Scams. Really that bad?

Berlin? Really? I have never heard of anyone being "scammed" in Germany. Even pick-pocketing is almost non-existent in Germany, unless you are carrying your wallet or other valuables in your back pack. (why I continue to dissuade people from using back-packs) The usual pick-pocketing excesses, scams, etc. one gets in Rome, Paris and Barcelona simply don't happen here. Haven't been to Prague, so can't tell you about that city. Anywhere you go in Scandinavia is going to be scam-free.

Hi, You don't have to be overly concerned about scams in Berlin, just follow common sense and be alert. I never feel that I have to be "on alert" in a crowded situation/tourist areas there, as I do in Paris, aside from being aware of the surroundings, and generally I am aware of the surroundings in Berlin. You develop a feel for the place. To answer "really that bad" in Berlin... it's a simple no.

Becky, I haven't found it "that bad" so far, but always try to be vigilant and careful so that I'm not an "easy mark". I've been approached by "colorfully dressed individuals apparently from eastern Europe" (trying to avoid the "Gypsy" label in case anyone is offended). They typically want visitors to read a "hard luck story" on a small card. I don't read the cards, and always try to ensure that I stay at least arm's length from them. If there are other scams in Berlin, I didn't notice any. Prague OTOH has somewhat of a "reputation" for scammers and pickpockets, especially near or on the Charles Bridge, which is usually packed with visitors and attention is diverted by street entertainers. I found that at least some of the Taxi Drivers there will overcharge, sometimes a lot (try to use AAA if possible as they seem reliable). As Ralph mentioned, another issue in Prague is waiters and store clerks. Some may try to short-change you, or use other tactics to surreptitiously overcharge. Restaurant staff often write the bill on a slip of paper with no description of what the charges are, so it's sometimes difficult to know what you're paying for. Finally, I found that I had to constantly do currency conversions when paying bils, to get some idea what the cost actually was in my home currency or in Euros. Happy travels!

Of the three. I'd be most concerned in the tourist center of Prague. Generally though, if you take normal precautions and keep your wits, you will be fine. I like the mention of store clerks. Know the money, count it out to a clerk (or taxi driver) - don't just hand them a wad of cash and let them take what they want.

If you'll just remember that "nothing is free" and don't let anybody "carry" your luggage for you or "purchase train tickets" for you...you'll be fine. Look at them and laugh and be on your way.

No, it is not that bad. Some posts make it sound like every one is just waiting to rip you off. You do need to apply common sense like in any big city, but my experiences with scams while traveling (including living in Europe for 3+ years) have been few and far between. I've been to all these cities and don't recall any problems. I just spent a week in Berlin and felt perfectly comfortable ... never once got ripped off, pickpocketed, or scammed.

We were in Prague with another couple. Took separate cabs from same hotel to the same restaurant, same route. My driver's charge was 200 Korunas (about 10 bucks) higher than his driver's. Not a huge deal, but our hotel told us that taxis are unregulated (this was in '09) and ripoffs common. I've also heard that AAA taxi is the only trustworthy one. That said, we loved Prague & would go back in a heartbeat.

I've never had any trouble in any of those cities, felt very comfortable. If you use your common sense you will be fine.

No, they are not that bad. We travel with children and have never felt unease. Frankly, I would feel more unease in almost any American large city.

Becky, I have to echo what was said by the majority of posters here -- you're going to three wonderful cities, each unique in their own way. Is it possible you may overpay $10.00 for a cab in Prague? Yep. Is that worth missing out on on the world's most wondrous cities? Nope. (Actually, I've never needed a cab in Prague. Public transit works really well -- trams and subways). I'm sure some service people take advantage of the unfamiliar currency rate to make some coin. The best defense against that is just be somewhat familiar with the various exchange rates before you go. You'll have a blast! Best wishes,

Well said Ross! Thanks all of you for your thoughts and feedback.
We are getting excited!

I've never had any trouble in Prague and in one instance at a small store close to Loreta Church had a clerk give back a couple dollars as I'd overpaid. However, do know friends
who have had bad experiences there.

Think of it like driving - everytime I get in my car, people throw every 'scam' at me: pull in front of me without a blinker, ride my rear bumper at 65MPH, fly across 3 lanes of traffic to make an exit, pull off onto the shoulder but aren't completely out of the roadway, toodle down the road with their blinker/flashers on for 72 miles, drive past me while yelling and shaking their fist, whatever...I survive! They make my life a little difficult, but not in a ruin-my-day sort of way. They're a nuisance, that's all. Same thing for scams - just read up on the most popular scams (found on this website) so you'll recognize them, and you're good to go! You just have to be there for a few days to get a feel for things.

@ Eileen - You promised to never speak of how I drive!

Andrea, if you shake your fist at me one more time...and turn off that blasted blinker!

Been short changed once in Italy, but never witnessed any scams that are described here and elsewhere. Even in Barcelona on the Ramblas - never had problem. Of course I wear a Money belt and am aware of my surroundings. I guess there's always a first time, but I hope my luck holds out.

Haven't been to Prague but I've been to the other two. I have not seen any scams during my 3-days in Copenhagen. While in Berlin, I only saw a girl performing "Do You Speak English" routine near the Brandenburger Tor. Other than that, Berlin was very pleasant.

Of all the cities I've been to, Paris was the worst for "scamming". (as some have pointed out, all these various interactions/events aren't necessarily scams) Marsielle and Barcelona had some too. That said, I've been to Berlin four times now and never encountered any of that. I didn't even see many homeless people in Berlin, and found the city to feel very safe - and I was walking around at all hours, sometimes in "sketchy" neighborhoods with punks and club kids. I even found them polite and respectful, if a little inebriated. I'd be much more nervous walking around in similar areas in San Francisco or New York, honestly.