Are you traveling to Czech Republic and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? Let this guide help you to pick the best sim card for your trip to Czech Republic.
Find below everything you need to know about prepaid sim cards in Czech Republic, a comparison of the mobile internet operators, the best 4G/5G network, the best eSIMs for Czech Republic, up to date prices as per September 2024, my recommendation, where to buy a sim card, info about EU data roaming, international sim cards and more.
Looking for the best way to stay connected and have data on my phone is one of the first things I do when planning my next trip. In the past I always used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but more and more I use eSIMs to stay connected. Simply because they are super convenient to order on the internet rather than finding a sim card shop on arrival.
As I am already a full time nomad and travel blogger since 2012, buying sim cards and eSIMs is part of my life, especially since I am also aiming to travel to every country in the world.
In 2022 I visited more than 60 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries. So I pretty much bought a new sim card every week in the last 2 years.
Since I love to document all my travel tips you can already find more than 200 prepaid and eSIM guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: Albania, Tirana, Bucharest, Romania, USA, Canada, Mexico, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Brazil, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, United Kingdom, France, Fiji, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, Colombia and many more.
Traveltomtom also wrote a specific guide for the best eSIMs for traveling to Czech Republic in 2024 as well as a sim card guide for Prague Airport.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the most up to date and detailed advice about prepaid and eSIMs for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!
Some links in this article about the best prepaid sim cards for Czech Republic are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends an O2 sim card for traveling in Czech Republic. All mobile internet providers have an excellent 4G/5G mobile data network, but O2 has the best prepaid sim card deal.
Buying an eSIM in a phone store in Czech Republic is possible, but complicated. More about it later.
If you want an eSIM for your trip to Czech Republic Traveltomtom definitely recommends you to order one online via either SimOptions or Airalo, depending on your needs.
As soon as the plane lands you are online. eSIMs for Czech Republic already start from $1 USD. Check out Traveltomtom's list of the best e-sims for visiting Czech Republic including eSIM plans from Nomad, Holafly, Airalo, Sim Options, Sim Local, Jetpac, etc.
When visiting more countries on your trip to Europe then check out my list of the best eSIMs for traveling in Europe in 2024.
Or if you continue to Asia, America or Africa then check out my guide to find of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2024.
Be aware that a prepaid sim card from Czech Republic, eSIMs or an international prepaid sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If your phone is locked you have to unlock it before your trip to Czech Republic. If you are not sure about this then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
Best eSIMs for Czech Republic
Local prepaid sim cards are not the only way to stay connected when traveling to the Czech Republic. The easiest way to get data on your phone when visiting Czech Republic is by ordering an eSIM on the internet.
No need to visit a sim card store anymore on arrival in Czech Republic. With an e-sim you are online as soon as the plane lands.
You instal an eSIM on your phone in a couple simple steps. Then once installed the eSIM instantly connects to an available network as soon as the plane touches the ground.
You can order an eSIM for Czech Republic directly on the internet, you process the payment, receive a QR code, scan it, follow the instructions and instal the eSIM in a couple simple steps. You are all set in less than 2 minutes.
For more detailed info and an answer to all FAQ about using e-sims check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Czech Republic in 2024.
Airalo
Airalo is a trusted eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used them in more than 50 countries around the world. Airalo has only one Czech Republic eSIM plan for 2024:
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
Click here for more info or to order a Czech Republic eSIM via Airalo.
It says on the package in big letters: valid in all European countries, so free EU data roaming is included.
These data-only eSIMs are from O2, one of the mobile internet providers in Czech Republic. Data-only means that incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported and this O2 eSIM is not 5G ready, but only 4G/LTE network is supported.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another trusted eSIM provider which is specialized in international eSIMs valid in multiple countries including calling and texting. They have a wide array of international eSIMs for Czech Republic available, but also a couple data-only eSIMs for Czech Republic from their own brand.
- 1 GB data-only in Czech Republic for 7 days = $4.9 USD
- 3 GB data-only in Czech Republic for 15 days = $8.90 USD
- 5 GB data-only valid in 32 countries for 15 days = $14.90 USD
These SimOptions eSIMs are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported and these eSIMs do not come with a phone number.
These are ok eSIMs for a short trip to Czech Republic.
Click here to order these SimOptions data-only eSIMs for traveling in Czech Republic.
But SimOptions has better eSIMs and these international eSIMs are valid in all of Europe.
- 10 GB data-only (5G ready) in Europe for 30 days = $22.90 USD
- 15 GB data in Europe + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
- 12 GB data in Europe + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data in Europe + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data in Europe + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 60 GB data in Europe + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
- 100 GB data in Europe (5G ready) + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for Czech Republic via SimOptions.
There are many more eSIMs available for Czech Republic from for example: Holafly, Nomad, etc. Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Czech Republic in 2024.
Before ordering an eSIM for Czech Republic make sure your phone is first of all unlocked. eSIMs only work in unlocked phones. Second, make sure your phone is e-sim compatible. Pretty much all newer smartphones are eSIM compatible.
Why buying a sim card for Czech Republic
First of all we want to avoid high roaming charges! If you use your sim card from home overseas then be prepared to pay a lot of money. Even in 2024 roaming charges are still ridiculous. Providers often charge up to $3 USD per MB, which means opening the Instagram app can easily cost you $100 USD. Not kidding!
Also don't sign up for those slow and expensive overseas data roaming plans. These data roaming plans from your mobile internet provider in your home country often reduce the data speed and are much more expensive than eSIMs or local prepaid sim cards.
Always make sure you switch off data roaming on your sim card from home when traveling internationally.
Staying connected is important when traveling to Czech Republic. Why? What about ordering a taxi through an app (Bolt or Uber in Czech Republic) or getting directions from Google Maps. Ever thought about what to do in emergencies and not being able to use data on your phone? Or killing time on long train, bus or car rides, accessing your banking apps, etc.
Don't rely on WiFi, there is no guarantee your hotel has good and fast WiFi and another reminder that being connected to the internet through public WiFi is on an UNSECURED network. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data.
Rather watch a video then check out my YouTube vlog above about buying a sim card for traveling to Czech Republic.
Where to buy a sim card for Czech Republic
Prague International Airport
The most convenient place to buy a prepaid sim card in Czech Republic is of course straight away on arrival at Prague International Airport (PRG) and yes it is possible. There is a phone store and a convenience store that sells prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a sim card at Prague Airport.
Phone store in city center
All around Prague and other major cities and tourist destinations in Czech Republic there are sim card stores from the official mobile internet providers. Look around for stores of O2, Vodafone or T-Mobile. The easiest way to locate them is using Google Maps.
In an official retail store of one of the mobile internet providers you get the best service, discounted deals and before you walk out of the store, the staff will make sure your data connection is working properly. In these stores it is also possible to convert a physical prepaid sim card in an eSIM.
Pretty much all the young people in Czech Republic speak good English so mostly everyone can help you in English.
Kiosks, supermarkets and convenience stores
There is also the possibility to buy a prepaid sim card in kiosks, convenience stores as well as supermarkets. These shops are excellent solution to buy a prepaid sim card if you travel overland to Czech Republic or if it is late at night and phone stores are closed.
But in general Traveltomtom recommends buying a prepaid sim card in an official retail store over a random phone shop. If you buy a prepaid sim card in a convenience store you can not expect any service. It is plug and play and hope that it works, otherwise you still have to go to a phone store the next day.
Online
Forget about buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in Czech Republic. Be already online as soon as the plane lands! Arrive prepared with an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for Czech Republic.
Traveltomtom in general recommends ordering an eSIM because of its convenience and it is fast and easy.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Czech Republic via SimOptions or Airalo. For more detailed info about using e-sims and more eSIM deals for Czech Republic check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIMs for Czech Republic.
If your phone is not e-sim compatible you can order a physical prepaid sim card for Czech Republic via SimOptions.
Mobile internet providers in Czech Republic
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Czech Republic: T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone.
All mobile internet providers sell prepaid sim cards for tourists and as of 2024 they also all offer eSIMs for tourists.
However, the process to buy an e-sim in Czech Republic is complicated. At first you will need to buy a physical prepaid sim card. Could be anywhere. then after you can go to an official store of the mobile internet provider and there they can change your physical prepaid sim card into an e-sim.
At T-Mobile you have go to their store, then download the T-Mobile Czech Republic app and then they will do it for you through the app. At Vodafone they can do it in store, but it can take up to 24 hours, same for O2.
As I said earlier it is much easier to order an eSIM for Czech Republic on the internet.
Registration process
In contrast with most European countries you don't need any form of identification when buying a prepaid sim card in Czech Republic. You can buy a sim card like a Snickers, you don't need to show anything. Therefore it is also easy to buy a prepaid sim card in a supermarket or convenience store.
Your Czech Republic prepaid sim card is not registered on your name, nor on your passport.
You will receive a pre-registered physical prepaid sim card that comes with an Czech Republic phone number that starts with +40. You put it in your phone and it should instantly work. Plug and play. If it doesn't work you will have to go to an official phone store.
Prices Czech Republic prepaid sim cards
All the information below is up to date as of September 2024 and prices are in Czech Koruna: $1 USD = 22.6 CZK and 100 CZK = $4.4 USD.
As of 2024 all mobile internet providers in Czech Republic also offer eSIMs for tourists, but as described above the process is rather complicated.
All the prepaid sim cards in Czech come with free EU data roaming that means you can use your Czech sim card also in Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, etc. on your trip to Europe.
Vodafone
In Vodafone stores in Czech Republic they sell the following prepaid sim cards for tourists:
-
15 GB data + 100 CZK calling credit for 30 days = 499 CZK - $21 USD
These Vodafone e-sims have free EU data roaming included. You can get an e-sim after you buy a physical prepaid sim card and then convert it into an e-sim. The activation of the e-sim can take up to 24 hours. For more info check out the Vodafone Czech Republic website.
O2
In O2 stores in Czech Republic they sell the following prepaid sim cards for tourists:
- 15 GB data + 50 CZK calling credit for 30 days = 299 CZK - $12.6 USD
If you opt for an e-sim at O2 you will have to pay an extra fee of 99 CZK ($4 USD). These O2 e-sims have free EU data roaming included. For more info check the O2 Czech Republic website.
T-Mobile
In T-Mobile stores in Czech Republic they sell the following prepaid sim cards for tourists:
- 15 GB data + 100 CZK calling credit for 30 days = 299 CZK - $12.6 USD
These T-Mobile e-sims have free EU data roaming included.
For more info see the T-Mobile Czech Republic website. In an official T-Mobile store in Czech Republic you can opt for a physical prepaid sim card or an eSIM. But then you will have to download their app first and then convert your physical prepaid sim card into an e-sim.
Best 4G/5G data network in Czech Republic in 2024
To determine the best prepaid sim card for traveling in Czech Republic let's also compare the mobile data network coverage of all the mobile internet providers. Czech Republic is a pretty big country and especially during long bus or car rides you want to stay connected. A sim card without a data connection is useless.
Is there 5G in Czech Republic?
Yes, there is 5G in Czech Republic and it is pretty good. Most of the tourist destinations and best places to visit in Czech Republic have a 5G signal.
Let me show you the difference in the network coverage of the mobile internet providers. Below Traveltomtom compared 4G/5G network coverage maps of Vodafone, T-Mobile and O2.
T-Mobile 4G/5G network coverage map
Vodafone 4G/5G network coverage map
O2 4G/5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Czech Republic in 2024.
From the Czech Republic 4G/5G coverage maps Traveltomtom comes to the easy conclusion that in fact all of the mobile internet providers have an excellent mobile data network and it is very hard to determine which operator has the best 4G/5G network in Czech Republic.
There is actually a very little difference when comparing the 4G/5G coverage. When it comes to details Traveltomtom concludes that O2 has the best 4G/5G mobile data network coverage in Czech Republic in 2024.
Best sim card for Czech Republic
All the mobile internet operators in Czech Republic offer competitive prepaid sim card plans and also an amazing network coverage, so defining what is the best sim card for Czech Republic is a little difficult. Since there is very little difference in price as well as network coverage Traveltomtom recommends all providers: Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile.
However, when we have to pick one Traveltomtom rates O2 as the best prepaid sim card for Czech Republic in 2024. For less than $13 USD you get a physical prepaid sim card with 15 GB data and some calling credit. Unfortunately at O2 they charge you $4 USD extra just to get an e-sim.
Therefore when looking for an e-sim for your trip to Czech Republic Traveltomtom recommends to order on the internet before your trip and as soon as the plane lands you are online and enjoy data on your phone.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM on the internet via either SimOptions or Airalo. Or check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Czech Republic in 2024 with more e-sims from Nomad, Jetpac, Holafly, etc.
Order a prepaid sim card for Czech Republic online
If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you rather avoid all the hassle buying a sim card on arrival in Czech Republic then look into the following.
Arrive prepared in Czech Republic with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Czech Republic, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Czech Republic:
1. O2 Go Card - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- €2 EUR calling credit
- Valid 30 days
2. Three Data Pack - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- Valid 30 days
3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90 USD
- 12 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 30 minutes worldwide
- 200 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls in Europe
- Valid 30 days
5. Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 120 minutes worldwide
- 1,000 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
Click here for more info or to order an international physical prepaid sim card for Czech Republic via SimOptions.
Traveltomtom has used the Bouygues Telecom, Three as well as the Orange physical prepaid sim cards in the past and I was always satisfied. However, it is no secret that nowadays I rather use eSIMs for traveling to Europe instead of physical prepaid sim cards.
If your phone is e-sim compatible then here is a last reminder that you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Czech Republic via SimOptions or Airalo.
Order a data-only eSIM for Czech Republic via Airalo or an international eSIM for Czech Republic including calls/sms and EU data roaming via SimOptions.
For more detailed info and an answer to all FAQ about using e-sims when traveling abroad check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Czech Republic including more e-sim deals from Jetpac, Nomad and Holafly.
Expected data speed in Czech Republic
Czech Republic has a very extensive 5G network and the mobile data speed is pretty good. On my latest trip to Czech Republic I enjoyed a 5G signal pretty much all the time and my speed test always showed over 100 Mbps download speed and around 40 Mbps upload speed.
Anyway, I am sure some of the above tips for buying a prepaid sim card or an eSIM for Czech Republic were helpful and my information made it easier for you to pick the right sim card for your trip to Czech Republic.
Leave me a comment below if you have any questions and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 650K Instagram account or 1.3 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of September 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Czech Republic!