Czechia like a local — and the traps to skip

Leaving the airport or a main station

Do not accept unsolicited rides from people waiting outside the terminals. Prague Airport's official taxi is Uber Airport, ordered in the app, at a self-service kiosk or at the staffed counter; public transport is the lower-cost alternative. For another licensed taxi, agree the price or check the taximeter rules before boarding and keep the receipt.

Source · reviewed 2026-08-28

At a currency-exchange booth

By Czech law you may cancel a currency-exchange transaction within 3 hours, in the same branch, for amounts up to the equivalent of €1,000 — a rule created specifically against booths that give tourists terrible rates. Exchange offices must now display only one (the least favourable) rate, so ignore any 'VIP rate for larger amounts' board. Better still: skip tourist-area booths and use a bank ATM.

Source · reviewed 2026-08-28

Boarding your first tram, bus or metro

Validate a paper ticket once before the first ride. Tickets bought from an onboard contactless terminal are valid immediately; app tickets must be activated before travel and include a protective countdown. The standard no-ticket surcharge is 2,000 CZK, reduced to 1,200 CZK when paid on the spot. Inspectors carry a badge and official carrier ID.

Source · reviewed 2026-08-28

If you might drive after a drink

Czechia applies zero tolerance to alcohol when driving. Do not drive after even one drink, and remember that alcohol can remain the next morning. Police can require a roadside breath test; use public transport or a taxi instead.

Source · reviewed 2026-07-29