Destinations › Poland › Krakow › Scams
Krakow, Poland
9 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Krakow, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Unlicensed taxis at the main train station charge 5–10x the normal rate; use a licensed rank, call Mega Taxi/Radio Taxi/Eko Taxi, or book Uber/Bolt.
Currency exchange kiosks in the Old Town display misleading rates — always confirm the exact rate before handing over cash, as several "legitimate-looking" offices are set up specifically to shortchange tourists.
Strip clubs offer free entry or cheap drinks to get tourists inside, then pressure them into ordering expensive bottles with an exorbitant final bill.
Some bars and clubs near the main square lure tourists in with a street tout, then present inflated bills for drinks with no posted prices.
A call to a hotel room from someone claiming to be "reception" asks a guest to verify their credit card number — real front desks don't do this by phone.
Pickpocket teams work the crowded main square (Rynek Główny) and Wawel Castle, one distracting while another steals.
Women approach late at night asking for bar recommendations, then lead tourists to a venue where they work, running up a large bill on drinks bought for them.
Street "promoters" for bar crawls making misleading claims about included drinks or entry fees.
Horse-drawn carriage operators in the Main Market Square overcharge tourists who don't agree a price upfront.
