Staying connected in Prague is easy, thanks to a robust network of mobile operators offering a wide range of services for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re planning a short trip, a semester abroad, or a long-term stay, understanding your options for mobile connectivity will help you save money and avoid hassle.
In general, mobile phone calls and data are quite expensive in the Czech Republic, especially compared to the rest of the European Union. One of the reasons is the dominance of the three main mobile operators, each of which controls roughly one third of the Czech market.
For example, T-Mobile Germany offers 13 GB monthly data for 10 € while in Czech Republic T-Mobile offers a similar tarif with 12 GB monthly data for 30 €!
If you are buying a local SIM card, prices are around 20 € for 20 GB of data (approximately 1 € per 1 GB).
How to Get a SIM Card in Prague
Getting a prepaid SIM card is pretty straightforward and you can buy them almost everywhere, including the airport. You don't need any ID as they are anonymous. Size-wise it's usually a nano-SIM size which fits most of the modern phones.
The disadvantage of a physical SIM card is that, unless your phone can hold two SIM cards, you will need to remove your main SIM. That’s why we recommend using an eSIM, which works flawlessly.
Honest Tip: Get an eSIM Card
Using an eSIM has three main advantages: you can add it as an “extension” to your current SIM card, you can purchase it online, and it is often much cheaper than getting a local physical SIM card.
There are several eSIM providers, but we personally use Sailly, a trusted brand managed by the NordVPN company.
The entire user experience is seamless, and after checkout, you can activate your eSIM using the Sailly mobile app which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Technically, the eSIM from Sailly is provided by 1GLOBAL which has O2 as a local partner in the Czech Republic.
Main Mobile Operators in Prague
Prague is served by three major mobile operators: T-Mobile, O2, and Vodafone. Each offers a range of prepaid and contract plans, strong coverage, and expanding 5G networks.
All three main operators offer excellent 4G/LTE coverage throughout Prague and most of the Czech Republic. 5G is now widely available, especially in Prague and other major cities, with Vodafone currently leading in national coverage and O2 offering the fastest 5G speeds in Prague.
Here’s what you need to know about each provider, including their latest 5G coverage and network performance based on the Oookla research from 2024:
T-Mobile Czech Republic
T-Mobile is one of the largest and most popular operators in Prague. It offers reliable service, a wide variety of plans, and many retail locations throughout the city.
- 5G Coverage: Covers 89.53% of the Czech Republic as of August 2024, with strong service in Prague and most cities. The weakest coverage is in the Silesia region.
- Network Speeds: T-Mobile’s network has improved significantly, now offering a median download speed of 95.48 Mbps and an upload speed of 21.28 Mbps (Q2 2024).
- 5G Performance: T-Mobile is the overall leader for 5G speed in the Czech Republic, with a national median 5G download speed of 153.12 Mbps and a 5G upload speed of 39.11 Mbps. In Prague, its 5G download speed is 167.85 Mbps, and upload is 46.18 Mbps.
O2 Czech Republic
O2 is another top choice, known for flexible prepaid packages and competitive data bundles. Shops are easy to find in shopping centers and main streets.
- 5G Coverage: O2’s 5G network covers 87.40% of the country (August 2024), with the weakest spots in South Bohemia and between Plzen and Karlovy Vary.
- Network Speeds: O2 has more than doubled its download speed since 2022, reaching 92.78 Mbps for downloads and 23.85 Mbps for uploads (Q2 2024).
- 5G Performance: While T-Mobile leads nationally, O2 is the fastest 5G provider specifically in Prague, offering the city’s top 5G download speed at 241.86 Mbps and an upload speed of 47.04 Mbps. Nationally, O2’s 5G download speed is competitive, and its upload speed is 31.61 Mbps.
Vodafone Czech Republic
Vodafone is a favorite among tourists for its affordable prepaid SIMs and excellent international roaming. It boasts the widest 5G coverage in the country.
- 5G Coverage: Vodafone leads with 93.74% 5G coverage nationwide (August 2024), making it the best choice for those who want the broadest network.
- Network Speeds: Vodafone’s speeds were steady until late 2023, then improved. In Q2 2024, its median download speed was 15.77 Mbps, and upload was 20.52 Mbps.
- 5G Performance: Vodafone’s 5G download speed rebounded to 93.12 Mbps, and its upload speed reached 20.52 Mbps in Q2 2024. While not as fast as T-Mobile or O2, Vodafone’s coverage is unmatched.
Although Vodafone has the highest 5G coverage, our personal experience when traveling throughout the Czech Republic has not been great. We recommend using T-Mobile or O2, as they offer faster connections and better coverage.
Virtual Operators (MVNOs)
In addition to the main operators, there are several virtual operators (MVNOs) that use the networks of the big three. These include Tesco Mobile, Kaktus, SAZKAmobil, and BLESKmobil. They often offer competitive prices, especially for prepaid services, but may have limited English-language support.
Conclusion
Prague’s mobile operators make it easy to stay connected, whether you’re visiting for a few days or settling in for a longer stay. T-Mobile is the fastest 5G network overall in the Czech Republic, while O2 is the top choice for 5G speed in Prague.
However, for most visitors, we recommend getting a local eSIM from Sailly, as it provides the best value and user experience. Enjoy your time in Prague and stay connected!
4 Honest Tips for Staying Online in Prague
- Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi Hotspots: Many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces in Prague offer free Wi-Fi. Before using mobile data, check if there’s a reliable Wi-Fi network available.
- Monitor Your Data Usage: Keep an eye on your data usage to avoid unexpected charges. Most smartphones allow you to set data limits or receive alerts when you’re nearing your data cap.
- Take Advantage of EU Roaming (“Roam Like at Home”): If you are traveling to Prague from another EU country, you can use your mobile phone just like you do at home, without paying any extra roaming charges. Under the “roam like at home” policy, calls, texts, and data usage are billed at your domestic rates, so you can make calls, send SMS, and use mobile data in the Czech Republic as if you were in your home country.
- Consider Getting an eSIM for Ultimate Convenience: If your phone supports eSIM technology, consider purchasing a local eSIM before or upon arrival in Prague. eSIMs can be bought online from providers like Sailly, allowing you to activate your plan instantly without visiting a store or swapping out your physical SIM card.
FAQs
The most common questions about mobile operators and SIM cards in Prague and the Czech Republic.
Yes, getting a prepaid SIM card in Prague is straightforward. You can buy them at the airport, convenience stores, supermarkets, and mobile operator shops. No ID is required, and most SIMs are nano-sized to fit modern phones.
Mobile data in the Czech Republic is generally more expensive than in many other EU countries. For example, 12 GB of data can cost around 30 EUR, while similar plans in Germany may cost only 10 EUR.
The three main operators are T-Mobile, O2, and Vodafone. All offer strong coverage, prepaid and contract plans, and expanding 5G networks throughout Prague and the Czech Republic.
Vodafone has the widest 5G coverage nationwide, but O2 offers the fastest 5G speeds in Prague. T-Mobile is the overall leader for 5G speed across the Czech Republic.
Yes, thanks to the “roam like at home” policy, visitors from other EU countries can use their mobile phones in Prague at the same rates as in their home country, with no extra roaming charges for calls, texts, or data.
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan without a physical card. It’s convenient for travelers, as you can purchase and activate it online. Providers like Sailly offer affordable eSIM options for Prague.
Yes, several MVNOs such as Tesco Mobile, Kaktus, SAZKAmobil, and BLESKmobil operate in Prague, often offering competitive prepaid prices. However, English-language support may be limited.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and some public spaces. Always use secure networks and avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
Most smartphones allow you to set data limits and receive alerts when you approach your data cap. This helps you avoid unexpected charges, especially if you’re on a prepaid plan.
For most visitors, getting a local eSIM from a provider like Sailly offers the best value and convenience. It allows you to stay connected without swapping out your main SIM card and can be activated instantly online.
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