Prague Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Prague

• Never change money at street kiosks — 30% rip-off rates; use ATMs at Česká spořitelna / KB / ČSOB.

• Avoid unmarked taxis — always use Uber/Bolt or pre-booked Nejlevnější / AAA taxi.

• Book Prague Castle skip-the-line + St Vitus tickets online 1 day ahead in high season.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 112.

• Very safe — violent crime rare.

• Pickpockets active on tram 22, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, metro escalators.

• Avoid strip-club touts + street currency exchange (30% rip-off rates) — always use bank ATMs.

• Emergency 112.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: visa free, typically up to 90 days. Schengen visa-free 90 days per 180 for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/NZ/Japan/Korea/UAE/most Latin America. From late 2026 non-EU visa-exempt need ETIAS €7 (3-year, travel-europe.europa.eu). Others use Schengen visa via Czech consulate / VFS Global.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Prague. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.