Czechia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Czechia.
Healthcare System
Czechia has a high-quality universal healthcare system with well-trained medical professionals. Public hospitals and clinics provide excellent care, and many doctors and medical staff in major cities speak English. Private clinics are also widely available and often preferred by tourists for shorter wait times.
Hospitals
Major hospitals in Prague include Na Homolce Hospital (popular with expats and tourists), Motol University Hospital, and the Canadian Medical Care clinic. Most large cities have well-equipped hospitals. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare at reduced costs. Non-EU visitors should use private clinics or ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (lékárna) are widely available and identifiable by a green cross. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak English in tourist areas. Many common medications available over-the-counter in other countries may require prescriptions in Czechia. 24-hour pharmacies are available in Prague and major cities. Common pain relievers and basic medications are readily available.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and mandatory for non-EU citizens applying for visas. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Private medical care and repatriation can be expensive without insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you're an EU citizen, or ensure comprehensive travel insurance coverage
- Keep copies of prescriptions for any medications you bring, with generic names as brand names may differ
- Private clinics like Canadian Medical Care or Unicare Medical Center in Prague cater specifically to international patients with English-speaking staff
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Czechia
- Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some rural areas; consider vaccination if planning extensive outdoor activities in forests
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Czechia, particularly in Prague. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists in crowded areas. Bags, phones, wallets, and cameras are primary targets.
Various scams target tourists, including currency exchange fraud, taxi overcharging, restaurant bill padding, and dishonest money changers. These are organized and sophisticated operations.
Some nightclubs and bars, particularly those with aggressive touts outside, engage in overcharging, credit card fraud, or intimidation. Drink spiking, while rare, has been reported.
Prague's tram and road system can be hazardous for pedestrians unfamiliar with traffic patterns. Trams have right of way and cannot stop quickly. Drivers may be aggressive, and some rural roads are poorly maintained.
Czechia has high-quality beer and a strong drinking culture. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to accidents, poor decision-making, and vulnerability to crime. Methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol, while rare, has occurred.
Rental bicycles and e-scooters are popular but can be dangerous on cobblestone streets and in areas with heavy traffic or tram tracks.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Exchange offices, particularly in tourist areas, advertise attractive rates but use hidden fees, unfavorable 'sell' rates, or confusing commission structures. Some change money at the advertised rate but then claim they made a mistake and give back less money. Others use sleight of hand when counting bills.
Unlicensed taxis or dishonest drivers charge inflated rates, take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken, or add mysterious fees. Airport taxis are particularly notorious for this scam.
Some restaurants add items you didn't order (bread, appetizers, or extra drinks) to your bill, charge per-person 'cover charges' not mentioned on the menu, or bring unrequested items to the table and then charge for them. Some also round up significantly when you pay with large bills.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers and ask to see your wallet or passport to 'check for counterfeit money' or 'verify your identity,' then steal cash or card information. Sometimes they work with accomplices who pose as tourists.
Touts invite tourists to clubs promising free entry or cheap drinks. Once inside, drinks are extremely overpriced (hundreds of euros for a beer), and intimidating staff pressure payment. Credit cards may be charged excessive amounts, and customers are threatened if they refuse to pay.
Taxi drivers claim their meter is broken and quote an inflated flat rate for the journey, often 5-10 times the legitimate fare.
People approach tourists asking them to sign a petition for a charity or cause. While the tourist is distracted signing, accomplices pickpocket them, or the petition collector demands a donation after signing.
Tourists are befriended by locals who eventually take them to a jewelry or souvenir shop where they're pressured to buy overpriced items, often fake garnets (Czech garnets are famous, but many sold are fake).
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible to avoid skimming devices
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash and cards in hotel safe
- Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance, cards) and store separately
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and large amounts of cash
- The Czech Crown (CZK/Kč) is the only official currency; always pay in local currency, not euros
- When using cards, decline 'dynamic currency conversion' and always pay in CZK for better rates
Public Transportation
- Buy tickets before boarding trams, buses, or metro; validate them in yellow machines
- Keep tickets until the end of your journey; inspectors issue heavy fines for invalid tickets
- Be extra vigilant against pickpockets on tram lines 22 and 23 (tourist routes)
- Keep bags in front of you and zipped closed on crowded public transport
- Download the PID Lítačka app for easy ticket purchasing in Prague
- Night trams and buses are safe but less frequent; plan routes in advance
- Metro closes around midnight; know your alternative transport options
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra money, and valuables
- Check that doors and windows lock properly upon arrival
- Be cautious of overly cheap accommodation deals that seem suspicious
- Keep your room number private; don't announce it in public areas
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Book accommodation through reputable platforms with verified reviews
Food and Drink
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Czechia
- Check bills carefully at restaurants; it's normal to ask for an itemized receipt
- Tipping is customary (10% is standard); round up or leave cash on the table
- Bread brought to the table may not be free; ask before eating if concerned
- Try traditional Czech cuisine but be aware portions are typically large and hearty
- Avoid extremely cheap alcohol, especially spirits, due to rare but serious methanol poisoning incidents
- Food safety standards are high; most restaurants are safe to eat in
Cultural Awareness
- Czechs value privacy and can seem reserved; this is normal and not unfriendly
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Quiet hours (typically 22:00-06:00) are taken seriously; keep noise down in residential areas
- Photography is generally allowed but ask permission in churches and private establishments
- Learn a few basic Czech phrases; locals appreciate the effort even if they speak English
- Sunday shopping is limited; many shops close or have reduced hours
- Smoking is banned in restaurants, bars, and public buildings
Driving and Road Rules
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day
- Zero tolerance for drinking and driving (0.0% blood alcohol limit)
- Highway vignettes are required for motorways; buy at borders, gas stations, or post offices
- Winter tires are mandatory in winter conditions (snow, ice) from November 1 to March 31
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns, 130 km/h on highways
- Children under 150cm must use appropriate car seats
- Parking in Prague's center is difficult and expensive; use public transport instead
Emergency Preparedness
- Save 112 (general emergency) in your phone
- Know your hotel address in Czech for emergency situations
- Keep your embassy contact information accessible
- Download offline maps of areas you're visiting
- Carry a charged power bank for your phone
- Have travel insurance details readily available
- Register with your embassy's traveler program if available
Outdoor Activities
- Czech trails are well-marked with colored stripes; carry a map regardless
- Weather can change quickly in mountains; bring layers
- Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time
- Stay on marked trails in national parks to avoid fines
- Swimming in quarries is popular but can be dangerous; only swim in designated areas
- Mountain rescue services are professional but may charge for rescues
- Check for tick-borne encephalitis risk in areas you plan to hike
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Czechia is generally safe for women traveling alone or in groups. The country has low rates of violent crime, and women are commonly seen traveling independently. Prague and other cities are walkable and well-lit in tourist areas. However, as in any destination, women should take standard precautions, particularly at night and in nightlife areas. Street harassment is relatively uncommon compared to some other European countries, though unwanted attention can occur, especially in bars and clubs.
- Solo female travelers report feeling safe in Czechia; trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, parks, or deserted streets late at night
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers in bars and clubs; drink spiking is rare but has been reported
- Book accommodation in well-reviewed, central areas with good transport links
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with friends or family when going out
- If staying in hostels, use lockers for valuables and consider female-only dorm rooms
- Dress as you would in any European city; there are no specific dress code restrictions
- Be aware that some men may be persistent in nightlife areas; a firm 'no' is usually respected
- Czech women typically don't smile at strangers, so don't feel obligated to appear overly friendly
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer company
- Emergency number 112 works throughout the EU; operators speak English
- The women's safety app bSafe or similar can provide additional peace of mind
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Czechia, and the country has relatively progressive LGBTQ+ rights compared to other Central European nations. The age of consent is equal (15 for all). Same-sex registered partnerships have been legal since 2006, providing some legal protections, though same-sex marriage is not yet legal. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in employment and services. Prague hosts an annual Prague Pride festival.
- Prague has an active LGBTQ+ scene centered around Vinohrady district, with numerous gay bars, clubs, and LGBTQ+-friendly establishments
- Saints Bar, Termix, Club Stella, and Friends Prague Bar are popular LGBTQ+ venues
- Public displays of affection may attract attention; use discretion based on your surroundings and comfort level
- Prague Pride takes place annually in August and is well-attended and peaceful
- Younger Czechs (under 40) are generally more accepting than older generations
- Exercise more caution in smaller towns and rural areas where attitudes may be conservative
- LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and guesthouses are available in Prague; look for Rainbow-certified accommodations
- The organization Prague Saints provides information and support for LGBTQ+ visitors
- Dating apps like Grindr and similar are widely used in Prague
- Trans travelers should be aware that legal gender recognition requires medical procedures; carry documentation if your ID doesn't match your presentation
- While generally safe, avoid confrontation if you encounter negative reactions; report serious incidents to police (112)
- Some LGBTQ+ travelers report feeling safer in Prague than in many other Central European capitals
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Czechia and mandatory for non-EU citizens applying for Schengen visas. While Czechia has excellent healthcare, medical treatment for non-EU citizens can be expensive without insurance. Private medical care, emergency dental work, and medical evacuation can cost thousands of euros. Additionally, insurance protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft, and other common travel disruptions. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but should still consider supplementary travel insurance for repatriation, private care, and non-medical issues.
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