Cellular communications in the Czech Republic. Vodafone SIM card in the Czech Republic. Holidays in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, using mobile communications is easy and convenient, as the country is covered by several mobile networks.

Currently there are 4 cellular operators operating in the Czech Republic:

  • T-Mobile
  • Vodafone
  • Air Telecom/Ufon

The most convenient and understandable for tourists on a trip will still be the cellular operator in the Czech Republic - Vodafone. Its main advantage is roaming in more than 190 countries around the world and flexible tariff plans, good coverage area and fast Internet. Vodafone offers a wide range of affordable tariffs, as well as internet at a flat rate. This operator is best for those who want to cheaply use mobile communications and the Internet from time to time.

The O2 operator has a more complex tariff system. It is convenient for negotiations between subscribers located either in the Czech Republic or in the European Union. For a tourist trip, such a Czech SIM card is not very suitable, because you will have to study the tariffs for a long time to take into account all the nuances.

Cellular communications T-Mobile is one of the oldest players in the mobile operator market in the Czech Republic. It is the second largest operator in the republic and belongs to a group of companies providing services for mobile telephone networks in several European countries. T-Mobile offers a number of different benefits to its loyal customers.

The provider Ufon is one of the youngest mobile phone operators in the Czech Republic.

Where to buy a SIM card

In Prague, purchasing a SIM card is not difficult. Every major supermarket or shopping center has stores where the local cellular operator offers network connection. To purchase a card, you should visit:

  • Wenceslas Square
  • Central streets of the city
  • There is a sales point for SIM cards at the airport in terminal T2 (operator Vodafone)

In tourist places the city is accustomed to Russian-speaking tourists; it is easy to solve your communication problems here. You just need to show your mobile phone and say “SIM card” for the seller to offer something to choose from.

Calls to Czech numbers

To call the Czech Republic you need to dial “+”, then the country code, and then the 9-digit phone number, for example: +420 999 999 999

If you don’t want to bother with “+”, then add two additional zeros instead. Example: 00420 999 999 999

To make calls from the territory of the Czech Republic to internal numbers, dial only the number: XXX XXX XXX, or additionally indicate the country code (+420 or 00420), additional. There is no charge, so you can decide for yourself how best to call.

Calls to home (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan)

To call home from the Czech Republic to Russia from a mobile phone, you need to dial the numbers in this order: 00 7 999 999 99 99

  • 00 – international call code
  • 7 – Russian code
  • XXX XXX XX XX – ten-digit telephone number in Russia without the first digit 8

To call to Ukraine the dialing procedure will be as follows: +380 XXX XX XX or 00 380 XXX XX XX

To call Belarus from Prague you need to use the following template: +375 XXX XX XX or 00 375 XXX XX XX

To talk by phone with Kazakhstan, you need to dial the numbers in the following order: +7 XXX XXX XX XX or 00 7 XXX XXX XX XX

Mobile Internet

Tariffs for mobile Internet in the Czech Republic are very similar to Russian ones. There are two options here:

  • Tariff plan with maximum speed. It should be noted that after the allocated traffic is spent, the subscriber will be additionally charged an amount equal to the tariff.
  • Tariff plan with unlimited internet. Provided by operators for a fixed monthly subscription fee. If the limit is exceeded, the Internet speed decreases.

There are plenty of places with free internet in Prague. These are fast food chains McDonalds and KFC, Starbucks coffee shops. Also, most hotels, including small hostels, provide free Wi-Fi; in addition, there are points with Internet access at the airport and railway station.

Basic codes

  • 155 ambulance
  • 150 fire station
  • 158 police

If the phone number starts with 2, 3, 4 or 5, then it is a landline number, and numbers with the first digit 6, 7, 8 or 9 are mobile phone numbers.

There is an interesting feature in the gradation of special Czech telephone numbers. “Colored” telephone lines, information about them is very useful for foreigners:

  • “Green” (first digits 800). Calls to such a phone are paid by the owner of the number.
  • "Blue" (first numbers 844). Payment is divided between the respondents of the call, i.e. both the calling party and the recipient of the call.
  • "White" (840, 841). The owners of such numbers are companies that need to redirect incoming calls within the company structure.
  • "Yellow" (900). Overcharged calls. Such numbers are found in consulting or information firms.
  • "Rainbow" (906). Paid numbers for paying for various types of services: from games and horoscopes to voting.

How to top up your balance

You can top up the balance of a Czech mobile number in Prague in three ways:

  • In specialized communication offices
  • Using a bank card via the Internet
  • Purchase a top-up coupon at the checkout in the store

When planning a trip to the capital of the Czech Republic, you will need a SIM card for Prague.
In modern reality, a mobile phone is needed not only to make calls and send SMS.

For some time now, traditional communication has been gradually fading into the background, giving way to social networks and free applications: Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram. But they need the Internet, and the more reliable and cheaper it is, the more attractive the mobile operator. This issue becomes especially acute when traveling.

Wow! – free roaming for the EU

Since the beginning of summer 2017, EU countries have decided to abolish mobile roaming. This means that residents of 28 countries do not have to bother purchasing a new tariff plan when traveling, but use their usual package at no additional cost. The benefit is also relevant for countries that are members of the European Free Trade Association: Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

After Ukraine receives a visa-free regime with the EU, there is hope that the president will be able to achieve the abolition of roaming fees for residents of our country, especially since negotiations on this are already underway.

However, in the Czech Republic, with the abolition of roaming fees, not everything is so rosy. Since the cost of calls, text messages and the Internet within the country remains at the mercy of local operators, communication within the country is more expensive than with its foreign neighbors.

This is because local residents prefer to use free Wi-Fi, and therefore, in order not to incur losses, Czech operators are forced to keep prices above average relative to European ones.

Figuring out which SIM card in Prague will be better is not an easy task, but we will try.

Key points about Czech mobile communications

  • Mobile SIM cards offer a contract and prepayment.
  • According to the European Commission, the Czech Republic has the highest mobile communication services in the commonwealth. However, it is expected that in 2020 a new large operator will enter the local market, after which tariffs will be significantly reduced.
  • Although the Internet in Prague, as in the rest of the country, cannot be called cheap, there are plenty of places with free Wi-Fi. Since 2017, you can connect to it even at tram stops.
  • Since the beginning of 2018, mobile communications have become operational at some metro stations. They promise that by the end of 2019 it will be available on all others.

Today there are three main operators in the country: T-Mobile, O2 (Telefónica) and Vodafone. And also several intermediaries:

Prices change periodically and can be tracked on the official website: https://www.t-mobile.cz/internet-do-mobilu

O2 SIM card (Telefónica)

Another popular operator, operating since 2006, and which has a large selection of SIM cards for Prague.

  • Package with the cheapest calls to numbers of other operators for 349 CZK. This includes: 50 MB for 49 CZK/day; unlimited calls and SMS in the O2 network; for other calls within the country and EU zone – 60 min. free, then 3.5 CZK/min; SMS within the Czech Republic and the EU – 1.5 CZK.
  • For tourists there is a more convenient option - a Go card for 150 CZK. It includes: 500 MB (first 30 days free, then 99 CZK/month). Conversations with other operators 4.9 CZK/min and SMS for 1.9 CZK.

O2's 4G Internet covers 96% of the country's area and boasts the fastest connection. The account is replenished using vouchers. When the SIM card is no longer needed, it is important not to forget to block it, otherwise the debt will grow, and this threatens that next time you may not be allowed into the country.

SIM card Vodafone CZ

Vodafone appeared in the Czech Republic in 2005 and is used by a third of the country's population. In addition, it is a favorite among Ukrainian tourists because it is familiar to them. The operator offers 3G and 4G communications. The local frequency is in the range of 900–2100 MHz, and before purchasing a local SIM card, you should make sure that your equipment supports it.

At the moment, Vodafone offers three cards for mobile Internet, and the cheapest one: Red Data+4 GB and 1 GB as a gift, and if you use the operator’s free mobile application, then 2 GB. Price – 399 CZK. With it you can open web pages, use mail and watch videos.

Other options (Red Data+10 GB and Red Data+30 GB) respectively expand the list of possibilities, but also cost more – 549 and 999 CZK.

This operator has many offers that will be of interest to potential customers. It’s easy to select and combine services at your own discretion, creating the most profitable option - some people prefer to call, some prefer to text via SMS, others prefer to keep in touch with friends and family through applications.

If you leave the standard settings, the following prices will be relevant:

  • Calls to 4 selected numbers – CZK 1.90
  • Calls to other numbers – CZK 3.50
  • SMS in any direction – 1.90 CZK
  • Internet if used – 49 CZK per 100 MB for 30 days

If you already use a Vodafone card at home, you can activate:

  • “Roaming like at home” for 7 days for 150 UAH. for 49 countries. This includes 200 Mg of Internet, 70 minutes for outgoing calls within the network, 30 minutes to other numbers (incoming and outgoing), 50 SMS in all directions. After using the allocated minutes for calls outgoing within the specified 49 countries in the package - 10 UAH/min., to other countries - 50 UAH/min. Activated by code: *600#. Disconnect: *600*0#.
  • “Roaming weekend” for 3 days for 80 UAH. The package includes 100 Mg of Internet, 30 minutes for outgoing calls to numbers in Ukraine and the host country, as well as 10 SMS. After using the allocated minutes for calls, the tariff comes into force: 10 UAH/min. between countries “Roaming weekend” service and 50 UAH/min. to other countries. Activated by code: *600*9#. Disconnect: *600*90#.
  • “Half a Giga on the road” for 150 UAH/7 days, which includes 500 Mg of Internet. Activated by code: *600*4#. Disconnect: *600*40#.

Bottom line: which SIM card is more profitable for Prague?

If we compare the packages of the considered telecom operators, we get the following picture:

  • From T-Mobile you will get 400 Mg of Internet traffic for 99 CZK.
  • O2 (Telefónica) offers 50 MB for 49 CZK per day.
  • Vodafone provides 100 MB per month for 49 CZK.

As you can see, the conditions are different, but everyone has the opportunity to save, so the option that suits you will be profitable.

Where to buy a SIM card in Prague

You can easily buy a Czech SIM card at the airport, at gas stations, in large supermarkets, postal kiosks or in mobile operator stores.

They are scattered throughout the city and can be easily found on the city’s virtual map by simply entering a query in the search bar.

How to top up your card account

There are several ways:

  • Through terminals. They are in every major supermarket and shopping center.
  • Vouchers worth 200, 250, 300, 500 or 1200 CZK. They are sold in post offices and kiosks, as well as operator brand stores.
  • Online via credit card.

To check your balance, enter the following combination of characters:

  • T-Mobile – *101#
  • Telefónica – *124*#
  • Vodafone – *22#

SIM card activation

If you do not speak Czech, it is better to buy the package in a company store and ask the seller for help with activation. Google translator or another mobile “polyglot” will help you explain. If you decide to do it yourself, here are some tips for you.

Vodafone cards are the clearest. Just put them in your phone and receive incoming messages with recommendations for settings. Standard PIN: 1234.

To activate O2, you should send an SMS in the “VOICE A” format to the number 999111, after which you will receive a manual with instructions in the settings. To disable the package, text “VOICE D” to 999111. Typically PIN: 1234 or 12345.

T-Mobile is also easy to launch - once the card is already in the phone, you just need to make a call to any number. You will find the PIN code on the card frame along with other useful codes.

Since mobile packages are not named, they do not need to be registered. After the trip, they can be given or sold to a person who is also planning to visit the Czech capital. If there is no one willing to inherit the card, it should be deactivated.

A few words about intermediaries

SAZKAMobil operates as an MVNO (an operator operating under another operator but offering its own services) on the Vodafone network and provides all generations of the Internet: 2G, 3G and 4G.

The cheapest 200 MB package costs 150 CZK. Activated by inserting the card into the phone and making a paid call.

COOP Mobil (MVNO) powered by Vodafone. The range includes all generations of the Internet. You can buy the package only in the COOP supermarket chain, where you can top up your account with vouchers of 150, 200 or 400 CZK, and also in certain machines.

The card itself costs 200 CZK. 25 MB per day costs 20 CZK. New megabytes can be purchased online. There are also packages of 300 MB for 159 CZK and with the option to buy another 100 MB for 60 CZK or a package with 1 GB for 399 CZK.
Address: http://www.coopmobil.cz

Kaktus – MVNO on the T-Mobile platform. The list also includes all generations of the Internet. For 100 CZK you get a card with 500 MB of data and 250 MB for social networks. Standard tariff: 1 CZK per 1 MB.

You can add add-ons, for example, 100 MB for 80 CZK or 200 MG for 100 CZK.
The SIM card is activated by sending the message “AKTIVOVAT” to the number 7350. This can also be done virtually on the Kaktus portal.

Top up via Sazka terminals and ATMs or at T-Mobile retail outlets. The account is verified by *103#.

TESCO Mobile – MVNO based on the O2 operator with the provision of Internet of all generations. You can buy a SIM card only in supermarkets for 150 CZK or virtually with delivery to your Czech address.

Refill from 199 CZK on the official website, in Rossmann pharmacies, gas stations, company stores and postal kiosks.

There are packages:

  • "7" for 7 days for 120 CZK and 500MB
  • Mini for 30 days for 99 CZK and 100MB
  • Midi for 199 CZK for 30 days and 500 MB
  • Maxi for 299 CZK for 30 days and 1.5 GB
  • Extra 549 CZK for 30 days and 5 GB

Activated by sending a message to number 999346, where the name of the package and the letter “A” separated by a space are indicated. For example: Mini A. Upon expiration, the package is renewed for 79 CZK, but even in this case you must send the text INTERNET R to 999346. If this is not done, the Internet fee will be 10 CZK per 1 MB.
Address: http://www.tescomobile.cz

Odorik.cz is another MVNO that uses the T-Mobile platform and offers Internet of all generations, but 4G only for an additional fee of 10 CZK/month. The card costs 80 CZK + 50 CZK for number reservation. As soon as you stop using it, these 50 crowns are returned to you.

You can buy it online and order delivery to any country for 40 CZK. The card is activated in one of the Odorik.cz offices. The account is checked by number 4489. Topped up in SAZKA and Europay terminals, on the website using a credit card and at the post office by specifying a barcode.

The standard payment for 1 MB is 1 crown, but you can choose one of the packages:

  • 150 MB for 60 CZK
  • 300 MB for 95 CZK
  • 600 MB for 160 CZK
  • 1GB for 220 CZK
  • 1.5 GB for 295 CZK
  • 2 GB for 320 CZK
  • 3 GB for 440 CZK
  • 10 GB for 690 CZK

OpenCALL Mobile– MVNO based on O2. This is the most popular operator in the Czech Republic due to low international calls. You can get a SIM card for free through the website, having it delivered to a Prague address, or buy it at any retail outlet for 200 CZK.

The packages offered are:

  • With a daily fee of 25 CZK for 25 MB
  • For a month for 99 CZK with 40 MB (activated with code 450MB A)
  • For a month for 199 CZK with 750 MB (activated with code 750MB A)
  • For a month for 299 CZK with 1.5 GB (activated with code 1.5GB A)
  • For a month for 449 CZK with 5 GB (activated with code 5GB A).

You should write to the number 999348. To cancel the package, simply replace “A” with “D” in the text, for example, 450MB D.

Mobil.cz– MVNO on the T-Mobile platform with Internet of all generations. The card costs 200 CZK with 500 MB, sold in kiosks and online with an order to a Czech address. It is activated by a paid call, and topped up in SAZKA terminals, with a credit card virtually or at ATMs, as well as with vouchers from newsstands. The account is checked using the combination *146#.

There are also package options:

  • For 60 CZK with 300 MB/10 days
  • For 130 CZK with 700 MB/month
  • For 300 CZK with 2 GB/month

Free Wi-Fi in Prague

Free access to Wi-Fi in Prague is provided by many public places: hotels, museums, parks, restaurants with libraries, and even transport stops. Usually there are no problems with connection, but the signal is not equally strong and stable everywhere.

The most recent achievement is equipping tram stops with wireless communications. People who have lived here for a long time say that their home Internet is inferior in power and consistency to what works at bus stops.

This Network is available without restrictions and no passwords, email addresses or registration are required. The range reaches 50 m around the stop. The connection is provided using WiFi 802.11ac Wave 2 3×3 technology and two frequencies are available: for outdated equipment 2.4 GHz, and for modern equipment 5 GHz.

You can recognize a stop where there is Wi-Fi by a wide white stripe with a black and white barcode and the words WiPrague.

The service is available thanks to the JCDecaux company, which controls not only urban carrier stations, but also other street facilities.

Wi-Fi map in Prague

Conclusion

A more convenient SIM card for Prague is one that can be topped up when the need arises.

If you choose a SIM card with a monthly fee, be sure to deactivate it at the end of your trip, otherwise after the package expires it will switch to the standard tariff and debt will begin to accumulate on your account.

Travelers often forget about this, and it is a big surprise for them when unpaid debts cause difficulties when planning a new tour abroad.

How cellular communications and mobile Internet work in Prague. Which mobile operators are the most popular in the Czech Republic and how to save money on vacation.

Mobile communications in Prague are good. But without it it’s bad even during a short tourist trip. Therefore, today we will talk about the most favorable tariffs of national cellular operators. There are currently four mobile operators on the market: Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile and Ufon. The last one - Ufon - has appeared recently and is focused on CDMA. It is not suitable for tourists, so it is better to choose from the first three.

It also makes no sense to use SIM cards from other European operators, since internal roaming in the EU has been cancelled. All the “delicious” promotions are valid only in the countries where they were issued. If you still have, for example, a “Mundo” package from Spanish Orange in your hands, then you can take it with you to Prague, but it’s not profitable to buy it on purpose. It should be immediately noted that there are two connection options in the country: contract and prepayment. In general, there is nothing new in this for Russians.

Under contracts, prices are slightly lower, but you must pay the tariff once a month. So it’s better to immediately focus on prepayment.

Popular excursions in Prague

The most interesting excursions are routes from local residents to Tripster. It’s always more interesting to start with (orient yourself in the Old Town and outline routes for future walks). After which you can afford anything you want - even above the city. On Tripster you have the opportunity to ask any questions to the guides before paying.

Mobile communications in the Czech Republic: T-Mobile

One of the first operators in the Czech Republic, has been active since 2002 and is quite popular among local residents. It now has approximately five million subscribers in the country. It was once considered not the most responsive to the needs of tourists, but now its offers are quite competitive.

Cellular communications and Internet in Prague: which SIM card is more profitable to buy

The starting option for T-Mobile is to purchase a prepaid card for 200 CZK (about 525 rubles). At the same time, the same 200 crowns appear on the account. The cost of a minute within the country in this package is only 3.9 CZK, an SMS will cost 1.9 CZK, and 400 MB of Internet will cost 99 CZK. This is the simplest and most convenient option. A call to Russia here costs 12 CZK per minute.

The operator also offers the option of receiving unlimited calls within all Czech networks. For this service, 139 CZK will be debited from your account, and it will be valid for a week. If you top up your account with another 300 CZK, you will be able to make free calls to T-Mobile subscribers for 30 days.

Mobile communications in the Czech Republic: Vodafone

The operator has been operating in the country since 2005 and is the third largest in the number of subscribers. But it is an absolute favorite among Russian tourists. Especially for guests of the country, he has developed a tariff plan “Karta do světa”, which allows you to significantly save on mobile communications in Prague.

For this Vodafone package you need to pay 200 CZK, which can be spent in full. Calls within the country will cost 3.5 crowns per minute, SMS - 1.9 crowns, but a call to Russia will cost only 5.04 crowns per minute. But the Internet here is expensive: for 100 MB you will have to pay 49 crowns.

If you need access to your favorite sites more than calls to , it is better to choose a regular prepaid SIM card. The operator now offers three packages: with 500 MB Internet for 99 CZK, 1.2 GB for 199 CZK and 3 GB for 349 CZK. In addition to this, Vodafone also provides an unlimited number of SMS messages on its network.

Everything is great in Prague - including mobile communications!

Mobile communications in the Czech Republic: O2 (Telefónica)

The second largest number of subscribers, although it started operating in the Czech Republic later than all of the top three - only in 2006. In principle, their tariff system is similar to T-Mobile. However, they have a PředplaDENka package, in which you pay for each day you use the services.

The cost of the PředplaDENka tariff is 20 CZK per day, for which the tourist receives unlimited calls on all calls within the country and free Internet for messages on Viber, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. You can get such a package for 200 CZK, which the operator immediately deposits into your account. For SMS they ask for 2 crowns.

Unfortunately, PředplaDENka does not solve the issue of Internet and roaming. For 500 MB 4G LTE O2 asks 150 CZK, and a minute of conversation with Russia will cost 50 CZK. A regular package is priced at 150 CZK, with 200 CZK credited to your account. In it, a minute of conversation costs 4.9 CZK, for one SMS you have to pay 1.9 CZK, and for 400 MB - 89 CZK.

Drimsim tourist cards

Drimsim has recently entered the mobile communications market. They offer special tourist cards for travelers with cheap mobile Internet and “ridiculous” call prices. In quotes because the wording is almost completely copied from .

But let’s look at the numbers: in Prague, you will have to pay € 0.01 for one megabyte, and € 10.24 for a gigabyte. One minute of a call to your home country will cost € 0.03. In general, the money is really small, considering that for most tourists a few megabytes per day is the maximum. The SIM card itself costs €10 at a time. It is enough to order it once, wait for the courier, and then replenish it on time before the trip.

It will work in almost all countries of the world (more than 190). But it’s nice that mobile tariffs in the Czech Republic are among the cheapest.

There is no monthly fee, but this may be temporary. The company is new, the prices are attractive, and life will tell what will happen next. Sooner or later there will be some kind of catch. In the meantime, it’s interesting to at least try.

Want to save money?

Payment for mobile communications is not the biggest expense item for a tourist in Russia. Few people spend more than 1000 rubles a week. But if you want to reduce this amount, then ask around in Czech Russian-speaking communities or forums dedicated to tourist trips to this country to see if anyone is selling an unnecessary SIM card. This destination is quite popular and often they bring back not only pleasant memories, but also SIM cards with unused packages.

List of places
- 10 places and cities
- by bus/train

You can buy a Czech SIM card at any operator’s office, at railway ticket offices in small cities and at post offices, even without presenting a passport.

All Podebrad.ru students have and within its framework receive a free prepaid Vodafone SIM card (Czech. ). But if for some unknown reason you are taking courses not on Podebrady.ru, then you will either have to pay to get to Podebrady, and also resolve the issue with the SIM card yourself.

In an Aeroport

You can buy a prepaid SIM card without a monthly fee either in Prague on the way to Poděbrady or in Poděbrady itself, or you can get it in advance, even while still in Russia (see the secret below). Firstly, there is a Vodafone lounge at the airport, but in Terminal 2, for flights within Schengen:

The airport is small, so from the arrivals hall we simply go all the way to the right and find ourselves in Terminal 2. We approach any available employee and, without further explanation, say directly: “Dobrý den.” Prosím předplacenou sim-kartu“. For 200 CZK in cash or by card (you can even pay with ruble cards), you will be given an envelope with a SIM card, 200 CZK is already on your balance. Vodafone always has a default PIN code of 1234. A call to the CIS will cost you 7.2 CZK per minute.

By mail

Do you need to know your future Czech number before you leave? Do you want to be absolutely sure that you will have a connection after landing in Prague? No problem - I can buy a SIM card for you and mail it to you in a lovely padded envelope. All you need to do is place an order at.

You should order SIM cards no earlier than 2 months before your arrival to avoid being blocked as inactive.

FAQ

Why Vodafone?

Because this is the most human operator with the most human conditions. 99% of my Czech friends have it, 100% of my foreign friends have it, so you can save on calls within the network, as well as the prices for calls abroad are unbeatable.

Why a prepaid card?

Which prepaid card option is best for a student to choose?

I strongly recommend that students, after registration, go to the Vodafone office and change the tariff on their prepaid card to Karta 26. It provides a 50% discount on all packages. For example, a package with 1.2 GB of Internet and unlimited SMS within the network will cost you only 99 CZK monthly. Incredible!

I'm a student and I need at least a few GB of traffic, what should I choose?

In these cases, you can look towards the #jetovtobě tariff, which for 499 CZK per month includes 10 GB of traffic, unlimited SMS and calls to all numbers. To connect, contact any Vodafone store.

How can I top up my balance?

The balance is replenished by at least 200 CZK in one of the following ways:

  • I recommend paying online at dobijeni.vodafone.cz using , foreign ones are not accepted. As a rule, for a top-up of 300 CZK you get free calls or SMS within the network for several days, an Internet package, an additional balance or other bonuses.
  • Using payment cards that can be bought in supermarkets.
  • Through an ATM of any Czech bank using any bank card, incl. foreign.
  • Top up your balance in “Trafika” stores, at .

How can I check my Vodafone balance?

The balance of prepaid cards can be checked by dialing *22# on your phone and then using the call key.

Is communication so expensive in the Czech Republic?

Yes. But the cities are not polluted with antennas sticking out everywhere, but almost 100% of the country’s territory is covered.

No one suffers from the prices; the longer you use the operator, the more specials you will be offered. proposals. As in the Czech Republic, it is easier to meet a person in person over a glass of beer, call on the Internet or exchange messages via the same Internet messages, SMS (via ). In Russia, I sent 5-6 thousand SMS monthly, had 10-20 hours of conversations, and in the Czech Republic I easily switched to email. mail, SMS via the Internet, Skype. WiFi is everywhere.

Is it true that in the Czech Republic you can transfer a phone number from operator to operator?

Yes, you can change your service provider without changing your number, it is assigned to you by law. And you don’t even need to go to the office to do this, and the transfer costs a symbolic 1 crown. This is how I switched from O2 to Vodafone.

I have an iPhone/Android and I need unlimited internet! It is expensive?

Vodafone has a line of “Internet v telefonu” packages. Many of them are combined with calls or SMS, but you can also connect them separately. Here is a list of prices for connecting without a contract (i.e. obligations on your part):

  • Připojení na den (25 MB for 25 CZK) - connects automatically for a day when you start using the Internet;
  • Připojení na týden (60 MB for 49 CZK) - valid for 7 days and if there is insufficient amount for renewal, it is disabled; if the limit is exceeded and there is money on the balance, an additional one is activated. package of 60 MB MB for 39 CZK;
  • Připojení na měsíc (100 MB for 49 CZK) - valid for 30 days and if there is insufficient amount for renewal, it is disabled; if the limit is exceeded and there is money on the balance, an additional one is activated. 100 MB package for 49 CZK;
  • Připojení Flexidata (1 GB for 3 months for 499 CZK) - valid for 90 days, cannot be renewed independently; if the package is exhausted, you can connect an additional 1 GB for 499 CZK.

There are also combined packages for prepaid cards - here are the most interesting ones:

  • Volání v síti neomezeně - unlimited calls within the network for 99 CZK/month;
  • Volání do všech sítí 30 - unlimited calls within the network and 30 minutes to other numbers for 169 CZK/month;
  • Volání do všech sítí 100 - unlimited calls within the network and 100 minutes to other numbers for 249 CZK/month;
  • Volání do všech sítí neomezeně - unlimited calls to all numbers in the country for 599 CZK/month;
  • 500 MB dat a SMS v síti neomezeně - 500 MB internet and unlimited SMS within the network for 99 CZK/month;
  • 1.2 GB dat a SMS v síti neomezeně - 1.2 GB of Internet and unlimited SMS within the network for 199 CZK/month;
  • 3 GB dat a SMS v síti Vodafone - 3 GB of internet and unlimited SMS within the network for 399 CZK/month;
  • Komplet v síti - 1.2 GB of internet, unlimited calls and SMS within the network for 249 CZK/month;
  • Komplet do všech sítí - 3 GB of internet, unlimited calls and SMS to all numbers in the country.

For a complete list, see

As soon as you come to the Czech Republic as a student, tourist or immigrant, the first thing you need to do is buy a SIM card from some cellular operator to make business calls or calls to relatives and friends. The Czech Republic is a new country and it is quite difficult to understand operators and tariffs, so in this article I decided to systematize the necessary information.

Major mobile operators

There are 3 main mobile operators in the Czech Republic: Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile. All operators have the same coverage. When it comes to the Internet, different wireless technologies are used depending on the region. In remote areas of the country, EDGE and 3G are used, in large cities and in Prague HSPA+ And 4G/LTE.

Vodafone belongs to the Vodafone Group. The number of Vodafone subscribers is more than 400 million people; in the Czech Republic, more than 3 million people use the services of this company.

O2 is not only a large cellular operator, but also a company that provides access to the Internet and access to analogue phones. The company reports 4.8 million subscribers.

T-Mobile is a company that has been providing cellular communication services since 1990. T-Mobile reports 5.8 million active SIM cards.

Virtual operators

In addition to the main cellular operators in Europe, including the Czech Republic, virtual operators are becoming popular. These companies do not have their own networks, but use the networks of the main operators. The main advantage of virtual operators is the low cost of calls. The downside is the lack of offices in convenient locations, a large number of pitfalls, and the conclusion of contracts with a subscription fee for a year or two or more. There is no point in connecting to such operators for tourists, but residents of the Czech Republic can benefit provided they can find tariffs without pitfalls.

For example, on the company’s website the cost of a minute of call within the Czech Republic is 1 CZK, but the cost calls to Russia or Ukraine may be 20-40 CZK, may be charged SIM card activation fee for 50 CZK, subscription fee not less than 100 CZK, invoicing at the end of the month 60 CZK, even incoming calls from other countries are paid! So before you go cheap, read the entire price list for the cost of services.

Currently in the Czech Republic it works approximately 58 virtual telecom operators, the most popular of them: 99mobile, Tesco Mobile, GoMobil, CallPro, GoMobil, voocall, První Mobil, Metronet

Differences in cellular communications in the Czech Republic

  1. Cellular communications in the Czech Republic are one of the most expensive in Europe; the approximate cost of a minute of call is 5 CZK. That’s why you won’t see people here, either on the street or in transport, constantly bashing and disturbing other people.
  2. No matter how you try to save money, you will not succeed; the tariffs of almost all operators are the same: somewhere you will win, somewhere you will lose.
  3. SIM cards in the Czech Republic are sold freely and without presenting a passport.
  4. You can easily transfer your phone number from one operator to another, however, such pleasure is expensive for virtual operators.
  5. In the Czech Republic there is no long-distance communication, i.e. No matter where you are, in Prague or Brno, the cost of calls will be the same.

Prepayment, postpayment

Most tariffs for all mobile operators differ depending on the payment method, there are tariffs prepaid and postpaid(Contract). Prepaid tariffs are simple, you just buy a SIM card (Předplacená SIM card) in any office of a cellular operator, in a shopping center, in any kiosk with magazines or in a supermarket. After activating the SIM card, you can immediately use cellular services. When you run out of money, you can top up your account through an ATM, online, or by purchasing a card with a barcode. You can top up your balance in special machines, but there are few of them in the Czech Republic; they are usually located in shopping centers or crowded places.

If you come to the Czech Republic for a long time or live here, then it makes sense to choose a tariff according to postpaid, i.e. by concluding a contract (agreement). Such tariffs are much more profitable, but the contract is usually concluded for at least a year, but there is a subscription fee, and the invoice is issued at the end of the month, i.e. you don't know how much money you spent. These tariffs have many pitfalls, so study all the conditions and tariffs thoroughly.

How to choose a mobile operator

If you have just arrived in the Czech Republic, I advise you to simply buy a SIM card Vodafone (Vodafone karta divoká) at the first kiosk you come across and don’t worry. Why Vodafone? Because they have good communications, fair tariffs, many sales offices, a large number of active subscribers (2/3 of my friends in the Czech Republic are connected to Vodafone), and some of the most inexpensive calls to Russia.

After purchasing a SIM card, you need it activate, this is not so easy to do, so ask the sales office to do it.

I don’t recommend the O2 company; when we lived in Germany, they deceived us very much, and we couldn’t get our money back. Plus, in the Czech Republic they like to conclude contracts without agreeing on all the terms, and you will be obliged to pay even if you refuse their services. Plus, in the O2 office we have more than once come across inadequate, unqualified staff.

Tariffs (SMS, calls, internet, roaming)

At the moment, the main cellular operators offer the following prepaid tariffs.

What you should pay attention to when connecting to a mobile operator

When choosing a mobile operator, find out the cost of all services; many prices on the company’s websites are highly hidden: - An honest comparison of prices and discounts on hotels and apartments in 50 booking systems (Booking, Agoda, Ostrovok.ru, etc.). Plan your trip in advance and save up to 40%!



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