1) Don't change money on the streets. It's dangerous, it's illegal and it's more than likely counterfeit money.

2) Using taxis, always agree on a price before getting in the cab. Normal fare within the city is 100-200 crowns--500-600 to the airport. Never accept "It's according to the meter." Establish a price. We are happy to call a reliable cab for you, but never simply get in a cab parked outside this bar. Never ask a cab to take you to a 'gentleman's club,' as they often get a 1,000 crown commission per patron.

3) Very friendly girls or women with multiple children, who approach you on the streets are pick-pockets, protected by 'minders." Be very careful. Don't let them 'swarm' you with kids or into an alley. They are experts and are very dangerous.

4) The metros and trams are not free. Tickets are sold at all newspaper stands. A ticket is not vald unless you franked it in the yellow box at the entrance to the metro or the several yellow boxes on board the tram. Plain-clothes 'controllers' are liable to check you for a valid ticket at any time and the fines are high. Buy a one, two, three-day or one-month pass--they are very cheap, convenient and save you from a costly 'tourist' fine.

5) Prague, like most European cities, has pick-pockets. Never leave your bags unattended or coat with wallet on the back of your chair. Particularly mind your passport. Danger spots are seats near tram or metro doors, area of the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, busy bars, etc. Be vigilant. NEVER leave a camera or cell-phone on a table.

6) All public noise is forbidden by law in Prague. This includes singing or any excessive rowdiness or noise. You will be asked to leave the bar--if you persist, we will call the police. This holds true on the streets as well, after leaving bars. Prague police are very intolerant on this issue.

7) Vandalism, loud, aggressive or threatening behavior are all very bad ideas. Prague police take a particularly serious view of this and are not famous for their sense of humour.

8) Telephone cards: Buy only Telefonica O2 phone cards (175 crowns at all newspaper kiosks). Do NOT buy SMART CARDS.

9) Changing money: Be very cautious at change offices, as what you see advertised is not always what you get. They only advertise the rate they SELL pounds or euros. Change your money at any bank, for safety and a better rate--or--best choice, use an ATM machine.

10) Some con artists pose as "Currency Inspectors." They will flash 'ID cards' and ask to inspect your money. NEVER DO THIS. There is NO SUCH PERSON as a currency inspector. If he persists, call for police--he will disappear immediately.

Above all, don't panic and have a good time. Prague is a beautiful and violence-free, absolutely safe city. However, like most big cities, it has a small minority of thieves and scam-artists. Don't be a victim.

Follow these 10 commandments and you'll have a trouble-free holiday always to be remembered. Ignore them and you're more likely to have a holiday you will never forget.