I was constantly warned about hailing taxi’s on the streets of Prague. If you need a cab make sure you book one through your hotel and never ever hail one from the street or a restaurant or a pub. Friends of mine took one from the old town back to their hotel and the driver took them all over the place. When they questioned him and threatened to call the police he sped off like a bat out of hell…
Advice
Further Tips
1) Always ring for a taxi if you can. Avoid the heavily touristy areas and the main railway station.
2) Only use taxis that have their rates posted on the outside of the cab
3) Discuss the price of the trip (or max cost if using the meter) with the driver before actually getting into his cab.
4) When you get in – learn the name of the driver and write it down on a a notepad with the car reg. If he objects to this he will be dodgy. Get out and walk away.
5) Watch the meter is set right – its not too difficult to estimate a kilometre. If it’s flying by then demand to stop and get out – paying only what is already on the meter.
6) Follow the route on a map so he doesn’t follow the ‘scenic route’.
7) If the price seems high ask for a receipt with the amount, taxi registration and drivers name written on it.
I have very recently visited Prague and I feel that you have some of the worst taxi drivers in the world. When it comes to making up prices for journeys, we come to see your country not to get ripped off. Will warn everyone I know to be careful when getting taxis.. Avi Singh
