Scam City is in Prague!

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4 June 2012

Scam City is a hot new show on Travel+Escape that crosses the globe to expose the biggest tourist scams and con games in the underbelly of some of the world’s most popular cities. Host Conor Woodman answers questions about what it was like to film in Prague.

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Conor Woodman

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What was it like to shoot Scam City’s premiere episode in the Czech Republic‘s beautiful city of Prague? Get the inside scoop in this exclusive interview with Scam City TV host Conor Woodman! (If you missed the series premiere on Sunday, don’t worry—you can catch up with Scam City episodes online HERE!)

What did you enjoy most during filming in Prague?

I think, weirdly, that I quite enjoyed the clip joint experience, purely because I felt we were really getting into the underground.

What’s surprised you most about your time in Prague?

How much I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been really cold, but it’s a beautiful city, and I think we’ve uncovered some great stories.

Scam City is a new show that visits 10 of the world’s cities to expose the biggest tourist scams and con games. Q&A with host Conor Woodman about Prague.
Did you feel threatened or in danger while in Prague?

Well, as much as I enjoyed the undercover filming, I definitely felt threatened in the clip joint!

What’s your favourite tourist attraction in Prague?

I didn’t get as much chance to sightsee as I would have liked. Just walking around the city, though, is so amazing—there is stunning architecture and a really “Christmassy” atmosphere!

What would you say to tourists visiting Prague?

Very similar to what I’d say worldwide—you’ve really got to watch out for those taxis. And stay well clear of clip joint promises.

“I know how it feels to be robbed, and at the same time you can’t help but admire some of the more audacious ones.”
Who was the most interesting person you met in Prague?

It was really fascinating meeting the taxi boss whose company was deliberately setting high prices. I couldn’t help but feel a little bit sympathetic when he explained he was struggling to make a living—though obviously in this economic climate everyone is struggling, so my sympathy has a limit.

Do you think there’s anything in the culture of Prague that influences the scams?

Not so much the culture of Prague, but there are laws that influence the scamming; for example, the set unlivable price for the taxis.

Could you sympathize with any of the scammers?

Well the sympathy is limited. I know how it feels to be robbed, and at the same time you can’t help but admire some of the more audacious ones. It’s really fascinating to learn more about them as people and see a bit of their lives. It humanizes them.

Scam City is a hot new show that visits 10 of the world’s cities to expose the biggest tourist scams and con games. Q&A with host Conor Woodman about Prague.

What’s your favourite food in Prague?

Big fan of all Prague food, really. We went to some great restaurants.

Is there a place in Prague that you didn’t visit that you wish you had?

I do wish I’d had more chance to sightsee everywhere, really; a week is not a long time to shoot and soak up the culture.

Are there any stories that you didn’t explore in Prague that you wish you’d got a chance to?

I think the Prague show is jam-packed, actually! I feel like we managed to cover a lot; I’m very happy with how it went.

Would you return to Prague?

Always, these shows will never put me off travelling, and Prague is a fantastic place to visit.
 

Watch full online episodes of SCAM CITY HERE!
NEW episodes on T+E every Sunday night at 10PM ET/PT!

Conor Woodman

Conor Woodman is the host of Scam City. Along with being a television presenter, Conor is also an economist and author. Conor has first-hand experience in over 100 countries around the globe and a talent for uncovering and explaining the complex in terms we all can understand. He presented the hit TV series (and accompanying book) Around The World in 80 Trades, in which he tested his negotiating skills against some of the world’s oldest trading cultures. His second book, Unfair Trade: The Truth Behind Big Business, Politics and Fair Trade, traces a range of products back to their source to uncover who precisely is benefitting and who is losing out. Conor regularly reports back on his travels for the BBC’s flagship current affairs show, From Our Own Correspondent, and writes for Wanderlust Magazine.