Prague Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Although Prague is as safe as any European capital, the huge influx of money to the city has spawned an epidemic of petty crime. Where tourists are concerned, this mainly means pickpockets. The prime trouble spots are Prague Castle (especially at the changing of the guard), Charles Bridge, Old Town Square (in the crowd watching the Astronomical Clock), the entrance to the Old Jewish Cemetery, Wenceslas Square, the main train station, in the metro (watch your backpack on escalators) and on trams (notably on the crowded Nos 9, 22 and 23).

There's no need to be paranoid, but keep valuables well out of reach, and be alert in crowds and on public transport. A classic ruse involves someone asking directions and thrusting a map under your nose, or a woman with a baby hassling you for money - anything to distract your attention - while accomplices delve into your bags and pockets. If anything like this happens, immediately check your bags and look around you.

^ Back to top

Scams

Beware of men who claim to be plain-clothes police officers investigating counterfeiting or illegal moneychanging. They approach tourists and ask to see their money, which is returned after being examined. When you check your wallet you'll find that a substantial amount of money has been taken. No genuine police officer has the right to inspect your money.

Another ploy involves a 'lost tourist' asking for directions (usually in halting English). Once you have been in conversation for a few minutes, two of the tourist's 'friends' interrupt, claiming to be plain-clothes policemen and accusing you of changing money illegally. They will demand to see your wallet and passport, but if you hand them over they are likely to run off with them.

^ Back to top

While you're there

Medical services

Emergency treatment and nonhospital first aid are free for all visitors to the Czech Republic; in a serious medical emergency (eg suspected heart attack), call 112 (English- and German-speaking operators available).

Citizens of EU countries can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaces the old E111 form in the UK; this entitles you to free state-provided medical treatment in the Czech Republic. Non-EU citizens must pay for treatment, and at least some of the fee must be paid upfront. Everyone has to pay for prescribed medications.

There are plenty of pharmacies (lékárna) in Prague, and most city districts have one that stays open 24 hours. In Nové Město you'll find it at the district clinic (224 946 982; Palackého 5, Nové Město; 7am-7pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat; metro Národní třída). In Vinohrady go to Lékárna U sv Ludmily (222 513 396; Belgická 37, Vinohrady; 7am-7pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat; metro Náměstí Míru).

For emergency service after hours, ring the bell - you'll see a red button with a sign zvonek lékárna (pharmacy bell) and/or první pomoc (first aid). Some prescription medicines may not be available, so it's wise to bring enough for your trip.

^ Back to top

Clinics

American Dental Associates (221 181 121; www.americandental.cz; 2nd floor Atrium, Stará Celnice Bldg, V celnici 4; Nové Město; metro Náměstí Republiky) Entirely English-speaking.

Canadian Medical Care (235 360 133, after hrs 724 300 301; www.cmc.praha.cz; Veleslavínská 1, Veleslavín; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri; tram 20 or 26 from metro Dejvická) A pricey but professional private clinic with English-speaking doctors; an initial consultation will cost from US$50 to US$200.

Na Homolce Hospital (257 271 111; www.homolka.cz; 5th fl, Foreign Pavilion, Roentgenova 2, Motol; bus 167 from metro Anděl) The best hospital in Prague, equipped and staffed to Western standards, with staff who speak English, French, German and Spanish.

Polyclinic at Národní (Poliklinika na Národní; 222 075 120, 24hr emergencies 720 427 634; www.poliklinika.narodni.cz; Národní 9, Nové Město; 8.30am-5pm Mon-Fri; metro Národní třída) A central clinic with staff who speak English, German, French and Russian. Expect to pay around 800Kč to 1200Kč for an initial consultation.

^ Back to top