Are you planning a trip to Prague and unsure whether you need a Czech SIM card? Then you've come to the right place!
Find out everything you need to know about the best SIM cards in the Czech Republic for tourists in this comprehensive guide. We will explain whether you need a Czech SIM card for your holiday in Prague, where you can buy the SIM card and what the costs are.
In addition, we will introduce you to the different mobile operators in the Czech Republic, answer frequently asked questions and show you alternative ways of buying a SIM card, such as e-SIM cards.
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.
Buy your Czech Republic SIM card online before your trip
1. The Holafly prepaid e-SIM card for Prague
An alternative option is to use e-SIM cards. These are virtual SIM cards that can be activated on your smartphone, eliminating the need to purchase a physical SIM card. Our recommendation is the practical eSIM card from Holafly with unlimited mobile data volume at 4G/LTE speed.
Activating the Holafly e-SIM card is very easy and can be done from home in just a few minutes. There's no need to waste time buying a physical SIM card or worrying about which wireless carrier is best for you.
Now let's take a look at the prices and conditions of this eSIM card:
This is how Holafly's eSIM card works:
- Choose your desired data plan from the plans and buy the Holafly prepaid e-SIM card here.
- A QR code with the e-SIM card will be emailed to you immediately.
- Scan this QR code one day before your departure.
- Turn off cellular data from your local wireless service provider.
- Set your phone's options so that your phone uses Holafly's mobile internet.
- Activate your QR code upon arrival in the Czech Republic, turn on data roaming in your phone's settings and use your Holafly eSIM card during your stay in Prague .
Please note: Before purchasing your Holafly eSIM card, please ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Holafly service . A list of supported devices can be found here: From iPhone XS, XR and newer models; Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and other new models; Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro and newer models; Google Pixel 3, 3a (some versions do not support eSIM), Google Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 5 and later models; Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Reno 5A, Motorola (2019) and the Motorola Razr 5G (dual SIM).
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.
The easy-to-use eSIM for the Czech Republic from Holafly (recommended):
See Holafly eSIM prices below. The options most popular with tourists are listed in red.
- 5 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €19)
- 7 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €27)
- 10 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €34)
- 15 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €47)
- 20 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €57)
- 30 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €69)
- 60 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €87)
- 90 days of unlimited data in the Czech Republic (approx. €99)
Click on the button below for more information and to benefit from a 5% discount :
2. Rent a Pocket WiFi device for Prague
A practical alternative is to rent a pocket WiFi device for your stay in Prague. With this portable device, you can have unrestricted Internet access anytime, anywhere, and connect multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
The 4G/LTE network coverage extends to the Czech Republic and other EU countries, so you can surf like at home.
The rental process is uncomplicated:
- Book the Pocket WLAN device via this link.
- Have it delivered to the address of your choice in Prague, be it your hotel or any other address.
- Use the device according to the instructions during your trip.
- Before you leave, return the device by placing it in the pre-paid, self-addressed envelope and posting according to the instructions.
So you always have reliable internet access during your trip to Prague. For more information about the tariffs and conditions, click on the button:
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 SIM card in the Czech Republic
We recommend Holafly's eSIM card as the best choice for a prepaid SIM card in the Czech Republic. Since most Czech prepaid SIM cards offer only a small amount of data, it is particularly advantageous that Holafly's eSIM card offers a range of many different tariffs at an affordable price.
This way you can easily surf the internet, use social media or call WhatsApp during your trip without worrying about the limited amount of data.
In addition, buying and activating the Holafly eSIM card is very simple and straightforward, as you can do everything online in minutes without exchanging your physical SIM card or queuing at a store.
Overall, the Holafly eSIM card is a practical and cost-effective solution for travelers traveling in the Czech Republic and other EU countries who want to stay in touch with their loved ones at all times.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions 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 using Holafly's digital eSIM cards . With many different plans at an affordable price, they offer a convenient way to get online right after arriving in Prague without having to exchange a physical SIM card and phone number.
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 card like the one from 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.