had mace. Drink some Kozel when you're there...

Forgot to tell a recent story, and to be fair, I should add it here. A friend of mine was pickpocketed near Old Town, 2 weeks ago,while buying ice cream. She had both hands full of food, and her purse was wide open. Someone saw this as a prime opportunity to take her wallet, and she was leaving for Spain the next day. Needless to say, she had to do some scrambling to get credit cards, etc.

So, Just don't do anything stupid,and you should be fine ...

As with any other big city, just be aware of your surroundings and don't do anything stupid like flash your cash or flaunt your iPod. I've been to Prague, alone, and never had a problem walking around by myself. My neighbors (guys) had problems walking around since the prostitutes would bother them, though!

When I left Prague, I went to the train station and was rushing to the train. Some homeless looking guy grabbed my suitcase and helped me run to the train. I gave him money, of course....and in retrospect it was worth it for his help! But I guess I was lucky to have had such good experiences.

Have you been to Rio? I think Rio's much more dangerous. (Never had a problem there, either, though.)

One more thought, how would one even carry mace to Prague, especially with all the new security precautions... :-?
... lol!!!

Wow! Never expected so many responses.I am very pleased that the negative percetion seems to have been exagerated. Thank you for your help.
On another subject. We plan to stay 5 days in Berlin, 2 in Dresden, 5 days in Prague, 1 in Telc, 1 Karlovy Cesky, then back to Berlin for departure with an overnight in Pargue. Total of 17 days.
It has been suggested that we shorten Berlin and Prague and go into Saxony.
Sounds like a very good idea due to time of year, December.
Any suggestions as to where to go? Driving conditions? Not experienced snow drivers.
We secured a Peugot 406 through Hertz. Best I could do with out going into premium allowable cars such as a Volvo S80?? Tried Europcar and had same restritions, higher rates.
Thanks for all of the responses.
Alex

Alex,

I would repost this last question as a separate thread. You'll receive many more responses that way.

I have one last piece of info about cabs from the airport since I was there last Friday to pick up my husband.

The AAA taxis have a whole fleet of taxis at the airport, and they've just painted them all yellow. They were parked outside the terminal (terminal 1, in this case, the terminal for non-Schegen flights, and the terminal I assume you will be arriving as well), and if you look and there are none in sight, they do have a kiosk inside the terminal where they will call one from the rest of the fleet parked on the airport premises.

Look forward to your next thread!
--MP

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I went to Prague three years ago with a group of 17 Swiss. We had hired a wonderful Czech tour guide who spoke perfect German. She met us in front of our Ibis hotel and we took the tram to the castle. Our group stayed together in the tram and knew to be wary of pickpockets. Suddenly a group of rough middle-aged men came in. Our tour guide warned us in German to be very careful right now. One of the men heard the German and started calling us Nazis and trying to touch us on the shoulders. The women of our group huddled more into the center of our "circle" as the men in our group avoided eye contact with these men and stood straight. It was a scary situation and I was very glad when we reached our stop. Nothing was stolen.

We loved Prague for it's beauty, food and the very nice people. But we were on guard with our money the whole time.

Just proves that ANYONE (not just English speakers) can be caught in a unwelcomed situation.