Worst Rated Exchange Office And How They Trick Tourists

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  • čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
  • Do you need to change money in Florence? Be careful. All over the city centre are these "Best and Fast Change" places that might not deliver what they promise in their name...
    Where to change money in Florence? Post office: goo.gl/maps/K4byw8rhBzyZpYX98
    This would not be possible without the support of our Patreons, thank you! If you like what we do, consider joining here / honestguide
    Our BOOK for Prague: honest.blog/shop/honest-guide...
    Honest Guide on Instagram: / realhonestguide
    Janek: / janekrubes
    Honza: / honzamikulka
    Facebook: / honestpragueguide
    The music we use for our videos: bit.ly/HonestMusic
    0:00 Welcome to Florence, Italy
    1:29 Best and Fast Change
    3:45 Save Money - Post Office!
    5:06 The worst and slow change
    8:24 Interview with staff
    11:04 Il Grande Capo
    14:01 Our Tip
    Janek Rubeš & Honza Mikulka are award-winning Prague based journalists. This video was consulted with lawyers in the Czech Republic, USA & Italy.
    #HonestGuide

Komentáře • 2,7K

  • @dianerivera4060
    @dianerivera4060 Před 2 lety +4464

    We were in Florence in October and November of 2021. This location negotiated a rate of 1.20 with us but then tried to exchange $1000 for 650. When we saw the rate on the receipt we didn't touch the money. We refused to sign the receipt and said we would not conclude the transaction. The woman said that we had no choice and could call the police if we wanted because "they won't do anything." So we did. We called the police and it was beautiful. The officers showed up and yelled at the cashier. It turns out the business was committing a crime and the police called a judge who ordered our money to be returned. This place needs to be closed and hopefully our efforts helped close their doors.

    • @ciregear5285
      @ciregear5285 Před 2 lety +83

      Wish we had phones to do that - good job!. I should have just had my GF stay there and went to go get the cops. Next time i'll try it.

    • @jiqbal1uk
      @jiqbal1uk Před 2 lety +28

      Called a judge?
      Really

    • @dianerivera4060
      @dianerivera4060 Před 2 lety +382

      @@jiqbal1uk Yes, really. First two officers came and cashier refused to give it back, then more officers arrived. The cashier kept refusing and we weren't willing to just walk away and give the woman $1,000. The officers called a judge and he froze the money while we filed a formal police report. Then the judge ordered the money returned to us.

    • @greggonzalez8090
      @greggonzalez8090 Před 2 lety +30

      @@jiqbal1uk why not?

    • @lohuboiakawdoe304
      @lohuboiakawdoe304 Před 2 lety

      Absolutelly! Because this is a real example of what usury is. It's just plain wrong

  • @lionellatoszek9385
    @lionellatoszek9385 Před 2 lety +3971

    On my 2 pre Covid trips to Prague I was not conned by the rip off money merchants. How? I took all the previous advice by Honest Guide videos. Janek and Honza saved me money. Great work guys.

    • @garrysekelli6776
      @garrysekelli6776 Před 2 lety +9

      And just as a question. Did the money changers all share one (can i say ethnic group) ?

    • @jakobkosmo2718
      @jakobkosmo2718 Před 2 lety +18

      @@garrysekelli6776 Yeah they are all Czech.

    • @garrysekelli6776
      @garrysekelli6776 Před 2 lety

      @@jakobkosmo2718 that's a political group. Or national group. An ethnic group not it makes .

    • @P3trarch
      @P3trarch Před 2 lety +2

      Same here, great stuff both of you guys!

    • @matf4505
      @matf4505 Před 2 lety +3

      You know how I did it? By being poor.

  • @giovannizamparini4986
    @giovannizamparini4986 Před rokem +64

    As an Italian, I have so much respect for you and your job, thank you for your fight against scammers

  • @user-fu5uz7fj1o
    @user-fu5uz7fj1o Před 2 lety +134

    When I was in Milan, I decided to draw money from a Posteitaliane ATM and when my SMS notification from the bank came, I couldn't believe it, but they didn't charge me a fee, not even 50 cents. So as it appears, whatever you need to do with your money when you're in Italy, it's best to go to Posteitaliane. Props to them

    • @tecnoChannell
      @tecnoChannell Před 2 lety +9

      yes of course, if you withdraw in an ATM (as every normal human being must done) you get the money in the local currency with no fees (except the ones applied by your bank) and with an exchange rate extremely close to the real one

    • @user-fu5uz7fj1o
      @user-fu5uz7fj1o Před 2 lety +11

      @@tecnoChannell LOL, I don't know where you live and what's the situation there, but in my country, if you draw from other banks' ATMs, you'd be charged a 50 cent processing fee. Nowadays they changed it and it's 65 cents I believe. So you can imagine when that happened and the fact, that there's no known connection between my bank or Posteitaliane, I was pretty surprised.

    • @tecnoChannell
      @tecnoChannell Před 2 lety +2

      @@user-fu5uz7fj1o I live in Italy. It depends on your bank. It can be free in all the Europe or they can charge you up to 2 euros. But today is more likely to have free withdrawals

    • @Lorre982
      @Lorre982 Před rokem

      most of US tourists don t have credit/debit card whit chip,

    • @giorgiodelvai7712
      @giorgiodelvai7712 Před rokem

      @@Lorre982 why they so retard?

  • @BeatSlayer
    @BeatSlayer Před 2 lety +998

    As an Italian, thank you for exposing these thieves.
    You rock, please keep going.

    • @alessandrom7181
      @alessandrom7181 Před rokem

      As an Italian my ass, those people are mostly Romanians.

    • @mnz145
      @mnz145 Před rokem +2

      I hope those barbaric thieves get worse treatment when they travel abroad. As a frequent traveler I appreciate your work.

    • @bartomiejkowalski3727
      @bartomiejkowalski3727 Před rokem

      @@mnz145you are not a traveleres 🙈😂

    • @maletti
      @maletti Před 10 měsíci

      @@mnz145 barbaric?

    • @1973colocolo
      @1973colocolo Před 10 měsíci

      As not an Italian, I have to say that you are thieves.

  • @jfpattaya
    @jfpattaya Před 2 lety +966

    If the Honest Guide starts to investigate in all Europe, scammers (legal or not) are in trouble there. Good job again. :D

  • @jeff640
    @jeff640 Před 2 lety +45

    As an American who travels a lot in Europe and changed USD for all sorts of different currencies, this is a great video. Getting burnt by an exchange office is a lesson you only learn once

  • @ismailjames3781
    @ismailjames3781 Před rokem +31

    I'm in Prague right now and walked past a place near Old Town Square that was buying euros for CZK17.10. I felt like it was my duty to stand outside for 15 mins and tell tourists that they'd be losing almost a 3rd of their money as they were heading in.. damn

  • @anthonyajube6142
    @anthonyajube6142 Před 2 lety +1888

    Janek, you can report this manner to the 2 Italian tv shows called "LE IENE" and "STRISCIA LA NOTIZIA". They also deal with scams like that.
    As an Italian, I'm ashamed about it. Feel very sorry to those who come to visit the beauty we have in our country, but got scammed.

    • @Jockerisas
      @Jockerisas Před 2 lety +151

      As an italian you do not have a language barrier. Report them yourself, show this video!

    • @rubentongiani6198
      @rubentongiani6198 Před 2 lety +24

      Frate io sono dalla republica ceca, immagina ill nostro imbarazzo :Dd

    • @anilkrmost
      @anilkrmost Před 2 lety +13

      @@Narendersingh-id5ng Indians per say don't scam Tourists. The travel operators, guides at Touristic places do so. Becareful with your words.

    • @IBleedTiranga
      @IBleedTiranga Před 2 lety +2

      @@Narendersingh-id5ng bhai kyu naam kharab kar raha hai desh ka

    • @anilkrmost
      @anilkrmost Před 2 lety +13

      @@Narendersingh-id5ng All the tourist places have scammers. It doesn't mean all the locals are scammers. I had been to Italy, they are nice people irrespective of scammers. Small but important point.

  • @lichu7273
    @lichu7273 Před 2 lety +410

    It was the same in Romania. The exchange offices had a bodyguard for angry customers. BUT the Consumer Protection Agency in Romania issued a rule/law that the rate should include al fees. From then all cheating offices disappeared.

    • @zerquex4520
      @zerquex4520 Před 2 lety +41

      Based Romanian law 👍

    • @Bozebo
      @Bozebo Před rokem +8

      In a few decades or less I swear Romania will be one of the most sensibly developed countries.

    • @markmd9
      @markmd9 Před rokem +3

      That's a brilliant law, I'm impressed.

  • @Datageeko
    @Datageeko Před 2 lety +57

    My man exposing thieves and scammers left and right. I love how passionate he is about what he is doing. Keep doing what you’re doing bro. I’m sure you will clean these bastards out of our societies by raising awareness to people.

  • @dreaddogET
    @dreaddogET Před 2 lety +14

    Thank you for great work. I visited Prague at the end of last year. Before that a friend warned: "don't change money in Czech Republic - they're scammers". See how such businesses can affect tourism so badly that some travellers can even feel unsafe and go somewhere else? But... someone allows them to operate.
    Everything was nice in Prague and now a traveller's news site shared your video and that explains the warning.

  • @TexanInItaly
    @TexanInItaly Před 2 lety +532

    Yes, they are here in Italy too. There is one inside the train station in Rome, sharing the office with a ticket agent-so you would think it is legit. But they ripped off my friend for about 25%.

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 Před 2 lety +5

      The problem is the Train Stations charge such a high rent that they are forced into poor overall rates - again in the UK shop around, some travel agents will exchange too they are about midpoint - does the Student Travel Association (STA) still do good rates?

    • @dimtuhop
      @dimtuhop Před 2 lety +6

      @@highpath4776 STA went bust in the pandemic

    • @77LUCKYNUMBER77
      @77LUCKYNUMBER77 Před 2 lety +1

      Ah so Florence is not in Italy?

    • @DodoGTA
      @DodoGTA Před 2 dny

      ​@@77LUCKYNUMBER77It is in Italy

  • @just_noXi
    @just_noXi Před 2 lety +648

    I'm currently in Prague visiting all the scammers and avoiding them. It's like a dance but you are 2 steps ahead. Thank you so much.

  • @USN1985dos
    @USN1985dos Před rokem +21

    When I was in the Navy, we were really fortunate that the government would arrange a representative to come on board at each port and allow us to exchange currency when we arrived, and again when we left. But like you said, just using a card is so much easier for the vast majority of situations.

    • @catsabotage3362
      @catsabotage3362 Před rokem +2

      Using, especially depending on cards can be devastating too. Lots of scammy places will just charge as high as they can, and there's always the chance of a rotten employee, cards not being accepted or the system being down, etc. Cash is king.

  • @empanada65
    @empanada65 Před 2 lety +13

    Here I was expecting the exchange employee to be a respectable person for agreeing to a meet up only for him to hit us with, “it’s your fault you got scammed because you were too dumb to read the warning that we were going to scam you”

  • @freakishuproar1168
    @freakishuproar1168 Před 2 lety +626

    You have to love how the lovely post office lady specifically mentioned "Best And Fast Change". That should tell us everything we need to know about what a bunch of skeezy grifters these B&FC clowns are.

    • @thebluelion3337
      @thebluelion3337 Před 2 lety +63

      Yeah shout outs to that lady for doing her job well. The post office recommendation was excellent as well.

    • @dukeofistria5712
      @dukeofistria5712 Před 2 lety +5

      Dont take the jab

    • @barneylaurance1865
      @barneylaurance1865 Před 2 lety +27

      Wasn't that the tourist information office?

    • @irrelevant_noob
      @irrelevant_noob Před 2 lety +12

      @@barneylaurance1865 nice catch. 4:07 shows that yes, it was the airport tourist info desk who gave the extra info. 👍

    • @Sweetie.21
      @Sweetie.21 Před rokem

      The C in their name secretly stands for clowns

  • @firebirdude2
    @firebirdude2 Před 2 lety +284

    We spent our Honeymoon in Florence. We were offered a terrible rate at one of those offices. I politely bargained and the lady declined a better rate. I walked away, she hollered for me to come back, and she gave me *almost* the real going rate. I slipped my money into the window... then immediately got scared that she might not actually give me the amount agreed upon. Fortunately she did, but I would encourage all readers NOT to do business with a cash exchange you had to argue with in the first place.

  • @leeflory1716
    @leeflory1716 Před rokem +2

    So proud of you!!!
    Stand tall you are doing the right thing!!!

  • @thatguywiththeface9463
    @thatguywiththeface9463 Před 2 lety +4

    First, thank you for your very informative and eye opening videos. I've learned to be a lot more careful when travelling overseas.
    Second, it really shows how the legal system isn't necessarily a justice system when companies can operate under the guise of a legitimate business - which they legally are - but are in fact elaborate scams. Not much different than fraudulent accounting where money is being skimmed. And also the gaul that one cashier/scammer has to say it's the customers fault they didn't read the small print, when they make it small so it's hard to see! Great video and thanks for bringing awareness.

    • @nicoladc89
      @nicoladc89 Před rokem

      Well they saying it's legal doesn't mean it really is. For example this company was fined in Spain and the boss was disqualificated from serving as a director or manager in any payment or financial institution, and removal from the office of sole administrator.
      This company almost disappear from the web, its website is - well - isn't a website, its income decreased of 80+ percent in the last two years, in 2020 It had a loss of 4M euros etc...

  • @old_seadog
    @old_seadog Před 2 lety +382

    Regardless if it's legal or not, the customer should be refunded if they are asked to do so, this is just taking the piss & it's a great thing that you are calling them out on it.

    • @ruukinen
      @ruukinen Před 2 lety +58

      Yeah I'm fairly sure it was an actual robbery at that point. If push came to shove I'm fairly sure the Police would have sided with the customer.

    • @g76agi
      @g76agi Před 2 lety +2

      @@ruukinen well what theyre doing is legal, so the police cant really side with you

    • @ruukinen
      @ruukinen Před 2 lety +79

      @@g76agi You are saying it is legal for them to hold your money before signing an agreement but after you told them you don't want to go through with the deal? I'm pretty sure it's illegal in at least all of EU. Taking someone's property by force or deception is robbery/thievery as far as I know.

    • @laod7192
      @laod7192 Před 2 lety +1

      @@ruukinen I can imagine that most of these American tourists just throw some hundred-dollar notes and accept whatever returned to them. They are not even aware of being ripped off. This is called stupidity, not robbery. If the money is in your wallet and you open your mouth to ask how much euros you can get, you can always walk away if you are not happy about the rate. As their business is totally legal, it is stupid tourists' responsibility for letting shady businesses like this survive and make money.

    • @ruukinen
      @ruukinen Před 2 lety +28

      @@laod7192 But the guy in the video tried to do that. Did you even watch. After they told him the rate he said he didn't wanna do it and they claimed that the transaction was already done even though that is not at all how it works.

  • @thebluelion3337
    @thebluelion3337 Před 2 lety +385

    Shout outs to that lady at the tourist info centre for giving excellent info. This brings me to my experience with tourist info centres - if the tourist info centre is run by the city (NOT a hotel or an Airport) then their advice and information is usually very good.

  • @lynharrop9273
    @lynharrop9273 Před 9 měsíci +2

    I really appreciate what you guys do to warn us about the tricks that scammers and hustlers use to prey on tourists travelling in Europe. This video about this exchange company in Florence has been especially helpful. Thanks so much.

  • @irun_mon
    @irun_mon Před rokem +183

    I love watching these, i'm poor as hell and I can't afford to leave my town let alone visiting europe but watching scammers get rekt is fun lol

    • @genocidehero9687
      @genocidehero9687 Před rokem +3

      Dude do it one day if you can. I'm a black guy from Philly, poor as can be but I got to go to London on a community college trip for 2 weeks(paid like 800 including passport and was poor as fuck during the trip). London is close to America so it wasn't that radical but as someone that's only left his city very few times it felt great and refreshing to be away from it all and in a strange place. I even met one of my best online buds that's European.

    • @irun_mon
      @irun_mon Před rokem +14

      @@genocidehero9687 dude im not American, our GDP per Capita is 10 times lower than you, $800 is like 3 or 4 months of my salary. When i said poor it means developing country kind of poor 😭

    • @kristiang.9600
      @kristiang.9600 Před rokem +1

      @@irun_mon That's perfectly understandable

    • @acer6049
      @acer6049 Před rokem

      @@irun_mon You have 69 likes right now. You want me to like too?

    • @marcelbush2000
      @marcelbush2000 Před rokem +1

      @@irun_mon if you are not american why would you say that you cannot visit Europe as if it was United and with the same history and culture

  • @charanth182
    @charanth182 Před 2 lety +93

    I hate the defence "what we do is legal" when did legality become the standard for judging morality.

    • @tomaslovetinsky632
      @tomaslovetinsky632 Před 2 lety +4

      Well said

    • @_Ekaros
      @_Ekaros Před 2 lety +2

      I expect people being able to travel to other countries and specially to tourist destination like Florence to be able to make their own judgements. If not nothing wrong with exploiting them like rest of the tourist industry. If they fall for it they entirely deserve it. Fairly trading them out of their money might even be the moral way.

    • @nmslesecnmbese917
      @nmslesecnmbese917 Před 2 lety +1

      I recall china always love to claim they are conducting "LAWFUL" activities..... but never said they are "RIGHT"🤔

    • @osnariderz5075
      @osnariderz5075 Před 2 lety +12

      @@_Ekaros actually you don't seem to get it. Just because people are stupid enough to fall for it doesn't make it moraly acceptable.

    • @charliefox9424
      @charliefox9424 Před 2 lety +1

      If you want to be lazy and not check for a better rate then so be it

  • @worldaviation4k
    @worldaviation4k Před 2 lety +601

    Beware if you go to Lisbon airport and use the taxis that are lined up. I took one to a hotel nearby. They started with the meter on but when arriving they turned it off and then say their price which for me was more. I had filmed the whole 10 minute journey so later he gave up and dumped my stuff at the side. I had asked the hotel the price too and they helped me sort of.

    • @Softgamer1
      @Softgamer1 Před 2 lety +135

      Uber...People started using it and taxi drivers got very upset...I wonder why

    • @pablodelsegundo9502
      @pablodelsegundo9502 Před 2 lety +21

      Sounds like the mafioso-looking taxi drivers at Schipol when I last visited. All touristy places are full of opportunistic filth.

    • @zoruao.508
      @zoruao.508 Před 2 lety +25

      always use a uber over the local taxi service

    • @AngelaMerici12
      @AngelaMerici12 Před 2 lety +19

      If you go to another country use Uber. Can sometimes be more expensive but is more secure.

    • @v-22
      @v-22 Před 2 lety +5

      Why the f are you still using taxis,?

  • @abba96
    @abba96 Před rokem +1

    One of the most useful travel channels on CZcams. Thank's!

  • @juandenz2008
    @juandenz2008 Před 2 lety +240

    Those rates are insane, 19.9% commission plus 9.9 euro fee !! Hopefully the word will get around, and everyone will know to avoid these scammers. Good work by Janek and Honza filming the video. The Italian government needs to bring in laws to stop these scammers, for example give customers a cooling off period in which time they can reverse the transaction.

    • @MarkStoddard
      @MarkStoddard Před 2 lety +15

      Why do you not think the government is in on it? Typically the reason that a company can make such high profits on a commodity is that companies participating are paying the government to keep competition out usually by licensing laws or something

    • @kaboomwinn4026
      @kaboomwinn4026 Před 2 lety +4

      Survive for 20 years, something is up. They let the government get the cut of the profit to stay in business

    • @jhonviel7381
      @jhonviel7381 Před 2 lety

      lol you want more government in europe!

  • @bladeofcarella
    @bladeofcarella Před 2 lety +465

    Me, an Italian: Somehow I am not surprised.
    PS: Just as a heads up... As said in the video, when you come to Italy use your card. It is mandatory by law now for owners to let customers pay with card if they can't via cash, so if someone is throwing hissyfits or exuses, call the police. As a rule of thumb, ask if you can pay with your card before purchasing anything or sitting in a restaurant and if you can't, then walk straight outta there if you wanna avoid quarrels. They don't deserve your time and money. It s*cks, I know. Anyhow, I hope your holidays in Italy will be great!

    • @irondasgr
      @irondasgr Před 2 lety +2

      What do you mean, that some of them won''t accept card payments not even from Italians?

    • @herlescraft
      @herlescraft Před 2 lety +32

      @@irondasgr Italy has a pretty intensive cash culture, as long a shop could provide a receipt payment methods were at the owner discretion

    • @radka9516
      @radka9516 Před 2 lety +1

      Good to know that! Thank you!

    • @matthewleslie4448
      @matthewleslie4448 Před 2 lety +3

      Was this law around in 2009? I got a very hissy waiter in Venice that year who refused to take my card (thankfully my wallet had just enough coins and notes in it to cover the bill).

    • @giovanni94363
      @giovanni94363 Před 2 lety +13

      @@matthewleslie4448 Unfortunately the law is from 4ish years ago. But now every commercial activity is forced to accept payments by card. They face a fairly expensive fine if authorities find out they refuse to accept cards.

  • @bluewker
    @bluewker Před rokem +4

    Tourist industries of each country should pay you guys for the honest work you guys do

  • @Joshp3696
    @Joshp3696 Před 2 lety +1

    I never thought watching informational videos could be so fun!

  • @clam371384
    @clam371384 Před 2 lety +120

    I just came back from Prague two weeks ago for 10 days in Prague! BECAUSE OF YOUR VIDEOS, I was not scammed. I was very careful when choosing an ATM. Believe me I wouldn’t have known without your videos. THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS. How can I give this a 100x like?

    • @clam371384
      @clam371384 Před 2 lety +5

      @Spartan Hegemony I would be happy to support what they do. However; I want you to understand that by not being scammed in Prague is not the same or even equal to ‘ I have saved money’ you got this all wrong or English is not your first language.

    • @bbdesign779
      @bbdesign779 Před 2 lety +1

      You can help just by sharing their videos ☺️

    • @clam371384
      @clam371384 Před 2 lety +1

      @@bbdesign779 why are you telling me how to help? I didn’t ask anyone on how I can help.

    • @bbdesign779
      @bbdesign779 Před 2 lety +9

      @@clam371384 you said how can I give this 100x like ? Yes I get you did not "ask "for help, omg, but maybe you can share it with others=which could equal to 100likes😆 Got it? Like be a nice person. I am not a native english speaker like you, but you are not the sharpest knife in a drawer. Glad you were not scammed in my birthtown, Honza and Janek are happy too!

    • @sofiel.1931
      @sofiel.1931 Před 2 lety +3

      Hey, sorry for intervening but I wanted to say that the confusion in this thread could stem from us Czechs being very literal. Like for example when people from english speaking countries say "how you doing?" or "you alright?" it's meant as a greeting, but if you ask Czechs these questions, they will literally tell you about their day. So the Czechs saw your "how can I give this 100x like?" question and thought you'd appreciate some suggestions, but to you it probably sounded like they're being rude and telling you you have to donate or share. 😅🇨🇿

  • @zelva6792
    @zelva6792 Před 2 lety +316

    i was in prague this past summer and i remembered so many of these videos so i wouldnt get scammed. great job guys, keep up the good work!

    • @bewaffneterfrosch176
      @bewaffneterfrosch176 Před 2 lety +1

      Kámo reálně se jmenuješ želva a hraješ si na angličana?

    • @zelva6792
      @zelva6792 Před 2 lety +4

      @@bewaffneterfrosch176 lol jop. protože ja jsem američanka ale studuju češtinu a slovenštinu =)

    • @bewaffneterfrosch176
      @bewaffneterfrosch176 Před 2 lety +2

      @@zelva6792 Tak to gratuluju. Chyba na mé straně.

  • @averywow
    @averywow Před rokem +33

    I feel so bad for that family

  • @julianbaldacchino8656
    @julianbaldacchino8656 Před rokem +2

    Well done guys...keep up the good work!

  • @filippospadoni2245
    @filippospadoni2245 Před 2 lety +184

    As i Italian,i really ashamed myself to have this kinda of "shit" in my country.
    You Guys doing a great job
    Thank you very much
    Always on your side!!

    • @Pyrochemik007
      @Pyrochemik007 Před 2 lety +12

      Do not be ashamed and do something about it.
      1) Piss on their place. Customers hate piss smelling shops, and those scammers will have to clean it (DOUBLE KILL). Even if you get caught by police, you will most likely end up just apologizing.
      2) Then get a dog and train him to piss there. Every other passing dog will piss there too. They can´t prove you trained him to do it, dogs are unpunishable.
      3) If you wish to invest money, buy an advertisement place, and hang a poster "scammers" pointing on their entrance.
      4) Go around the nearby business owners, and organise them to warn people (they must be tired of hearing tourist fight with scammers every day, ruins their business too).

    • @andreiarama8745
      @andreiarama8745 Před 2 lety

      Filippo Spadoni if the official exchange rate for 100$ is 84€,how much is a fair exchange?

    • @pranavpoojary6474
      @pranavpoojary6474 Před 2 lety +1

      @@Pyrochemik007 Lol 🤣🤣🤣 Great ideas brother ✌️🤣🤣

    • @Pyrochemik007
      @Pyrochemik007 Před 2 lety +3

      @@andreiarama8745 In honest business there is a small fee, like 1 EUR, and 2% comission. So around 80 EUR is a good exchange. This service is not valued more.

    • @andreiarama8745
      @andreiarama8745 Před 2 lety

      @@Pyrochemik007 when a shop sells a sweater for 100€ they don't pay more than 20€ for it. After that they pay the taxes and depending on the country the shop makes on every 100€ around 50-60€ win. From that they need to pay the rent,the sales guy/woman, lights,and everything else. Now you tell me that who changes money should make 4€ every 100€,and another 4€ when they sell back that currency. Basically you tell me that this business from around 8€ every 100€ should pay rent(in top expensive places), employees,armed employees to take money to the bank,taxes and everything from this small amount of money? Think about it. Really think about it. If you had choice between opening an exchange shop like this with a a very expensive license,an to make like 4% profit, would you do it?

  • @martinmilek3572
    @martinmilek3572 Před 2 lety +1007

    This company has made an unfortunate decision. If they'd do nothing, they would be just one of the many bad exchange offices in Prague. (Thanks to the Honest Guide, most of them are shut now.) By filing a lawsuit, they made Honza and Janek cross, so that they came to Florence, to make this company famous.
    EDIT - By threatening them, that they will file a lawsuit

    • @deDANIEL11609
      @deDANIEL11609 Před 2 lety +4

      Good for the people

    • @Pyrochemik007
      @Pyrochemik007 Před 2 lety +16

      They filed nothing, they just sent them a mail with a note: Do not make videos about us or we sue you.

    • @1mmickk
      @1mmickk Před 2 lety +25

      They make 3 million a year from the 10 euro fee and based on their advertised 300,000 transactions a year, call it about 10 million euro in over the top commission, So they make 13 million a year, 36 branches, less than half a mil in revenue before costs and taxes per branch. Just a small player at this stage. The other 4% or so, they are entitled to keep.
      Those exchange places are for idiots and theres a lot of them.

    • @martinmilek3572
      @martinmilek3572 Před 2 lety +1

      @@Pyrochemik007 Corrected it, thanks

    • @andreiarama8745
      @andreiarama8745 Před 2 lety

      @@1mmickk if the official exchange rate is 85€ for 100$, how much is fair for you?

  • @nanaten3
    @nanaten3 Před rokem +1

    Dude I love you, small people like you that want to change the world for better are the best

  • @CosCosmy-lj4qd
    @CosCosmy-lj4qd Před 2 lety

    Just subscribed , you’re videos are too helpful!! Wonderful! I will definitely share it!

  • @joujou264
    @joujou264 Před 2 lety +433

    Never use money exchangers, go to government institutions that have the ability to exchange your money or go to a local bank, if you absolutely must have physical money. Otherwise, do exactly as Honest Guides advise, use your card.

    • @thecasualfly
      @thecasualfly Před rokem +8

      Yeah when I traveled to Europe I'd go to a bank and pull out with my bank card..and it never back fired on me.

    • @Toto_Muc
      @Toto_Muc Před rokem +5

      @@thecasualfly A lot of ATMs do the job very well ;)

    • @johnmurphy9550
      @johnmurphy9550 Před rokem +4

      Or use an international debit card linked to an app on your phone. There are quite a few but I use Wise & have done for over 5 years; it's been indispensable and you can change between currencies for a small fee. After your trip, you can convert it back again easily & the fees are so low you'll barely notice. It usually costs me less than £5 to convert £1000 & it's pro-rata, plus you get the mid-international exchange rate shown before you convert it. And you need less cash as you're paying most things by card at the local rate. And no, I'm not being paid for anything, there's other, similar apps/cards that I haven't used so can't talk about.

    • @johnnymartinjohansen
      @johnnymartinjohansen Před rokem +9

      @@johnmurphy9550 Why would you change between currencies when using a card? I use my card internationally exactly as home in Norway. My bank simply do the exchange and takes it from my account, based on current rates.
      One warning, though:
      If the place where you use the card gives you the option to pay in your currency or local, ALWAYS choose local, else they're usually adding their own exchange fee, which can be quite high. My bank never charges any fees of any kinds for using my card abroad.

    • @aoki6332
      @aoki6332 Před rokem

      @@johnnymartinjohansen not all bank actually lets you do this kind of stuff its common in Europe but not everywhere my bank bock any foreign currency so if a payment in euro try to pass its will bounce if i want to buy in local currency i will have to change bank or get a credits cards

  • @Ciccio929292
    @Ciccio929292 Před 2 lety +90

    I’m Italian, I follow you since years now… I’ve been to Prague twice and I loved your videos… now an episode in Italy? I’m so hyped 😂😂😂

    • @ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan
      @ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan Před 2 lety

      Thx this simp for protect smart Chinese

    • @monkiram
      @monkiram Před 2 lety

      It's kind of hilarious that you're hyped about a video on scams being made about your country but I'd be hyped too tbh 😂

  • @NIKLAS614
    @NIKLAS614 Před rokem +1

    I'm at prauge right now. Landed yesterday. Credit to this man. Not only i save my money, but he become my actual turist guied to his own nation. Loveing here in paruge. Everything seems so cool Royal palace everywhere. Thank you brother. We as a turst you.

  • @kodulau3548
    @kodulau3548 Před rokem +1

    This man deserves a subscription

  • @bindumalik1010
    @bindumalik1010 Před 2 lety +114

    God bless these guys. I pray we have theae guys in every city. Wish there was a nobel prize for honesty and it sure goes to them

    • @PROVOCATEURSK
      @PROVOCATEURSK Před 2 lety +2

      Which god, Ares or Anubis?

    • @bindumalik1010
      @bindumalik1010 Před 2 lety +8

      @@PROVOCATEURSK i leave it to your wisdom.
      For religious folks god of your choice..... for atheist - two gentlemen whose action speak louder than words !! Or two folks making fraud on world zero

    • @eemeli7093
      @eemeli7093 Před 2 lety +1

      @@PROVOCATEURSK "god bless" is usually just a positive wish for someone

  • @boufontleflamingoetta8433
    @boufontleflamingoetta8433 Před 2 lety +103

    I’m trying to imagine doing what you do in Los Angeles. It would be taking your life in your hands.
    Your videos are so important. You’re helping countless visitors have the best visit possible. It’s too bad so many businesses who represent these destinations want to make sure visitors have a terrible time and that their actions will forever be the bad moments of their visits.
    You two ARE the best!!

    • @irondasgr
      @irondasgr Před 2 lety +2

      You see central EUrope is still not a multicultural paradise. But they are determined to get eventually there... (and don;t hold your breath that those Americans would even notice that they were practically robed)

    • @Giofear
      @Giofear Před 2 lety +6

      I guess we are lucky that almost nobody owns guns here :)

    • @wlpxx7
      @wlpxx7 Před 2 lety

      What do they do in LA exactly?

    • @boufontleflamingoetta8433
      @boufontleflamingoetta8433 Před 2 lety

      @@wlpxx7 the petty criminals in LOs Angeles (especially East LA) tend to be unpredictable and very violent. I would think any efforts to thwart or expose them would be met with the most fierce show of violence they could manage.

    • @beo456
      @beo456 Před 2 lety +1

      @@boufontleflamingoetta8433 Oh please, its a scam not a robbery. Violence would be counter productive and draw way too much attention. Stand fast, and expose them.

  • @DavidWilliams-qr5yj
    @DavidWilliams-qr5yj Před rokem +5

    I visited Greece a few years ago and experienced this kind of highway robbery for cash exchange. I was a newbie and Easy Pickins thank you so much for your video I really appreciate what you're doing for all of us Travelers. But lots of Travelers are not armed with knowledge they travel infrequently and they are easy prey for these villains

  • @chandana11
    @chandana11 Před 2 lety +1

    I travel a lot and I do a lot of research when doing exchanges, it mind blowing to see how many people don't look into it before doing an exchange.

  • @Picklememore
    @Picklememore Před 2 lety +59

    My husband was scammed by them.😠 I was not with him at the time, but found him in a pub close by, with a large beer in his hand, fuming with anger!😅 My husband was in finance! Just show you how slick these criminals are.😤

  • @diabl2master
    @diabl2master Před 2 lety +18

    The ATM point at the end is an important note - always either choose "decline conversion" or select _the local currency_ when asked. This results in _your bank_ converting the money, not the bank that operates the ATM. As you would expect, your bank will exchange the currency much more fairly than some random foreign bank who have no reason to care about how they treat you. Personally I have a card I can use abroad and exchanges using the Mastercard exchange rate with no extra fee. This results in me losing 0.1%-0.5%, depending on the currency and moment of exchange. Its usually around 0.2% when exchanging to euros which is beyond acceptable.

    • @tomekpiotrek1028
      @tomekpiotrek1028 Před rokem

      Some card can get any cash from cashmachine info is always online

  • @poojadesai3270
    @poojadesai3270 Před 2 lety +1

    Awesome job done. I appreciate your efforts.

  • @vandhuymartins9481
    @vandhuymartins9481 Před 11 měsíci

    We don't deserve you, Janek and Honza. You're just too good as human beings. Thank you for your courage and willingness to help thousands upon thousands of tourists!

  • @dazjay69
    @dazjay69 Před 2 lety +64

    The bravery and honour of both these lads is such a privilege to witness. Never miss a video!

  • @ElusivePurple
    @ElusivePurple Před 2 lety +112

    Studying in Prague, living in a city up north that is way smaller. Even in a small Czech city, I can only think of one store I visited since moving here where I could not use card instead of cash. I think this goes for a lot of Europe too (Sweden, where I am from, is almost entirely cash free)
    Appreciate all you do!

    • @MarvinCZ
      @MarvinCZ Před 2 lety +5

      Even the small store in my parents' village (pop. 500) accepts cards.

    • @maiktheboener
      @maiktheboener Před 2 lety +6

      Then you should come to Germany, even in big cities often no internet and how will you pay then with card, when there is no internet

    • @dukeofistria5712
      @dukeofistria5712 Před 2 lety +4

      Cash is the king

    • @MarvinCZ
      @MarvinCZ Před 2 lety +2

      @@maiktheboener Yeah, Internet coverage in Germany can be abysmal in some places. I hope that improves because it's embarrassing.

    • @asdfasdfasdf7900
      @asdfasdfasdf7900 Před 2 lety +1

      Sorry but it's not 100% true. There are lots of stores which are not accept cards in Prague. For example small grocery stores (večerky), local beer pubs outside of tourist center, cafes in parks etc.

  • @farshaddanishak7274
    @farshaddanishak7274 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for the honest and eye-opening video.
    I got scammed like this in Sydney, Australia in 2000 as the country was hosting the summer Olympics.

  • @AkshayChaudhari5
    @AkshayChaudhari5 Před 2 lety

    This guy is legend!! Great work

  • @tailor826
    @tailor826 Před 2 lety +68

    You're doing a great job in making people aware. I personally was ripped off by a cash machine in Prague and you pointed it out a few months after. I learnt my lesson, mainly through yourself. Great work

  • @danodaniel
    @danodaniel Před 2 lety +9

    after a long time i’ve decided to tune in to this channel again. and i’m so glad i did. the quality’s improved significantly and the great and informative commentary remained the same. i’m just amazed at how far they’ve come and hope they continue their journey the same way forward. a huge congratulations to the successes and to the 1 Million subs. keep up the great work guys.

  • @conroycui852
    @conroycui852 Před 2 lety

    love you guys! keep up the good work

  • @coffeemakerbottomcracked
    @coffeemakerbottomcracked Před 2 lety +1

    Bruh you guys are so awesome. Risking life for exposing scams.

  • @rpjakey1868
    @rpjakey1868 Před 2 lety +21

    Cheers lads.
    Even though I'm travelling through other parts of Europe, a lot of the Prague-specific advice on your channel translates to these cultures.
    Appreciate the help~

  • @horaciomillan4181
    @horaciomillan4181 Před 2 lety +18

    I follow you since three or four years ago, and think you’re awesome, and make a great job making Prague more popular, if that’s possible. This videos are great because as a simple tourist I think I have been scamed by this kind of people once or twice. They shouldn’t be allowed to operate in any place. But sometimes I’m worried for your security and feel fear for you. I think you are also very brave. Have you ever been menaced or attacked in a more serious or violent way? Please be safe, we all need more people like you.

  • @ProffsideFootball
    @ProffsideFootball Před 2 lety

    Amazing work guys!! ✌🏼👍🏼

  • @BenRangel
    @BenRangel Před 2 lety +31

    I've wondered how exchange offices can afford more locations today than 20 years ago despite fewer customers. Guess they over-charge so much per transaction that they don't require high volume! 😖

  • @Senteri
    @Senteri Před 2 lety +19

    Hey Honest guide,
    After visiting prague and being recommended to you some years back. I learned about the ATMs and the bad rates. When I visited Kroatia last September, I remembered your advice to never exchange money at EURONET atms or other dodgy atms. When I traveled to Pula I looked for an 'honest' atm. Literally on the opposite site of the street there was one still running on windows XP it seemed (due to the sound effects). It was I believe run by the Croation bank and I got a good rate out of it. I didn't even have to press the 'decline conversation'. I double checked with my bank account too.
    Thanks for saving me money in Kroatia. I may have made a mistake back then in Prague but you taught me to not fall into future tourist traps anymore. So thank you

  • @arnutkend
    @arnutkend Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you very much , we need more people like you . 👍👍

  • @DavidoaiaPetruIulian
    @DavidoaiaPetruIulian Před rokem

    11:58 That s so funny! He even wears the same suit like in the picture and says NO. :))))))

  • @KmanAuto
    @KmanAuto Před 2 lety +16

    They removed all their Google listings, and recreated them to wipe the slate clean!

  • @Arcaged
    @Arcaged Před 2 lety +9

    - "this is you ?"
    - "no"
    - "Oh my bad i guess you are one of his clones that casually wears a Patek Philippe Nautilus that cost a fortune."

  • @abuzuz5800
    @abuzuz5800 Před 2 lety +8

    Threats written in crayons are the most terrifying, especially threats of lawsuits should be taken seriously, when done by hand in multi color font🤣

  • @ajaynair7111
    @ajaynair7111 Před rokem

    Loved the letter - you guys are really good and doing an awesome service - you have a new subscriber

  • @frobisher2396
    @frobisher2396 Před 2 lety +24

    14:06 When I had a trip to Estonia, and then to Latvia, I withdrew cash only once - it was necessary as not all places accepted credit cards. Please, listen to Janek and use your credit cards, and only exchange your money if there is no other way to pay for the thing you need. If you do need to exchange cash, always check the official rates, and ASK how much you can get BEFORE giving the cash to the cashiers. As you saw, you might not get it back

  • @tihs87
    @tihs87 Před 2 lety +8

    Recently got approached on a street of Warsaw by a Czech scammer. I recognized his play after watching your videos. Saved my some time, and possibly a mistake and money too!
    Thanks! Keep up the great work you are doing.

  • @richiestonem
    @richiestonem Před 11 měsíci

    How have I never seen your videos before. They are really good!!🎉

  • @mattyp8435
    @mattyp8435 Před rokem

    Prague, #1 issue was finding a decent exchange place, so many tourist traps there, good on you guys!

  • @211teitake
    @211teitake Před 2 lety +16

    Coming from Japan where we have a low tourist scam rate, it's crazy to think that the government let them do such a thing.

    • @ruukinen
      @ruukinen Před 2 lety +6

      Eh? Just go to any slightly shadier street at night where they try to push you in the door by having beautiful poster girls and then take your money with ridiculously expensive drinks and threaten you with violence if you don't pay.

    • @211teitake
      @211teitake Před 2 lety +1

      @@ruukinen but that's not the tourist scam I'm talking about. They target everyone including the residents.

    • @ruukinen
      @ruukinen Před 2 lety +1

      @@211teitake So you are saying Japan is so much better since scams, that mainly target foreigners or people who aren't familiar with the area, aren't exclusively targeting foreigners?
      You do realize these people take money from any local dumb enough to use their services as well?

    • @_Ekaros
      @_Ekaros Před 2 lety +3

      Hearing about Japanese banking system, I wouldn't be so sure...

    • @ruukinen
      @ruukinen Před 2 lety +2

      ​@@MrMajsterixx Yeah but we are comparing here to Italy and I don't necessarily agree that Japan is morally superior to Italy. The Japanese 'justice' system for example is morally backwards in many ways compared to Italy while Italy has a very loose fiscal policy. I don't know how you suddenly pulled in India.

  • @waasar
    @waasar Před 2 lety +9

    I love your channel and the things you do to expose tourist traps like these. Keep it up!

  • @WandererByNature
    @WandererByNature Před 2 lety +1

    Well done guys for exposing these scammers

  • @tusharbhatla
    @tusharbhatla Před 9 měsíci

    Outstanding work myman

  • @lewisbyrne599
    @lewisbyrne599 Před 2 lety +3

    Janek is such a likeable and interesting host/presenter. The content (the investigative stuff in particular) and editing on these videos are consistently brilliant, but Janek is an absolute legend.

  • @rajTrondhjem10
    @rajTrondhjem10 Před 2 lety +5

    Great video.. This is what real journalism looks like. Thanks for making this 🙂

  • @CompilationError
    @CompilationError Před rokem

    this guys nails it every time. Thank you

  • @yusufug4939
    @yusufug4939 Před 2 lety

    A lot of love from Kampala Uganda 🇺🇬. As a guide in Uganda, I love what you are doing Honest Guide.

  • @izamito
    @izamito Před 2 lety +3

    Went to Prague last weekend and was glad that I watched the video's of Janek and Honza.
    Saved money by dodging scams and got to spend that on quality food and beer at local places recommended. Thanks a lot lads
    🙏

  • @manu.yt25
    @manu.yt25 Před 2 lety +3

    Super idea to expand a bit outside of Prague, the videos about Prague started to feel like you're doing full circle, kinda the same over and over, but this in Italy was like fresh air, can't wait to see the others videos from that travel! 😊

  • @johneybwrumbrlyk5906
    @johneybwrumbrlyk5906 Před rokem +1

    Great video!! And great expose LOL!!

  • @tribute2aname450
    @tribute2aname450 Před 2 lety +1

    Honestly, love the content. I wish there were more people like you and Honza

  • @jujutrini8412
    @jujutrini8412 Před rokem

    You are doing a very valuable job! Thank you.

  • @mjm7165
    @mjm7165 Před 2 lety +6

    Thanks for sharing and warning the world of the crooks and scammers!

  • @brnistra7635
    @brnistra7635 Před 2 lety +10

    Signorelli wears Patek Philippe Nautilus watch..... approx. 150.000 EUR

  • @BBQandStreetCars
    @BBQandStreetCars Před rokem

    You're awesome man. One day I'll travel to Europe and your videos will be a huge help. You're the Man 😁👍

  • @jaafarmahdi6379
    @jaafarmahdi6379 Před 2 lety

    Love your content!!

  • @dzinek1134
    @dzinek1134 Před 2 lety +49

    Jesteś Najlepszy. 👊👊🇵🇱👍

  • @GregorioGuerrini
    @GregorioGuerrini Před 2 lety +15

    Love to see you in Florence. I feel so ashamed that these things don't get regulated properly

  • @tonymooney736
    @tonymooney736 Před 2 lety

    Much love bro great job you are for the people

  • @harleycowburn
    @harleycowburn Před 2 lety

    I’m off to Italy next week the post office tip is really helpful dudes thank you

  • @LucyKosaki
    @LucyKosaki Před 2 lety +16

    I never trusted these exchange offices when I traveled somewhere, so I usually just set a budget for my trip, then exchange the money at my local bank a few days before traveling. I've encountered way too many scam attempts when traveling europe

  • @cncbkc
    @cncbkc Před 2 lety +3

    Hahahaha that was awesome. I absolutely love what you do and do believe that they will have to announce their (fee + commission) with reasonably sized fonts at the end of this battle. Good luck!

  • @kelumjayasingheofficial4047

    Good job guys. Appreciate

  • @mohammedaltammemi6356
    @mohammedaltammemi6356 Před 2 lety +2

    Totally support you and anyone who stands for what's right ✅ these so called businesses got away with it for so long

  • @ThyJerm
    @ThyJerm Před 2 lety +10

    Honest guide got me setting up an alarm for this,can’t wait tho🙃