Krakow, one of Poland’s most beautiful and historic cities, is generally a safe and welcoming place. Like any popular tourist spot, however, it has its share of scams targeting unwary visitors. Here’s a breakdown of some common scams to watch out for, ensuring your visit is as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible.
Currency exchange scam
Currency exchange offices (“kantors”) are plentiful in Krakow, especially around the tourist-heavy areas like the Old Town and Kazimierz district. While many of these offer fair rates, some take advantage of tourists with very unfavourable exchange rates.
How to avoid it?
Always check the current market rate (available online) before making a transaction, and compare rates at several kantors.
Overcharging taxis
Taxi scams are common in many cities, and Krakow is no exception. Some taxi drivers might try to charge tourists exorbitant rates, especially from the airport or around major tourist sites.
How to avoid it?
Always use licensed taxis and, if possible, book through a reputable app such as Uber or Bolt, where the price and route are fixed in advance.
Strip club scam
Another scam that visitors to Krakow, particularly male tourists, should be wary of involves certain strip clubs. Known locally and discussed widely online, this scam occurs when tourists are lured into clubs by promoters offering free entry or cheap drinks. Once inside, the situation changes dramatically.
Visitors may find themselves pressured to order expensive drinks or even bottles of champagne, and when it comes time to settle the bill, the amounts can be exorbitant. Some reports suggest bills running into thousands of zlotys. Furthermore, refusal to pay these inflated charges can lead to intimidating situations involving the demand for payment under the threat of violence.
How to avoid it?
The best way to avoid this scam is to research beforehand any club you plan to visit, stick to well-reviewed and reputable venues, and be wary of any promoter on the street offering deals that seem too good to be true. It’s also advisable to keep an eye on your drink orders and ask for the price list before ordering anything. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re being overcharged, it’s best to pay with a credit card (avoid using cash if possible) and then dispute the charges with your bank as soon as you can safely do so. In extreme cases, don’t hesitate to contact the local police.
Street girl scam
Single male tourists walking around at night should also be wary of being approached by attractive girls, particularly around the Main Square and its side streets (ul. Szewska, ul. Sławkowska, ul Floriańska, etc). Here’s how this scam works. The girls will approach you with an excuse to start a conversation, for example by asking if you have a lighter. After making small talk, they’ll invite you to go with them to a club. Alternatively, if you’re already on your way to a bar or club, they may ask to join you. At the last minute, they’ll suggest a “better” club and persuade you to go there with them. That “better” club will turn out to be a strip club where you’ll end up paying ridiculously inflated prices for drinks.
How to avoid it?
These scams are usually easy to spot as it is rare for the average male to be approached by attractive women on the street at night (unless the girls are promoting a bar or extremely intoxicated). Additionally, the women involved tend to be non-Polish, so if you’re familiar with Eastern European accents, this will help you stay alert. If you end up going to a club or bar of your choice with girls who you suspect may be scammers, politely refuse when they suggest changing the venue.
The rose scam
In Krakow, be cautious of a scam that involves small children who approach tourists with a seemingly innocent gesture of offering a rose as a gift. The children then present a book containing a stock photo of a “sick sibling”. Accompanying this visual is a sob story about their need for medical assistance or other emergency. They use this emotional appeal to solicit money from unsuspecting visitors.
How to avoid it?
To avoid falling victim to this scam, it’s best to politely decline accepting any unsolicited gifts or engaging in such stories on the streets. If you want to help, consider donating to established and reputable charitable organizations instead.
