Prague ranks seventh among the most visited cities of Europe. As a popular European destination, it shares the common blight of tourist destinations: the pickpocket. However, an alert mind and travel-savvy tips can free tourists to fully enjoy the pleasures of the Czech Republic capital.
When guarding against pickpockets, the first step is preparation. Review the travel safety checklist.
Travel Safety Checklist
- Before travelling abroad, copy passports and important documents. Keep the originals on hand at all times. Store the copies in a secure compartment of luggage.
- When planning each day’s excursions, prepare money and valuables in private. Count out sufficient spending money for one day. This cash will go into a wallet or secure front pocket. If storing the money in a wallet, do not place wallets in a back pocket, shoulder bag, or backpack. Instead tuck into a front pocket or the inner pocket of a jacket.
- Next, place passport, travel tickets, credit cards, important health insurance documents, and extra cash, in a money belt. Money belts, or neck wallets, really are a tourist’s best friend. Wear the pouch under clothing as designed and don’t plan on taking it off until the end of the day. It protects the passport, the most valuable document a tourist carries.
Travel Protection for Cameras
Prague invites photography. A visit to the Golden City without a camera is unthinkable. But a camera is often the prime target for a pickpocket.
Solutions?
Store cameras or expensive electronic equipment in a plain bag rather than the usual case. A camera bag practically begs thieves to steal.
Another simple deterrent is to keep electronics and cameras out of sight when not using them. When returning the camera to a backpack or bag, place at the bottom. Cover with a light blanket or sweater so the camera is not readily visible when the bag is opened. If pickpockets have to rummage in the backpack to find something, chances are higher that they will be caught.
Travel Warnings Regarding Jewelry
Wear modest jewelry during travel in the Czech Republic. Flashing gemstones and expensive watches invite a pickpocket to see what else a tourist owns. If purchasing Bohemian garnets while in Prague, place the jewelry directly into the money belt.
Once money and valuables are stowed in a money belt, the camera nestled at the bottom of an unassuming bag and the Rolex exchanged for a simple watch, the tourist is ready to face the wonders of Bohemia and the wiles of a pickpocket. Head onto the beautiful cobbled squares of Prague, the hometown of Franz Kafka.
Pickpocket Haunts in Prague
Pickpockets most often frequent the Charles Bridge, Prague Old Town Square, and crowded train, bus, and metro stations
When visiting these hot spots, be aware of the surroundings.
Beggars also roam Prague. While the tender-hearted might wish to give, be aware that some beggars work in teams and purposely try to distract tourists so a light-fingered partner can disappear with camera or cash in the other direction.
An alert mind is the best defense. Enjoy the sights but keep belongings near.
- Wear shoulder bags across the chest so nimble thieves cannot easily snatch and run. If wearing a shoulder bag with a flap, turn so the flap faces your body.
- Keep purses and bags closed. Never leave bags on the back of a seat, in an overhead compartment, or stashed under a chair.
- When navigating public transportation or crowded streets keep a firm grip on belongings. Rest one arm casually across on the front pocket where the day’s cash is stored so no one can touch that pocket unnoticed.
Thieves at the ATM
Another popular haunt for the pickpocket is an ATM machine or currency exchange office. Elude thieves by scanning the area beforehand.
Choose a location that is well lit and clean. Scan the crowd for lingerers. A common travel warning that bears repeating: Beware of over-friendly strangers. Make sure no one stands close enough to snoop. If possible, do the transaction with a friend present so that one person can scan the surroundings, and the other can complete the financial business. Avoid displaying cash in public places. Quickly and quietly count money received, then return cash and cards immediately into the secure front pocket or neck wallet. Never put in a back pocket.
Last Hints for Travel Abroad
Stay alert. Keeping valuables in a money belt ensures peace of mind about the most important documents. By following simple precautions about jewelry, cameras, and daily money, tourists can roam the Golden City of Prague without losing track of anything more than time.
Headed to other popular European destinations? Check out travel safety tips for Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Paris, or Amsterdam.
Josanna Simpson - Josanna Simpson, who holds a BA in Literature, is an aspiring novelist in her late twenties with a passion for British literature and the ...
