Are you planning a trip to Prague and unsure whether you need a Czech SIM card? Then you've come to the right place!
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting mobile internet in the Czech Republic, whether through a local SIM card or a hassle-free eSIM. You'll find out if you need a Czech SIM card, where to buy one, and how much it costs.
We’ll also introduce you to the main mobile operators and highlight the best eSIM deals, which let you activate mobile data instantly—no need for a physical SIM card!
Prepare yourself optimally for your trip to Prague and read on!
Do I really need a Czech SIM card for my vacation in Prague?
First, we want to go into one of the most important points and clarify whether you even need a Czech SIM card for your upcoming trip to Prague.
- If you are from Europe, there is usually no need to buy a Czech SIM card, as roaming within the EU (and the European Economic Area) has been free since 2017. This means that in most cases, you can use your existing SIM card in the Czech Republic without having to worry about additional costs. However, your provider might have restrictions on overseas use, which you should check to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- However, if you are not from Europe but from America or other parts of the world, it makes a lot of sense to buy a SIM card in the Czech Republic to avoid high international roaming charges. Buying a local SIM card ensures that your mobile data connections are reliable, secure and fast during your Prague trip, allowing you to communicate with ease.
Alternative to SIM Cards: eSIM Prague
Before diving into local SIM card options, let's explore a convenient alternative—eSIMs. These virtual SIM cards allow you to activate a mobile plan instantly on your smartphone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM and providing seamless connectivity upon arrival.
Below, you'll find a comparison table of the top eSIM providers for Prague, followed by detailed insights into each option to help you choose the best fit for your trip.
Please note: Before purchasing your eSIM, please ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible for eSIM. To check the compatibility of your mobile phone, you can alternatively proceed as follows:
→ For Android devices: Open the settings on your smartphone and go to "Connections" > "SIM card manager". If you see the option to add a mobile plan, it means your smartphone supports eSIMs.
→ For iOS devices: Open the settings on your iPhone and navigate to "Cellular Data" or "Cellular Data". If you see an option to "Add a Cellular Plan" or "Add a Data Plan," it means your iPhone supports eSIMs.
All available eSIM Deals for Prague: Comparison Table
Most eSIM providers for Prague operate on the same local network (O2 Czech Republic), meaning network quality and coverage are nearly identical across all eSIM providers.
The key differences between providers come down to data allowance and pricing. See the detailed comparison below:
HOLAFLY | ESQUICK (recommended) | AIRALO | JETPAC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PROVIDER |  |  |  |  |
DATA ALLOWANCE | UNLIMITED | 1 GB - 20 GB | 1 GB - 20 GB | 1 GB - 40 GB |
VALIDITY | Any number of days selectable | 7, 15, 30 days | 7, 15, 30 days | 4, 7, 30 days |
NETWORK COVERAGE | O2 Czech Republic | O2 & Vodafone | O2 & Vodafone | O2 & Vodafone |
TOP OFFERS & PRICES | 3 days unlimited data: €11.90 | 30 days 10 GB: €21 | 30 days 10 GB: €21 | 4 days 1 GB: €1.00 |
Price + data for 7 Days | €26.90: Unlimited data | €4.50: 1 GB data | €4.50: 1 GB data | €5.00: 3 GB data |
BEST FOR | Digital nomads, business travelers, heavy data users | Reliable budget-friendly option with strong coverage & instant activation | Short-term visitors, travelers needing flexible data plans for browsing & messaging | Budget-conscious travelers, and long-term visitors |
Details of the available eSIMs for Prague and the Czech Republic
1. Holafly
Holafly is a data-only eSIM provider operating in 160+ countries, including the Czech Republic. Holafly is the only one of the listed eSIM providers to offer unlimited data, making it ideal for travelers who need a lot of data.
- Data Allowance: Unlimited
- Validity: Choose from multiple duration options
- Network Coverage: O2 Czech Republic
- Best for: Digital nomads, business travelers, heavy data users
- Additional Features:
- 500 MB daily hotspot sharing
- Immediate email delivery
- 24/7 customer support
Holafly's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 1 day of unlimited data in the Czech Republic: €5.90
- 3 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic: €11.90
- 5 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic: €18
- 7 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic :€26.90
Check the official website for the latest deals and updated pricing.
2. Esquik (recommended)
Esquik is a reliable eSIM provider offering affordable data plans in the Czech Republic. It provides the same eSIM options as the following eSIM provider Airalo, but at a discounted price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. Running on O2 and Vodafone, it ensures strong 4G/5G coverage with instant activation for seamless connectivity.
- Data Allowance: Multiple options, ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7, 15 or 30 days
- Network Coverage: O2 and Vodafone
- Best for: Travelers who want a reliable, budget-friendly eSIM with strong 4G/5G coverage and instant activation.
- Additional Features:
- Data-only plan
- Instant activation
- Supports 4G/5G networks
Esquick's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 7 days 1 GB data in the Czech Republic: €4.50
- 15 days 2 GB data in the Czech Republic: €7.50
- 30 days 10 GB data in the Czech Republic: €21
- 30 days 10 GB for all EU Countries: €22.00
Secure a 5% discount by clicking the button. For more offers and up-to-date prices, visit the official website.
3. Airalo
Airalo is a global eSIM marketplace offering affordable prepaid data plans in over 200 countries. It provides short term plans ranging from 7, 15 and 30 days, making it suitable for tourists and short-term visitors who need reliable internet for navigation, messaging, and browsing. No calls or SMS are included.
- Data Allowance: Multiple options, ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7, 15 or 30 days
- Network Coverage: O2 & Vodafone
- Best for: Short-term visitors, travelers needing flexible data plans for browsing & messaging
- Additional Features:
- Data-only plan, except for the O2 eSIM with call credit
- Supports 4G/5G networks
Airalo's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 7 days 1 GB data in the Czech Republic: €4.50
- 15 days 2 GB data in the Czech Republic: €7.50
- 30 days 10 GB data in the Czech Republic: €21
- 30 days 10 GB for all EU Countries: €22.00
Visit the provider’s website for current offers and detailed pricing information.
4. Jetpac
Jetpac is a new eSIM provider, making it a less established option, but it offers some of the cheapest eSIM plans for Prague. It specializes in high-data, budget-friendly plans, with 1 GB for just €1 and up to 40 GB for €37.50.Jetpac also provides add-on deals, including free VPN subscriptions and discounted airport lounge access. It does not support calls or SMS.
- Data Allowance: Multiple options, ranging from 1 GB to 40 GB
- Validity: 4,7, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: O2 & Vodafone
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, long-term visitors, and remote workers looking for the lowest prices
- Additional Features:
- Data-only plan
- Supports 5G networks
- Optional add-ons like VPN and lounge access
Jetpac's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 4 days 1 GB data in Europe: €1.00
- 7 days 3 GB data in Europe: €5.00
- 30 days 10 GB data in Europe: €12.50
- 30 days 40 GB data in Europe: €37.50
For more offers and up-to-date prices, please check the official website.
Where can I buy my Czech SIM card in Prague?
1. In the city
All over the city there are a number of ways to buy a Czech prepaid SIM card. You can go directly to the branch offices of mobile phone providers such as T-Mobile, Vodafone or O2. You can usually find these shops on busy streets, train stations and in shopping malls.
Alternatively, many prepaid SIM cards are also available in electronics stores such as Datart, CZC or Alza, or in petrol stations and supermarkets.
2. At Václav Havel Airport
Tourists arriving by plane can also buy a prepaid SIM card for the Czech Republic at Prague's Václav Havel Airport. However, we do not recommend this option as the choice is very limited.
For example, there is currently only one Vodafone shop at Prague Airport. The shop with a SIM card machine is located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2.
- Tip: If you want to use a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Prague, you should consider purchasing an eSIM card for the Czech Republic in advance.
What do I need to buy a prepaid SIM card in the Czech Republic?
Buying a prepaid SIM card in the Czech Republic is easy, unlike in other European countries, without any paperwork or registration fees.
All you need is an unlocked cell phone. In some cases, a photo ID such as a passport, ID card or driver's license will be asked for.
The mobile phone providers in the Czech Republic at a glance
- There are several mobile phone providers in the Czech Republic offering a variety of tariffs and services. The three main ones are T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone.
- All three major mobile operators offer 5G speeds .
- The largest mobile operator in the Czech Republic is T-Mobile, followed by O2 and Vodafone.
- There are also other small mobile phone providers, such as BLESKmobil or SAZKAmobil, but these either belong to one of the providers mentioned above or use their network.
Cost of buying a prepaid SIM card in the Czech Republic for tourists
Below you will find the best Czech offers for prepaid SIM cards, which in our opinion are the most interesting for tourists.
The Czech Republic has not yet adopted the common currency, the euro, and continues to use its own currency, the Czech koruna. Therefore, the prices below are given in crowns (CZK) and their approximate exchange rate in euros.
1. T-Mobile Czech Republic
T-Mobile has two prepaid cards that tourists might find interesting:
- 3GB DAT: This offer, which is valid for 30 days, includes 3 GB of data volume and costs 200 CZK (approx. €8.50). Free minutes or SMS are not included in the tariff.
- 10GB DAT: With this offer for CZK 299 (approx. €13), customers receive 10 GB of data volume. It is valid for 30 days and also does not include free minutes or SMS.
More details about the prepaid card and the different tariffs can be found on the official T-Mobile website (Czech only).
2. O2 Czech Republic
O2 only provides two prepaid SIM cards, both of which have a relatively low data volume, but can be used both in the Czech Republic and across Europe.
- GO 1 GB: This offer includes 1 GB data volume + 50 free minutes in the Czech Republic. It costs 179 CZK (approx. €8) and is valid for 30 days.
- GO 3 GB: With this offer for CZK 299 (approx. €13), customers receive 3 GB of data volume + 100 free minutes in the Czech Republic + 25 SMS. It is valid for 30 days.
Visit the O2 official website for the latest prices and more information.
3. Vodafone Czech Republic
Vodafone has a prepaid SIM card that is specially tailored for tourists: the "DATA SIM for Visitors" ( DATA SIM for visitors ). This prepaid SIM card includes data only, which in turn is limited to the Vodafone network in the Czech Republic. It is available in the following versions:
- DATA SIM for Visitors 10 GB: This offer gives customers 10 GB of data volume. It costs 800 CZK (approx. €34) and is valid for 30 days.
- DATA SIM for Visitors 20 GB: This offer for CZK 1299 (approx. €55) gives you 20 GB of data volume . It is also valid for 30 days.
You can find more information about the Vodafone prepaid SIM card here.
- Prepaid bundles: There are also special data tariffs, so-called prepaid bundles , which can be added to your prepaid card . These are renewed monthly, provided there is sufficient credit on the SIM card.
You can find all prepaid bundles on Vodafone official website.
Our conclusion on the best eSIM/ SIM card in the Czech Republic
If you need unlimited data, Holafly remains the best choice, offering a hassle-free setup and instant connectivity. However, if unlimited data isn’t necessary, Esquik is the better option—it provides the same reliable coverage as Airalo but at a lower price, making it a great value choice.
For those looking for the absolute cheapest eSIM deals, Jetpac offers the lowest prices and high-data plans, but as a newcomer to the eSIM market, it lacks a proven track record. While it may be an interesting option for budget-conscious travelers, we recommend more established providers for reliability.
FAQs about SIM cards in the Czech Republic
If you prefer a physical SIM card , T-Mobile's "10GB DAT" tariff is a good and affordable option for tourists in Prague. It offers 10 GB of data and is valid for 30 days, but does not include free minutes or SMS.
For travelers who don't want to spend their valuable time in Prague looking for a shop to buy a SIM card, we recommend Esquick eSIM deals.
Prague visitors arriving by plane can buy a prepaid SIM card for the Czech Republic at Václav Havel Airport. However, the Vodafone shop in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2 is the only option at the airport and offers a limited selection.
For this reason, we recommend considering other options such as cell phone carrier stores or electronics stores to have a wider choice of SIM cards and plans. However, if you want to use a SIM card as soon as you arrive, it is best to buy an eSIM like the one from Esquick or Holafly in advance.
Yes, the Czech Republic is part of the European Union and has adopted the EU's roaming regulation . This means that mobile operators must offer roaming services within the EU at no additional cost. So if you're traveling to the Czech Republic and have a mobile plan with a roaming option, you should be able to use your mobile data, calls and SMS at the same rates as in your home country.
However, it is always advisable to check with your mobile operator before traveling to ensure roaming is included in your contract and if there may be any restrictions or additional charges.