CityBuddy
English
Tourist scams and rip-offs in Košice, Slovakia: how to avoid them
Photo made by Richard Palocsányi on Pexels.com
Košice is a generally honest, mid-sized city where tourists face low-level nuisances rather than serious danger. The main things to watch are taxi overcharging from the airport, exchange booths near the centre with poor rates, and keeping bags close around the main railway station late at night. Prices are reasonable and most scams are mild and easy to avoid.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Košice, Slovakia and how to avoid them
1. Airport taxi overcharging
How it works: Unlicensed drivers approach arriving passengers inside the terminal and quote flat prices well above the metered fare. Some licensed taxis avoid using the meter and charge per item or apply inflated night or weekend rates.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank outside and insist on the meter, or book via the Bolt or HOPIN app. Agree on the price before you get in.
2. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange booths near the main square quote rates well below the official interbank rate, sometimes with hidden commissions or big spreads on larger amounts.
How to avoid it: Withdraw euros from a bank ATM instead. If you must exchange, compare the displayed rate against the official rate and ask about any commission before handing over cash.
3. Ticket validation fine
How it works: Visitors board with a ticket they forgot to stamp or validated. Inspectors check randomly and customers are fined on the spot for an unvalidated ticket.
How to avoid it: Always validate your ticket in the box on board immediately, or pay with a contactless card which records your travel automatically.
Official tickets for the top sights in Košice, Slovakia
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Košice International Airport (KSC)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €15 - €20. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals or book through the Bolt or HOPIN app. Agree on the price before starting, or insist on the meter. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the terminal with flat high prices.
Best alternative: Airport bus line 23 to the main railway station and city centre (€1, about 30 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €1 (Single ride ticket, valid for 30 minutes of travel. Available at DPMK machines and ticket offices.)
- Validation rules
- Validate your ticket in the yellow box on board as soon as you board. Unstamped tickets are not valid. Inspectors check randomly and apply fines on the spot.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €60. Fine for travelling without a validated ticket, reduced if paid immediately at the inspector's request.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards are accepted on DPMK vehicles, which also avoids the need to validate a paper ticket. Check the ticket machine or operator site for card tap details.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up the bill in restaurants, and a euro or so for good service is fine. Not expected for taxi fares or short rides.
Cover and service charges: No cover or service charge is routinely added. Check the menu for service charges before ordering if prices are not listed. Some places charge for bread or sides only if you order them.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks. Some independent ATM brands charge higher fees; check the fee prompt before confirming.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Main railway station area: Around the main railway station late at night, keep bags closed and stay aware, as petty theft and unsolicited approaches are sometimes reported.
- Historic centre: The main square and pedestrian area are generally safe, but keep valuables secure in busy tourist crowds.
Emergency number
112
Planning your budget?
Frequently Asked Questions about Košice, Slovakia
Is Košice, Slovakia safe for tourists?
How much is a taxi from the airport to the centre of Košice, Slovakia?
Do I need to validate public transport tickets in Košice, Slovakia?
Is tipping expected in Košice, Slovakia?
What is the emergency number in Košice, Slovakia?
Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.