Czech Koruna, Card Payments, and Common Scams

Czechia uses the koruna (CZK), not the euro — and Prague's classic tourist traps are bad exchange offices, 'euro prices' at triple the real rate, and rigged street taxis. Pay by card in CZK everywhere, never exchange money on the street, and use Bolt or Uber instead of hailing cabs. Do that and you're fine.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Where should I withdraw cash in Prague?

Use ATMs attached to actual banks (Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka, Raiffeisenbank) and decline the conversion offer. Avoid the free-standing blue Euronet machines that carpet the tourist center — their exchange rates and fees are among the worst in Europe.

What other tourist scams should I watch for in Prague?

The greatest hits: 'petition' clipboard groups who pickpocket you while you sign, overpriced 'traditional' ham stalls on Old Town Square sold by weight (a small plate can hit several hundred crowns), fake ticket inspectors demanding cash fines, and strip-club promoters. Real inspectors show a metal badge and can wait while you verify.

What's the currency exchange scam I keep hearing about?

Two flavors: exchange offices that advertise a great 'sell' rate but buy your money at a terrible one (check the 'we buy' rate and commission before handing over cash), and street 'moneychangers' who give you worthless foreign notes. Rule of thumb: if someone approaches you offering to exchange money, walk away — it's always a scam.

How much should I tip in Prague?

Round up or add roughly 10% in restaurants for decent service — tell the server the total you want to pay when they bring the bill, rather than leaving coins on the table. Tipping isn't obligatory, and nobody tips on takeaway coffee. Watch for bills that already include a service charge in tourist areas.

Does Prague use the euro?

No — the currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Some tourist shops accept euros but at exchange rates so bad it's effectively a surcharge. Pay in koruna by card and you'll get your bank's fair rate.

Are taxis in Prague safe to use?

App-ordered rides (Bolt, Uber, Liftago) are safe, cheap, and the price is agreed upfront. Taxis hailed on the street near Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, or the main station have a long history of rigged meters and 3-5x overcharging. Just use the apps.

Can I get by with just a card in Prague?

Almost entirely, yes — cards and phone payments work in nearly every restaurant, shop, and on public transport ticket machines. Keep a few hundred crowns cash for the odd market stall, public toilet, or old-school pub. When the terminal asks CZK or your home currency, always pick CZK.

How much are Prague public transport tickets?

From January 2026: a 30-minute ticket is 36 CZK in the PID Lítačka app (39 CZK paper), and a 90-minute ticket is 46 CZK in the app (50 CZK paper). The app is the cheapest and easiest way to buy; paper tickets must be validated in the yellow machines or you risk a fine.

Nearby in Ask Prague

• Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)Neighborhood0.14 km · 2 min walk
• Mucha MuseumAttraction0.29 km · 4 min walk
• U PinkasůRestaurant0.32 km · 4 min walk
• Havelské tržiště (Havel's Market)Market0.49 km · 6 min walk
• Astronomical Clock (Orloj)Attraction0.64 km · 8 min walk