Prague Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Prague.
Healthcare System
The Czech Republic has a high-quality public healthcare system with universal coverage for residents. Prague has excellent medical facilities with many doctors and specialists who speak English. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access emergency care, while non-EU visitors must pay for services or use private insurance.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Motol University Hospital (largest in Czech Republic), Na Homolce Hospital (popular with expats), and Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady. The Canadian Medical Care clinic and American Medical Center provide private care specifically for international patients. Emergency rooms (pohotovost) are available 24/7 at major hospitals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (lékárna) are widely available throughout Prague and marked with a green cross. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak English. Most common medications are available, though brand names may differ. Some pharmacies operate 24-hour service, including the pharmacy at Palackého 5, Praha 1.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended for all non-EU visitors. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card. Insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical repatriation, as costs can be significant without coverage.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a copy of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names differ in Czech Republic
- EU citizens must present EHIC card at time of treatment to access public healthcare
- Private clinics are more expensive but offer shorter wait times and guaranteed English-speaking doctors
- Dental care is of high quality and significantly cheaper than Western Europe or North America
- Keep all medical receipts and documentation for insurance claims
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Prague. Thieves operate in crowded areas, on public transportation, and at tourist attractions. Professional pickpocket gangs target distracted tourists, often working in groups with one person creating a distraction while another steals.
Unlicensed taxis and some licensed drivers overcharge tourists, sometimes by 300-500% of legitimate fares. Drivers may claim meters are broken, take unnecessarily long routes, or manipulate meters.
Some establishments, particularly strip clubs and certain bars in tourist areas, lure customers with promises of cheap drinks then present inflated bills running into thousands of euros. Aggressive tactics may be used to force payment.
Exchange offices in tourist areas offer poor rates, charge hidden fees, or use deceptive practices like showing buying rate instead of selling rate. Some manipulate calculators or distract customers during counting.
Prague's cheap beer and vibrant nightlife can lead to excessive drinking. This increases vulnerability to theft, scams, accidents, and poor decision-making. Drink spiking is rare but has been reported.
Cobblestone streets, tram tracks, and mixing with vehicle traffic can lead to accidents. E-scooter rentals are popular but can be dangerous for inexperienced riders on Prague's historic streets.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Vendors or taxi drivers take advantage of tourists unfamiliar with Czech crowns (CZK) and euros. They may accept euros at terrible exchange rates or give change in CZK calculated incorrectly. Some restaurants list prices in euros at inflated rates.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers, approach tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash while 'inspecting' wallets or demand on-the-spot fines for invented violations.
Restaurants add items to bills that weren't ordered, charge for bread or condiments that appeared free, or include inflated cover charges. Some menus show prices per 100g making steaks appear cheaper than they are.
Criminals attach card skimmers and hidden cameras to ATMs to steal card information and PINs, then clone cards for fraudulent use.
Someone approaches offering a 'free' friendship bracelet or rose, quickly ties it on or hands it over, then aggressively demands payment. Sometimes works in pairs with one distracting while the other pickpockets.
Street sellers offer tickets to classical concerts in churches or historic buildings at inflated prices for performances of questionable quality, often by amateur musicians rather than professional orchestras.
Fake accommodation listings on rental sites, or legitimate-looking properties that don't exist. After payment, the listing disappears or travelers arrive to find no reservation.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation
- Prague's metro, tram, and bus system is safe, efficient, and reliable
- Validate tickets immediately upon boarding to avoid 1,000 CZK fines from inspectors
- Purchase tickets from machines, tobacco shops, or via mobile app (not from individuals)
- Watch for pickpockets on crowded trams 22, 23, and metro lines A and B during rush hours
- Keep bags in front of you and zipped, especially on escalators and in crowded vehicles
- Night trams and buses run throughout the night with slightly different routes
- Metro closes around midnight on weekdays, 1 AM on weekends
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable jewelry
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Keep backup credit card and emergency cash in separate location from main wallet
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card being blocked
- Take photos of important documents and store digitally
- Use money belts or hidden pockets for large amounts of cash
- Most places accept cards, but carry some cash for small vendors and tips
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms or established hotels
- Verify the address and check recent reviews
- Use door locks and security chains, check windows can be secured
- Be cautious about sharing accommodation details on social media in real-time
- Know emergency exits in your building
- Keep accommodation address and phone number accessible in Czech language
- Consider accommodations in well-lit areas with good transport connections
Nightlife Safety
- Research bars and clubs before visiting, stick to well-reviewed establishments
- Never leave drinks unattended
- Stay with your group, use buddy system
- Arrange transportation home before going out
- Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas
- Keep phone charged and accessible
- Be wary of strangers offering to show you 'the best' clubs or bars
- Set a budget and don't carry all your cash when going out
Photography and Belongings
- Don't leave cameras, phones, or bags unattended at cafes or restaurants
- Use camera straps and keep them around your neck or wrist
- Be aware of surroundings when taking photos, don't get distracted
- Avoid displaying expensive equipment unnecessarily
- Back up photos regularly to cloud storage
- Be respectful when photographing locals, ask permission when appropriate
- Some locations (military installations, certain government buildings) prohibit photography
Cultural Awareness
- Learn basic Czech phrases - locals appreciate the effort (dobrý den = hello, děkuji = thank you)
- Czechs value quiet behavior on public transport, avoid loud conversations
- Tipping is customary, round up or add 10% in restaurants
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Sunday shopping is limited, most stores closed or have reduced hours
- Public drinking is legal but being intoxicated and disorderly is not
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Prague is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The Czech Republic has low rates of violent crime, and harassment is less common than in many other European destinations. Women can safely explore the city, use public transportation, and enjoy nightlife with standard precautions. Czech society is relatively egalitarian, and women traveling alone are common and unremarkable.
- Solo dining and sightseeing is completely normal and safe
- Use reputable transportation apps (Uber, Bolt, Liftago) rather than street taxis, especially at night
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in central, well-lit areas
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, particularly when alone
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave
- Keep phone charged and share your location with friends or family
- Catcalling is relatively rare but can occur; ignore and keep walking
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Women-only hostels are available if preferred
- Evening walks in main tourist areas and well-populated neighborhoods are generally safe
- Be cautious in parks and quiet areas after dark
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm if it makes you feel more secure
- Czech women dress stylishly but practically; no special dress code needed
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in the Czech Republic (since 1962), with same-sex registered partnerships recognized since 2006. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in employment and services. However, same-sex marriage is not currently legal, though there is growing political support for it.
- Prague has an active LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in Vinohrady neighborhood
- Popular LGBTQ+ venues include Termix, Friends Prague, Saints Bar, and Café Therapy
- Vinohrady (Prague 2) is known as the gay-friendly neighborhood with many LGBTQ+ establishments
- Prague Pride takes place in August and is a major, well-attended event
- Public displays of affection are generally safe in central Prague and Vinohrady
- Exercise more discretion in outer districts and conservative areas
- LGBTQ+ travelers should encounter no issues in hotels, restaurants, or tourist sites
- Use common dating apps (Grindr, Tinder, HER) which are active in Prague
- Be aware that some clubs have specific nights for LGBTQ+ events
- Czech Republic has good HIV/AIDS healthcare and prevention services
- While generally safe, isolated incidents of discrimination or harassment can occur
- Support organizations include Prague Pride and Prague Gay Guide for resources and information
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Prague. While the city is safe, medical costs without insurance can be substantial. EU citizens have some coverage through EHIC, but comprehensive travel insurance provides crucial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and other unexpected situations. The Czech Republic requires proof of medical insurance for some visa applications.
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